Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a new driver, what will I need to do?

To become an LGV driver you will have to follow a number of processes and depending on the licence entitlements you already hold, will depend on what you will need to complete. For a Category B (Car) licence holder you will need to complete the following processes to gain your LGV Category C (Rigid/Class 2) licence and then further training for Category C+E (Artic/Class 1) licence if you go on to do this.

1. Drivers Medical. As a new driver you must pass a medical as part of your steps in becoming a driver. All medicals are a brief conversation and examination with a doctor, and they will fill in a DVLA form (D4). As part of the process an optician might need to fill in the section about your eyesight as well.

2. Apply for a Category C provisional licence entitlement. You only need to include a passport-style colour photo and original identity documents if you have a paper driving licence. You need to fill in D2 Form (provisional licence entitlement) and then send both forms, D2&D4 and your photo card driving licence to DVLA. There’s no application fee.DVLA , Swansea, SA99 1BR

3. Pass Two Theory Tests (multiple choice and hazard perception). Remember your theory test for your car? This is the same, multiple choice questions at an official test centre. We offer access to an on-line study system using content from the DVLA theory test. The more training you do, the better for you as the theory test can be challenging.

4. Pass Initial CPC Module 2 Case study test. The test is made up of 7 case studies you work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life. You’ll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.

5. Attend and pass LGV Category C practical training and DVSA test. Once you have passed your theory parts you are ready to get behind the wheel and start your training to become a professional driver and we will make sure you are ready for your DVSA test.

6. Pass Initial CPC Module 4 practical demonstration test. The Driver CPC Module 4 is the ‘Demonstration test’ or practical part of the Driver CPC Initial Qualification. Module 4 focuses on vehicle safety and has been developed with the support and advice of the industry.

What is Pass Protection?

Pass protection – as the name suggests, is a process of safeguarding your success with the driving tests. Why spend time and money on taking a course and then go through the turmoil of not passing the tests? This can be very depressing indeed! Pass Protection is ensuring your chance of success in test.

How does it work?

When booking at the start we will ask you if you want to take this option out. This subscription comes into use after the 1st driving test. If you fail, the pass protection entitles you to a further two hours training and another re-test. Nobody can be sure of passing the driving test, but some preventive methods can be taken to keep the cost of training and a re-test to a minimum, so we always recommend our trainees go for the Pass Protection package!

How much will it cost to become an LGV Driver?

There are many factors that will affect the cost of becoming an LGV driver. These include such things as the number of processes you will need to complete, and the location and the duration of the course. We will be happy to tailor a training plan for you and advise you on the cost. Simply get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.

How much can an LGV driver earn?

As a fully qualified LGV driver, you could earn up to £50,000 p.a., depending on what category of vehicle you drive, with LGV Category C+E Drivers earning more than LGV Category C Drivers.

What is Driver CPC Training?

Driver CPC is a qualification for LGV (‘HGV’) and PCV Drivers who drive professionally in the UK. The EU introduced the legislation from 10th September 2008 for Bus and Coach Drivers and from 2009 for LGV Drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Driver CPC Training was introduced to improve knowledge and maintain high driving standards and road safety.

Initial Driver CPC. The initial qualification is to be achieved by new LGV and PCV Drivers and will be included within your training programme to gain your first LGV and PCV licences. By gaining the Initial Qualification this enables you to be able to use your licence professionally and drive for work purposes. During your training programme you will be required to undertake Initial CPC Modules 2 and 4. Module 2 is a theoretical case study test and Module 4 is a practical demonstration test, and you will be required to pass both tests to be able to gain your Driver Qualification Card (otherwise known as DQC card or Driver CPC card). Once you have gained your DQC card you will then be required to complete 35 hours of Periodic Driver CPC Training every 5 years within the expiry date issued on your DQC card.

Periodic Driver CPC. All professional drivers must undertake 35 hours of DCPC training every 5 years. Each driver may have a unique 5-year training cycle, depending on when they acquired their licence. If you passed your UK car test before January 1997 you may have a LGV Category C1 entitlement by Acquired Rights (Grandfather Rights) on your licence, or if you gained your first LGV vocational entitlement before 9th September 2009, you will not need to complete Initial DCPC training but will be required to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC training to be able to gain your Driver Qualification Card. You will then need to complete 35 hours of training every 5 years thereafter.

After my training, is there anything else I need to do before I can drive an HGV?

Yes, you will need to apply for a Digital Tachograph Driver Card. To do this you will need to complete a D777B/DL form and send this to the DVSA. There is a small fee for this service. For your first application it will cost £32.