Understanding Your Practical Test Result – A Quick HGV Guide

Got your practical test result and not sure what it really says? You’re not alone. Whether you passed with flying colours or walked away with a list of faults, the result sheet holds the clues you need to improve. In this guide we break down the key parts of the result, explain what each fault means and give you clear actions to raise your score next time.

What the result actually tells you

The DVSA result sheet uses three simple categories: Pass, Fail and Pass with minor faults. A pass means you met every safety standard – congratulations! A fail means you committed a major fault. Major faults are things that could cause a serious accident, like not checking blind spots before a lane change or stopping too close to a junction. Minor faults are smaller slips – missing a mirror check or pulling the hand‑brake a second too early. If you have three or more minor faults, you’ll also fail.

Each fault is listed with a brief description and a code. Those codes are the same across the UK, so you can look them up on the DVSA website for extra detail. Knowing the exact code helps you focus your practice on the right skill, instead of guessing what went wrong.

How to turn a failing result into a passing one

First, zero in on the major faults. If you missed a blind‑spot check, practice that specific manoeuvre on a quiet road. Set a timer, do it ten times, and only move on when you can do it without thinking. Repetition builds muscle memory and reduces the chance of a slip during the real test.

Next, tackle minor faults. Keep a notebook of each minor error you receive – for example, “failed to use the correct gear on a hill”. Write down the situation, what you did, and what you should have done. Review the notes before each lesson and ask your instructor to recreate those scenarios.

Third, work on overall confidence. Many learners freeze because they’re nervous about the result itself. Try mock tests with a friend or a qualified instructor who can give you honest feedback without the pressure of an official examiner. The more you expose yourself to the test environment, the less the result will feel like a mystery.

Finally, plan a realistic timeline. If you failed, give yourself at least two weeks of focused practice before booking a retest. Use that time to fix each fault, not just to rack up mileage. A targeted approach saves money and reduces frustration.

Remember, a practical test result is a snapshot, not a verdict on your ability to become a safe HGV driver. Use the feedback, practice the specific skills, and you’ll see the result improve on the next attempt.