Test tips & advice

20 useful tips to help you plan for a successful practical examination.

Useful Test tips & advice to help with training and research

Once a student has completed their HGV training, it is at this stage that their driving instructor will confirm they are ready to take the HGV practical driving test (referred to as Module 3b) and talk them through the test procedure.

The HGV driving (3b) test lasts approximately 60 minutes and will include a road drive (scheduled to last 1 hour) and tell me show me questions. The LGV practical driving test is no walk in the park. It requires competence, concentration and forward planning. LGV and HGV licence acquisition is vocational aspiration and this is reflected in the driving test.

 

Here are our 20 tips to follow for a successful practical test

Test tip 1

While out on the road, remember to keep making progress safely and effectively. Ensure you know the road speed limits at all times.

Test tip 2

Keep a watchful eye on the traffic and remember a truck takes substantially longer to stop than a car. Think ahead, plan ahead and do not leave everything to the last minute.

Test tip 3

Follow your instructors advice and fix a reversing marker to the rear mud guard of the truck. This will help get the truck aligned into the designated box.

Test tip 4

It is essential to take both parts of your licence and theory test certificate to the practical driving test. No driving licence (both parts) will result in your test being terminated.

Test tip 5

Try to take a 40 to 60 minutes pre-drive before. Driving for 4 hours before your driving test will leave you exhausted and not fresh.

Test tip 6

Mirrors! Mirrors! Mirrors! Check your mirrors at all times.

Test tip 7

Remember: Gears to go – brakes to slow. Always slow down using your brakes and when appropriate select a suitable gear to proceed with the drive

Test tip 8

You wont know what the test route will be on the day, but be sure to familiarise yourself with the local test area.

Test tip 9

Remember that the braking exercise (moving away from an angled start) will be carried out on the public highway.

Test tip 10

Face forward when mounting and dismounting the truck. Make sure you use the hand rails and steps and always maintain three points of contact.

Test tip 11

Get a good nights rest on the eve of the practical test.

Test tip 12

Try to ensure the practical test is a smooth, controlled drive. After all, your Examiner is only human.

Test tip 13

Be prepared to slow down and stop your vehicle when meeting oncoming large vehicles.

Test tip 14

A pre-use vehicle check before the practical test not only ensures the vehicle is safe to use, but can also acts as preparation for the tell me, show me questions the examiner may ask.

Test tip 15

Taking your seat belt off just prior to carrying out the reversing exercise may make the manoeuvre easier. Remember to fasten your seat belt immediately after the exercise is complete.

Test tip 16

When moving off from a stationary position, always check your mirrors and blind spot.

Test tip 17

On the day of your test, wear comfortable and sensible clothing and footwear.

Test tip 18

You can still pass your practical test with up to 15 minor faults. In the event of a mistake, simply move on and do not dwell on it.

Test tip 19

You can take up to 2 shunts for the reversing exercise if required. You are permitted to get out of the vehicle once, so make good use of the shunt to ensure the rear of the truck is in place.

Test tip 20

Remember to switch off your mobile phone and other personal distractions.

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