So you’re about to take your HGV theory test. Congratulations! Learning to drive an HGV takes a lot of skill, hard work and a practical and theory qualification. For some people, just reading the words ‘theory test’ is enough to break them out in a cold sweat. Horrible memories of sitting exams at school, walking into strange test centres at 17 and taking your very first theory test – it’s enough to start you shaking with nerves all over again! But don’t worry, your HGV theory test doesn’t have to be like that. And if you’re preparing to take your HGV test, we have a few tips for you.
One of the worst things about walking into a test is not knowing what you will face there. This means you need to know and understand what the theory test involves so that you’re ready to take it. To give you a brief explanation, your HGV theory will include 100 multiple choice questions, covering all aspects of the safe operation of an HGV. There will also be a hazard perception section that includes a written element, as well as 19 videos for you to watch, each with 20 potential hazards for you to spot. These videos also come with 100 multiple choice questions. Now if you were to walk into the test without knowing that, you might panic. But if you go in knowing what to expect, you can approach the text calmly and in the right headspace.
This is the same advice you were probably given when you went to your first theory test – and that’s to practice, practice, practice. There are plenty of resources out there to help you practice your theory test before you take the real thing, and we advise you do as many as you can. This helps show you gaps in your knowledge that you need to fill before the test. It will also help you get familiar with the format, put you into the right mindset, and give you a good feeling for how well you might do.
The hazard perception is the section that trips most people up, mainly because you have to identify 380 hazards, spread over 19 videos, some of which are difficult to distinguish between normal activity and actual dangerous behaviour. If you identify the wrong thing as a hazard, then you could lose points and risk failing the test. The only way to tackle this challenge is to practice, using online practice tests and our expert trainers. This way, you can make sure you’re in the right mindset for the test, and learn from your mistakes before the test.
And of course, you can always ask for help! At The LGV Training Centre, we have a team of specialist trainers on hand to help support and guide you through your theory test. From telling you what it’s about, walking you through the format, teaching you the answers and quizzing you before you take it, we will do everything we can to help you pass your HGV theory test. So if you need help, support, or just have questions, all you’ve got to do is get in touch and ask!