PCV Theory Test Practice 2026

Practise for the bus and coach theory test with a free 100-question mock: 1 hour 55 minutes, pass mark 85, the same format as the real test.

  • 100 questions
  • 115 minutes
  • Pass mark 85/100
  • No sign-up
Start a free mock testHazard perception

Mock tests

PopularRandom mock testA fresh 100-question test every time, timed like the real thing.Start Mock test 1Fixed set of 100 questions – compare your scores.Start Mock test 2Fixed set of 100 questions – compare your scores.Start

Practise by topic

Vehicle weights and dimensionsHeights, widths, weight limits and overhang – know your vehicle's size so you never get caught out by a bridge or weight restriction.14 questions Drivers' hours and rest periodsDaily and weekly driving limits, breaks, daily and weekly rest, and the GB domestic rules for lorries and buses.16 questions Braking systemsABS, endurance brakes and retarders, air brakes and how to brake smoothly and safely in a heavy vehicle.16 questions The driverFitness to drive, tiredness, alcohol and drugs, distractions, attitude and your Driver CPC.15 questions Carrying passengersPassenger safety and comfort, boarding and alighting, accessibility, emergencies and dealing with difficult situations.20 questions The roadSpeed limits for lorries and buses, motorway lane rules, junctions, level crossings and driving in bad weather.15 questions AccidentsWhat to do at a breakdown or collision, first aid basics, dangerous goods incidents and your legal duties.15 questions Vehicle conditionDaily walkaround checks, tyres, warning lights, speed limiters, coupling and reporting defects.15 questions Leaving the vehicleParking safely and legally, lights at night, securing your vehicle, load and trailer, and checking for passengers.14 questions Restricted viewBlind spots, mirrors, cameras, reversing and seeing vulnerable road users around a large vehicle.15 questions Essential documentsLicence categories, Driver CPC card, tachograph cards and records, operator licences and reporting to the DVLA.15 questions Environmental issuesFuel-efficient driving, emissions control, AdBlue and DPFs, idling, noise and reducing your impact.15 questions Other road usersSharing the road safely with cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders, motorcyclists, emergency vehicles and trams.15 questions Road and traffic signsOrder, warning and information signs that matter most to lorry and bus drivers, plus motorway signals.16 questions

How the bus and coach theory test works

  • 100questions
  • 1 hr 55minutes
  • 85to pass
  • 67/100hazard perception

The PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) theory test is part 1 of the Driver CPC initial qualification for bus and coach drivers. It's split into two tests that you book separately, though you can take them on the same day.

PartWhat you doTimePass markCost
1a: multiple-choice100 questions1 hr 55 min85 out of 100£26
1b: hazard perception19 clips, 20 developing hazards–67 out of 100£11

You must pass both parts within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate, and wait at least 3 clear working days before a retake. Questions are based on The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and the official DVSA guide to driving buses and coaches. Full details are on GOV.UK.

PCV theory test topics

Our bus and coach questions are grouped into 14 topics. Practise them one by one, with an explanation for every answer:

TopicWhat you'll practise
Vehicle weights and dimensionsHeights, widths, weight limits and low bridges
Drivers' hours and rest periodsDriving limits, breaks, rest and record keeping
Braking systemsAir brakes, endurance brakes and safe braking
The driverFitness to drive, health and professional attitude
Carrying passengersPassenger safety, comfort and accessibility
The roadRoad types, weather and night driving
AccidentsWhat to do at an incident, fires and first aid
Vehicle conditionDaily walkaround checks, tyres and faults
Leaving the vehicleParking safely and getting out of the cab
Restricted viewBlind spots, mirrors and manoeuvring
Essential documentsLicences, tachograph records and vehicle paperwork
Environmental issuesFuel economy, emissions and noise
Other road usersCyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users
Road and traffic signsSigns and markings that matter for large vehicles

Bus drivers, take note: carrying passengers is the topic that sets the PCV test apart from the lorry test, so give it extra time.

Free PCV mock theory tests

Our PCV mock theory test has 100 questions, a 1 hour 55 minute timer and a pass mark of 85. For fixed sets you can retake, try mock test 1 and mock test 2.

Bus and coach hazard perception

Part 1b has 19 clips with 20 developing hazards. Each hazard scores up to 5 points, the pass mark is 67 out of 100, and you can't review or change your responses. Practise with our free lorry and bus hazard perception test, which uses the same 19-clip format.

Your next steps after the theory test

After part 1, the Driver CPC initial qualification continues with part 2 (case studies), part 3a (off-road exercises), part 3b (on-road driving) and part 4 (a practical demonstration). You might not need all of them if you've qualified before, so check on GOV.UK.

How to practise for the bus driver theory test

  • Start with the professional topics: drivers' hours, braking systems, carrying passengers and restricted view.
  • Take a full 100-question mock in one sitting to build your concentration for the real test.
  • Aim to score well above 85 before you book, and practise hazard perception alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the PCV theory test?

The multiple-choice part has 100 questions to answer in 1 hour 55 minutes. Hazard perception is a separate test with 19 clips.

What is the pass mark for the bus driver theory test?

You need 85 out of 100 in the multiple-choice test and 67 out of 100 in hazard perception.

How much does the PCV theory test cost?

The multiple-choice part costs £26 and hazard perception costs £11, booked separately on GOV.UK.

Is the PCV theory test different from the HGV test?

The format and pass marks are the same, but the questions are for bus and coach driving. Carrying passengers replaces carrying loads as a topic.

How long is a PCV theory test pass valid?

You must pass both parts within 2 years of each other to get your certificate. Your certificate then lasts 2 years from the first part you passed, so take your practical tests in that time.

What does PCV stand for?

PCV stands for passenger carrying vehicle, meaning a bus or coach.

Original practice questions based on The Highway Code (Open Government Licence v3.0). Not the real test questions. MockTheory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.

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