Driving theory test changes for bus, coach and lorry drivers

Improving standards for professional drivers and increasing road safety measures mean that bus, coach and lorry drivers will have some additional theory test questions from August 4.

From August 4 drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to correctly answer 85 of the100 to pass the multiple choice part of the test. Currently drivers get 60 questions and need to score 51 out of 60 to pass. The number of hazard perception clips will also increase from 14 to 19 and the pass mark will increase from 50 out of 75, to 67 out of 100.

The other theory test change, which is being made at the request of the industry, is to split the test into two parts. This will allow candidates to take the multiple choice element separately from the hazard perception element; and in either order. This change aims to avoid potential recruits being put off entering the industry due to the length of the test as a single event.

The Director of Driver Education and Learning at the Driving Standards Agency, Jill Lewis, said: "These changes aim to further improve road safety and driving standards for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers. The changes represent a step change in our approach to delivering drivers to the standard needed by the road freight and passenger transport sectors.'

To accommodate the changes, the cost of the theory test will increase from £32 to £50 (£35 for the multiple choice test and £15 for the hazard perception test) for those taking their test from the 4th August. Tests can be booked separately.

This theory test upgrade comes in preparation for the introduction of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which is a qualification aimed at raising the standard of drivers entering the industry. Driver CPC will be implemented on September 10 for the bus and coach industry, and September 10 next year for the lorry industry.