Many years ago, when I learned to drive an HGV, which was then referred to as a ‘Class 1 HGV,’ my instructor took me to a variety of locations. Although my test was scheduled to take place in Yeading, near Greenford and Uxbridge, just beyond Heathrow, my training was conducted elsewhere. I distinctly remember wondering, ‘When will I get to drive around a test route?’ This thought lingered because we seemed to spend a significant amount of time driving in the Guildford area. One moment, we were navigating tight, narrow villages and country lanes; the next, we were cruising along open roads.In this article, you will learn about the importance of Learning to drive HGV in Guildford.
Instructor’s Explanation of Route Choices
I questioned my instructor about his choice of training routes, and he simply explained that if we stayed in the Yeading area, we would spend much of our time stuck in traffic jams. He was right, as I later discovered when I became an HGV instructor myself. At the time, I was already a qualified ADI instructor for cars, but after seven years of staying local to areas such as Ashford, Chertsey, Windsor, Slough, Reading, and Weybridge, I felt it was time for a change. After all, who wants to spend their days endlessly driving around housing estates?
As an instructor with over 40 years of experience training on all types of vehicles, both large and small, I can confidently say that, of all the driving test centres in the south of England—and I’ve been to most of them—Guildford is by far my favourite. This is because Guildford provides a diverse range of roads and traffic situations, offering far more variety compared to other test centre areas.
Why Guildford is Ideal for HGV Training?
Guildford boasts plenty of beginner-friendly routes, ideal for first-time drivers to familiarise themselves with their vehicle before encountering any significant traffic. There are numerous quiet, straight roads where learners can practice and perfect essential skills like moving off and stopping with confidence.
If your driving reveals a tendency to hit kerbs, Guildford has a convenient estate where you can focus on improving your road positioning. And if roundabouts are a concern, there are plenty in the area to help you build confidence and refine your technique. We can even venture into nearby towns like Bracknell, which is well-known for its abundance of roundabouts, offering the perfect opportunity to master navigating them.
Tackling Specific Challenges
As your driving skills improve, the routes will naturally become more challenging. Before long, you’ll find yourself driving through Guildford town centre or tackling the narrow lanes that wind through the picturesque villages surrounding the area. These routes are designed to build your confidence and prepare you for a variety of real-world driving scenarios.
The vocational driving test centre for LGV and PCV is situated on the Slyfield Industrial Estate, near Jacobs Well, just outside Guildford town centre. You can access the test centre via Moorfield Road, Slyfield Industrial Estate, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1SA. Your instructor will likely take you to the test centre a day or two before your test, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the experience of driving in and out of the centre, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the big day.
The test routes at Guildford are pre-mapped and numbered by the examiners, who have the discretion to choose which route to follow. Their choice often depends on traffic conditions or their personal preferences. There are approximately 12 routes in use at Guildford, and your instructor will ensure you become familiar with the area. This preparation is designed to help you navigate the routes confidently without disrupting the flow of traffic. These routes operate within and include the following perimeter route.
Practical Test Routes and Perimeter Route
The perimeter route spans a wide range of areas, offering a diverse driving experience. Starting from Normandy, it passes through Christmas Pie, Wanborough, Puttenham, Compton, Godalming, Peasmarsh, Artington, Shalford, Chilworth, and Albury. It continues to Newlands Corner, West Clandon, Burnt Common, Ripley, Send, Old Woking, Hoebridge, Maybury, West Byfleet, Sheerwater, Horsell Common, Woking, Goldsworth Park, Knaphill, Brookwood, and Pirbright, before returning to Normandy. This variety of locations ensures exposure to a range of driving scenarios, helping to build confidence and adaptability.
The length of the perimeter route and the section taken during the test
The perimeter route itself takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, making it too long for a single driving test. However, you will drive along a portion of it, with the specific section determined by your examiner. The test typically begins at the test centre, from where you’ll drive out to the perimeter. You’ll then likely cover a section of the route before returning to the test centre via one of the main arterial roads, or vice versa.
The Structure of the Practical Test
The practical test is divided into two parts: 3a and 3b. Part 3a covers off-road manoeuvring, and, if applicable, decoupling and recoupling exercises for trailers. Part 3b involves a minimum 60-minute road drive, during which your examiner will direct you to stop and move off at least five times. You will also complete an independent drive lasting 10-15 minutes. If you’re taking the test in a bus, you will be asked to pull up at 2 or 3 bus stops as part of the assessment.
Benefits of training with EP Training Services
If you choose to undertake your training with EP Training Services Ltd, their instructors will guide you through the 3a segment of the test. EP has its own purpose-built manoeuvring area in Normandy, measuring just 11m by 66m. This means you won’t have to reverse far—only a distance equivalent to four times the length of your vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Guildford offers an ideal location for HGV training, with its diverse routes, varying traffic conditions, and well-designed manoeuvring areas. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the area provides a range of challenges to help you become a confident and capable driver. With experienced instructors from EP Training Services Ltd, you’ll receive comprehensive training on both off-road manoeuvres and on-road driving, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the practical test. Choosing Guildford for your HGV training not only gives you access to top-notch facilities and expert guidance but also provides the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of real-world driving scenarios.
