Elite’s Guide to Passing Your HGV Assessment the First Time If you’re preparing for an HGV driving assessment , you’re taking a big step toward a rewarding and well-paid driving career. At Elite , we’ve supported hundreds of professional drivers through this process, and we know exactly what assessors are looking for. All assessments are different, but most last between 2–8 hours , depending on the company and the type of vehicle or route you’re being tested on. Below, we’ve broken down what to expect — and how to give yourself the best chance of passing first time. Arrive Prepared and on Time Always plan your journey and aim to arrive on site at least 15 minutes early . This gives you time to find where you need to go, park safely, and get settled before your assessment begins. Rushing in at the last minute can leave you feeling flustered — and that’s not the first impression you want to give. 1. Bring the Right Documents and Equipment Before you leave home, double-check that you have everything you’ll need: Driving Licence (correct category for the vehicle) Driver CPC card Digital Tachograph (Digi) card Glasses (if required for driving or reading) PPE: Steel toe-capped boots and a high-vis vest Pen for any written sections Turning up fully prepared shows professionalism — and prevents any unnecessary delays or disqualification before you even start. 2. Get Enough Rest Beforehand Make sure you’ve had sufficient rest before your assessment and that this is recorded correctly on your Digi card . Your rest period will form part of your recorded working time, and fatigue can seriously affect your driving performance and reaction times. Assessors will expect you to demonstrate that you understand and follow rest and working time regulations. Elite Tip: Treat your assessment like a real shift — plan your rest, eat properly, and stay hydrated. 3. Drugs & Alcohol Test Many companies include a drugs and alcohol screening as part of their assessment or induction process. This is completely standard across the industry and helps ensure everyone on site is fit and safe to work. Be aware that some prescription medications can trigger a false positive . Always inform the agency or company of any prescription medicines you’re taking before you arrive on site . A zero-tolerance policy applies — any positive result without prior disclosure will usually prevent you from continuing the assessment. Elite Advice: Avoid alcohol the night before and double-check that any medication you use is legally prescribed and documented. 4. Written Tests Most assessments include a short written section to check your knowledge of the key rules and safety standards for professional drivers. This can include: Highway Code questions General safe driving knowledge EU Drivers’ Hours Rules Working Time Directive (WTD) Tachograph symbols and usage These tests aren’t designed to trip you up — they’re to make sure you have the right understanding to stay safe and compliant on the road. 5. Walk-Around Checks Next, you’ll complete a vehicle walk-around check , which demonstrates your ability to spot defects and perform legal safety inspections. You’ll be expected to check: Lights, mirrors, tyres, and brakes Fluid levels and leaks Load security and body condition Air lines and couplings Trailer height indicator – make sure it’s set correctly before you move off Talking through what you’re checking as you go helps show your assessor that you know what you’re doing. 6. Coupling and Uncoupling a Trailer For Class 1 (C+E) assessments, you’ll be asked to couple and uncouple a trailer safely and correctly. This involves: Performing all safety checks Reversing under the trailer with care Connecting the fifth wheel and kingpin securely Attaching air lines and electrics Completing a tug test Uncoupling safely, applying trailer brakes, and lowering legs Take your time and follow the correct sequence — assessors want to see calm, methodical work, not speed. 7. Driving Assessment The main part of the assessment will test your practical driving ability both on and off the road. This usually includes: Reversing and manoeuvring On-road driving in mixed traffic Awareness and hazard perception Safe and fuel-efficient driving Speed awareness Keep mirror checks frequent, maintain good lane discipline, and always drive smoothly and safely. Remember — assessors want to see the habits of a professional driver. Elite Tip: Think “safe, smooth, and steady” — not “fast.” Confidence and control count far more than speed. 8. Health & Safety Finally, your assessment may include a short discussion or check around health and safety procedures , such as site awareness, reporting hazards, manual handling, and emergency protocols. Knowing how to stay safe on-site and understanding your responsibilities as a driver will always leave a positive impression. Final Thoughts Your HGV assessment is your opportunity to show not just your skill, but your professionalism and readiness to represent the company safely on the road. With preparation, rest, and attention to detail, you can confidently pass your HGV assessment the first time and start your next driving job with Elite. 🚛 We Prep - You Pass 📞 Call us on 01514201219  💬 Apply online: jobs@elite-employ.com

How to Prepare for an Interview: Quick Tips to Help You Succeed Interviews can feel nerve-wracking — whether it’s your first in years or just another step in your job search. But with the right preparation, you can walk in confident, focused, and ready to show why you’re the right person for the job. At Elite, we’ve supported hundreds of drivers, warehouse operatives, and logistics professionals through the recruitment process, and we know a little preparation can make all the difference. Here’s our guide on how to prepare for an interview and make a lasting impression. Do Your Research Spend a few minutes learning about the company before you go. ✅ What do they do? ✅ Where are their depots or sites? ✅ What type of customers do they serve? When you understand their operation, it’s easier to explain how your experience fits their needs — and it shows genuine interest. Plan Your Journey Punctuality says a lot about reliability — especially in transport and logistics. Check your route, plan for traffic, and aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. If it’s a remote or site-based interview, make sure you know where to park or which entrance to use. Dress Appropriately You don’t need a suit and tie for every interview — but clean, tidy, and professional always works. For driving or warehouse roles, smart casual clothing gives a good impression. It shows you take pride in yourself and, by extension, in your work. Know Your Experience Be ready to talk about your work history and skills with confidence. Think about: What types of vehicles or equipment you’ve worked with Any specific routes, contracts, or shifts you’ve handled Examples of reliability, teamwork, or problem-solving If you can back up your experience with real examples, you’ll stand out instantly Ask Questions An interview isn’t just for the employer to get to know you — it’s also your chance to learn about them. Good questions include: “What does a typical day look like?” “Is there potential for overtime or progression?” “What are the next steps after this interview?” It shows enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence — three things every employer values. Stay Calm and Be Yourself Easier said than done, we know. But remember: the interview isn’t a test — it’s a conversation. The employer already liked your CV enough to meet you, so take a breath and show them why they made the right call. Follow Up A quick thank-you message or email after your interview goes a long way. It’s polite, professional, and keeps you in mind when final decisions are made. The Elite Tip If you’re interviewing through Elite , you’re never on your own. Our team will guide you through every stage — from helping you prep for interview questions to making sure you’re fully briefed before your first day. Preparation builds confidence. Confidence wins interviews. Ready for Your Next Opportunity? We’ve got HGV, warehouse, and logistics roles across the UK, from flexible temporary shifts to long-term permanent positions. 📞 Contact the Elite team today: 0151 420 1219 | Jobs@elite-employ.com