The process by which you obtain an LGV/HGV licence is complex and time-consuming, but the bother has an excellent goal: to ensure that HGV drivers are as well-trained and experienced as possible when they get on the road. The skillset required for driving an HGV demands a combination of focus, planning, and professionalism. Your instructor will direct you to the final, practical portion of the HGV driving test after you have completed training for your Class-2 CAT C licence, your CAT C1 licence, and Class-1 CAT C+E.
Test Tips
The following tips on handling your practical test will help you secure a good result. They’re also phrased to emphasise how important the mandatory LGV & HGV driver licence training process really is in your pursuit of this goal. You’ve learned more than you thought by the time you’re ready for test day!
- Start your practical test by going through all the fundamentals of entering the vehicle. Check the condition of your controls, adjust all of your mirrors, and put on your seatbelt. Getting off to a professional start helps make a good first impression on your assessor.
- Do everything you can to ensure you are in tip-top physical condition on the day of your test. A regular fitness routine will ensure you have the strength and energy required. You should aim to get a good night’s sleep before your test.
- After all of your training experience, you should be intimately familiar with which clothes are suitable and unsuitable for HGV driving. Wear an outfit that allows you to be comfortable and concentrate on your driving.
- As you learned in training, you need to minimise your number of distractions and maximise your concentration while driving an HGV. Switch off your mobile phone and any other electronic devices while taking your practical test.
- After your classes, you should be thoroughly familiar with the regulations that apply to you while driving an HGV. Keep your vehicle in the proper lanes and always obey the speed limit.
- Remember everything you’ve learned about the time and space a heavy vehicle like an HGV needs to stop safely. Remember that your pressure brakes have to be applied gradually. Plan out your stops and parking as far in advance as possible while taking your test.
- Before your test, find out all you can about the area where HGV tests are conducted. Spend as much time as possible familiarising yourself with the general area.
- A small but significant point: remember what you learned about entering and exiting a lorry safely early on in your training during HGV courses. Use the handrails, maintain three points of contact at all times, and always face forward.
Final Thoughts
With all of the LGV/HGV training you’ve done, you have all the expertise you need to drive, manoeuvre, and park your vehicle during your practical test. Do not dwell on consequences if you happen to make a mistake during the test; move on to the next driving task and concentrate on doing it to the best of your ability. With a combination of effective training and personal dedication, you’ll have no difficulty clearing the test and getting your long-awaited HGV licence.