Steps to apply for an HGV driving license

To drive an HGV, you must complete the necessary training and have an HGV driving license. There are academic institutions and training courses with a focus on obtaining an HGV driving license. So basically how to apply for an HGV license?

Achieve certification as a bus or a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver.

Drivers of buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) must:

-Be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license, while there are rare exceptions

-Acquire a certificate in professional driving called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

-If driving an HGV, bus, or coach is your primary form of employment, you must possess the complete Driver CPC.

The complete Driver CPC consists of 5 exams. If you already have your HGV driving license and want to retrain, you might not need to do all five examinations.

If this is your first time qualifying:

-Request a provisional bus or HGV driving license.

-To qualify, you must complete all five of the Driver CPC tests.

-Every five years, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training to maintain your certification.

-Every five years, starting at the beginning of the year you turn 65, you must renew your bus or HGV driving license.

If you have prior HGV or bus driving experience

-You can return without completing all 4 tests for the Driver CPC if you have prior experience as a licensed HGV or bus driver.

-Update your HGV or bus license.

-Either complete 35 hours of instruction or pass the Driver CPC Parts 2 and 4.

-Every five years, you must complete 35 hours of recurrent training to keep your certification active.

The HGV theory test

There are two sections to the HGV theory test. Part 1 consists of two more parts, namely:

• Multiple choice
• Hazard perception test

The tests are scheduled independently, although you can finish them on the same day. To receive your CPC part 1 theory certificate, you must pass both of them within two years. You can practice HGV Theory Test online to make sure you pass at your first try.

The CPC part 2 case studies test can be scheduled as soon as you get your HGV provisional license. However, you do not need to take this portion of the exam if you will not be driving HGVs for a living.

Types of HGV driving licenses

 The size and load capacity of the vehicle you need to drive will determine the sort of HGV license you should obtain. The various categories consist of:

• Class 1: This is additionally known as C+E. This applies to automobiles that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes and have a trailer that detaches. On longer journeys, these lorries are frequently employed.
• Class 2: Also known as a category C license, this is for vehicles with rigid bases that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes. This includes vehicles like fire trucks and garbage trucks, which are typically driven through towns and cities rather than on highways.
• Category C1: Smaller vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes fall under category C1. One of these licenses should be yours automatically if you passed your driving test before 1997.

Category D license: If you are operating an HGV, such as a bus or coach, carrying passengers, you must have a Category D license.