How Many Questions on Theory Test? UK HGV Test Facts and What to Expect

When you’re getting ready for your HGV theory test, the mandatory knowledge exam required to obtain a Class 1 licence in the UK. It’s not just about memorizing rules—it’s about understanding how to apply them on real roads. The test isn’t a guessing game. It’s a structured assessment designed to make sure you know the rules, the signs, and the safety basics before you even sit behind the wheel of a heavy truck.

The UK HGV theory test has 100 multiple-choice questions. You need to get at least 85 correct to pass—that’s 85%. It’s not easy, and it’s not meant to be. This isn’t the same as a car driver’s theory test, which only has 50 questions. HGV drivers handle heavier vehicles, longer braking distances, and more complex road situations, so the test reflects that. You’ll also face a separate hazard perception test, a video-based section where you click when you spot developing hazards. You need to score at least 67 out of 100 here to pass. These two parts are taken together, and you must pass both to move forward.

Many people think failing the theory test means they’re bad drivers. That’s not true. Most failures happen because people study the wrong material. They skip the official DVSA books, rely on outdated apps, or assume they know enough from driving a car. But an HGV isn’t a car. Turning corners with a 44-tonne trailer, understanding weight limits, or knowing when to use hazard warning lights on a motorway—those are all in the test. And if you don’t study the right way, you’ll get tripped up.

What’s in those 100 questions? You’ll see topics like road signs, vehicle loading, rest periods, fuel efficiency, and what to do in an emergency. There are questions on the Highway Code, but also on things like tachograph rules and how to check your brakes before a journey. You’ll also get real-life scenarios: ‘You’re driving a fully loaded lorry on a steep hill. What’s the safest gear to use?’ It’s practical. It’s detailed. And if you’ve taken a good intensive driving course, a focused training program that condenses learning into a short time, you’ll have seen these exact examples before.

There’s no limit to how many times you can retake the test in the UK. But each attempt costs money, and booking delays can push your training schedule back weeks. That’s why people who pass on the first try usually study smart—not hard. They use official practice tests, track their weak spots, and take timed mocks. They don’t just read—they test themselves.

And it’s not just about passing. It’s about being ready. The theory test is your first real checkpoint as a professional driver. If you understand the rules, you’ll make fewer mistakes on the road. You’ll avoid fines, keep your licence, and earn respect from other drivers. That’s why so many successful HGV drivers say: ‘I wish I’d taken the theory test more seriously.’

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who passed—and failed—on their first try. You’ll see what questions tripped them up, what study methods actually worked, and how to avoid the same mistakes. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve failed once and are trying again, these posts give you the facts, not the fluff.