Driving Attire: What to Wear for Your HGV Test and Daily Trucking

When you’re getting behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle, your driving attire, the clothing and gear you choose to wear while operating a large vehicle. Also known as truck driver clothing, it’s not just about comfort—it’s a safety requirement. Wearing the wrong thing can cost you your test, your license, or worse, your life. It’s not about looking professional in a suit. It’s about being able to move, feel the pedals, and react fast when something goes wrong.

Examiners don’t care if you’re dressed like a CEO. They care if your shoes slip off the brake, if your jacket gets caught on the gear stick, or if your hoodie blocks your view of the mirrors. HGV driving clothes, specific garments designed for commercial vehicle operators to ensure mobility, visibility, and safety. That means flat-soled, non-slip shoes—no boots with thick heels, no flip-flops. No loose sleeves or long coats that can snag on controls. Your pants should fit snugly, not baggy. And if you’re wearing a high-vis vest? Good. But only if it’s the right one—bright yellow or orange, not faded or covered in dirt.

Driving test outfit, the specific clothing choices that meet UK HGV examiner standards for safety and functionality. This isn’t a fashion show. It’s a practical test. You need to climb into a cab, reach for levers, check blind spots, and shift gears without restriction. If your jacket has a stiff collar that stops you from turning your head, you’ll fail. If your gloves are too thick to feel the clutch, you’ll fail. If your jeans are so tight you can’t sit properly? You’ll fail. It’s that simple.

And it’s not just for the test. Every day you’re on the road, your trucker clothing, practical wear used by professional HGV drivers for safety, durability, and comfort during long hauls. matters. Rain? You need waterproof layers that don’t restrict movement. Cold? Insulated but not bulky. Hot? Breathable fabric that wicks sweat. You’re not just driving—you’re working. Your clothes are part of your equipment, like your mirrors or your air brakes.

Some drivers think they can wear whatever they want because they’ve been driving for years. But one bad day—when your sleeve catches on the handbrake, or your shoes slide off the pedal—can change everything. The rules are clear. The consequences are real. And the right attire? It’s not optional. It’s the first thing you control before you even turn the key.

Below, you’ll find real advice from drivers who’ve passed—and failed—because of what they wore. You’ll see what examiners actually look for, what gear works in winter and summer, and how to pick clothes that help you drive better, not worse. No fluff. Just what you need to know to stay safe, pass your test, and show up on the job ready to drive.