What Do I Need to Become a HGV Driver?

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HGV drivers are still in high demand and recently qualified drivers are like gold dust. Today, we have a few points to help you on the road to success in joining this exciting profession.

How to get a HGV licence

Category C1 is the first and fundamental degree of HGV training and licencing that you can accomplish. This licence is a step up from a regular UK driver licence and enables you to drive a vehicle of 3500 kg.

Simple steps to this:

You need to get your HGV provisional licence before applying for a CPC test.
Order D2 and D4 forms from the DVLA, the D2 form is for the licence and the D4 needs to be filled out by your GP. Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver: Applying for a provisional HGV or bus licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Apply for your CPC theory test. The test is made up of 2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.
Next, take your part 2 case studies test. This test is made up of short stories you may come across in the role.
Once passed, you need your theory certificate to book Driver CPC part 3a and part 3b driving tests. Part 3a is driving in a HGV vehicle or bus, and you will carry out and ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay and show an uncoupling and recoupling procedure. You can book the test with the DVSA or find an approved tester.
Next you can book part 3b which is the practical road driving. You will also be asked vehicle safety questions.
Final step is your practical demonstration test, this final test will ask a lot from loading the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure, stop trafficking in illegal immigrants, assessing emergency situations, reducing physical risks to yourself or others and a walk around vehicle safety check.

What qualifications do you need to drive HGV

Main requirements to start are a full UK driving licence and be over the age of 18.

There are a few licence categories, but they are incredibly straightforward to understand, and I’ve collated them below for you, so it’s handy to break it down.

Class 1 HGV enables you to drive a category C+E vehicle, which is an articulated lorry.
C+E is the most extensive, enables you to drive and deal with the above vehicle.
Class 2 HGV enables you to drive a category C vehicle
C- enables you to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but should not exceed 32 tonnes.
C1+E enables you to drive a vehicle with a gross load of 7500kg with an attached trailer of 750kg

Medical test

A medical exam is mandatory and will be part of your HGV training. This is a basic medical to determine if you have any existing medical conditions that could prevent you carrying out the duties of an HGV driver. If you are in general good health, you should pass with a breeze. Expect a brief consultation followed by a basic medical examination with an approved GP in your local area.

How long does it take to be a HGV driver

How long the process takes will depend on how quickly you can complete the 7-step process, but if everything runs smoothly, it should not take longer than 10 weeks to become a HGV qualified driver.

Getting started today on the 7-step process today and in 8-10 weeks you will get that amazing licence in hand and can start applying for one of the UK’s most in demand jobs right now.

HGV Insurance

If you will be self employed you will need to arrange HGV insurance for personal and commercial use. Make use of comparison sites to compare the HGV insurance quotes in order to find the best deal for your individual requirements. Need some HGV insurance quotes, click here to start comparing.