The Driving Test

 
The driving test consists of two parts, the Theory Test and the Practical Test. Unless you are exempt you must take and pass a Theory Test before you can book a practical test. This page gives you some idea of what you can expect from both tests.
 

Category C Vehicle During The Reversing Exercise

 
You can either read this page as one whole section, or you can jump to a section by clicking the links below.
 
Theory Test Practical Test

 

The Theory Test  
 
To become a professional driver you must have a thorough knowledge of the regulations that apply to your work. The questions in the theory test will test you on this knowledge. Combined with a high level of driving skill, this will ensure that you carry out your work safely.
 
The touch screen theory test has been specially designed to make the test more accessible to the general public. It is particularly helpful to people with special needs. All that you need to do is touch the screen to indicate which answer or answers you think are correct.
 
To pass the exam you must answer at least 30 out of 35 multiple-choice questions correctly. To help you study and prepare for your theory test the Driving Standards Agency produce the Official Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles containing the questions and answers. This is updated annually.
 
When you take the theory test, you’ll be asked some specific questions regarding the category of vehicle being tested, as well as questions that apply to all road users.
 
The core material for the theory test questions are taken from the following DSA publications. You can click on each of these books to buy them online from Amazon. The Amazon page will open in a new window.

NOTE : The book "The Official Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles" is available direct from Stockport HGV and is included in our Pre-Tuition Package.

 
Click the Highway Code book to buy online from Amazon Click the Driving: The Essential Skills book to buy it online from Amazon Click the Know Your Traffic Signals book to buy online from Amazon Click the Driving Goods Vehicles: The Official DSA Syllabus book to buy it online from Amazon Click the Official Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles book to buy it online from Amazon
 
Changes to the multiple choice part of the theory test for learner lorry and drivers from 1 April 2003. LGV theory tests will examine learner lorry drivers' knowledge of driving theory from a wider syllabus.
  • This means that there will be new topic areas for these tests (which are set below). The feedback information candidates receive will mirror these changes.
  • There are 180 new questions for the LGV bank, which will test candidates' knowledge of the enhanced syllabus.
  • The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is still 30 out of 35.
  • In addition to answering 35 multiple choice questions, candidates will also be tested for hazard perception skills.
  • Both parts of the test need to be passed at the same sitting to pass the theory test.
It is important that you study - not only to pass the test - but also to become a safe driver.
 
There are practice mock Theory Test that you can take online which you can access from the Driving Standards Agency website. The online mock Theory Test questions cover a variety of topics relating to road safety. As in the real test, these tests use a mix of 35 questions drawn from all sections of the question bank to test your knowledge.
 
It is important to note that scoring more than 30 out of 35 on this test DOES NOT guarantee a pass when you take the real theory test under proper exam conditions.
 

Click the DSA logo below if you would like to take a mock Theory Test.

 

The Driving Standards Agency - Mock Theory Tests

 
NOTE : The test screens are best viewed at a screen resolution of 800x600 or 1024x768 and will open in a new browser window.
 
NOTE : Current holders of a Class C licence upgrading to a Class C+E are not required to take the Theory Test.

 

 

The Practical Test  
 
The LGV Test is conducted by a specially appointed Ministry Examiner and takes approximately 1˝ hours. During this time you will be asked to accurately demonstrate your practical driving skills. The Examiner will make a close check on your execution of correct road procedure, namely...
 
You'll be
  • Given directions clearly and in good time
  • Asked to carry out set exercises.
 
If you take your test on a manual vehicle, you'll be asked to carry out a gear-change exercise during the general drive element of the test.
 
Certain manoeuvring exercises including a controlled braking exercise and a reverse exercise will take place on a special area at the Government Test Centre itself. The set exercises carried out at the test centre will include
  • Reversing within a marked area into a bay marked out with cones, the width of which is 1˝ times the width of the vehicle and the length is based on the length of the vehicle but will vary slightly at the discretion of the Examiner.
  • A braking exercise
  • Demonstrating the uncoupling and recoupling procedure, if you're taking your test with a trailer.

 

The Reversing Exercise  

The Reversing Exercise

  • This exercise is usually, but not always, the first one performed at the test centre.
  • It is very easy to get the reversing exercise wrong if you don't prepare for it properly.
  • To demonstrate your control during the reverse manoeuvre you should proceed at a controlled speed but not excessively slowly.
  • Although you may stop to reposition the vehicle, "shunting" should be kept to a minimum.
    (You are only allowed 2 shunts).
  • Aim for smooth accurate steering.
  • You must keep within the marked areas, and keep up good all-round observation at all times.

 

The Braking Exercise  

The Braking Exercise

  • Drive from a standing start towards the cones 61 metres away
  • When the front of the vehicle passes between the two marker cones apply the brakes firmly
  • Be very careful not to skid
  • Just before the vehicle comes to a halt, depress the clutch
  • Apply the hand brake & move the gear stick to neutral
  • Remember to keep both hands on the wheel after changing gear & when braking.

 

Road Driving Exercise  
 
  • You will be asked to leave the test station and follow the road ahead unless told otherwise
  • The test is officially 90 minutes long, although this time may vary slightly
  • When leaving the test station be very careful to assess the geography of the road layout and position yourself correctly to enter the road ahead
  • Listen carefully to all instructions given by your examiner
  • Relax; give the examiner a good, smooth and confident drive
  • Over emphasize your head movements when looking in your mirrors, so the examiner can see that you are doing so.
  • From this point the examiner will expect you to understand and to act accordingly to all road signs or signals that you encounter
  • Be aware of any height, weight or width restrictions that prohibit your vehicle from entering junctions

The examiner will be looking to see that you display the following abilities...

  • Enter and exit the vehicle safely
  • Stop the vehicle safely
  • Move off safely and smoothly
  • Move off normally ahead
  • Move off uphill
  • Move off downhill
  • Move off at an angle
  • Make reasonable progress

You will also need to show that you can safely...

  • Meet other vehicles
  • Overtake
  • Cross the path of other vehicles
  • Keep a safe separation distance
  • Negotiate various types of roundabout
  • Exercise correct lane discipline
  • Control speed

You must display courtesy and consideration to other road users, especially...

  • Pedestrians
  • Riders on horseback
  • Cyclists
  • Motor cyclists

You must apply the correct procedures at...

  • Pedestrian Crossings
  • Traffic signs & signals
  • Road junctions

You will also need to show...

  • Use of controls.
  • Proper use of mirrors.
  • Signals.
  • Care in the use of speed.
  • Turning right and left at intersections.
  • Overtaking, meeting or crossing the path of other vehicles.
  • Anticipating the actions of other road users.
 
As the regulations are constantly under review and may change at short notice, or if you have any queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact out Office Staff, who will be delighted to offer advice and assistance.