LGV theory test

On this page you can check whether you qualify to become a driver of a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) and find important information about the LGV theory test

The requirements are as follows:
  • To be over 18 years old – (with some exceptions, see gov.uk for more info)
  • To have a full car licence
  • To obtain a professional driving qualification - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
Note that if you drive a large goods vehicle as the main part of your job, you must have the full Driver CPC.
 
LGV theory test part 1 

You should start by applying for the provisional LGV licence. After you’ve got your provisional licence, you can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
The test consists of 2 parts – the multiple choice test and hazard perception test. Each part has to be booked separately, but can be taken on the same day. You can take either part first, but you need to pass both multiple test and hazard perception test within 2 years of each other. After that you will receive your theory test certificate.
Here you will find useful tools to practise for LGV theory test.

The multiple-choice questions part takes 1 hour and 55 minutes with the pass mark of 85 out of 100 questions.
Hazard perception part includes 19 videos with 20 developing hazards which you need to identify. The pass mark for LGV hazard perception test is 67 out of 100. Note that it is not possible to review your answers in hazard perception part of the theory test.
 
Here you can watch an explanatory video of how the hazard perception test works.
 
On the day of the test, remember to take with you your GB photocard driving licence or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart.
 
After taking the part of the theory test you will receive a letter at the test centre with your result. After you have passed both parts of the theory test, you will receive your theory test certificate by post. The theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from the date when you passed the first part of the test.
 
Note that you need to pass the Driver CPC part 3 driving test within 2 years. If you fail to do this, you will have to pass the part 1 theory test again.

LGV theory test part 2: case studies

It is possible to book the part 2 case studies test after you’ve got your provisional licence. No need to wait while you pass the LGV part 1 theory test.
Remember to take to your test your GB photocard driving licence or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart.
 
The test is computer based and consists of 7 case studies that you need to resolve. The case studies represent short stories about various situations that you are likely to face in your working life. You will have to answer on 6-8 questions about each case study. The duration of the test is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a pass mark of 40 out of 50.
 
After the test you will get a letter with your results at the test centre. The results are valid for 2 years.
 
Note that you will have to pass the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 2 case studies test again.

Requirements for getting and keeping the full Driver CPC

- Begin by applying for a provisional LGV licence.
- Afterwards pass the 4 tests that make up Driver CPC to qualify.
- In order to stay qualified you need to take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. In addition, every 5 years until you are 45 you need to sign a declaration to show you still meet the medical requirements.
- After you turn 45 you need to provide a medical report every 5 years in order to renew your driving licence. After you reach 65 this needs to be done every year.
 
Bear in mind that if you’re taking an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) course you are allowed to drive professionally for up to 12 months without taking the Driver CPC part 2 and part 4 tests.
 
You don’t need the full Driver CPC in the following cases:
  • you don’t want to drive professionally, meaning that you want to drive for a hobby or carry passengers or goods non-commercially for personal use
  • you drive in other certain situations, when driving the vehicle is not the main part of your job (for example if you are using the vehicle for driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC) 
Note that you still need to pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests of the qualification.

You should book LGV theory test at the official booking service.