High Risk Work Licence - Vehicle Loading Crane (CV) exam-day guide
High Risk Work Licence - Vehicle Loading Crane (CV) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver licence or passport) with your name matching the enrolment exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID types they accept and whether a digital licence is acceptable.
Assessment booking confirmation
Bring the booking confirmation or enrolment letter showing date, time, location and any candidate number. Save a digital copy and a printed copy.
Safety footwear and work clothing
Wear steel-capped boots and practical work clothes suitable for a construction or industrial site. Ask the provider whether high-visibility clothing, gloves or a hard hat are required on the day.
Completed prerequisite documents
If the provider requires evidence of prior training, a logbook, or a declaration of experience, bring the completed originals. Confirm the exact document list with the provider before travelling.
Any required medical or fitness declaration
Some providers ask for a self-declaration of fitness or a medical clearance. Confirm with the provider whether this is needed and bring it signed if so.
Arrive early and check in
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start to allow for sign-in, ID checks and a site induction. Confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Know the assessment structure
The practical assessment typically includes a pre-start inspection, setting up the crane, planning and performing lifts, and shut-down procedures. Ask the provider for the current assessment outline and marking criteria.
Prepare for verbal questions
Assessors may ask you to explain load charts, hazard controls, communication methods and emergency procedures. Revise these topics and be ready to answer clearly.
Plan travel and rest
Confirm the site address and transport arrangements the day before. Get a full night's sleep; fatigue affects judgement and crane control.
Leave prohibited items behind
Do not bring alcohol or drugs to the assessment. Confirm the provider's policy on mobile phones, smart watches and other devices in the assessment area.
Plan the day
Re-read the assessment outline and your training notes. Practise the pre-start inspection sequence, load chart reading and hand signals aloud. Confirm the site address, start time, parking and what to bring with the provider. Check that your ID and any required documents are current and complete. Avoid learning new techniques at this stage; consolidate what you already know.
Pack your bag with ID, booking confirmation, required documents, safety boots and clothing. Charge your phone and set two alarms. Confirm transport and allow extra travel time. Eat well, avoid alcohol, and go to bed early. Rehearse the lift plan format and emergency lowering procedure once more.
Eat a proper meal and stay hydrated. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, sign in and complete any induction. Use the waiting time to observe the site layout, ground conditions and exclusion zones. Listen carefully to the assessor's briefing and ask clarifying questions before you begin. Do not rush the pre-start inspection.
Follow the assessor's instructions exactly. Complete the pre-start inspection methodically and record any defects. Set up the crane on stable ground, deploy outriggers fully and check the load chart for every lift. Use clear communication, maintain exclusion zones and control the load at all times. If you make a mistake, stay calm and continue safely. Perform the shut-down procedure and report any issues at the end.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID; candidates without acceptable identification may not be admitted. Confirm the provider's ID policy in advance.
Follow all site safety rules, including wearing the required personal protective equipment and staying within designated areas.
Mobile phones and smart devices must be switched off and stored away unless the provider permits otherwise. Confirm the provider's device policy.
You may ask the assessor to repeat or clarify an instruction, but you must not ask for hints or coaching during the assessment.
Breaks are generally scheduled by the assessor; ask the provider in advance about rest breaks, water access and toilet facilities.
The assessment is competency-based: you must demonstrate each required element safely and correctly. Confirm with the provider whether any critical errors cause automatic failure and what the re-assessment policy is.
Treat the assessor and other candidates with respect. Abusive, unsafe or dishonest conduct may result in removal from the assessment.
If you have a medical condition, injury or are taking medication that could affect your ability to operate a crane safely, declare it to the provider before the assessment.