PASSENGER CARRYING VEHICLE (PCV) CATEGORY D (COACH)

Provisional PCV Category D Driving Licence: The first step to complete DVLA form D2, this is the application form for a provisional category D photocard driving licence entitlement. Next you need to book a PCV medical examination with a doctor. The doctor will complete DVLA form D4. You should then send off both parts of your category B (car) licence, D2 and D4 forms to the DVLA in Swansea . DVLA D2 and D4 forms are available from our office or from the DVLA.

Booking your Theory Test: When you receive your PCV provisional driving licence back from the DVLA you are then able to book your theory test. Theory Test Centers in South Wales are located in Cardiff , Merthyr Tydfil , Newport and Swansea .

Your PCV theory test can be booked by telephoning 0870 0101372, please ensure you have your driving licence details along with a credit/debit or switch card available to make a payment of £32.00 for the theory test fee. Alternatively theory tests can be booked on-line at www.dsa.gov.uk.

If you experience problems in booking your theory test please call the office who can book a theory test on your behalf. After passing the theory test we can then start your practical training.

PCV Theory Test: Before being able to take your practical test, you will need to pass the PCV theory test. The theory test is in two parts, with the first part being 60 multiple choice questions and the second part being the hazard perception involving 14 video clips.

In order to pass the theory test you are recommended to study the following:

• A book or CD Rom titled ‘The official theory test for drivers of large vehicles'.
• A training video and booklet or DVD titled ‘Roadsense'.

The theory test is not just about the highway code, it covers all topics ranging from vehicle weights and dimensions, drivers' hours, the carriage of passengers, hazard perception, environmental issues plus other matters relating to passenger carrying vehicles. Mock theory tests can be found on the DSA website www.dsa.gov.uk.

If you have problems in obtaining theory test training material, please contact the office who can provide the material at the RRP plus P&P.

Practical Driving Assessment: At present Big Wheelers (South Wales) Limited do not have a PCV category D training vehicle based in South Wales therefore it is not always practical to have a driving assessment.

If you are a private client a loan coach can be arranged provided there are two candidates booked onto the same course; alternatively a residential training course could be arranged for you to train with Big Wheelers Limited in Reading .

If you are from a company, an instructor could visit your premises to conduct a free assessment in your vehicle. For this you will need to produce both parts of your provisional PCV category D driving licence. To book an assessment drive please call our office.

As a guide, on average most car drivers require five days PCV category D training in order to reach test standard. If you passed your car test before January 1997 and have experience in driving vehicles up to 7.5 tonne the course duration may be reduced to just four days.

Practical Driver Training & Test: A normal training day will start at 7.00am and finish at 3.00pm with training being conducted on a ratio of two students to one instructor. Should training be conducted on a ‘one to one' basis the training day will be reduced to a four hour period.

The practical training course will cover all aspects required by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Syllabus. Items covered will include vehicle safety check questions, driving on urban & rural roads, procedures at bus stops, dual carriageways & motorways, also off-road reversing and braking exercises.

Big Wheelers (South Wales) Limited are registered with the DSA as a training provider and are able to book PCV practical driving tests up to ten weeks in advance. This allows us a great deal of flexibility to arrange a course and test to suit your personal commitments.

Under normal circumstances your practical test is always taken on the final day of your training.