How Sharp is Your HGV Knowledge? Take Our 2026 Driver Quiz!

Becoming a professional HGV driver in 2026 is a fantastic career choice, offering excellent salary prospects and job security. With a nationwide shortage of around 18,000–25,000 drivers, qualified professionals are in high demand. A newly qualified Class 2 driver can expect to earn between £28,000 and £35,000, while experienced Class 1 drivers can command salaries from £40,000 to £55,000. But a successful career is built on more than just driving skills; it requires a deep understanding of regulations, vehicle mechanics, and road safety.

Whether you\'re studying for your initial theory tests or you\'re a seasoned veteran looking to refresh your knowledge, this quiz is a great way to challenge yourself. How well do you know the rules of the road? Let\'s find out!

HGV Knowledge Quiz: Test Yourself

We’ve compiled 15 multiple-choice questions covering key areas of the HGV profession. Choose the best answer for each question, then check your results at the end. Good luck!

Questions

1. What is the minimum age to get a Category C (Class 2) HGV licence in the UK?
2. What does the acronym \'CPC\' stand for in the context of professional driving?
3. What is the primary purpose of a vehicle\'s tachograph?
4. How many hours of periodic training must HGV drivers complete every five years to keep their Driver CPC valid?
5. What is the maximum speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a UK dual carriageway?
6. Which licence category allows you to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes?
7. What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth for an HGV in the UK?
8. What is the main purpose of the Hazard Perception Test?
9. What should be one of your first and most critical checks before starting any journey?
10. When approaching a roundabout, what is the correct procedure?
11. What does a circular traffic sign with a blue background indicate?
12. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to help a driver...
13. How often should you check the security of your load during a journey?
14. What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (in microgrammes per 100ml of breath)?
15. What is the correct action to take if you start to feel tired while driving?

Answers & Explanations

How did you do? Let\'s review the answers and why they are correct. Understanding the reasoning is key to becoming a safer, more professional driver.

1. B) 18 years old. You can get your Category C licence from the age of 18, which opens the door to a professional driving career straight away.
2. B) Certificate of Professional Competence. The Driver CPC is essential for all professional HGV drivers and ensures you maintain high standards of knowledge and safety.
3. B) To record the driver’s driving hours and rest periods. The tachograph is a legal requirement to prevent driver fatigue and ensure compliance with drivers\' hours regulations.
4. C) 35 hours. To keep your CPC valid, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. This can be done in 7-hour blocks, costing around £150-£200 per session.
5. B) 60 mph. For an HGV over 7.5 tonnes, the national speed limit is 60 mph on dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways.
6. C) Category C1. A Category C1 licence is for medium-sized vehicles. For larger, rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, you\'ll need a Category C (Class 2) licence.
7. A) 1.0 mm. For HGVs, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.0mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference.
8. B) To evaluate your reaction to developing hazards on the road. This computer-based test is a crucial part of the initial HGV theory test, ensuring you can spot and react to risks early.
9. C) Verify the vehicle’s load is secure. A driver\'s daily walk-around check is a legal requirement. Ensuring your load is secure and stable is paramount for the safety of yourself and other road users.
10. C) Give way to traffic from the right. When entering a roundabout, you must always give priority to traffic already on the roundabout, which will be approaching from your right.
11. A) Mandatory instruction. Blue circular signs give a positive instruction, such as \'Turn Left\' or \'Mini-roundabout\'. Red rings or circles generally indicate a prohibition.
12. B) Maintain steering control under heavy braking. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up, allowing you to continue to steer the vehicle while braking hard, which can be vital in an emergency.
13. B) At regular intervals during the journey. Loads can shift during transit. It is best practice to check your load security after the first few miles of your journey and then at regular intervals, especially after heavy braking or navigating sharp bends.
14. A) 35µg. However, for professional drivers, the only safe limit is zero. The consequences of being over the limit, even by a small amount, can be career-ending.
15. C) Stop and take a rest. Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Opening a window or turning up the radio are not effective solutions. The only real cure for tiredness is rest. Find a safe place to pull over and take a break.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the main parts of the HGV licence process in 2026?

The process involves getting a D4 medical, applying for your provisional licence, and then passing four modules. These are the Part 1a (theory test, £26), Part 1b (hazard perception, £11), Part 2 (case studies, £23), and the Part 3b (practical driving test, £115). You also need to pass the CPC Part 4 practical demonstration (£55) to drive professionally.

2. How much does it cost to get an HGV licence?

The total cost varies, but at GS Driver Training, our HGV Class 2 (Cat C) courses start from just £847 including VAT. We also offer flexible HGV training finance options from as little as £30 per month to help you spread the cost.

3. What\'s the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 licence?

A Class 2 (Category C) licence allows you to drive a rigid lorry over 7.5 tonnes. A Class 1 (Category C+E) licence allows you to drive an articulated lorry, which consists of a tractor unit pulling a trailer. You must pass your Class 2 test before you can take the Class 1 test.

Ready to start your journey to becoming a professional HGV driver? GS Driver Training is a DVSA-recognised school with over 7 consecutive years voted as the Best HGV Training Company. We have the expertise and facilities at Dunsfold Aerodrome to help you succeed. Browse our full range of training courses or contact us today on 01252 447808 to speak with our friendly team!