PCV Driving Test 2026: What to Expect on the Day
The Category D practical driving test is the final hurdle before you receive your full PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence. It is conducted by a DVSA examiner and assesses your ability to drive a bus or coach safely, confidently, and in accordance with the Highway Code. This guide explains the full test format, the manoeuvres you will be asked to perform, the independent driving section, common faults, and exactly what happens on the day.
Who Takes the PCV Driving Test?
You take the Category D practical test after passing your PCV theory test (multiple choice and hazard perception) and completing your practical training with a DVSA-approved instructor. Most candidates train for 5–10 days before attempting the test, though the exact preparation time depends on your prior driving experience and the vehicle type.
The test is taken in the vehicle you trained in — typically a full-size single-deck or double-deck bus, or a minibus for Category D1 candidates. GS Driver Training provides all vehicles for test day.
Test Format Overview
| Section | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Show me tell me questions | 5–10 min | Up to 5 vehicle safety questions before driving |
| On-road driving | ~60 min | Normal road driving including independent driving section |
| Manoeuvres | ~15 min | One or two set manoeuvres (e.g. reversing exercise) |
| Emergency stop | ~2 min | Carried out in a safe location at examiner's request |
The total test lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes for full Category D. Category D1 tests are slightly shorter.
Show Me Tell Me Questions
Before you begin driving, the examiner will ask up to five vehicle safety questions. These are drawn from the official DVSA list of PCV show me tell me questions. You may be asked to demonstrate a check (show me) or explain how you would carry it out (tell me). Common questions include checking tyre pressures, testing the air brake system, checking the fire extinguisher, and demonstrating the emergency exit. See our dedicated PCV Show Me Tell Me Questions guide for the full list with answers.
On-Road Driving
The majority of the test is spent driving on public roads in normal traffic conditions. The examiner will give you directions either verbally or via a sat-nav device. You will drive on a variety of road types including urban roads, rural roads, and dual carriageways where available.
During the on-road section, the examiner assesses:
- Safe observation and use of mirrors before every manoeuvre
- Correct use of signals — timing and cancellation
- Speed management — keeping to limits and adjusting for conditions
- Following distance — particularly important in a large vehicle
- Positioning — lane discipline, approach to junctions, bus stops
- Passenger safety awareness — smooth acceleration and braking
Independent Driving Section
For approximately 20 minutes of the test, you will drive independently using either road signs and markings or a sat-nav device. The examiner will not give you directions during this section. If you take a wrong turn, do not worry — the examiner is assessing your ability to drive safely, not your navigation skills. Simply correct your route safely and continue.
Manoeuvres
You will be asked to carry out one or two set manoeuvres during the test. For full Category D, the most common manoeuvre is a reversing exercise — typically reversing around a corner or into a bay. The examiner is looking for effective observation, smooth control, and accuracy. For Category D1 (minibus), the manoeuvres are similar to those for Category D but scaled to the smaller vehicle.
Emergency Stop
The examiner will ask you to carry out an emergency stop at a safe location. When the examiner gives the signal, bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly and safely as possible. In vehicles equipped with ABS, do not pump the brakes — apply firm, continuous pressure. After stopping, secure the vehicle and wait for the examiner's instruction before moving off.
Faults and How They Are Marked
The examiner records faults on a DL25 marking sheet. There are three categories:
| Fault Type | Description | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Driving fault (minor) | A less serious error that does not create immediate danger | Up to 15 allowed |
| Serious fault | A potentially dangerous error or a pattern of driving faults | 1 = fail |
| Dangerous fault | An error that creates actual danger to the examiner, candidate, or public | 1 = fail |
You fail the test if you accumulate 16 or more driving faults, or if you receive one serious or dangerous fault. The most common reasons for failing the PCV test include poor observation at junctions, incorrect use of mirrors before manoeuvres, and insufficient following distance.
Common Faults to Avoid
Mirrors: Always check mirrors before signalling, before changing speed, and before every manoeuvre. Many candidates check mirrors but fail to act on what they see — the examiner will mark this as a fault. Following distance: In a large vehicle, you need significantly more stopping distance than in a car. A common fault is following too closely, particularly in urban traffic. Bus stop positioning: If the route takes you past bus stops, position the vehicle correctly and check for passengers alighting or boarding before moving off. Passenger comfort: Smooth, progressive braking and acceleration are essential. Harsh inputs are marked as driving faults.
What Happens After the Test
At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed. If you pass, you will receive a pass certificate (DL25) which you use to apply for your full Category D licence from the DVLA. If you fail, the examiner will explain the faults recorded and you can rebook the test. GS Driver Training offers debrief sessions after failed tests to address specific weaknesses before your next attempt.
Booking Your PCV Practical Test
You book the practical test through the DVSA online booking service at gov.uk. The current fee is £115 for a weekday test and £141 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. Test slots for Category D can be limited, so book as early as possible — typically as soon as you begin your practical training.
Next Steps
For a complete overview of the PCV licensing process from provisional licence to full licence, see our How to Get a PCV Licence guide. To prepare for the theory test, see our PCV Theory Test Guide 2026. For vehicle safety question preparation, see our PCV Show Me Tell Me Questions guide. To book PCV training in Surrey with GS Driver Training, call 01252 447808 or visit our PCV training course page.
