We have long maintained that passing your PCV licence tests is not necessarily a complicated task if you have a mind to learn and the physical and mental skill to drive professionally. However, there are certain qualities and training characteristics that make it easier to pass the tests the first time. Those are the things we focus on here at the HGV Training Centre, in addition to imparting the knowledge our students need to pass.
We are very successful at what we do because our training philosophy includes utilising only experienced instructors who have spent time as professionals in the field. In other words, our instructors were professional drivers at some point during their careers. Some may still continue to drive professionally from time to time. We believe this experience is invaluable in preparing our students for their PCV licence exams.
When you train with us, you will undergo a series of classes that have been designed to prepare you for each of the four required tests. Those tests, under the new Driver CPC requirements, are as follows:
- PCV theory test – a two-part test consisting of multiple-choice and hazard perception
- Case studies test – an exam involving at least seven case studies utilising real-world scenarios
- Driving skills test – the test necessary for evaluating your driving skills
- Practical demonstration test – a ‘show me, tell me’ test demonstrating you can do basic PCV-related tasks.
Please note that the two-part theory test can be taken during the same session or booked separately. Like all of your tests, you can book the theory test online using the GOV.UK website. However, we will book the test for you if you utilise the HGV Training Centre for test preparation classes. As for the driving skills and practical demonstration tests, they are typically taken during the same session at the completion of your training. We book those on your behalf as well.
How We Train Drivers
We believe we have established one of the best training models for students looking to earn an HGV or PCV licence. Our methodology is based on an understanding that most drivers learn best in short, concentrated bursts. There are exceptions to every rule, of course, but we have found it better to focus and concentrate training in shorter increments rather than putting our students through long and cumbersome classes that require learning and remembering large amounts of information that may or may not be related.
Our training method is beneficial to most students in a number of different ways:
- Focus – In order to adequately train using our method, our instructors need to focus their training in every class. This prevents us from teaching additional information that is not required to pass the PCV licence test. We teach only what is necessary from one test to the next.
- Comprehension – By not overwhelming students with too much information over extended periods of time, we improve comprehension by teaching one concept, building on it with another concept, and so on.
- Retention and Recall – Our training approach also improves both retention and recall. Retention is achieved through the building block learning process while recall is improved by ‘connecting the dots’ as we progress through different training modules.
Our training approach works as evidenced by the fact that approximately 92% of our students pass the PCV theory test the first time. Across all of our training programmes and tests, we consistently achieve first-time pass rates in excess of 90%. The reality is that focused, concentrated training in short bursts works.
Important Tips for PCV Students
We asked our instructors what they believe the most important tips for PCV students are. Remember, our instructors are also licenced drivers themselves. They are able to see both sides of the training process as a result. Their insight is invaluable to the continual development of our training programmes and in helping our students make the most of their training courses.
The one tip that consistently makes it to the top of the list is this: commit yourself 100% to learning. Far too many people approach training as an unimportant exercise only necessary because the government says it is. Such a flippant attitude immediately hinders the ability to learn. The attitude you take to training will be the biggest factor influencing whether or not you succeed – make it positive.
The rest of the tips provided by our trainers are as follows:
- Eliminate Distractions – We all have hobbies and interests outside of the work we do. It is best to eliminate distractions during your training by setting aside all of those other interests temporarily. It will only be three or four weeks if you are like most students, but you will find you benefit greatly by being distraction-free.
- Study Hard – Take time outside of the classroom to study the material you have been provided. Study as hard as you can, as often as you can. And whatever you do, don’t wait until the night before a scheduled exam to get some study time in. Studying for 30 minutes a day is far more advantageous than trying to spend three or four hours the night before going over all the material.
- Practice – Practice is an essential part of passing your PCV licence test. For the theory test, we offer software that enables you to look at test questions and take practice tests. Those who prefer to prepare independently can take advantage of free practice tests online. As for your driving skills test, you will be practising with the HGV Training Centre during your regular classes.
- Ask Questions – The only bad question is the one that is never asked. Our instructors highly recommend you never approach a test with unanswered questions. If you do not know something, ask. Asking is the only way you are going to get the answers you need.
- Relax – It may be easier said than done, but the most successful students are able to relax and let things simply be. Rest assured that the HGV Training Centre will fully prepare you for your PCV licence tests so that you literally have nothing to worry about on exam day. We even send trainers with our students to the testing facility on the day of the driving skills and practical demonstration tests.
We have not become the first name in professional driver training by not preparing students to pass. In fact, it is just the opposite. Our excellent reputation is rooted in the reality that the vast majority of our students pass their tests on the first try. You really have nothing to get stressed about when you train with HGV Training Centre.
Get Started Right Away
If you have ever thought about getting your PCV licence in order to drive a bus or coach professionally, there is no better time than right now to get started. We have new classes forming on a regular basis at all of our training centres scattered throughout the UK. Furthermore, our training programmes are designed to get our students fully trained and licenced in a matter of weeks.
We take great pride in preparing our students in a way that virtually guarantees they will pass their PCV licence tests. And in the event we have a student that seems to be struggling, our instructors provide the extra help and support necessary to overcome the struggles. In the end, training is about preparing students to pass their tests. We do everything we can to make that reality. And by the way, we do it very well.
Other Useful Information
To find out more about whether PCV driving could be a career path for you please click on any of our further reading below:
- Intensive Bus Driver Training For Your PCV Licence
- Find the Best Coach Driver Training Courses Near You Today!
- Get the Best PCV Minibus Licence Training in Your Location
- The UK PCV Driving Licence Explained
- The Road to a Career as a PCV Driver Starts Here
- Low Cost – Top Quality – PCV Driver Training Courses
- The Driver’s Guide to Passing Your PCV Licence
- Top Tips on How to Pass the PCV Theory Test
- The UK’s Top PCV Training Schools at Your Fingertips
- How to Really Compare PCV Training Costs
- What’s the Difference between a PCV and a PSV Licence?
