How do I book and arrange LGV / HGV theory tests?
Is it easy to arrange LGV / HGV theory tests?
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA for short) have made it very easy to arrange your own theory test through the Gov . UK website.
Is there more than one type of LGV / HGV theory tests?
Yes, the DVSA have called the first two theory tests, Driver CPC Module 1a and 1b. The Module 1a is a Multiple Choice Test and the 1b is a Hazard Perception, video presentation.
A long time ago these tests were arranged in just Module 1. You'd take both parts, one after another, in the same appointment. But when DVSA expanded the number of Multiple Choice test questions to 100 and the Hazard Perception to 19 video clips, they felt it was too much to force people into taking both tests at the same time, so now they offer the option to arrange the tests in two seperate appointments.
And the 3rd DVSA theory test, the Driver CPC Module 2 test was introduced in September 2009. On the Mod 2 Test you'll be given a Case Study about a typical working day. Then you'll be asked questions and given a choice of answers for your to select (usually) one answer per question. On the day of the test you might get up to four to six question for each different Case Study they present you with.
What is the Pass Mark for each of the LGV / HGV theory tests?
For Driver CPC Module 1a, Multiple Choice, the pass mark is 85 out of 100 questions.
For Driver CPC Module 1b, Hazard Perception, the pass mark is 67 out of 100.
For Driver CPC Module 2, Case Study, the pass mark is 40 out of 50 questions.
How can the Driver CPC Module 1b Hazard Perception test be out of 100 if there is only 19 video clips?
It's simple really. Remember one of the videos you will see at the DVSA test centre will have TWO scorable hazards. But you won't know which video clip is the double-scorer, so you have to observe and react all the way through each video clip to be sure you've captured all the points you can.
Is it easy to see the Hazards appearing on the screen?
The video's are actually Computer Generated Images (CGI) which make them really easy to view and notice where the possible hazards are occurring.
Can I ask for help with reading the questions?
When you arrange the appointment, don't forget to select extra support, and you can hear the questions through headphones on the day of the test.
Can I take all three theory appointments on the same day?
Yes, if that is more convenient for you. Choose to organise the appointments one after an other, in any order, then you only need one whole day to sit the tests. However, if you think it's going to be a bit too much you then it's possible to organise, say, just the Module 1a and 1b first. Remember you plan and arrange your Practical Driver Training and Practical Tests if you've passed these two, and come back later to sit your Module 2.
You need to pass Module 2, Case Study Theory, before your Module 4 the Practical Demonstration Test, to obtain a Driver CPC Card (known as a Driver Qualification Card, DQC) because to be a working driver, if you passed your car test after January 1997 you must have a valid DQC to be in haulage.
Be aware - you'll have to visit the Gov . UK Test Booking Page three times to arrange the three seperate tests!
Why can't I book Module 1a and Module 1b (and Module 2) at one time?
Sorry, it's just the way the DVSA have set up their booking system. Each time you visit the booking page you can only arrange one appointment at a time. Just remember when booking to give yourself time between the appointments.
For example the DVSA allow 1hour and 55 minutes for your Module 1a theory test. You'll find that is plenty of time. A lot of people who have studied their learning material can take sit the test in almost have that time. And you can always leave the test centre after your test, have a break with maybe a soft drink and something to eat, and then go back to the test centre in time for your next appointment.
How long does each LGV / HGV theory test take?
The DVSA allow 115 minutes for a Module 1a theory test.
The DVSA allow 45 minutes for a Module 1b Hazard Perception theory test.
The DVSA allow 75 minutes for a Module 2 Case Study theory test.
It doesn’t matter which you take first. Arrange them for different days and at times if preferred.
What if I fail one of the parts of the LGV / HGV theory test?
Don't worry, you won't have to resit the parts of the LGV theory tests you've passed. Just go back to the Gov . UK website and arrange the next available appointment for the test you need to retake. It has to be at least 3 clear working days into the future. Clear Working Days means not the day of the test taken or the day of the future test, it's must be 3 full working days in between them.
How long will my LGV / HGV theory pass certificate be valid for?
Your LGV / HGV Module 1a & 1b Theory Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the first part of the test (either hazard perception or multiple choice). You must pass your practical driving tests (CPC Part 3a and 3b) within this 2-year period, or you will have to retake the theory tests.
Your Driver CPC Module 2 theory pass certificate is also valid for 2 years, but you'll need to pass your Module 4 Practical Demonstration Test (after passing your Practical Driving Test) to get your full Driver CPC, your Driver Qualification Card.
How long does the Driver CPC Card last?
Your Driver Qualification Card will be valid for 5 years from when you pass your Module 4 Practical Demonstration Test. And over that 5 year period you will need to complete 35 hours of training (that can be in 3.5 hours or 7 hour blocks) to renew the card. Often employers organise this for their drivers, but it's your card, and it's your responsibility to keep it up to date.
Any more questions?
Need help to get some Theory Training Material to start learning the Questions and Answers?
Just give us a call 02084 533 440 in office hours Monday to Friday, or visit our HGV / LGV pages of our website for details of our prices.