Tips To Help You Pass Your HGV Driving Test

Your HGV driving test can be daunting but once you have achieved this, you have unlocked the door to your new career. There are many different aspects of HGV driving you need to understand in order to complete your test, and naturally this can be overwhelming. So, to get you started, here are our top tips and advice to help you successfully pass your HGV driving test.

What is the practical test?

The practical test is stage 3 of the driver CPC. Stage 1 is your multiple choice and hazard perception exam, whilst stage 2 is an online test made up of case studies, you are required to answer multiple choice questions regarding each situation to the best of your ability.

Only once you have completed stage 1 and 2, will you be eligible for stage 3 of the overall process.

During the HGV driving test, you will be assessed on the following skills:

• Using the controls of the vehicle
• Pulling off at an angle, both uphill and downhill
• Doing a controlled, or emergency stop
• Using your mirrors
• Giving the appropriate signals
• Managing hazards effectively
• Awareness
• Anticipation
• Speed management
• Road position
• Identifying safe and legal places to pull over
• Coupling and uncoupling a trailer (only applicable if completing the test with a trailer)
• S-shaped reverse parking
• Reversing and parking

Before the test

Choose a reputable training provider

Right at the very beginning of becoming a truck driver, you need to choose a reputable driving instructor. You should read their reviews to see how previous students have rated their experience with the instructor.

Furthermore, you should just book a singular lesson before booking a block of lessons as this way you can ensure the instructor is a right fit for you. Once you know this, you will be happier to commit to more lessons.

Make sure to practice

If you want to pass the test and gain your HGV licence, you must practise and continue to do so. Identify your weaknesses and continue to work on these until you are satisfied that you can complete these to the level required to pass. Do not perfect a manoeuvre that you are already satisfied with, this wastes valuable time. Do not focus on your strengths as this wastes valuable time.

In addition, you should also familiarise yourself with test routes and the layout of the road so you can prepare in advance for any potential issues you may face whilst on the test. Make mental notes of tricky junctions or where important road signs are so you are completely aware of your surroundings.

You should also know how to complete comprehensive vehicle safety checks before driving, Learn the correct procedures for inspecting brakes, lights, tyres and other essential components. Demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road.

Develop defensive driving techniques

Defensive driving is vital for HGV drivers. You need to be able to anticipate and respond to potential hazards, maintain safe following distances and adapt to different road conditions. Practicing defensive driving will not only help you pass the test, but also ensure long-term driving safety.

Get plenty of Sleep

The night before your HGV driving test is the time to rest, not practice. You should try and ensure that you get an undisturbed night’s sleep so you are awake and alert during the test, appearing tired or not fit to drive could even lead to your test being cancelled.

Take time away from phones and electronic devices and have a stress-free evening to ensure everything goes smoothly in preparation for the next day, last minute stress can be the difference between passing and failing.

Ensure you’re dressed in something comfortable

On the morning of your test, pick the clothes that are the most comfortable and the footwear that is the most suitable for driving. Your test could be cancelled if the examiner deems that your footwear isn’t safe for use in a vehicle.

Avoid clothes that are irritating or restrict your movement as these could easily frustrate you and lead to you missing a vital part of your assessment as you are distracted.

Be prepared

Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your time slot, so you can get registered and calm your nerves, arriving late or close to your test time may lead to unnecessary stress which can heighten your nerves.

It is critical you remember the required documentation and have this available so you can present this when required, without this you may not be able to complete the driving test.

Once you have arrived at your chosen test centre, switch off your mobile phone so this doesn’t distract you, or even leave it with your instructor at the test centre so it can cause no bother during your practical test.

Remain positive and confident

Although you will be nervous, you need to control these nerves and still remain positive and confident in your own ability. You have already reached a certain standard of driving to be eligible for the test, so believe in yourself and be confident in your decisions.

Before the test, have a chat with your instructor as they will be rooting for you to unlock your potential and can offer words of advice and any last things to look out for, so you are as prepared as possible.

During the test

Get rid of distractions

You can keep your phone with you during the test but you should ensure this is switched off, or at least on silence. If the examiner picks up on any distractions, you can fail.

Additional distractions can also be other items in your pocket that cause discomfort when sat down driving such as a wallet or loose change.

Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors

Similar to the practical driving test for regular cars, you must check your mirrors and make it clear for the examiner that you are doing so. It is recommended to check your mirrors every 10-20 seconds; however, this does depend on your surroundings.

Although you may not need to check your mirrors when on a straight road, you must always check these during turns, manoeuvres, pulling away and braking. Failure to do so, could lead to an immediate failure.

Implement defensive driving

During the driving test, implement the defensive driving skills you have learnt with your instructor as this will show to the examiner that you are worthy of a HGV licence. Anticipate and plan ahead whilst driving to ensure that you are analysing and minimising every potential risk.

Always maintain a safe following distance and if you’re driving in adverse weather conditions, increase the following distance to allow for your vehicle to come to a complete stop.

Always communicate with other road users by indicating when you’re planning on changing lane or direction regardless of the number of road users.

Check blind spots

All types of trucks and HGV’s have blind spots, and you must be aware of these when deciding to change lanes, turn or reverse as you are a big threat to other road users, especially cyclists who can be very difficult to see.

Anticipate and look ahead

When you’re driving, you are taught to expect the unexpected. Scan the road and anticipate what other road users could do and how this can impact your driving. Doing this will ensure that you are aware of your speed, braking and overall road position which can help reduce the risk of accumulating minors, or even majors on your test.

Don’t panic!

If you make a mistake, this is normal, it is highly important that you correct yourself within good time and don’t repeat the mistake, otherwise this can impact the likelihood of you passing your practical test.

You can make up to 15 minor faults on your practical test, so you can make 15 different errors as long as they aren’t significant or put other road users at risk otherwise this is classed as a major fault and an immediate failure.

Once a mistake has happened, stay calm and think about the best way to correct this without worsening the situation. Think clearly and remember what you have been taught, do not make a rash decision otherwise this could cause the examiner to step in, leading to you to fail your test.

Be smooth

When driving, especially on your test you need to give a good example of yourself. Ensure that gear and lane changes are smooth, this showcases your expertise in operating a HGV and may even lead to some recognition from the examiner. Stalling or rough gear changes, although not a minor fault, may heighten your nerves and also have the same effect on the examiner.

Manage your speed

The last thing you want to do during a practical HGV driving test is speed. Always check the roads for the limit and do not exceed this or get too close to the set limit. For example, if the speed limit is 30 mph, aiming for 28 mph helps you guarantee that you are not at risk of breaking the law, or driving too slowly which impacts other road users.

After the test

Once you have successfully passed your HGV driving test, you will have to hand in your provisional licence to the examiner as this is no longer valid.

When you hand your provisional licence in, ensure the address on the licence is correct as this is the address where your HGV driving licence will be sent, you should also receive your CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) card and this ensures that you are up to the latest driving safety standards.

Additionally, you will now be eligible to apply for your tachograph card. A tachograph card is used to record driver activity, including driving time, breaks and rest periods. The cards are essential to ensure that drivers comply with both EU and GB domestic regulations on drivers hours.

You can apply for a tachograph card online here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-driver-digital-tachograph-card

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