Driver CPC Part 1 Test: Theory

You can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence.

The test is made up of 2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.

It does not matter which one you take first but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.

What to take to your test

You must bring one of the following:

• a Great Britain photocard driving licence
• a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart
• an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring the right documents.

You can choose whether or not to wear a face covering at your test.

How the test works

Multiple-choice questions part

You have 1 hour and 55 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.

You can finish the multiple-choice questions part when you’ve answered all of the questions. You do not have to use the full 1 hour and 55 minutes.

The pass mark for this part is 85 out of 100 questions.

Hazard perception part

Before you start the hazard perception test, you’ll be shown a video about how it works.

You’ll then watch 19 video clips. The clips:

• feature everyday road scenes
• contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ - but one of the clips features 2 developing hazards

You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.

You only get one attempt at each clip. You cannot review or change your responses.

The pass mark for this part is 67 out of 100.

Your test result

You’ll be given a letter at the test centre with the results for the part of the theory test you’ve just taken.

When you’ve passed both parts, your theory test certificate will be posted to you. You need this when you book your Driver CPC part 3a and part 3b driving tests.

Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3a and part 3b driving tests within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 1 theory test again.

If you fail the theory tests

You’ll get a results letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.

You can book another theory test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.