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United Kingdom · Theory test

HGV test booking: theory, driving and practical tests

You’ll use two GOV.UK services for HGV test booking, whether you’re training for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or for a bus or coach, known as a passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV). Theory and case study tests are on the theory test service, and the on-road and practical demonstration tests are on the driving test service. Both ask for your UK driving licence number and a card. You also have to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 185 days in the 12 months before your test.

  • 2Separate bookings for the theory test
  • 24 weeksHow far ahead new driving tests open
  • 3 full working daysNotice to change or cancel a test
Book your theory test on GOV.UK

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How does HGV test booking work for each test?

TestBook it onYou first need
Part 1a multiple choiceTheory test serviceProvisional licence
Part 1b hazard perceptionTheory test serviceProvisional licence
Part 2 case studiesTheory test serviceProvisional licence
Part 3a off-road exercisesApproved provider or driving test servicePart 1 pass
Part 3b on-road drivingDriving test servicePart 1 pass to book; part 3a to take
Part 4 practical demonstrationYour trainer or driving test servicePart 2 pass

You don’t need to pass part 1 before you book part 2. Part 1a and part 1b are booked separately, and you can take them on the same day.

Book a driving test on GOV.UK ↗Find a part 3a test provider ↗

What you need to book

  • Your UK driving licence number
  • A credit or debit card
  • An email address, for the theory test service
  • Your theory test certificate, which you need when you book part 3a and part 3b
  • Your part 2 pass reference number, for part 4

When you book a theory test, say if you have a reading difficulty, health condition or disability. GOV.UK says you can ask to hear the test through headphones in English or Welsh, and other support needs proof.

Theory test support on GOV.UK ↗

When you have to phone DVSA to book

Two groups can’t book online and need the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) booking line, 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm:

  • Upgrade tests, such as going from a medium-sized lorry to a large one
  • Drivers with acquired rights who are only taking parts 2 and 4

Finding an earlier driving test

New driving test appointments are released at 6am every Monday, for dates 24 weeks away. Earlier dates appear whenever someone changes or cancels, at any time in the week. There’s no waiting list or cancellation list, so you have to keep checking.

You may be placed in a queue when the service is busy. DVSA says there’s no benefit in joining the 6am Monday queue if you want a date sooner than 24 weeks away.

Change a driving test ↗

Changing or cancelling your booking

Both types of test need at least 3 full working days’ notice. Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays don’t. Change any later and you pay again. Cancel any later and you lose the fee.

You can change a lorry or bus driving test up to 6 times. After the sixth, you have to cancel and book a new test. GOV.UK words its tighter rules for car tests only: 2 changes, 10 full working days’ notice, and booking and changing the test yourself.

You can ask for a short-notice refund on either test for illness or injury, a bereavement, a school or college exam, or a stolen licence, with proof. Moving a driving test to an evening or weekend costs the difference, and moving to a weekday refunds it.

Change a theory test ↗Cancel a theory test ↗Cancel a driving test ↗

Fees and places

GOV.UK warns that unofficial websites may charge you more than its own services. The fees and the centres each have their own page, and Northern Ireland has its own booking service.

HGV test fees →HGV test centres →Booking in Northern Ireland →
Sources: GOV.UK and 7 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewWhere to learnCostHazard perceptionDriving testDriver CPCMedicalClass 1 and 2

Where to take it

Test centresNorthern Ireland