To help address the national lorry driver shortage, a training provider has provided some tips for passing HGV driver training.

HGV driver training has become more popular recently given the shortage – with salaries increasing and being higher than ever before to encourage more to take up the profession.

Training to drive a lorry involves a lot of work and revision, but Mick Feeney, lead lorry driving instructor at Carlisle’s SP Training, has given expert advice on passing the test.

Mick first qualified as an instructor for cars and lorries at the army school of mechanical transport in 1983.

One of the most feared things is the practical test as it’s a step up from the standard car test.

According to Mick, there are three main top tips to follow.

The first is for those undertaking the exam to listen to the instructor and take ownership so they can become independent in making decisions.

He said: “Work closely with your instructor to build your confidence and trust so you’re taking ownership of the vehicle and forming food habits as early as possible within your training.”

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His third piece of advice involves the first ten minutes of the test, which he said are crucial to make the examiner feel safe as they don’t know you or what you are capable of.

He added: “Examiners have been in scary situations before, so make sure you’ve made them feel at ease by starting smoothly and doing all of your relevant safety process checks.”

Moving smoothly relates to Micks third tip, which was to not get complacent and rush things.

He said of this: “The test is over when the examiner says it’s over.

“The first and last ten minutes can be critical to passing.

“Many learners become more relaxed towards the end of the test and this leads to them making silly mistakes.”

Mick summarised: “The DVSA examiners are not there to fail you, nor do they need to see the perfect drive to pass you.

“They are humans like the rest of us and their job is to make sure you drive the lorry safely in a calm and controlled manner.

“They are there to do their job and you do yours passing the test.”

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