Road Skills Test – How to Pass Your HGV Practical Exam

If you’re eyeing a Class 1 HGV licence, the road skills test is the biggest hurdle. It’s not just about knowing the rules; it’s about showing you can handle a big rig safely on real streets. Below you’ll find straight‑forward tips that work, real‑world advice, and the common slip‑ups that knock people out.

What the Road Skills Test Actually Tests

The examiner watches you drive a heavy goods vehicle through a set route. They look at:

• Positioning: keeping the truck centred and respecting lane markings.
• Observation: checking mirrors, blind spots and road signs before every move.
• Control: smooth steering, braking and gear changes – no jerky stops.
• Decision‑making: picking the right speed, lane and when to overtake.
• Safety checks: an eye‑quick pre‑drive walk‑around for lights, tyres and load security.

Fail one of these and you’ll pick up a fault. Three major faults and it’s a fail, so aim for clean execution.

How to Prepare – Practical Steps

1. Get familiar with the vehicle. Spend at least ten hours behind the wheel of the same make you’ll use on test day. Focus on blind‑spot mirrors and the clutch‑brake feel – they’re different from a car.

2. Master the route. Your training centre will give you a typical test circuit. Drive it repeatedly until you can picture each turn without looking at the map.

3. Record your runs. Use a dash cam or a buddy with a phone to film a full practice. Review it to spot where you brake hard or drift off centre.

4. Practice emergency stops. Find a safe, empty stretch and pull the handbrake while keeping the rig straight. The examiner will watch for wheel lock‑up and control.

5. Do mock checks. Before each practice, do the 10‑point walk‑around: lights, tyre pressure, load tie‑down, mirrors, fuel level and any leaks.

Mix these drills with real‑road conditions – rain, night driving and busy junctions. The more variety you face, the calmer you’ll feel on the actual day.

Day‑Of Tips – Stay in Control

Show up early, give yourself 20 minutes to walk around the rig and settle any nerves. A quick deep‑breath routine works better than caffeine spikes.

When the examiner hands you the route sheet, read it once, then put it away. Trust the muscle memory you built during practice.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan ahead, then check mirrors and blind spots before you change lanes or turn. If you’re unsure, a gentle correction is better than a sudden swerve.

Don’t chase a perfect score – aim for safe, consistent driving. Examiners appreciate a steady approach more than a flashy finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing the start – take a few seconds to set the gear and check mirrors.
• Late mirror checks – always glance before any manoeuvre.
• Hard braking – use progressive pressure to keep the load stable.
• Skipping the walk‑around – a missed light or tyre issue is a instant fault.
• Getting distracted by the examiner – keep conversation brief and focus on the road.

Fix these early and you’ll dramatically cut down on faults.

Passing the road skills test isn’t magic; it’s preparation, repetition and a calm mindset. Follow the steps above, treat each practice as the real thing, and you’ll walk into the test centre confident you can handle a big rig safely. Good luck – you’ve got this!