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Practicals

PRACTICAL

TRAINING GUIDE · STAGE 03

Put your knowledge
into motion.

Build your skills behind the wheel, understand the practical tests and take your next step with support from Hughes.

Discuss my practical training →Explore the practical tests ↓
Hughes instructor supporting a learner in a training vehicle

CONFIDENCE THROUGH PRACTICE

Real skills. Practical support.

Your training brings the knowledge from your theory preparation into the vehicle. Work with your instructor to develop safe habits, vehicle control and awareness of other road users.

  • Get familiar with the vehicle and its controls.
  • Practise observation, positioning and safe decision-making.
  • Develop your manoeuvring and reversing skills.
  • Build a routine for vehicle safety checks.

Our team will discuss a course and training plan suited to your starting point and licence goals.

UNDERSTAND THE PRACTICAL STAGE

Know what you’re working towards.

The driving tests are split into off-road and on-road parts. The practical demonstration is a separate part of the full Driver CPC route.

01

PART 3A

Off-road exercises

Demonstrate an S-shaped reverse into a bay. Tests with a trailer also include uncoupling and recoupling.

Official off-road test guide ↗
02

PART 3B

On-road driving

Show safe driving on the road and answer vehicle safety questions. You must pass Part 3a before taking this test.

Official on-road test guide ↗
03

DRIVER CPC PART 4

Practical demonstration

Demonstrate professional safety knowledge, including safe loading, vehicle security, emergency situations and a walkaround check. Part 2 must be passed before booking.

Official demonstration guide ↗
Your route may differ. Existing entitlements, previous qualifications and Driver CPC requirements can affect the tests you need. Speak to Hughes about your circumstances.

ARRIVE READY TO LEARN

A little preparation goes a long way.

Before your training starts, confirm the arrangements with our team so you know where to go and what to expect.

Explore training locations →
  • Confirm your training location, start time and meeting point.
  • Check the licence entitlement and theory results needed for your route.
  • Ask which original documents to bring for training and tests.
  • Check any clothing or footwear requirements with your instructor.
  • Tell the team early if you need support or have questions.

YOUR PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

Clear on what comes next.

Contact Hughes for course arrangements, availability and advice about your individual training journey.

How many days of training will I need?

This depends on your experience, licence category and course. We’ll discuss your starting point and the available training options, rather than assume every learner needs the same timetable.

Do I need to pass theory first?

You must pass Part 1 theory before booking Parts 3a and 3b. Part 2 case studies must be passed before booking Part 4. Ask us to check the next step for your route.

What do I need on test day?

Check your booking instructions and the official guidance linked above for the required licence and pass certificates. Confirm the vehicle and meeting arrangements with our team.

Is there a time limit between the driving tests?

After passing Part 3a, you must pass Part 3b within six months or take Part 3a again. Keep track of your theory certificate expiry too.

What if I’m nervous about training?

Let your instructor know what you’re finding difficult. Ask questions, use their feedback and focus on building your skills one step at a time.

YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS HERE

Ready to plan your practical training?

Talk to Hughes about your licence, preferred location and availability. We’ll help you understand the training options and what happens next.

Enquire about training →Call 0800 1777 447

Return to the full Training Guide →

HGV Student Passing

Vehicle Checks

Every day begins with your vehicle walk-around check which takes around 20 minutes. You will learn how to identify any safety issues and how to plan your journey.

Fully automatic vehicles

Module 3

Your course takes 4 or 5 days and you will gain practical experience of the following:

  • Vehicle controls
  • Move the vehicle away at an angle and on an incline
  • Bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop
  • Identifying and deal with hazards
  • Selecting a suitable place to stop
  • Giving the appropriate signals which enable safe turning a pulling away
  • Showing awareness and anticipate the intentions of other road users
  • Controlling the speed of a lorry
  • Using mirrors correctly

You wil also be required to drive independently for 10 minutes.

Qualified Instructors

Module 4

You will learn what it means to be a professional driver. The module covers:

  • Documentation of Drivers' Hours
  • First Aid
  • How to use a Tachograph
  • Loading and Unloading
  • Security of your HGV and load

Book Your Test

When you have completed your module 1, you can book your module 3. When you have completed your module 2, you can book your module 4.

Need help?

Contact our team to get support
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