Once you have your provisional Category C1 or Category C entitlement, the next stage in getting your horsebox licence is passing the HGV theory and practical tests.
For most horsebox drivers gaining C1 or Category C entitlement, the process includes:
- A multiple-choice theory test
- A hazard-perception test
- The Part 3a off-road exercises test
- The Part 3b on-road driving test
The tests are designed to make sure you understand the rules and safety considerations involved in driving larger vehicles and can control one safely on and off the road.
If you're looking for the complete process rather than just the tests, our step-by-step guide to getting a horsebox licence explains how the medical, provisional application, theory tests, training and practical tests all fit together.
HGV theory and practical tests at a glance
| Test | What it involves | Pass requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 100 questions about driving larger vehicles | 85/100 |
| Hazard perception | 19 video clips in which you identify developing hazards | 67/100 |
| Part 3a | Off-road reversing exercise | Demonstrate safe control |
| Part 3b | Vehicle-safety questions and around one hour of road driving | 12 or fewer driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults |
You must pass both parts of the theory test before completing the practical tests.
What is the HGV multiple-choice theory test?
The multiple-choice theory test contains 100 questions and lasts up to 1 hour and 55 minutes.
You need to answer at least 85 questions correctly to pass.
The questions cover subjects relevant to driving larger vehicles, including:
- road signs and markings;
- speed limits;
- vehicle weights;
- safe loading;
- braking and stopping distances;
- driving in poor weather;
- drivers' hours;
- vehicle checks;
- vulnerable road users; and
- safely controlling a larger vehicle.
Some of this will be familiar from your car theory test, but don't assume your existing knowledge will be enough.
There is much greater emphasis on the particular risks and responsibilities involved in driving a large, heavy vehicle.
Can you review your answers?
Yes. During the multiple-choice test, you can flag questions and return to them later. You can also change your answers before finishing the test.
If you're struggling with one question, don't spend too long on it. Give your best answer, flag it and return to it once you've worked through the rest of the test.
How should I prepare for the HGV multiple-choice test?
The official multiple-choice questions are based on three main sources:
- The Highway Code
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles
GOV.UK also provides access to official practice material.
A good revision strategy is to:
- revise in short, regular sessions;
- use practice questions to identify weaker subjects;
- read the explanation when you get an answer wrong;
- practise until you're regularly achieving more than the minimum pass mark; and
- understand why an answer is correct rather than simply memorising it.
Pay particular attention to topics that are less familiar to car drivers, such as vehicle weights, loading, braking distances and rules that specifically affect larger vehicles.
Common HGV multiple-choice mistakes
Common problems include:
- assuming the questions will be similar to the car theory test;
- not revising vehicle weights and loading rules;
- confusing HGV speed limits with car speed limits;
- rushing and missing important words in the question;
- memorising practice answers without understanding the underlying rule; and
- changing a correct answer without a clear reason.
Read each question carefully, particularly where wording such as “must”, “should”, “most” or “least” changes what is being asked.
What happens in the HGV hazard-perception test?
The hazard-perception test contains 19 video clips showing everyday road situations.
Each clip contains at least one developing hazard, and one contains two.
You can score up to five points for each developing hazard depending on how quickly you identify it.
You need at least 67 points out of 100 to pass.
What is a developing hazard?
A developing hazard is something that would cause you to change your speed or direction.
For example, a parked car at the side of the road isn't automatically a developing hazard. If its indicator comes on and it starts moving into your path, the situation has developed and you may need to respond.
Other examples could include:
- a pedestrian approaching a crossing;
- a cyclist moving around a parked vehicle;
- traffic braking ahead;
- a vehicle pulling out of a side road;
- a horse rider entering the road; or
- a child moving towards the kerb.
The aim is to identify the point when the situation starts to develop, rather than clicking every time you see something that could potentially become a hazard.
How should I prepare for HGV hazard perception?
Practise using clips designed around the official test format so you become familiar with the difference between a potential hazard and a developing hazard.
As you practise, ask yourself:
- Will this cause me to slow down?
- Might I need to change direction?
- Is another road user about to enter my path?
- Is the situation changing?
Try to scan the whole road scene rather than focusing only on the vehicle immediately ahead of you.
Common hazard-perception mistakes
These include:
- clicking before the hazard begins to develop;
- waiting too long before clicking;
- concentrating only on the road directly ahead;
- missing hazards emerging at junctions or from behind parked vehicles; and
- clicking continuously or in a pattern.
You don't simply lose a mark every time you click at the wrong moment. However, you can score zero for a clip if the system detects unacceptable continuous or patterned clicking.
You also cannot replay a clip or change your response after you've made it.
Do I have to take the two HGV theory tests together?
No.
The multiple-choice and hazard-perception tests are booked separately, although you can take them on the same day.
You can take them in either order.
However, you must pass both within two years of each other to receive your theory-test certificate.
Once you've passed both, your theory-test certificate is valid for two years from when you passed the first part. You need to pass Parts 3a and 3b within that period or you'll need to take the theory tests again.
What happens in the Part 3a off-road test?
The first practical stage is known as Part 3a.
For a Category C1 or Category C licence without a trailer, this involves completing an S-shaped reverse into a marked bay.
The test takes place away from public roads and lasts up to 30 minutes.
During the exercise, you need to demonstrate safe control of the vehicle, including your:
- steering;
- observations;
- positioning; and
- overall control.
You'll need to complete the manoeuvre within the marked area and position the vehicle correctly.
If you're taking a test with a trailer, Part 3a also includes demonstrating the uncoupling and recoupling procedure.
Can I correct the vehicle during the reversing test?
Don't assume that making a correction automatically means you've failed.
Safe control is more important than trying to rescue a poor position by rushing.
Your instructor should teach you what to do if your position starts to go wrong, as well as how to complete the manoeuvre correctly from the start.
Common Part 3a reversing-test mistakes
Problems can include:
- crossing a boundary;
- hitting a cone;
- steering too early or too late;
- moving too quickly;
- failing to make sufficient observations; and
- continuing with a poor approach rather than correcting it.
The aim isn't simply to memorise a sequence of steering movements. You need to remain aware of where the vehicle actually is throughout the manoeuvre.
How should I prepare for the Part 3a reversing test?
Your instructor will normally teach you reference points to help you judge when to steer.
During practice:
- keep the vehicle moving slowly;
- use both mirrors;
- maintain observations around the vehicle;
- make controlled steering adjustments;
- learn what to do if your position goes wrong; and
- practise recovering from imperfect attempts rather than only repeating successful ones.
Reference points are useful, but don't rely on them without checking the vehicle's actual position in your mirrors.
Once you pass Part 3a, you must pass Part 3b within six months. If you don't, you'll need to pass Part 3a again.
What happens in the Part 3b HGV driving test?
Part 3b is the on-road practical driving test.
It includes:
- vehicle-safety questions; and
- around one hour of practical road driving.
Around 10 minutes of the road drive involves independent driving.
The route can take you through a variety of normal road and traffic situations, allowing the examiner to assess whether you can safely control a large vehicle without constant help from an instructor.
What vehicle-safety questions will I be asked?
At the beginning of your Part 3b test, you'll be asked vehicle-safety questions, commonly known as “show me, tell me” questions.
The exact number and type can depend on the test you're taking. GOV.UK publishes the official list of possible questions for lorries both with and without trailers.
The questions check whether you understand important vehicle-safety procedures.
You could, for example, be asked about checking:
- doors and cargo doors;
- tyres;
- brakes;
- air leaks;
- lights and reflectors;
- vehicle condition; and
- safe loading.
Don't just memorise answers word for word. Where possible, practise carrying out the checks on the type of vehicle you'll use for your test.
This knowledge will also be useful once you're driving your own horsebox, when regular vehicle and safety checks become part of keeping it roadworthy.
What happens during the Part 3b road drive?
During the practical road drive, the examiner will assess how safely you:
- use the vehicle's controls;
- move away and stop;
- use your mirrors;
- give appropriate signals;
- position the vehicle;
- manage your speed and progress;
- approach junctions and roundabouts;
- anticipate other road users;
- deal with hazards; and
- select safe places to stop.
The test can also include moving away at an angle, uphill and downhill, as well as carrying out a controlled stop.
A large part of the assessment is showing that you can plan ahead.
Driving a C1 or Category C vehicle requires you to think about its additional length, width and weight, rather than simply driving it as though it were a larger car.
What is independent driving on the HGV test?
Around 10 minutes of Part 3b involves independent driving.
The examiner may ask you to follow road signs, directions to a destination or a series of directions.
The purpose isn't to test whether you know the local area. It's to see whether you can continue driving safely while making decisions for yourself.
Taking a wrong direction does not automatically mean you've failed.
If you go the wrong way, continue to drive safely and follow the examiner's next instruction rather than making a sudden or unsafe correction.
How is the HGV practical driving test marked?
You can pass Part 3b with:
- 12 or fewer driving faults;
- no serious faults; and
- no dangerous faults.
A serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail.
The examiner isn't expecting a completely faultless drive. A small driving fault does not necessarily mean you've failed.
They need to see that you can control the vehicle safely, make appropriate decisions, plan ahead and avoid putting yourself or other road users at risk.
What are the most common mistakes during the HGV road test?
There are several areas worth paying particular attention to during your training.
Not checking your mirrors enough
Large vehicles have significant blind spots, so regular and well-timed mirror checks are essential.
Make sure you check before:
- signalling;
- changing speed;
- changing direction;
- moving around parked vehicles;
- changing lanes; and
- turning at a junction.
The examiner also needs to be able to see that you're making the appropriate observations.
Approaching junctions too quickly
A larger vehicle needs more time and space to slow down and turn.
Leaving your braking too late can give you less time to assess a junction or roundabout properly.
Approach at a speed that gives you enough time to plan what you're going to do.
Poor road positioning
This can include:
- driving too close to the kerb;
- passing too close to parked vehicles;
- cutting across lanes on roundabouts;
- turning too tightly; or
- taking up unnecessary road space.
You need to allow for the size of your vehicle without unnecessarily affecting other road users.
Forgetting about the rear of the vehicle
When a long vehicle turns, the rear can move outwards in the opposite direction. This is often referred to as tail swing.
That means you need to be aware of cyclists, pedestrians, signs, walls and other vehicles close to the rear of your vehicle when turning.
This will become particularly important when you move from the training vehicle to your own horsebox.
Driving too slowly
Driving very slowly does not necessarily demonstrate that you're being safe.
You should make appropriate progress for the road, traffic and weather conditions.
Holding back unnecessarily or failing to make progress when it is safe to do so can also result in faults.
Reacting too late
Look well ahead for changing situations such as:
- traffic lights;
- changing speed limits;
- pedestrian crossings;
- narrowing roads;
- queues;
- cyclists and horse riders; and
- vehicles waiting at side roads.
Recognising situations early gives you more time to respond smoothly and safely.
Letting one mistake affect the rest of your test
A small mistake does not necessarily mean you've failed.
If you think you've made a mistake, continue driving safely rather than dwelling on it.
The examiner will normally only stop the test early if they believe your driving presents a danger to other people. GOV.UK specifically advises candidates to carry on after making a mistake unless the examiner stops the test.
How should I prepare for the HGV practical test?
Before taking your test, make sure you're comfortable with:
- the vehicle's controls;
- mirror routines;
- road positioning;
- junctions and large roundabouts;
- narrow roads;
- hill starts;
- choosing safe stopping places;
- the reversing exercise; and
- the possible vehicle-safety questions.
Ask your instructor to explain why you're making repeated faults rather than simply telling you that you've made them.
A mock test can also be useful. Having your instructor give you fewer prompts helps you become accustomed to making your own decisions before you take Part 3b.
What should I take to my HGV tests?
For the theory tests, you need to bring the correct driving-licence documentation. If you don't have a photocard licence, additional identification requirements apply.
If you don't bring the required documents, your test can be cancelled and you can lose the fee.
For Part 3a, you'll need an appropriate vehicle for the licence category you're testing for, your theory-test certificate and the required driving-licence documentation.
For Part 3b, you'll need the correct vehicle, your Part 3a pass certificate, your theory-test certificate and the required licence documentation. The vehicle must be in the same licence category as the one used for your Part 3a test.
In practice, your training provider will normally arrange the appropriate test vehicle and tell you exactly what you need to bring.
What happens if I fail an HGV test?
Failing one test does not mean you have to restart the entire horsebox-licence process.
If you fail either theory test, you'll receive feedback and can book another test straight away, although you must wait at least three clear working days before taking it again.
If you fail Part 3a, you can rebook, but you must leave at least 24 hours before taking the test again.
If you fail Part 3b, you can book another test straight away, but you cannot take it for another three working days, excluding the day of the failed test.
You'll normally need to pay another test fee and may also have additional training and vehicle-hire costs.
For a breakdown of test fees, course prices and potential retest costs, see our guide to horsebox HGV training costs.
How much do the HGV theory and practical tests cost?
The current standard DVSA fees are:
| Test | Standard weekday fee |
|---|---|
| Multiple-choice theory | £26 |
| Hazard perception | £11 |
| Part 3a off-road exercises | Up to £40 |
| Part 3b on-road driving | £115 |
Part 3b currently costs £141 for available evening, weekend and bank-holiday appointments.
These are the test fees themselves. They don't include practical tuition or the cost of providing an appropriate vehicle for your test.
For a fuller idea of the total amount to budget, including medicals, training and potential retests, read our horsebox HGV training cost and course-length guide.
Do I need the full Driver CPC to take these tests?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction for horsebox drivers.
GOV.UK describes the tests using terminology such as:
- Driver CPC Part 1 – theory;
- Driver CPC Part 3a – off-road exercises; and
- Driver CPC Part 3b – on-road driving.
That does not mean that everyone taking C1 or Category C needs the complete professional Driver CPC qualification.
If you're gaining C1 or Category C entitlement to drive your own horsebox for private, non-commercial purposes, you will not normally need the full Driver CPC qualification.
Drivers who do need the initial Driver CPC qualification for professional driving will additionally need:
- Part 2 – case studies; and
- Part 4 – practical demonstration.
Part 2 consists of seven case studies and has a 40/50 pass mark. Part 4 is the practical demonstration element of the professional qualification.
Whether you need these additional tests depends primarily on how the vehicle will be used, not simply whether you're taking C1 or Category C.
Our guide to Driver CPC for horsebox drivers explains the private-use exemption and the rules for professional transport, grooms, riders, trainers, farms and studs in more detail.
What happens after I pass my HGV practical test?
Once you have passed the required theory tests and Parts 3a and 3b, you can gain the C1 or Category C entitlement you've tested for.
That means you can legally drive vehicles covered by that licence category, subject to any restrictions on your licence and any other rules that apply to how the vehicle is being used.
If you're still deciding which licence category is right for your horsebox, our C1 vs Category C horsebox licence guide explains the difference between the two and why some horse owners choose to go straight to Category C.
Passing your test is also only the start of driving a horsebox safely. Before transporting horses, make sure you're familiar with your own vehicle, its weight and payload, its safety checks and how its handling differs from the vehicle you trained in.
Find HGV test preparation and training near you
The right training provider should help you prepare for each stage, identify areas that need improvement and make sure you're ready before taking your practical tests.
Use Horsemart's HGV training-centre directory to find Category C1 and Category C training near you.
If you're only just beginning the process, our step-by-step guide to getting a horsebox licence explains what you need to do before reaching the test stage.
This guide covers HGV testing in England, Scotland and Wales. Different testing arrangements apply in Northern Ireland. Test formats and requirements can change, so check the latest official guidance and speak to your training provider before booking.
