Are you thinking of becoming a lorry or bus driver but don’t know where to start? Look no further, here’s an easy-to-read post about getting your HGV or PCV license.
Who should read this blog post?
This post is aimed at heavy good vehicle (HGV) drivers, also known as large good vehicle (LGV) drivers. The same information also applies for bus drivers if you’re looking to get your license to become a bus driver. Please note this is a generic post, please consult your local council for specific advice to drive around your area.
This guidance is only for drivers where driving is the main part of the job. You may not need a full license if you:
Drive for certain tasks, like taking the vehicle to test centres
Drive as part of your job, but it is not the main part of the job
Want to carry passengers or goods for personal use and not commercially
Driving is limited to 28mph
Requirements
Before you consider applying you must have a full car license, not provisional, be over the age of 18 and get a professional driving qualification called the CPC- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. The full driver CPC is a must, and there are 5 tests that make it up- whether you need to take all 5 tests depends on your past driving history.
Are you Qualifying for the First Time?
If you’re qualifying for the first time you must:
Apply for a provisional HGV or bus license
Pass the 5 tests mentioned above that make up the Driver CPC to qualify
Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified
You need to renew your bus or HGV license every 5 years below the age of 65, and then annually when you reach 65.
Please note however there are some exemptions to the above, for example if you are on an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) course you can drive professionally for 12 months without taking part 2 and 4 of the Driver CPC tests.
Did you Previously Have a HGV or Bus Driver License?
If you are a returning HGV or bus driver, you can return to work without needing to take all of the Driver CPC tests. However what you must do is:
Renew you HGV or bus license
Take 35 hours of training or take parts 2 and 4 of the Driver CPC tests
Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.
After you’ve completed your training or tests you new Driver CPC card will be sent to the address on your driving license.
How to Apply for Your Provisional License?
When applying for your provisional HGV or bus license, you will have the option to choose what category of provisional license you’re applying for. The category depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive and the weight of the trailer you can tow with it. As a rough overview:
Mopeds: Category AM, P, or Q
Motorcycles: Category A1, A2, A
Light vehicles and quad bikes: Category B1
Cars: Category B, B auto, BE,
Medium sized vehicles: Category C1, C1E
Large vehicles: Category C, CE
Minbuses Category D1, D1E
Buses: Category D, DE
Please consult the DVLA or gov.uk website for further details on the above categories.
You can order the D2 and D4 driver forms from the DVLA online, or you can pick them up from your local post office.
The D4 form is the medical form where there will be a section to undergo a medical examination with a Doctor. This is where Green Light Medics come in, offering the cheapest medicals in the country for only £40, and guaranteeing an appointment within 24 hours. Our booking process is straightforward - call us on 07920 435 043 and speak to one of our team. We aim to answer all calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The D2 form you can fill in yourselves.
You then need to send both the completed forms to the DVLA, and usually you get your driving license within 3 weeks of the DVLA receiving the application. However, if you have health or personal details that need checking it can take longer.
Driver CPC tests.
As an overview the five tests are:
Part 1 test: Theory
This can be booked as soon as you have your provisional license. It has 2 parts- MCQs and hazard perception
Both parts must be passed within 2 years of each other
Part 2 test: Case studies
This can also be booked as soon as you have your provisional license. You do not need to have passed the theory test to do this test.
You will have 7 case studies to work through, with 6-8 MCQs on each case study
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Pass mark: 40/50 or 80%
Part 3a Test: Off- road exercises
You must have passed your theory to do this test
Duration: 30 minutes
‘S’ Shaped reverse into a bay
Showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you have a trailer
Part 3b Test: On- road exercises
You must have passed your theory to do this test
1 hour of practical road driving and vehicle safety questions
Duration: 1 hour
Part 4 Test: Practical Demonstration
Part 2 must have been passed before this can be booked
This test will be made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus.
You must score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic, and have a total score of at least 80 out of 100.
You can get further information about the Driver CPC tests on the DVLA and gov.uk websites.
After passing the Driver CPC Tests
Once you’ve passed all the tests you’re now qualified! Congratulations! You will be sent your Driver CPC card to your driving license address. You must ensure you keep this on you at all times when you’re driving as without it you can be fined £50.
You then need to firstly apply for a digital tachograph card which stores information about your daily work. It costs approximately £32 for your first GB card, and £19 for a renewal/ replacement.
If you are going to be driving internationally you need to check your passport is up to date and valid and get a UK Global health Insurance Card (GHIC).
So overall, although it may seem daunting, it is quite straightforward to get your provisional license for a HGV or bus. Green Light Medics can assist in the medical part of the assessment (the D4 form) so please do not hesitate to contact us. We hope this helped!
Thanks,
Green Light Medics
