Driver CPC Part 3a Test: Off-Road Exercises

You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3a test.

Book your test

You can book your test with either:

• an approved private test provider
• the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

What to take to your test

You must bring:

• a vehicle that meets the rules
• your theory test pass certificate, unless you are upgrading your licence to tow heavier trailers
• The vehicle you bring must be in the driving licence category that you want to get a licence for. For example, if you want to get a licence for an articulated lorry (category CE), you must use an articulated lorry for the test.

You must also 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 these.

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

How the test works

Your test will last up to 30 minutes, and includes:

• an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
• showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer

During the test

You can carry on if you make a mistake during your driving test.

Your driving examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to others.

Test result

If you pass the test, you’ll get a test certificate. You’ll need to take the certificate to your Driver CPC part 3b (on-road driving) test.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3b test within 6 months of getting your certificate. If you do not, you’ll need to pass part 3a again.

If you fail you can book another test straight away, but you must leave at least 24 hours before you take the test again.