06.08.2008

Changes to UK HGV driving theory test

Improving standards for professional drivers and increasing road safety in the UK mean that bus, coach and lorry drivers now have some additional theory test questions to answer. From August 4 drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to correctly answer 85 of the 100 to pass the multiple choice part of the test. Until now drivers got 60 questions and had to score 51 out of 60 to pass. The number of hazard perception clips has also increased from 14 to 19 and the pass mark has increased from 50 out of 75, to 67 out of 100.

The other theory test change, which is being made at the request of the industry, is to split the test into two parts. This will allow candidates to take the multiple choice element separately from the hazard perception element; and in either order. This change aims to avoid potential recruits being put off entering the industry due to the length of the test as a single event. The Director of Driver Education and Learning at the Driving Standards Agency, Jill Lewis, said: "These changes aim to further improve road safety and driving standards for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers.

The changes represent a step change in our approach to delivering drivers to the standard needed by the road freight and passenger transport sectors."

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