How do I PASS my LGV test?
What is an LGV lorry test?
First things first, LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle, In the industry this is another way of grouping all of the lorry categories (C1 7.5t, Category C is Class 2 and Category CE is Class 1) This is exactly the same scenario with ‘HGV’ which stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle. So, don’t panic there is no difference between a ‘lorry test’ and an ‘LGV test’. Only one test is needed when going for your chosen vehicle category.
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How long is an LGV lorry test?
The whole LGV lorry test will take no longer than 1 hour & 10 Minutes. Within that time, you will answer approximately 5 show me tell me questions, and then the on-road drive. Within the drive, there will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.
What are the chances of passing your driving test the first time?
The LGV pass rate for the UK in 2018/2019 was 58.9%. Remember though this is a total of all tests taken. If there are drivers out there that failed 5 times before passing on the 6th test then that will contribute to these figures and bring the pass rate down. 10 years ago in 2008/2009, the LGV pass rate was nearly 10% lower at 49% for the year!
But the answer to this question is …. Everyone is different. Generally, if you listen to your LGV instructor, absorb their tuition and work hard there is no reason why you don’t have a great chance of passing your lorry test the first time!
What is the pass mark for the lorry test?
Unlike the LGV theory tests (Multiple choice, Hazard Perception and CPC case study) there is no minimum pass mark. For example, in the Multiple choice theory test, you have to achieve at least 85/100. It works differently for the practical test. If you gather any more than 11 driving faults, also known as minors, you will be unsuccessful. Also, if the driving examiner deems any of your driving manoeuvres to be serious or dangerous – only one of these occurrences will result in a failed test. A simple example of this would be pulling out of a roundabout/junction causing another motorist to either stop, slow down or change direction.
How much is an LGV Lorry test?
The cost of a lorry test will vary from company to company and sometimes what area of the UK you take your test in. Some training providers will include training before the test and others won’t so make sure you know what is included within a test, or a retest fee!
What preparation will help me with my driving test?
Get a good night's sleep the night before. You want to be fully rested with lots of energy on your test day.
Stay hydrated. If you are dehydrated it can massively affect your ability to concentrate. Make sure you have drunk enough water or other suitable drink prior to the test. You can also take a bottle of water with you for the test.
DON’T FORGET YOUR DRIVING LICENCE, 3A PASS CERTIFICATE AND THEORY TEST PAPERWORK. Sounds simple but lots of people forget. Pack your bag the night or day before and know exactly where it is leading up to your LGV test. No licence = no test!
What will the examiner be like on my LGV lorry test?
The DVSA examiners are not there to fail you nor do they need to see the perfect drive to pass you. They are humans like the rest of us and their job is to make sure you drive the lorry safely in a calm and controlled manner.
The examiner may see you’re nervous and engage in conversation to try and keep you calm so you can do your best. But they may say absolutely NOTHING! This is not a bad thing – don’t take it personally either way. They are there to do their job and you do yours passing the test.
Examiners now have Ipads that they record all faults on. Some may still have a classic DL25 paper sheet but either way, don’t be disheartened if you see them make a note of something from your drive. On the reverse of this, don’t get overconfident if they don’t seem to have marked anything – some examiners remember what has happened and mark it towards the end of the test.
EXAMINERS DO NOT MIND IF YOU ASK AGAIN FOR INSTRUCTION. Very important point. If you haven’t heard clearly where they would like you to go, then ask again. They would much prefer this to going the wrong way and navigating you back onto the route.
Mindset on a driving test
Be confident!
A positive mental attitude can account for an awful lot in testing scenarios. Thinking positively is going to put you in a much better frame of mind to pass than thinking ‘I’m going to fail’. Be confident in what you have been taught and if at the end of the test, you know you did your very best then you are much more likely to get that desired LGV licence!
Pressure
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Yes, it is important. Yes, you want to pass. But if you don’t, the sun will still come out tomorrow! A retest is not the end of the world. Come back with the experience from this test and the feedback from the examiner at the end of what you can improve on and get it right next time.
Mistakes
If you make a mistake on your lorry test, let it go straight away. Quite often what you think you may have just failed to do is not a fail at all! Keep driving to your high standard. If you keep worrying about mistakes you think you’ve made then you are far more likely to make more as you continue on the drive.
What if I go the wrong way on my driving test?
As long as you have done so safely with the correct signalling then that will not constitute a serious fault. The examiner will adapt the route to get you back on the right path. It is when you know you are in the wrong lane and do something crazy to get where you should be that it becomes a problem! Going the wrong way? Stick with it safely.
Prepare for the HGV Show Me / Tell Me Questions.
At the start of you HGV driving test you will be asked up to 5 show me / tell me questions, make sure you are well prepared for these and know the answers to each question.
In summary
Good preparation is vital on a test
The Examiner is not there to fail you and wants you to do your best
Be positive going into the test
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and the result
Concentrate from start to finish
Don’t worry if you make mistakes
Trust your LGV instructor
Why should I choose Craig Baker for my LGV Driver Training Courses?
We have an excellent reputation with over 250+ 5-star reviews on Google and a further 200+ on Facebook. We are the UK's leading HGV training specialists We take pride in our job. We have a modern fleet of vehicles and we constantly invest in our facilities and staff meaning you get the best service possible, If you would like to know how to pass your HGV test book online today or call our sales team on 01942 741 310.
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