HGVMETA
Complete HGV Guide for Beginners: Start Your Driving Career Today
🚚 How to Get an HGV Licence in the UK: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
✅ Step 1: Check You’re EligibleTo apply for an HGV licence, you must:
- Be 18 or over
- Hold a full car driving licence (Category B)🚛 What Type of HGV Licence Should I Get?The type you need depends on vehicle size and what you’ll be transporting:
- Class 1 (C+E): Over 7.5 tonnes with a detachable trailer. Ideal for long-haul driving. (Recommended by myself!!! Why? Because simply holding your Class 1 licence for 6 months to 2 years can open up many more job opportunities quicker — mainly for insurance reasons. And of course, having Class 1 experience is a huge advantage!)
- Class 2 (Category C): Over 7.5 tonnes with a rigid base. Common in urban areas (e.g. bin lorries, fire engines).
- Category C1: For vehicles between 3.5–7.5 tonnes. Automatically included if you passed your test before 1997.
- Category D: For passenger-carrying vehicles like buses or coaches.📝 Step 2: Apply for Your Provisional HGV LicenceGet These Forms:
- D2 – Provisional licence application
- D4 – Medical form (must be filled by a GP or private provider)>>> You can order the forms from the DVLA or pick them up via a driver training centre.⚕️ Medical RequirementsYou’ll need a medical check to:
- Complete the D4 form
- Declare medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy)
- Show proper management if you’re insulin-dependent>>> After qualification, you’ll need a medical every year from age 65.📬 Send the FormsPost the completed D2 and D4 forms to the DVLA.🕒 How long does it take?Roughly 3 weeks, but longer if your health or personal details need checking.🧠 Step 3: Complete the Driver CPCTo drive professionally, you need the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)The CPC has 4 Parts:🧩 Part 1: Theory Test
📝Multiple Choice Costs: £26
- 100 questions
- 1 hr 55 min
- Pass mark: 85/100⚠️ Hazard Perception Costs: £11
- 19 videos (20 hazards)
- 1 video has 2 hazards
- Pass mark: 67/100>>> Pass both to get your theory certificate (valid for 2 years).
. Book CPC part 1 test: theory here📚 Part 2: Case Studies Costs: £23 (Required if driving professionally.)
- 7 case studies with 6–8 questions each
- Test time: 1 hr 15 min
- Pass mark: 40/50>>> Your pass letter includes a reference for Part 4 and is valid for 2 years. Book CPC part 2 test: case studies🚘 Part 3: Driving Ability
Takes 1.5 hours and includes:✅ Vehicle Safety Questions
- ‘Show me, tell me’ checks (e.g. instruments, body condition)
🛣️ Road Driving Costs: £115-141
- Use of mirrors, signals, speed control, hazard response
- Includes 10 mins independent driving
🔄 Off-Road Exercises Costs: £40
- Includes an S-shaped reverse into a bay (Sometimes booked on a separate day)>>> Pass if: You make 15 or fewer minor faults and no dangerous faults🛠️ Part 4: Practical Demonstration Costs: £55-63
Also for professional driversTests your knowledge on:
- Load the vehicle safely and keep it secure
- Stop trafficking in illegal immigrants
- Assess emergency situations
- Reduce physical risks to yourself or others
- Do a walkaround vehicle safety check
- 5 sections, 20 points each>>> Pass mark: 15/20 per section + 80/100 overall. CPC syllabus😬 What If I Fail a CPC Test?
- You can rebook any part
- You’ll need to wait 3 working days before retaking🎉 What Happens When I Pass?
You’ll receive your:
- Driver Qualification Card (DQC) – carry it when driving professionally>>> If caught driving without it: £50 fineNote: If you only pass parts 1 and 3, your licence will be marked with code 101 (non-commercial use only).📅 How Long Is an HGV Licence Valid?
- 5 years (renew by completing 35 hours of periodic training)
- After age 65, renew annually💷How Much Does It Cost? Check costs here
- Part 1 – Theory (Multiple Choice) £26
- Part 1 – Theory (Hazard Perception) £11
- Part 2 – Case Studies £23
- Part 3a – Off-Road Exercises £40
- Part 3b – On-Road Driving £115–£141
- Part 4 – Practical Demonstration £55–£63Estimated Total £270 to 4500* (On average £3500)>>> *Add medical and training costs depending on your provider. Class 1 (Cat C+E) will cost the most.🎓 How to Get an HGV Licence for FreeYou might not have to pay for your licence if:
- A company sponsors you due to the driver shortage (you may need to stay with them for 2+ years)
- You do a large goods vehicle apprenticeship (typically 12–13 months)
- You take a bus/coach driver training programme>>> Check GOV.UK for current opportunities.
How to find your first HGV Job
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Direct link to the course (they won't see this page)
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