Candidates preparing for a professional driving qualification take the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence theory tests after obtaining a provisional HGV or bus licence. Applicants must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before taking the test. This page provides free practice question sets, worked examples, and official test facts from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to support your revision.
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (Part 1a multiple-choice) | 100 multiple-choice questions[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Part 1b hazard perception) | 19 video clips[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Part 2 case studies) | 7 case studies with 5 to 10 questions each[3] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Passing score (Part 1a multiple-choice) | 85 out of 100[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Passing score (Part 1b hazard perception) | 67 out of 100[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Passing score (Part 2 case studies) | 40 out of 50[3] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Part 1a multiple-choice) | £26[2] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Part 1b hazard perception) | £11[2] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Part 2 case studies) | £23[2] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Rebook immediately; must wait at least 3 clear working days before retaking[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Validity (Part 1 theory certificate) | 2 years[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Validity (Part 2 case studies) | 2 years[3] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Renewal | 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years[4] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based testing at test centres[5] | pearsonvue.com · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Provisional HGV or bus licence[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility (Booking) | 185 days of residence in England, Wales or Scotland in the last 12 months[2] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Score release | Immediately at the test centre[1] | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency · Oct 27, 2026 |
Interactive UK LGV Theory resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
According to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, “You have 1 hour and 55 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.”[1] Practice with the free UK LGV Theory practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency sets the theory tests for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. Testing takes place via computer-based testing at test centres. Candidates can book upon receiving a provisional HGV or bus licence, provided they have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months. Residence rules differ outside these areas; consult the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency service for regional details.
The test consists of distinct parts with separate booking fees:
Results are provided immediately at the test centre. If a candidate does not pass, they can rebook immediately but must wait at least 3 clear working days before retaking the test. The theory test certificate remains valid for 2 years from passing the initial test, and the Part 2 pass letter also remains valid for 2 years. Qualified drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Prepare for the UK LGV Theory Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: What should a driver check regarding the load before departure?
Answer: A. That the load is secure, correctly distributed, and does not exceed the vehicle's maximum authorised mass
Explanation:
Option A is correct because drivers bear direct responsibility for verifying that cargo is properly restrained, balanced across axles, and kept within legal weight limits before setting off. Option B is incorrect because sheeting or covering a load does not secure items against shifting or falling. Option C is incorrect because uneven weight distribution can overload axles and affect steering, braking, and stability, even when overall mass remains compliant. Option D is incorrect because drivers share legal responsibility for vehicle roadworthiness and cannot delegate pre-trip loading duties entirely to consignors. The general rule is that the driver must ensure cargo security, proper axle distribution, and total mass compliance before driving on public highways.
Question: What does a hazard identification number (Kemler code) starting with the digit '3' indicate?
Answer: A. The primary hazard is flammability
Explanation:
Option A is correct because in hazard identification codes displayed on dangerous goods transport plates, an initial digit 3 signifies that the main danger is flammability, such as a flammable liquid. Option B is incorrect because toxic gases use a different identifying code designation. Option C is incorrect because explosive hazards are indicated by separate classifications rather than an initial 3. Option D is incorrect because corrosive substances are identified by another hazard class number. The general rule is that the opening digit on an orange identification plate defines the primary classification of danger, where 3 denotes flammable substances.
Question: What does a circular red sign with '7.5T' mean?
Answer: A. No vehicles over 7.5 tonnes permitted
Explanation:
Option A is correct because circular road signs with red borders give mandatory prohibitions; displaying 7.5T specifically bans any vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight from using that route. Option B is incorrect because circular speed limit signs display round numerical figures rather than tonnage designations with a T suffix, and 7.5 mph is not a standard road speed limit. Option C is incorrect because minimum requirements appear on circular blue signs, not red rings. Option D is incorrect because advisory guidelines are shown on rectangular informational signs rather than mandatory red circles. The general rule is that red circular signs convey legal prohibitions, so 7.5T establishes an enforceable restriction prohibiting vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
Begin your revision by reviewing core regulatory topics using targeted topic sets. Start with LGV Drivers Hours and LGV Tachograph Rules & Drivers' Hours, as legal driving limits require thorough recall. Next, study vehicle safety using LGV Vehicle Safety Checks, LGV Braking Systems, and LGV Coupling and Uncoupling.
Continue your preparation with road safety topics, including LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits, LGV Vehicle Weights and Dimensions, and LGV Dangerous Goods (ADR Basics). Test your knowledge of signage and environmental driving through LGV Road Signs for LGVs, LGV Motorway Rules for LGVs, and LGV Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions.
After completing specific topics, simulate the multiple-choice format using the FREE LGV PRACTICE TEST. Prepare for the visual portion using LGV Hazard Perception to practise spotting developing hazards on screen. Aim to reach the passing standard of 85 out of 100 on multiple-choice questions before your test appointment at the test centre.
The pass mark for Part 1a multiple-choice questions is 85 out of 100, and candidates have 1 hour and 55 minutes to finish. For Part 1b hazard perception, the pass mark is 67 out of 100 across 19 video clips. For Part 2 case studies, the pass mark is 40 out of 50 across 7 case studies lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Booking Part 1a multiple-choice questions costs £26, Part 1b hazard perception costs £11, and Part 2 case studies costs £23. Tests take place via computer-based testing at test centres. Each part has a separate booking fee, and candidates can book Part 1 as soon as they receive their provisional licence.
You are eligible to book once you hold a provisional HGV or bus licence. In addition, you must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your theory or driving test. Testing is conducted via computer-based testing at designated test centres.
You can book another theory test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days. You will receive a letter at the test centre with your results immediately after taking the test, allowing you to know your score before rebooking your next appointment.
Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test. Similarly, the pass letter for Part 2 case studies remains valid for 2 years. Once fully qualified, drivers must complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every 5 years to maintain their qualification.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.