Bus theory and driving tests

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the tests needed for a bus licence and for professional driving.
• You can put the tests in the correct order.
• You can describe the two parts of the practical driving test.
• You can explain what the walkaround test checks and its pass mark.
• You can prepare a suitable vehicle and documents for test day.

What you need to know and understand

• There are four driver theory tests in Ireland; buses have their own category D theory test, and there is a combined truck and bus option.
• A theory test certificate and a CPC case study certificate each last up to two years.
• The CPC case study test covers three real-life situations and takes about 120 minutes.
• The practical bus driving test takes roughly 90 to 100 minutes and includes about 25 km of road driving.
• The walkaround test takes about 30 minutes; you need at least 15 out of 20 in each of five topics and 80 out of 100 overall.
• The test fee for D and D1 is 120 euro; the CPC practical and walkaround together cost 152 euro.
• You must be accompanied to and from the test centre by someone who has held a full licence in that category for at least two years.

The order of the tests

The theory test covers the Rules of the Road, risk perception, eco-driving, hazard awareness and safe driving behaviour. There is no separate hazard perception test in Ireland.

1. Driver theory test for buses (category D), or the combined truck and bus test. Pass it before applying for your learner permit.
2. CPC case study test, if you want to drive professionally. You can sit it at home or at a theory test centre.
3. Practical driving test, once you hold a valid bus learner permit and, on the CPC route, have passed the case study.
4. Walkaround test, for CPC drivers, after the practical test. The RSA recommends doing both on the same day at the same centre.

Inside the practical test

The tester first checks that your bus is roadworthy, insured, taxed, showing a valid CVRT certificate if needed, and wearing L plates front and back.

Part one is vehicle safety and technical questions: outside checks such as tyres, lights and oil levels, in-cab checks such as seat and mirror set-up, and secondary controls such as wipers, washers and lights.

Part two is about 25 km of road driving. You will be assessed on a hill start, moving off uphill, reverse manoeuvres, mirrors and signals, anticipating other road users, managing speed and progress, dealing with hazards and choosing a safe place to stop.

The walkaround test

This short test checks that you can keep the bus and its passengers safe. It covers safe loading, preventing the trafficking of illegal immigrants, emergency situations, reducing physical risks, passenger comfort and safety, and a walkaround safety check of the vehicle. The RSA publishes a bus driver walkaround check poster and sheet to practise with.

Common mistakes

• Booking the practical test before passing the case study on the CPC route. You will not be eligible.
• Driving yourself to the test unaccompanied. A qualified accompanying driver must be with you there and back.
• Bringing a bus without valid discs or L plates. The test will not go ahead.
• Treating the technical questions as an afterthought. Practise the checks on your own bus until they are routine.
• Letting a certificate expire. Theory and case study passes last up to two years.

Test yourself: Bus theory and driving tests

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.