Cheers, guys! 
My test was at 0945, so the traffic in West Thurrock, Grays, etc. had diminished somewhat, which was a big help. It also helped that my examiner chose a test route which didn’t require me to drive around Grays town centre or down Bramble Lane in South Ockendon/Aveley, which are no fun at all in a car, let alone in a truck.
- James aka Doggage ^^