HGV and LGV theory test: what it is and how it works
Updated •5 min read
The HGV (lorry) theory test is part 1 of the Driver CPC: a 100-question multiple-choice test and a 19-clip hazard perception test, both of which you must pass. A separate part 2 case studies test follows, and you need a provisional HGV or bus licence before you can book any of it.
theorytest.ai does not offer HGV or LGV practice. Our question banks cover the car theory test, so this page is general information from gov.uk, with official practice linked below.
The tests at a glance
All of the figures below come from gov.uk (become a qualified HGV or bus driver). The fees are from the official fees page.
| Test | What it is | Pass mark | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: multiple choice | 100 questions in 1 hour 55 minutes | 85 out of 100 | £26 |
| Part 1: hazard perception | 19 video clips | 67 out of 100 | £11 |
| Part 2: case studies | 7 case studies, 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 out of 50 | £23 |
The fees are the same on weekdays, evenings and weekends. Book through the official DVSA service, because gov.uk warns that unofficial booking sites may charge more.
Part 1: multiple choice and hazard perception
Part 1 is made of two separate tests. You book each one separately, but you can take both on the same day and in either order (gov.uk: Driver CPC part 1).
- Multiple choice: you have 1 hour 55 minutes to answer 100 questions. You can flag questions and come back to them.
- Hazard perception: each of the 19 clips has at least one developing hazard, and one clip has two. You score up to 5 points per hazard by clicking as soon as it starts to develop.
Clicking continuously or in a pattern scores nothing, and you get one attempt per clip. You must pass both parts within 2 years of each other.
This is a different test from the car theory test, which has 50 questions and 14 clips. Our car pass mark guide covers those figures, and our hazard perception guide explains how the clicking works.
Part 2: case studies
Part 2 has 7 computer-based case studies, each with 5 to 10 multiple-choice questions. You have 1 hour 15 minutes and need 40 out of 50 (gov.uk: Driver CPC part 2). You do not have to pass part 1 before you book it.
Before you can book
First-time applicants must apply for a provisional HGV or bus licence. You need the D2 application form and a D4 medical examination report, which has to be filled in by a doctor (gov.uk: provisional entitlement).
DVLA charges no application fee, but the doctor or optician may charge you. Gov.uk says you should get your licence within 3 weeks of DVLA receiving your application.
Once you have the licence, book through the official theory test booking service. Our cost and booking guide covers the car booking process, which has similar steps.
After the theory test
Passing both parts of part 1 gives you a certificate at the test centre. It is valid for 2 years from the day you passed the first part, and you need it to book the part 3a and 3b driving tests.
If you fail, you can rebook straight away but must wait 3 clear working days before you sit it again.
How to revise
Gov.uk recommends three books for part 1: the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and the DVSA guide for lorries or buses. It also links to a free official practice test from the part 1 page.
Much of the Highway Code and the road signs overlap with the car test. If you want to refresh that material, you can read our Highway Code guide or try the free practice questions. They are car questions, so they will not cover lorry-specific material such as the DVSA lorry guide.
Check where you stand
If you already hold a car licence, the free theorytest.ai diagnostic is a car test diagnostic that shows how much general road knowledge you remember. It is not an HGV test. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the HGV theory test?
The multiple-choice pass mark is 85 out of 100, and the hazard perception pass mark is 67 out of 100. You must pass both.
How many questions are in the HGV theory test?
The multiple-choice part has 100 questions in 1 hour 55 minutes. The hazard perception part has 19 video clips.
How much does the HGV theory test cost?
Gov.uk lists £26 for multiple choice and £11 for hazard perception, and £23 for the part 2 case studies.
What are the Driver CPC case studies?
They are part 2 of the Driver CPC: 7 case studies with 5 to 10 multiple-choice questions each, 1 hour 15 minutes, pass mark 40 out of 50.
Do I need a medical before the HGV theory test?
You need a provisional HGV or bus licence first, and the application includes a D4 medical examination report filled in by a doctor.
Does theorytest.ai have HGV theory test practice?
No. theorytest.ai covers the car theory test. For HGV practice use the official free practice test linked from gov.uk.