PASSENGER CARRYING VEHICLE (PCV) CATEGORY D1 (MINIBUS)

Provisional PCV Category D1 Driving Licence: The first step is to complete DVLA form D2, this is the application form for a provisional category D1 photocard driving licence entitlement.

Next you need to book a PCV medical examination with a doctor. The doctor will need to 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 the DVLA.

Booking your Theory Test: When you have received your PCV provisional driving licence back from the DVLA you are then able to book your theory test.

Theory Test Centres 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: You may wish to attend a free one hour driving assessment. For this you need to produce both parts of your provisional PCV category D1 driving licence. The assessment will consist of a brief demonstration drive by the instructor, followed by you driving on-road in various traffic situations and completing an off-road reversing exercise.

After the assessment drive the instructor can advise as to how many training days are needed in order to reach test standard. Assessment drives are available during most days and also on Saturday mornings. To book an assessment drive, please call our office at your convenience.

As a guide, on average most car drivers require four to five days PCV category D1 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 three or 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.

After passing the PCV D1 practical test candidates will then be able to proceed to PCV D1+E driver training (minibus towing trailer). Please note this licence is mandatory if the maximum authorised mass of the trailer being towed is greater than 750kgs.