Broadcasters Take and Pass PCV Test and Drive for Charity

If you were lucky enough to participate in this year’s (2015) running of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on 1^st November, you might have also caught a glimpse of broadcasters Chris Evans and Alex Jones. Along with Ken Bruce, the pair was among the celebrity drivers who got behind the wheels of vintage vehicles and drove the run to benefit the Children In Need charity. Evans and Jones just recently passed their PCV tests (on 19^th October).

Evans, the new presenter of the highly rated Top Gear television programme, and The One Show‘s Jones teamed up to drive a classic Bedford bus along a route that took them from Hyde Park to Lambeth, to Surrey, and finally on to Brighton. Bruce joined the pair in a similar vintage Bedford at a caravan of vehicles that left the starting point around 7.50am.

All of this was to benefit an excellent cause. Evans alone raised more than £349,000 by asking listeners to his radio show to donate for the privilege of riding in the Bedford he was driving. The highest bidder pledged some £90,000 to secure 20 seats on the bus. The remaining bidders secured five seats each.

Learning a Valuable Skill

It is no easy task to obtain one’s PCV licence. In order to do so, Evans and Jones had to first take and pass the PCV theory test before they began training. The theory test is a two-part test involving both multiple-choice questions and real-life videos through which candidates are expected to identify and explain how to avoid hazards. Only when both parts of the test have been successfully completed with a passing grade can one go on to practical skills training.

As for Evans and Jones, completion of their training and the successful passing of the final practical skills exam has resulted in them obtaining a Category D licence. They have both learned a valuable skill they can use to find work should their broadcasting careers ever come to an abrupt end. We do not expect that to happen, but having a Category D licence is a nice fall-back for the duo.

Just for the record, you could follow in their footsteps as well. Getting your PCV licence is something that can be done in a matter of weeks rather than months. When you sign up for training with the HGV Training Centre, we will come alongside and guide you through every step of the process. From preparing for the PCV theory test to sending an instructor with you to your final test, we provide all of the help and support you need to succeed.

A PCV licence is your ticket to a long and productive career as either a bus or coach driver. Make no mistake; qualified drivers are very much in demand right now. We encourage you to take the necessary steps to a solid career as a professional driver by contacting us and enrolling in a training programme.

Sources:

1. Get Surrey – https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/top-gear-presenter-drive-vintage-10361390