Tips for LGV Licence: How to Pass Your LGV Theory Test
There are various things to be considered before beginning the process of getting the LGV Licence. Passing the LGV Theory Test is the initial phase in that all-important route to becoming a professional LGV driver.
There are two sections to the driving test for LGV: a theory test and a practical test. You must pass the theory test before you can step through the practical test. LGV Theory Test is a section of the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualification. You’ll have to pass all parts of the Driver CPC to obtain your professional LGV Licence/ HGV Licence, which is explained further in our Driver CPC guide.
See GOV.UK for a guide to the theory test.
LGV Theory Test is made up of two parts:
1. Module 1a — A multiple choice section
Before the Theory Test starts you will be told exactly how it works, and you can also select to go through a practise session so you know what to expect. At the end of this session, the real test will start.
The questions in this test are taken from three books:
· The Official Highway Code
· The DVSA Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles
· Know Your Traffic Signs.
You are required to use all of these when you’re preparing. There are lots of products available that include practise questions but it’s really important you don’t just learn the answers without understanding the questions fully because the questions on the actual test are not completely the same as the practise ones.
You will be put into test followed by 100 questions in 115 minutes. If you’re unsure of an answer to a question, you can ‘flag’ it and come back to it. The passing marks for this part of the test are 85 out of 100, so it’s important you’ve completed lots of revision time.
2. Module 1b — A hazard perception section
This part of the test examines you can recognise and respond to hazards that could happen while you are driving. To start this test, you will be shown a short video clip which indicates how the Hazard Perception Test works. You will then go through 19 video clips which feature everyday road sights. In each clip, there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two; so it’s important to click each and every time you believe there is a hazard.
There is a window of opportunity where a hazard is introduced. If you click the mouse at the beginning of this window; i.e. when the hazard has first appeared, you will score the greatest amount of points. If you don’t click right away, you will score lower points, and if you click too late in the scoring window you will score zero.
The highest points you can score in each hazard is five. The passing mark for the Hazard Perception test is 67 out of 100.
Both modules can be taken at distinct times, but you must pass both modules within 24 months to obtain a pass.
At the end of the test:
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room, but once you have left the room, you cannot re-enter.
You will then be given your result letter by a member of the staff of the test centre that tells you if you have passed or failed. You’ll be provided with vital feedback on your test containing the topics you answered questions incorrectly. So, if you have not passed, you know which portions you need to revise more thoroughly for the next time.
If you pass the LGV Theory Test:
You will get a “pass letter” detailing the results of your test. When you have passed both the multiple choice section and Hazard Perception parts of the test, you will receive your Theory Test certificate which contains a reference number. You will have to quote this number when you book your Practical Test.
Your Theory Test certificate is considerable for two years from the date you passed the first part of the test — the multiple choice test.
If you fail:
If you fail you should look at the feedback on the letter you have been given and find out why you failed. Concentrating on the topics that let you down will give you the focus to target those areas for the next time.
If you want to book another Theory Test you can book it straight away, but you cannot take it for another three clear working days. So, if you failed your first test on a Monday afternoon, you should wait until Friday morning before you can try again.
