Lorry / bus

UK lorry & bus theory test (Driver CPC Part 1)

Last reviewed against gov.uk on

The UK lorry (LGV) and bus (PCV) theory test is officially the Driver CPC Part 1, split into two parts that are booked and paid for separately but can be sat on the same day: Part 1a (multiple-choice) is 100 questions in 1 hour 55 minutes with a pass mark of 85 out of 100, and Part 1b (hazard perception) is 19 clips with 20 scored developing hazards and a pass mark of 67 out of 100. Fees: £26 for Part 1a + £11 for Part 1b . Both parts must be passed within 2 years of each other.

You have 1 hour and 55 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions … The pass mark for this part is 85 out of 100 questions.
GOV.UK — Driver CPC Part 1 theory test

Structure and pass marks

UK lorry / bus theory test (Driver CPC Part 1) — at a glance (source: gov.uk)
PartFormatPass mark Fee
Part 1a — multiple-choice 100 questions in 1 h 55 min 85 / 100 £26
Part 1b — hazard perception 19 clips, 20 scored developing hazards (1 clip has 2) 67 / 100 £11

Two-year window between Part 1a and 1b

Part 1a and Part 1b are booked and paid for separately — you can sit them on the same day or spread them out. The Driver CPC Part 1 theory certificate runs for 2 years from the date of your first pass. You must pass the second of the two parts and the Part 3a off-road exercises and Part 3b on-road driving tests within that 2-year window, or you'll have to pass the Part 1 theory test again. Part 2 case studies are not bound by the Part 1 two-year clock, but passing Part 2 starts its own 2-year window — you must pass the Part 4 practical demonstration within 2 years, or you'll have to re-sit Part 2.

Driver CPC context — the full five-test sequence

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is required for anyone driving a lorry, bus or coach for a living in Great Britain. The full qualification is a sequence of five DVSA tests; this page only covers Part 1 (the theory). The other parts and their headline fees:

  • Part 2 — case studies test: £23.
  • Part 3a — off-road exercises: £40 with DVSA, or up to £40 if booked via an approved test provider instead.
  • Part 3b — on-road driving test: £115 weekday, £141 evening / weekend / bank holiday.
  • Part 4 — practical demonstration test: £55 weekday, £63 evening / weekend / bank holiday.

The 2026 CPR/AED theory test questions currently apply to car and motorcycle theory tests only; DVSA has said they will be added to other test types later.

Sources

Lorry & bus theory test — FAQs

What is the pass mark for the UK driving theory test?

For the car theory test you need at least 43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception test. Both parts must be passed in the same sitting.

Source: gov.uk — pass mark and result

How do I book the UK theory test?

Book only through the official GOV.UK service at gov.uk/book-theory-test — that is the only valid booking route for DVSA tests. You need your UK driving licence number (provisional is fine), an email address and a credit or debit card. Third-party sites that charge to book are unofficial.

Source: gov.uk — book your theory test

How long is a theory test pass valid for?

Two years. You must pass your practical driving test within two years of your theory test pass — otherwise you will need to retake the theory test.

Source: gov.uk — pass mark and result

Is the theory test fee the same for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses?

The car and motorcycle theory test is £23. The lorry and bus (LGV/PCV) test is structured differently — £26 for the multiple-choice part plus £11 for the hazard perception part, taken as separate bookings.

Source: gov.uk — driving test costs