Where to Take Your HGV Theory Test in Kent

Lorry and bus learners sit their theory tests at the same centres as car drivers, and there are four of them in Kent: Chatham, Canterbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells and New Romney. There is no theory test centre in Maidstone, so most Maidstone learners use Chatham. This guide shows which centre is nearest to you, what each part of the test involves and costs, and how to fit it around your training.

The four theory test centres in Kent

These are the Kent centres listed on the GOV.UK theory test centre finder (checked October 2026):

• Chatham: 14-16 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4EP
• Canterbury: Suite E, The Clock Tower Building, Canterbury Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2LE
• Royal Tunbridge Wells: Foundation House, Coach and Horses Passage, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5NP
• New Romney: St Mary's Bay Village Hall, 15 Jefferstone Lane, Romney Marsh, TN29 0SW

Just over the border, Sidcup (Ground Floor, Nexus House, 2 Cray Road, DA14 5DA) is often the closest option from Dartford and Swanley. Centres do occasionally move, so always confirm the address on your booking confirmation.

Which centre is nearest to you

Based on driving times from each town centre:

• Chatham: Sittingbourne, Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppey, Maidstone, Chatham, Rochester and Strood, Gillingham and Gravesend.
• Canterbury: Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable and Herne Bay, Margate, Ramsgate and the rest of Thanet, Sandwich, and Dover and Deal.
• New Romney: Ashford, Tenterden and Folkestone. From Folkestone, Canterbury takes about the same time.
• Royal Tunbridge Wells: Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.
• Sidcup: Dartford and Swanley. Chatham also works well from Dartford.

Our training centre is at Sittingbourne Logistics Park, so if you are training with us, Chatham is the closest centre to the yard at around 25 minutes.

What the lorry and bus theory test involves

The theory test is Part 1 of becoming a lorry or bus driver. It has two parts, which you book separately. You can take them on the same day and in either order.

• Multiple choice: 100 questions in 1 hour 55 minutes. The pass mark is 85 out of 100.
• Hazard perception: 19 video clips, each with at least one developing hazard. You score up to 5 points per hazard by clicking as it starts to develop. The pass mark is 67 out of 100.

If you are going to drive for a living, you also need the Driver CPC Part 2 case studies test. It is 7 case studies with 50 questions in total, in 1 hour 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50. It is taken at the same theory test centres, and you do not need to have passed Part 1 before you book it. Our case studies guide explains what comes up.

What it costs

These are the DVSA fees on GOV.UK:

• Part 1 multiple choice: £26
• Part 1 hazard perception: £11
• Part 2 case studies: £23

Book through GOV.UK. Unofficial booking sites can charge more for exactly the same test. Theory fees are paid separately from your training, and our HGV licence cost guide shows the full picture.

Before you can book

You need provisional lorry or bus entitlement on your licence first. That means a D4 medical and a D2 application to DVLA. Our guides to the D4 medical and the D2 form walk you through both. As soon as the entitlement shows on your licence, you can book.

What to bring on the day

Bring your Great Britain photocard driving licence. If you only have a paper licence, bring it with a valid passport. If you have changed your name since booking, bring proof such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. Turn up with the wrong documents and the test will not go ahead, and you lose the fee.

How long a pass lasts

Your Part 1 theory certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the first part. You need to pass your practical driving tests (Parts 3a and 3b) within that time, or you have to take the theory test again. The Part 2 pass letter is also valid for 2 years, and you need to pass Part 4, the practical demonstration, within that time.

Fitting the theory test around your training

Book both parts of Part 1 on the same day at the same centre, so it is one trip. If you need Driver CPC, book Part 2 as well. Then call us with your theory date and we will plan your training days and book your practical test at Gillingham to follow on. For revision tips, read how to pass the HGV theory test first time.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a theory test centre in Maidstone?

No. The nearest centre for Maidstone is Chatham, usually around 15 to 20 minutes away.

Can I take both parts of the theory test on the same day?

Yes. They are booked separately, but you can sit them on the same day and in either order.

What happens if I fail?

You get a letter with feedback. You can rebook straight away, but you have to wait 3 clear working days before you take the test again.

Where do I take my practical test?

At the Gillingham DVSA test centre, Kent's lorry and bus test centre. You take it in one of our vehicles, after training on the roads around the test centre.

Need a hand?

We help every learner with the D4 medical, the provisional licence and the theory tests, so you are never stuck working out what comes next. Call 01795 667 008. Lines are open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. You can also see our courses and prices.