LGV & PCV Theory Test Cost: £60 Total in 2026
The C1, C and C+E lorry theory test costs £60 in total, and the D1/D bus test is priced identically: multiple choice £26, hazard perception £11, case studies £23. Each part is booked and paid for separately, so the total is roughly two-and-a-half times the car test.
Three-Part Fee Breakdown
All three parts are required for a full LGV or PCV theory pass. Most candidates take them on the same day; you can split them across separate visits if needed.
| Part | Fee | Format | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1a. Multiple choice | £26 | 100 questions, 115 minutes | 85/100 |
| 1b. Hazard perception | £11 | 19 clips, 20 hazards | 67/100 |
| 2. Case studies | £23 | 7 case studies, 50 questions | 40/50 |
| Full LGV / PCV total | £60 | ~2.5 hours total | All three required |
LGV vs PCV Categories
Same fee schedule for both. The licence category you target depends on the vehicle.
Lorry / large goods vehicle
- C1 - 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes
- C - over 3.5 tonnes, rigid
- C+E - C plus trailer
- Often paid for by the employer
Passenger-carrying vehicle
- D1 - up to 16 passengers (minibus)
- D - over 8 passengers (bus / coach)
- D+E - D plus trailer
- Operator and DBS checks also required
C1 Theory Test Cost
C1 (3.5-7.5t) uses the same LGV theory test. There is no cut-down version. Total fee is £60 across three parts. The C1 practical test is £115 weekday or £141 evening/weekend.
FAQ
FAQ 1Why is the LGV/PCV theory more expensive than car?
There are three separately-fee'd parts (multiple choice, hazard perception, case studies) versus one fee for the car test, and the test bank and time are larger. The total reaches £60 once all three are booked.
FAQ 2Do employers pay for the theory test?
Many haulage and bus operators fund driver training including theory fees. Government-funded HGV training has been available through the Skills Bootcamp scheme. Ask the employer or an approved training school before paying yourself.
FAQ 3Is the C1 theory test the same as full HGV?
Yes. C1 (3.5-7.5t), C and C+E all share the same LGV theory test. The practical test differs by vehicle weight and trailer.
FAQ 4How does Driver CPC connect to theory?
After passing LGV/PCV theory and practical, drivers operating commercially must complete Driver CPC initial qualification (modules 2 and 4) and 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
FAQ 5Can I retake just one part if I fail?
Yes. If you fail only the case studies, you book and pay for the case studies again (£23) without redoing multiple choice or hazard perception. Each part has its own pass certificate.