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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Motoring
    3. Driving for a living
    4. Driving buses and large goods vehicles

    Apply for LGV and PCV theory/ practical driving tests

    Once you have added provisional entitlements for the higher categories to your licence, you can begin to learn to drive. When your instructor indicates that you are nearly ready for your practical test, you can book your theory test. You need to pass this before applying for the practical.

    Choosing a driving instructor

    The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) does not have a register only for LGV/ PCV instructors. You are advised to look for a reputable instructor through friends or by word of mouth. 

    Driving test fees

    When you book your theory or practical driving test direct with the DVA, you only pay the cost of the test. There is no extra administration or booking fee.

    • Driving test fees

    Theory test for LGV and PCV drivers

    Theory test appointments can be booked and depending on three clear working days' notice, can be changed and cancelled using the online booking service or by telephone. 

    • Book, change or cancel your theory test appointment

    The multiple choice test and hazard perception test for LGV and PCV are two separate tests.  Your theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date you passed the first part of the test.

    There are six theory test centres throughout Northern Ireland. 

    • Theory test centres

    The practical driving test for buses and lorries

    You will need to have carried out your theory test before applying for your practical test.

    The driving tests are designed to test the skills you will need to be a vocational driver. You can apply online at the link below:

    • Book your practical driving test online
    • The practical driving test for buses and lorries
       

    To find your nearest centre, information on the type of tests conducted and contact details, see the link below:

    • Test centre locations

    Getting your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence

    Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) training is continuing professional development which carries on throughout a professional bus, coach or lorry driver's career.

    This qualification is divided into four modules.

    • Driver Certificate of Professional Competence

    More useful links

    • Buses and lorries you can drive and minimum ages
    • Your driving conduct for larger vehicles, minibuses or buses
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    Driving buses and large goods vehicles

    • Apply for LGV and PCV theory/ practical driving tests
    • Conduct for driving lorries and buses
    • Digital tachographs
    • Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
    • HGV road user levy
    • How to apply for your vocational licence
    • Manage my DVA taxi or bus account
    • Roadside compliance

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