The HGV practical tests

By the end of this topic you can

• You can describe the off-road exercises, including the S-shaped reverse.
• You can explain the coupling and uncoupling exercise for trailer tests.
• You can describe what the examiner looks for on the 1-hour road test.
• You can explain the pass standard for the road test and the Part 4 demonstration.
• You can plan the tests in the right order and within the time limits.

What you need to know and understand

• You must pass the Part 1 theory test before booking the off-road test.
• The off-road test (Part 3a) lasts up to 30 minutes and includes an S-shaped reverse into a bay.
• Tests with a trailer, such as C+E, also include uncoupling and recoupling the trailer.
• You must pass the on-road test (Part 3b) within 6 months of getting your Part 3a certificate, or take Part 3a again.
• The on-road test lasts about 1 hour and includes 10 minutes of independent driving.
• To pass the on-road test you need 12 or fewer driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
• The Part 4 practical demonstration has 5 topics marked out of 20. You need at least 15 in each and at least 80 out of 100 overall.

Part 3a: the off-road exercises

This takes place in a test centre yard, off the public road. You bring a vehicle of the category you are testing for, so a C+E test needs an articulated lorry or a drawbar combination, as your trainer arranges.

The main exercise is an S-shaped reverse into a marked bay. You must reverse accurately, using mirrors, keeping within the marked area and stopping with the rear of the vehicle in the right place. For trailer tests, you then show the uncoupling and recoupling procedure safely and in a sensible order. If you make a mistake you can carry on; the examiner only stops the test if you are a danger. If you fail, you can rebook after at least 24 hours.

Part 3b: an hour on the road

The road test checks that you can drive a large vehicle safely in real traffic. It also includes vehicle safety questions about checks such as brakes, lights, tyres, fluid levels and the load, using DVSA lists for vehicles with and without a trailer.

• Using the controls smoothly
• Moving off at an angle, uphill and downhill
• Making a controlled stop
• Using mirrors and giving signals
• Awareness and anticipation of other road users
• Managing progress and speed
• Dealing with hazards
• Choosing a safe place to stop
• 10 minutes of independent driving

Part 4: showing you can do the job safely

Professional drivers also take the practical demonstration test. It is not about driving; it checks that you can keep yourself, your vehicle and your load safe. You are assessed on five topics, each marked out of 20.

• Loading the vehicle safely and keeping the load secure
• Recognising and preventing people trafficking
• Handling emergency situations
• Reducing physical risks to yourself and others
• Doing a walk-round vehicle safety check

Putting the tests in order

In Northern Ireland, lorry tests are run by DVA, which also carries out vehicle testing there, as the site's guide to MOT tests in Northern Ireland explains. Check DVA guidance for the NI test format.

1. Pass both parts of the theory test (and the case studies test if driving will be your job).
2. Train and pass Part 3a, the off-road exercises.
3. Pass Part 3b, the road test, within 6 months of your Part 3a pass.
4. Pass Part 4 while your case studies pass is still valid, if you need the full Driver CPC.

Common mistakes

• Rushing the S-shaped reverse. Go slowly, use both mirrors, and stop to check if unsure.
• Coupling steps out of order. Practise until the sequence is automatic, including the final checks.
• Poor mirror use before signalling or changing lanes. Examiners expect constant mirror checks in a large vehicle.
• Cutting corners on left turns. Position to allow for the swept path and check the nearside mirror.
• Letting the 6-month gap between Part 3a and 3b run out.

Test yourself: The HGV practical tests

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• MOT in Northern Ireland