How Is It Different from the Car Theory Test?
The Truck & Bus theory test (also called the LGV/PCV theory test) has a separate question bank from the Car & Motorcycle test. While many road safety principles are the same, the Truck & Bus test includes additional topics specific to large and heavy vehicles.
Key Differences
- Separate question bank: 401 dedicated questions
- Higher fee: €72 (vs €45 for the car test)
- Longer test: Category C or D on its own is 100 questions in 120 minutes, with 74 correct needed to pass. The combined CD test is 140 questions in 180 minutes, with 104 to pass. The car test is the shorter 40 question paper.
- Additional topics: Vehicle-specific questions about air brakes, tachographs, load securing, and driver hours
Topics Covered
Control of Vehicle (LGV/PCV)
Questions specific to handling large vehicles:
- Air brake systems and components
- Diff-lock operation
- Coupling and uncoupling trailers
- Fifth wheel maintenance
- Power steering systems
- Speed limiters
Legal Matters (LGV/PCV)
- Driver hours and rest periods (EU regulations)
- Tachograph requirements and operation
- Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) for different vehicle configurations
- Licence categories (C1, C, D1, D, CE, DE)
- CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) requirements
Managing Risk (LGV/PCV)
- Blind spots on large vehicles
- Turning at junctions with long vehicles
- Overtaking considerations for large vehicles
- Stopping distances for heavy vehicles
Safe and Socially Responsible Driving (LGV/PCV)
- Load distribution and securing
- Effects of high winds on large vehicles
- Driving with passengers (bus-specific)
- Environmental considerations
- Fatigue management for professional drivers
Technical Matters (LGV/PCV)
- Air brake system checks
- Suspension types (air, road-friendly)
- Axle weights and configurations
- Vehicle dimensions and maximum lengths
- Tyre requirements for heavy vehicles
Study tip: If you already hold a car licence, many of the general road safety questions will be familiar. Focus your extra study time on the vehicle-specific topics like air brakes, tachographs, driver hours regulations, and load securing.
Requirements for a Truck/Bus Learner Permit
- Pass the Truck & Bus theory test (€72)
- Medical report (mandatory for Category C and D)
- Hold a full Category B (car) licence: you must already have your full car licence
- Visit an NDLS centre with all documents (€35 fee)
Important: You cannot apply for a Category C or D learner permit unless you already hold a full Category B driving licence.
Start Practising
Practice questions for each category, with the exam format and the licence categories it covers: truck practice (Category C, C1, CE) and bus practice (Category D, D1). Both draw on the same Truck and Bus bank, and both start with a free 40-question sample.