LGV Theory Test

About the LGV Theory Test

Before taking your practical test, you need to pass both parts of the LGV theory test. However, the order in which you take them does not matter – and you don’t even need to take them in the same sitting. If you need to take the Driver CPC case studies test, it is possible to sit this before taking any part of the theory test or after completing both parts.

As you begin, you must be aware of the differences between driving smaller vehicles and larger vehicles, such as lorries or buses.

Similarly, you should have a solid understanding of the Highway Code, which includes familiarity with traffic signs, road markings and their meanings. Special effort should be made to be aware of signs informing you of restrictions for buses or lorries.

This knowledge, mentioned above, is assessed through multiple choice questions in the first part of the theory test.

Despite the requirement of passing your LGV theory test before taking the practical test, it is advised that you begin studying for the theory test as soon as you can. But we would warn against actually taking it until after you have gained some practical experience behind the wheel of a large vehicle.

Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC)

The Driver CPC is a qualification, now introduced throughout the European Union, for professional drivers of buses, coaches and lorries. It is now a requirement that drivers of buses, coaches and lorries hold a Driver CPC if they wish to drive these larger vehicles as part of their profession.

To initially qualify, drivers must pass a theory test concerning case studies. This test is taken as well as the multiple-choice theory test, and the hazard perception test. In terms of practical components, an extra practical demonstration test must also be passed in order to obtain a Driver CPC.

Multiple Choice Questions

There are 100 multiple-choice questions in this part of the LGV theory test.

To answer the questions in this part of the test, you must select your answer by either touching the screen or using the mouse provided.

Before beginning the test, you will have an opportunity to practice a few questions – for no more than 15 minutes – to help you get used to the system. Test centre staff will be on hand to assist you if you encounter any problems.

When the test starts, the questions will test your knowledge of several areas concerning road safety, the environment and documents related to driving. In addition, some questions will address other factors specific to the driving of large vehicles, including passenger care and load safety, among others. At any time, only one question will be on the screen, and you will be instructed to mark one correct answer.

To select your chosen answer, you must touch or click the box next to the answer you believe is right. If you change your mind and want to deselect that answer, you need only touch or click it for a second time. You may then choose another answer by touching or clicking a different box.

Take care to read the questions thoroughly and make sure you understand what you are being asked. Try not to rush – you have 115 minutes for this part of the LGV theory test, and remaining calm is key to success. Some questions will require more time than others to answer, but none are designed to catch you out.  You will be able to see the amount of time left to complete the test on the screen.

If you have special needs, you may be entitled to extra time. Please ensure that you let us know about this when you book your test.

It is possible to move back and forth between questions, and you may also ‘flag’ questions to remind yourself to look at them again. As explained above, changing your answers is simple if you would like to do so.

Try to answer every question on the test. If you have prepared well, then the questions should be relatively straightforward.

Before this part of the test ends, you can use the ‘review’ feature to check your answers if you have time. Should you wish to finish your test before the full 115 minutes have passed, then you can touch or click the ‘review’ button. Then, select the ‘end’ button on the review screen. You will see this screen after touching or clicking the review button.

LGV Hazard Perception Test

The LGV hazard perception test contains several computer-generated image (CGI) video clips shown from the point of view of a driver. For this part of the test, you will use the mouse provided.

Before beginning this part of the test, you will see a brief CGI presentation which explains the format of the test and includes a sample clip for you to see. After watching this, you will have a clearer understanding of what you need to do for this test. If you would like some clarification or if you missed a part, you may replay these initial videos.

In the test itself, you will see 19 CGI video clips. Each one will contain one or more developing hazards. This test assesses your ability to spot hazards early, so you should press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing, which may require you, as the driver, to change speed or direction or take some other action. The earlier you notice these developing hazards, responding with a click of the mouse, the higher your score will be. There are 20 hazards available for you to earn points from.

When you respond, the video will continue to play unchanged, but a red flag will appear at the bottom of your screen to acknowledge your response.

Before each new clip starts playing, there will be a 10-second pause to enable you to observe the new scenario and get your bearings.

You will be given 25 minutes to complete the LGV hazard perception test. No extra time is available for the hazard perception component and you will not be allowed to replay any of the clips you watched after the test began. This is because, in reality, you only get one chance to see a hazard on the road while driving.

The Result

After you have completed both parts of the LGV theory test, you should receive your result within 10 minutes. This should also include your module score.

The multiple-choice and hazard perception tests, while independent in terms of the order or sitting you take them in, must both be passed in order to pass the theory test. If you need to take the Driver CPC case studies test, this may be done either before or after completing both the multiple-choice and hazard perception tests. Both the theory test and, if you’re taking it, the case studies test must be passed before you take the practical test.

After the LGV Theory Test

After passing both parts, you will receive a pass letter in the post. It is important that you keep this safe because it will contain the pass certificate number that you’ll need to allow you to book your practical test.

The pass certificate will be valid for two years, beginning on the date that you passed the first part of the LGV theory test (whichever part you took first). Therefore, you must pass the practical test – for the category of vehicle you intend to drive – within this two-year window. If you fail to do so, you will have to sit both parts of the theory test again and pass them before you are able to book your practical test again.

Drivers who wish to drive professionally will also need to pass the Driver CPC case study test, as we have mentioned above. This case study test is, again, an on-screen test administered at a test centre.

The case studies presented in the test are based on situations that you may experience on the job. This format will test your knowledge and basic understanding by assessing how effectively you apply your skills to real life.

The questions you will have to answer will be based on these scenarios. You will be asked to answer them in one of two ways:

• Choosing the correct answer in a multiple-choice question
• Clicking an area of an image or photograph

The test, which includes introductory screens, lasts 90 minutes. You will be examined on 6-8 case studies, each with 5-10 questions attached.

LGV Driving Test

The next stage in your development as a driver is to prepare for and take the practical driving test. If you intend to drive a large vehicle professionally, you must take two practical tests as part of the Driver CPC qualification:

• The Licence Acquisition Practical Driving Test
• The Driver CPC Practical Demonstration Test

Medical Requirements

As a driver of large vehicles, you will likely be responsible for safely transporting passengers or goods. Therefore, it is imperative that you meet detailed and specific medical criteria. These medical requirements apply to both large goods vehicles (LGV) and PCV licences.

To hold either a PCV or LGV licence, your eyesight must meet the high standard required.

If you have a disability, you may drive a vehicle if it has been specially adapted for you and your needs. You should otherwise be fit and must not suffer from any condition affecting your ability to control a large vehicle.

You are, by law, required to undergo a medical assessment conducted by a doctor. The doctor must then complete a D4 medical report form (DLM1 in Northern Ireland), which must be sent in with your licence application.