HGV Theory Test Part 1 (Preparation)

Part 1 Theory Tests

In order to be able to take an HGV Driving Test, first you must pass the Part 1 HGV Theory Test – which is divided into two parts:

Multiple Choice Questions (Part 1a)
Hazard Perception (Part 1b)

The HGV theory test element of your journey is designed to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge to become a safe driver. The tests are taken at a test centre local to you. You will be able to check your nearest centre when booking.

Preparation For The Multiple Choice Questions Section (Part 1a)

The subjects covered in the Multiple Choice HGV Theory Test are:

Vehicle weights and dimensions
Drivers’ hours and rest periods
Braking systems
Incidents, accidents and emergencies
Vehicle defects
Leaving the vehicle
Vehicle loading and handling
Restricted view
Documents
Environmental issues
Other road users
Road signs and markings

Search for a local training company

As mentioned in “Preparing Yourself For HGV Training“, all of the knowledge required to pass the Multiple Choice Questions can be found in three books:

The Official Highway Code
The Official DVSA Guide To Driving Goods Vehicles
Know Your Traffic Signs

You can also find online theory test revision packages. Some of these are free to use, and other premium versions offer paid access. The test itself is made up 100 questions, of which you will need to answer at least 85 correct to pass.

Preparation For The Hazard Perception Section (Part 1b)

During this section of the HGV theory test, you will watch video clips showing a driver’s view of various driving scenarios. You will need to demonstrate that you are aware of the hazards and know how and when to respond to them. Driving lessons will help you when preparing for this test. You can also buy The Official DVSA Guide To Hazard Perception DVD, or search for online training packages.

The test is made up of 19 clips, during which ‘potential hazards’ and ’developing hazards’ will appear. A potential hazard is one that you should be aware of but will not require you to take any action. A developing hazard is one that you must take action to avoid (adjusting your speed or direction) and it is these hazards on which you will be scored. The quicker you respond to the developing hazard, the higher you will be scored.

You will not know when in the clip the developing hazard will appear, so you will simply need to click the mouse each time you identify a hazard, ensuring you do not just click at random as this can result in the clip being marked as 0.

18 of the clips contain one developing hazard – maximum score: 5
1 clip contains two developing hazards – maximum score: 10
Total available points: 100. The pass mark for this section of the test is 67.

The following DVSA video explains the Multiple Choice Questions and Hazard Perception Tests.

Get The Most From Your HGV Theory Test Preparation

It is important to not just focus on taking practice tests but to spend time learning to ensure that you completely understand the subjects. If you find a particular subject difficult to remember, try drawing pictures and doodles to help visualise the answers. When on the road, look around and try to notice road markings and road signs: seeing these in real-life situations will help you to remember what they mean.
Try to set aside a time regularly when you can practice. New information tends to ‘stick’ when you break away from practicing and rest, so it is much more effective to do a small amount of study each day than one long session a week.

Sections in the ‘Getting Your HGV Licence’ guide