PCV Exam at a Glance

What changed for PCV in 2026

• Oct 27, 2026: Delivery changed to Computer-based test at a DVSA theory test centre (previously Computer-based at a DVSA theory test centre; two parts booked separately).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Eligibility changed to Full car licence, over 18 (with exceptions), provisional bus licence (previously Full car licence, over 18 (some exceptions), provisional bus licence).^[3]
• Oct 27, 2026: Number of questions (Part 1b hazard perception) changed to 19 video clips (20 developing hazards) (previously 19 video clips, up to 5 points per hazard).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Score release changed to On the day at the test centre (previously Results letter at the test centre on the day).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Retake policy changed to Wait 3 clear working days before retaking (previously Rebook immediately; wait 3 clear working days).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Renewal changed to 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years; licence renewal every 5 years (previously 35 hours Driver CPC training every 5 years).^[3]

PCV Study Tips

• Create a structured study schedule at least 4-6 weeks before your PCV exam date.
• Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorising answers for the UK Bus/Coach Driving Theory Test.
• Use our free practice tests to identify weak areas and track your progress over time.
• Review the official PCV exam syllabus to ensure complete topic coverage.
• Take timed practice sessions to build your exam pace and reduce test-day anxiety.

Free UK PCV Theory Study Tools

Interactive UK PCV Theory resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• UK PCV Theory flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• UK PCV Theory study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• UK PCV Theory cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, “Part 1a: Multiple choice 100 multiple choice questions from 14 topics 1 hour 55 minutes to answer 85 out of 100 to pass”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through PCV questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What is the maximum permitted rear axle weight for a typical two-axle coach operating on UK roads?

1. 8,000 kg
2. 10,000 kg
3. 11,500 kg
4. 13,000 kg

Answer: C. 11,500 kg

Explanation:

The correct answer is 11,500 kg. That is the legal ceiling for the rear axle of a typical two-axle coach, so it is the figure to recall.

8,000 kg and 10,000 kg are both below the limit. They describe a lighter load, not the maximum, so they do not answer the question. 13,000 kg is above the limit, so a coach loaded to that figure would be overloaded on its rear axle.

The rule to remember is that axle weight and gross vehicle weight are checked separately. A vehicle can be within its overall weight limit and still break the law if too much of the load sits over one axle. Overloading an axle damages the road surface and affects braking and handling, which is why load placement matters as much as total weight.

Example 2

Question: A school crossing patrol officer is displaying their sign in the road ahead. What must you do?

1. Slow down and prepare to stop if children step out
2. Stop and wait until the patrol officer has returned to the pavement and indicates it is safe to proceed
3. Stop only while children are actively walking across
4. Flash your headlights once to acknowledge their signal

Answer: B. Stop and wait until the patrol officer has returned to the pavement and indicates it is safe to proceed

Explanation:

The correct answer is to stop and wait until the patrol officer has returned to the pavement and indicates it is safe to proceed. A school crossing patrol sign held out in the road is a legal instruction to stop, not a warning.

Slowing down and preparing to stop only if children step out is wrong because it treats the sign as optional. You must stop whether or not anyone is crossing yet. Stopping only while children are actively walking is wrong because the officer may still be in the road after the last child has passed, and you must not move off early. Flashing your headlights is wrong because it is not an acknowledgement the patrol needs, and it can confuse other road users.

The rule to remember: stop when the sign is shown, and stay stopped until the officer is back on the pavement.

Example 3

Question: What is the maximum daily driving time for a PCV driver under EU rules?

1. 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week)
2. 8 hours with no extension
3. 10 hours every day
4. 12 hours for coaches on long journeys

Answer: A. 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week)

Explanation:

The correct answer is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week. The EU drivers' hours rules set a normal daily limit with a limited allowance to go slightly over it.

8 hours with no extension is wrong because it is stricter than the rule and ignores the extension. 10 hours every day is wrong because the longer period is an exception, not the normal limit, and it can only be used twice per week. 12 hours for coaches on long journeys is wrong because there is no special allowance for long journeys that raises the limit this far.

The rule to remember: the standard daily limit is the lower figure, and the higher figure is a limited extension. Remember both numbers and how often the extension may be used, because questions often test the exact wording.

How to use these practice tests

Start by reading the official GOV.UK page on the Driver CPC Part 1 theory test so you know the format, the two pass marks and the booking rules. Then use the practice sets on this page in a deliberate order.

• Take the free PCV practice test as a baseline, without looking anything up, and note which topics cost you marks.
• Work through the topic sets for your weakest areas, such as drivers' hours and tachographs, braking and technique, passenger safety, and vehicle checks. Read the explanation for every question, including the ones you got right.
• Keep a short list of rules you keep missing and review it before each session.
• Return to mixed practice and see whether the same topics still trip you up.

Hazard perception is a separate part with its own pass mark, so practise it as well using official DVSA material. Our sets cover the multiple choice side only. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so treat them as a way to find gaps, not as a preview of the test. Plan your booking around the notice period for changes, and check your certificate validity so you do not let it lapse between parts.

Ready to Pass the PCV?

Join thousands of candidates who have used our free practice tests to prepare for the UK Bus/Coach Driving Theory Test. Start practising today and build the confidence you need to succeed.

For more in-depth preparation strategies, read our RSA Theory Test — covering exam format, scoring, and proven study techniques.

Sample UK PCV Theory Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free UK PCV Theory practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. What is a 'PSV annual test' and who conducts it?

   • A. An annual roadworthiness test conducted by DVSA at an approved testing station — similar to MOT but specific to PSVs
   • B. A self-certification test conducted by the operator
   • C. A quarterly inspection by the Traffic Commissioner
   • D. An inspection conducted by the local authority

   Answer: A. An annual roadworthiness test conducted by DVSA at an approved testing station — similar to MOT but specific to PSVs

   PSVs must pass an annual test conducted by DVSA at an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF). The test checks the vehicle's roadworthiness including brakes, steering, lighting, and structural integrity. A pass certificate is required for legal operation.

2. What is the purpose of a 'carer's free travel' policy on buses?

   • A. To allow a carer accompanying a disabled person to travel free — recognising that many disabled people cannot travel independently and the carer enables their journey
   • B. A marketing scheme to attract older passengers
   • C. A legal requirement under the Equality Act
   • D. A scheme funded by the local authority only

   Answer: A. To allow a carer accompanying a disabled person to travel free — recognising that many disabled people cannot travel independently and the carer enables their journey

   Many operators and local authorities provide free travel for carers of disabled passengers. This recognises that some disabled people need a companion to travel safely and that requiring full fare for the carer can prevent disabled people from accessing public transport.

3. At what minimum age can a person in Great Britain take a Category D driving test?

   • A. 17 years old
   • B. 18 years old
   • C. 21 years old
   • D. 24 years old

   Answer: C. 21 years old

   The minimum age for a Category D licence in Great Britain is 21, except in specific young worker programmes.

4. How often must a PCV undergo an annual test (equivalent to an MOT)?

   • A. Every 3 years
   • B. Annually from first registration
   • C. Every 6 months
   • D. Only when it reaches 5 years old

   Answer: B. Annually from first registration

   PCVs must pass an annual test every year from when they are first registered.

Take the full UK PCV Theory practice test

Sources & last verified

1. safedrivingforlife.info — number of questions, passing score, exam fee (official source). “Part 1a: Multiple choice 100 multiple choice questions from 14 topics 1 hour 55 minutes to answer 85 out of 100 to pass” Verified Oct 27, 2026.
2. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency — passing score, retake policy, validity, delivery (official source). “The pass mark for this part is 85 out of 100 questions.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
3. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency — renewal, eligibility (official source). “Take 35 hours of Driver CPC training every 5 years to stay qualified. You need to renew your bus or HGV licence every 5 years,…” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
4. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency — registration deadline (official source). “You must give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change your test or you’ll have to pay again. Monday to Saturday count as…” Verified Oct 27, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.