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The LGV/HGV driving test: helping you pass first time!

Preparation is everything when it comes to taking your LGV driving test. So now you’ve completed pre-tuition, it’s time to book and take your test!

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We aim to ensure your training is carried out by the same instructor and in the same vehicle. We are only 15 minutes from the Test Centre so all your training is carried out in the test environment at test times and no time is wasted getting to the area!

  

Feel free to give us a call to speak to a member of our experienced team in person.

Stage 4 – Practical training and tests

The LGV/HGV test has been split into 2 separate parts, the reverse and the practical driving test.

MODULE 3a

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The Reverse Test - 30 minutes.

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The test is carried out at our approved manoeuvring area by one of our Approved 3A assessors.

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  • The reversing exercise

  • The uncoupling and coupling exercise if you are taking a test with a trailer

The reversing exercise:

  • This exercise is usually, but not always carried out at the start of your test

  • It is very easy to get the reversing exercise wrong if you don’t prepare for it properly

  • To demonstrate your control during the reverse manoeuvre you should proceed at a slow speed but not excessively slow

  • Although you may stop to reposition the vehicle, “shunting” it should be kept to a minimum (you are only allowed 2 shunts)

  •  Aim for smooth accurate steering

  • You must keep within the marked areas and keep up good all-round observation at all times (mirrors, mirrors, mirrors)
     

MODULE 3b

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Practical Driving Test -60 Minute.

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Carried out by a qualified DVSA examiner usually from the Bredbury Test Centre.

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You’ll be:

  • Given directions clearly and in good time

  • Asked to carry out a free drive

  • Asked to carry out set exercises

Lorry on road

Road driving (stage 4 continued)

Road Driving Exercise:

  • You will be asked to leave the test station and follow the road ahead unless told to do otherwise

  • The test is officially 60 minutes long, although this time may vary slightly

  • When leaving the test centre, be very careful to assess the geography of the road and oncoming traffic to ensure you correctly enter the road ahead

  • Listen carefully to all the instructions given by your examiner

  • Relax; give the examiner a good, smooth and confident drive

  • Over emphasise your head movement when looking in your mirrors (make sure you see what is there), so the examiner can clearly see you doing so.

  • From this point the examiner will expect you to understand and to act accordingly to any traffic signs you encounter: speed limit, lane directions, bus lanes etc.

  • Be aware of any height, weight and width restrictions that prohibit your vehicle from accessing that route

  • This is extremely important when you are performing your free drive and choosing your own route

  • The free drive:

  • Your examiner will ask you to pull over safely on the left

  • He will then discuss the free drive with instructions as to the direction he wants you to take i.e. a particular place. He will probably show you a route that he would like you to follow, however, even if you leave the expected route, as long as all driving procedures and traffic signs are followed correctly you will not be marked down.

What the examiner looks for (stage 4 continued)

The examiner will be looking to see you display the following abilities:

  • Enter and exit the vehicle safely

  • Stop the vehicle safely

  • Move off safely and smoothly

  • Move off up hill

  • Move off down hill

  • Move off at an angle

  • Make reasonable progress

You will also need to show that you can safely:

  • Meet other vehicles

  • Overtake

  • Cross the path of other vehicles

  • Keep a safe separation distance

  • Negotiate various types of roundabout

  • Exercise correct lane discipline

  • Control speed

You must display courtesy and consideration to other road users:

  • Pedestrians

  • Riders on horseback

  • Cyclists

  • Motor cyclists

lorry cab

You must apply the correct procedure at:

  • Pedestrian crossings

  • Traffic signs and signals

  • Road junctions

You will also need to show:

  • Use of controls

  • Proper use of mirrors

  • Signals

  • Care in the use of speed

  • Turning right and left at intersections

  • Overtaking, meeting or crossing the path of other vehicles

As the regulations are constantly under review and may change at short notice, or if you have any questions regarding the HGV driving test, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.

Lorry with dark background

Stage 5 – Driver Qualification Card -CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence

The final stage is the practical demonstration test Module 4.

  • The training is carried out around a vehicle in or yard

  • Learning and practicing the correct use of the load restraints

  • Practicing the demonstration aspects of the test around the vehicle

  • The test is 30 minutes long and is held by one of our qualified assessors

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Do you want to take your LGV/HGV driving test? Contact our expert tutors at Stockport HGV Training Centre Ltd in Stockport. We can also give advice on pre-tuition and courses.

0161 480 7551

hgv@stockporthgv.co.uk

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