If you are interested in becoming an HGV driver or setting yourself up as an owner operator, then you will need to first pass your HGV driving test before you can get going.
To qualify as an HGV driver, you will need to obtain your Driver CPC. The Driver CPC is split down into 4 parts. Driver CPC part 1 and Driver CPC part 2 are the theory test elements of the qualification. Whilst Driver CPC parts 3 & 4 are on and off-road exercises and driving demonstrations.
Here we look specifically at the HGV theory test and what it involves.
How many questions are there in the HGV theory test?
The theory test for lorries and buses is split down into 3 parts
Part 1a – multiple choice questions
This part of the test sees you have to answer 100 multiple choice questions. To pass you must get at least 85 out of 100 questions right.
Part 1b – hazard perception
This part of the test will see you watch 19 video clips of everyday road scenes. Each scene includes at least one ‘developing hazard’. Points are given for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen. You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard. Higher scores are given the earlier that you spot the hazard. And you must achieve at least 67 out of 100 to pass
Part 1a and 1b form Driver CPC part 1 of the overall process to gaining your HGV licence.
Part 2 – Case studies
Part 2 is made up of 7 case studies which according to the gov.uk site are ‘short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life.’
You then get asked between 6 and 8 multiple choice questions on each case study. You must get at least 40 out of 50 to pass this element of the test
Part 2 of the HGV theory test forms Driver CPC part 2.
How much is the HGV theory test?
Each element of the HGV theory test has a different cost attached
Part 1a – costs £26
Part 1b – costs £11
Part 2 – costs £23
So, in total the HGV theory test will cost £60 to take all three elements.
How long does the HGV theory test last?
Again, each element of the HGV test lasts for a different amount of time
Part 1a – you are given 1 hour and 55 minutes to answer the 100 multiple choice questions. You do not need to use the full amount of time if you do not need it.
Part 1b – no time limit is specified on the government website for this element of the test
Part 2 – you are given 1hour and 15 minutes to work through the 7 case studies
Considerations once you pass your HGV driving test
Hopefully you are successful first time and manage to pass all the elements required to obtain your HGV driving licence. And if so, your mind will then need to turn to all the other considerations involved with becoming an HGV driver.
Some of these areas will include:
Insurance
As an HGV driver, you will need to have the right insurance in place.
If you are an employee of an existing business this will most likely be set up for you and covered under the company’s fleet insurance.
But if you are going out on your own as an owner operator you will need to ensure that you have the right HGV insurance to cover the range of risks that your business faces.
Driving hours
You’ll need to keep on top of regulation relating to how many hours you can work in a day and a week. HGV drivers are subject to strict regulations given the nature of the work and the dangers linked to such heavy vehicles.
Full details of driver hours and related rules can be found on the gov.uk website.
Vehicle maintenance
Drivers, vehicle operators and transport and fleet managers have a responsibility and duty to ensure that the vehicles they operate are safe to drive and roadworthy. And part of this will be carrying out HGV daily checks. These must be carried out before each journey to fulfil your obligation of ensuring that a vehicle is safe to drive.
You’ll also want to manage any specific risks linked to the summer or winter weather and ensure your maintenance is well managed.
HGV Driver medicals
As an HGV driver you will be subject to a legal requirement to engage in periodic driver medicals. And to keep your medical reviews up to date.
How regularly your driver medical is required will depend on factors such as your age and the licence that you hold. You can find out more about the driver medical requirements in our blog on the subject.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector – from owner operators’ insurance through to the insurance needs of large fleets. So, if you have any questions about your insurance needs or how you can minimise the risks you may face then get in touch with us today. We’re always happy to help.
