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Minimum vehicle standards: LGV/ PCV and trailer tests

This page outlines the minimum standards for Large Goods Vehicles (LGV), Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) and any trailer pairing presented at a driving test.

Vehicle standards

All vehicles you use for categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1,D1+E, D and D+E driving tests must have externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for the examiner to use and seatbelts fitted to seats used by the examiner or any person supervising the test.

All vehicles you present for driving tests must be fitted with a tachograph and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Trailers however don’t need to be fitted with ABS. All vehicle pairings you present must control the proper service brakes and use a heavy duty coupling arrangement suitable for the weight.

Note: a tractor unit is not a suitable vehicle for category C or C1 test.

'Laden testing' rules for driving test vehicles

It is now a rule that vehicles you use in practical driving tests carry a minimum weight.

The rules affect categories B+E, C1+E, D1+E, D+E.

You can use bagged aggregates like sand, stone chippings, gravel or other recycled material packages in sealed bags. You can also use water, contained in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) made from semi-transparent moulded plastic, reinforced with a wire framework.

For categories C and C+E the laden weight should be water contained in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) made from semi-transparent moulded plastic, reinforced with a wire framework. Aggregates are not suitable for these categories.

You cannot use any other type of load and you must secure it properly on to the vehicle or trailer.

Further details are available on the link below:

  • New 'laden testing' rules for driving test vehicles

The practical driving test for buses and lorries

On your driving test you will be tested on the skills you will need as a vocational driver. Your test begins with five vehicle safety questions. You will be examined on your general driving and on set exercises. The set exercises will include:

  • an 'S' shaped reverse into a bay
  • a braking exercise (on road)
  • showing the uncoupling and re-coupling procedure if you're taking a test with a trailer

The drive on the road lasts about 60 minutes and the overall test takes about 90 minutes.

Further information on what will be included in the test is available at the link below:

  • The practical driving test for buses and lorries

'L' plate rules for buses, lorries and related trailer tests

All vehicles you use for a test in categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1,D1+E, D and D+E must display an LGV/ PCV type 'L' plate on the front and rear of the vehicle. It must be clearly visible to other road users. 

More useful links

  • How to tell DVA about a medical condition
  • Driving eyesight requirements
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Buses, lorries, trailers and caravans

  • 'Laden testing' rules for driving test vehicles
  • Car and trailer practical driving test
  • Cars towing trailers or caravans
  • Driving licence to tow a caravan or trailer
  • Medium-sized vehicles towing trailers
  • Minimum vehicle standards: LGV/ PCV and trailer tests
  • Passenger carrying vehicles towing trailers
  • The practical driving test for buses and lorries

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