Update on changes to HGV and bus driving tests

Learner drivers will take:

• a single Driver CPC part 3 test (driving ability) test if they have an appointment booked up to and including 28 November 2021 (unless they’ve already passed the off-road exercises test with their training school)
• 2 separate tests – Driver CPC part 3a (off-road exercises) and part 3b (on-road driving) if they have an appointment from 29 November 2021

These are the prices for the tests:

• Driver CPC part 3a test: off-road exercises – up to £40 for tests taken with an approved training organisation (this does not include the cost of any training or vehicle hire), or £40 for tests taken with DVSA
• Driver CPC part 3b test: on-road driving – £115 for tests taken on weekdays, or £141 for tests at the weekend or on a bank holiday

Why the fees have been set at these prices

As a government agency, we have to recover the costs of the services we provide through the fees we charge.

The current test fee does not cover all of our costs. So we’re keeping the part 3b test fee the same as the current part 3 test fee. This will help cover the extra costs of approving and auditing trainers who provide part 3a tests.

Because people taking the part 3b test will have already passed the part 3a test, they will be in a better position to pass first time and avoid the potential cost of a retake.

Also, people who now take a test towing a trailer with a large vehicle no longer need to have passed a test in a rigid vehicle first. This saves them £115 by not having to take 2 tests.

We’ll keep the current fees under review.

More information about the changes

We’ve sent more detailed information to everyone who has a test booked to tell them how they are affected.

Read the guidance on HGV and bus driving test changes