Road Test Mistakes That Can Cost You Your HGV License

You're gearing up for the HGV road test, and the pressure is real. One slip and the examiner can hand you a fail. The good news? Most of the errors that lead to a fail are simple and easy to fix. In this guide we’ll point out the biggest pitfalls and give you clear steps to dodge them.

The Most Common Faults

1. Not checking mirrors regularly. Examiners watch for a glance every 5‑7 seconds. Forgetting to scan the left, right, and rear mirrors makes you look unsafe and can raise a serious fault.

2. Poor positioning in the lane. Cutting the centre line or hugging the curb shows a lack of control. Keep the vehicle centred and leave enough room for other road users.

3. Inadequate speed control. Going too fast for a bend, or dragging through a stop sign, are instant red flags. Adjust your speed to match the road, the weather, and the vehicle’s length.

4. Missed or late signals. Forgetting to signal before a turn or lane change is a classic mistake. Signal early, keep the indicator on until the maneuver is complete, and then cancel it.

5. Ignoring hazardous road conditions. Wet roads, strong winds, or low visibility demand a slower, more cautious approach. If you treat a sunny day like a storm, the examiner will notice.

How to Fix Them Before Test Day

Start with a focused practice routine. Pick one fault at a time and make it a habit. For mirrors, set a timer on your phone and make a habit of checking every 6 seconds. Record yourself on a dash‑cam or ask a friend to watch and note when you miss a glance.

Lane positioning improves with visual markers. Use the road’s edge lines or the side of the vehicle as a reference. Practise straight‑line runs in a quiet car park and then move to quiet roads before tackling busy traffic.

Speed control is all about anticipation. Before you hit a bend, look ahead, decide on a safe speed, and brake gently. Practice ‘coasting’ into corners – it feels smoother and keeps the load stable.

Signals become second nature when you speak them out loud while you’re driving. Say, “I’m signaling left for the turn,” and then do it. The extra vocal cue helps lock the action into muscle memory.

Finally, train for the weather you’ll face. If rain is likely on test day, schedule a practice session in drizzle. Learn how the HGV’s brakes react on wet pavement and adjust your following distance.

Remember, the examiner isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for safe, consistent driving. By eliminating these common road test mistakes, you’ll show that you can handle a heavy vehicle responsibly, and you’ll walk away with a pass.

Ready to put the tips into action? Grab your logbook, set up a practice plan, and aim to eliminate one fault each week. When the day arrives, you’ll feel confident, calm, and in control – exactly what the examiner wants to see.