The HGV and PCV Theory Test
Who needs to take a theory test?
You will be required to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle. For example, if you have a car licence and want a bus or lorry licence.
If however you want to upgrade within a licence category you would not normally have to take the theory test. For example, if you have a category C licence (rigid lorry) and want a C+E licence (articulated lorry) then you will not have to take the theory test.
The same applies to the bus licence. If you want a D+E licence (bus and trailer) and already have a D licence (bus on its own), you don't have to take the theory test.
The Test.
The theory test consists of both multiple choice and hazard perception with both parts being taken on a computer.
The multiple choice and hazard perception tests can be booked seperately and taken at different times if you so wish. However, both parts must be passed within a 24 month period to obtain a valid theory test pass.
The multiple choice questions vary depending on the licence category you are applying for, ie the LGV theory test will contain specific questions that do not appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception part everyone takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for the different licence categories.
Part one - multiple choice.
Before the actual test begins you will be given instructions on how the test works and the option of a practice session. This will allow you to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several answer options will appear onscreen. You have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen or using the mouse. Be aware that some questions may require more than one answer.
You will be asked 100 questions in 115 minutes. The pass mark is 85. If you are struggling with any questions you can come back to them later in the test.
Part two - hazard perception.
You will be shown a short video clip explaining how the hazard perception test works. You will then be presented with a series of 19 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard but one clip will feature two develping hazards.
To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazards during their early stages. You will only have one chance to respond and will not be able to review or change your answers. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five
The pass mark for the hazard perception is 67 out of 100.