The HGV theory test (also called the LGV theory test or Module 1) is the first test you must pass on your journey to becoming a qualified HGV driver. It is a computer-based test conducted at a DVSA theory test centre and consists of two parts taken on the same day: multiple choice questions and hazard perception.
You must pass the theory test before you can book your practical HGV driving test (Module 3). Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years, so it is important to plan your training timeline carefully to avoid having to retake it.
The test covers everything a professional HGV driver needs to know — from vehicle safety and road signs to drivers' hours regulations and environmental awareness. It is more comprehensive than the standard car theory test, with 100 questions and a higher pass mark.
You will answer 100 multiple choice questions on a touchscreen computer. Each question has four possible answers, and you must select the correct one. Some questions may ask you to select more than one answer.
You will watch 19 video clips showing real driving scenarios from the driver's perspective. You must click the screen as soon as you spot a developing hazard. One clip contains two scoreable hazards, giving 20 hazards in total.
Important: You must pass both parts on the same day. If you fail either the multiple choice or the hazard perception, you will need to retake both sections. The DVSA fee is £26 for multiple choice and £11 for hazard perception (£37 total).
The multiple choice section tests your knowledge across a wide range of professional driving topics. Here are the key areas you will be examined on:
Questions on vehicle weights, dimensions, braking systems, coupling/uncoupling, and safe driving techniques specific to large goods vehicles.
Identifying potential dangers on the road, understanding stopping distances for heavy vehicles, and anticipating the actions of other road users.
Knowledge of road signs, road markings, and traffic signals — including those specific to HGV drivers such as weight limits and height restrictions.
EU and domestic drivers' hours rules, tachograph operation, rest periods, and record-keeping requirements for professional drivers.
General road rules, speed limits for HGVs, motorway driving, roundabouts, and vulnerable road users — all tested from a professional driver's perspective.
Fuel-efficient driving, reducing emissions, noise pollution awareness, and the environmental responsibilities of professional HGV drivers.
Booking your HGV theory test is straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your test date:
Apply for a provisional lorry licence using form D2 and a D4 medical certificate. Send both to the DVLA. You cannot book the theory test without a valid provisional licence.
Visit the official DVSA booking service at gov.uk/book-theory-test. Select "lorry" as your test type. The test costs £37 (£26 multiple choice + £11 hazard perception).
Select a DVSA theory test centre near you. Centres close to Surrey include Guildford, Chertsey, Reading, and Croydon. Choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare.
Use the official DVSA revision materials and practice tests. We recommend at least 2-4 weeks of focused study before your test date. Aim for 95+ in practice tests.
Arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes early. Bring your provisional driving licence (photocard). The test takes approximately 2 hours for both parts.
Book directly through the official DVSA service at gov.uk/book-theory-test. Beware of unofficial booking sites that charge extra fees.
You do not need to spend money on expensive revision apps. Here are the best free and official resources to help you prepare:
The DVSA offers a free practice theory test on gov.uk. This uses the same question bank as the real test and is the most reliable way to assess your readiness.
The official DVSA revision guide for lorry drivers covers every topic in the test. Available from bookshops and online. This is the single most important study resource.
The full Highway Code is available free online at gov.uk. Pay particular attention to sections on motorway driving, speed limits for HGVs, and vulnerable road users.
The DVSA YouTube channel has free hazard perception practice clips. Watch these to understand the scoring system and practise spotting developing hazards.
Proper preparation is the key to passing your HGV theory test first time. Here is our recommended approach, based on years of helping learners succeed:
The HGV theory test has 100 multiple choice questions. You have 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete them, and you need to score at least 85 out of 100 to pass. The questions cover a wide range of topics including vehicle safety, drivers' hours, the Highway Code, and hazard awareness.
For the multiple choice section, you need 85 out of 100 correct answers. For the hazard perception section, you need at least 67 out of 100 points. Both sections must be passed on the same day — if you fail one, you must retake both.
The DVSA fee for the HGV/LGV theory test is currently £26 for the multiple choice test and £11 for the hazard perception test — a total of £37. This is paid directly to the DVSA when you book your test. Our theory preparation course is separate and helps ensure you are fully ready before booking.
No. You must hold a provisional HGV/LGV licence before you can book and take the theory test. You will also need a valid D4 medical certificate to obtain your provisional licence. We can guide you through the full application process.
Your HGV theory test pass certificate is valid for 2 years. You must pass your practical driving test (Module 3) within this period, otherwise you will need to retake the theory test. We recommend planning your training timeline carefully to avoid this.
The HGV theory test is more challenging than the car test. It has 100 questions instead of 50, covers HGV-specific topics like drivers' hours and tachographs, and requires a higher pass mark (85%). However, with proper preparation and study, most learners pass first time.
The hazard perception test consists of 19 video clips showing real driving scenarios. You must identify developing hazards by clicking the screen as soon as you spot them. One clip contains two scoreable hazards, giving 20 hazards in total. You need 67 out of 100 to pass.
Yes. We provide guidance on what to study, recommend the best revision resources, and can include theory preparation as part of your overall HGV training package. Our instructors have extensive experience helping learners pass their theory test first time.
Speak to our team about HGV training packages that include theory test preparation, practical driving training, and CPC qualification — everything you need to get on the road.