Are you looking for a way to get your commercial vehicle (HGV) licence? If so, this guide is for you. We’ll take you through the process of getting your licence, from how to prepare for the practical test to what to do if you reapply.
First, you’ll need to take a driving test. This will assess your basic driving skills and help you to decide whether you’re ready to start driving HGV vehicles. Once you’ve passed your driving test, you’ll need to obtain a driving licence. This will allow you to drive HGV vehicles, and you’ll need to adhere to the specific driving regulations applicable to HGV drivers.
If you’re ready to start your journey to driving a heavy goods vehicle, read on!
What is a commercial vehicle licence?
A commercial vehicle licence is a licence that allows you to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, bus, or lorry.
Qualifications:
- Hold a full car licence
- Must be over 18 years old
- Qualify with Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which is a professional driving qualification
How do I get a commercial vehicle licence?
If you’re applying for a HGV driver’s licence for the very first time:
- Apply and start driving with a provisional bus or HGV licence.
- Successfully complete all the five tests under the HGV Driver CPC successfully.
- Remain qualified as a HGV driver by completing 35 hours of periodic training once every 5 years.
Once you receive your HGV driver’s licence, it must be renewed every 5 years or every year, if you are over 65 years of age.
If you have applied and qualified as a bus or HGV driver earlier:
You can renew your HGV or bus license without taking all five tests for the Driver CPC.
- Successfully complete part 2 and part 4 of the Driver CPC tests or complete 35 hours of HGV driver training.
- Remain qualified as a HGV driver by completing 35 hours of HGV driver’s periodic training every 5 years.
Exceptions
If you are enrolled into a National Vocational Training (NVT) course, then you qualify to drive a HGV vehicle for a maximum period of 12 months without the need to complete part 2 and part 4 of the Driver CPC tests.
How do I prepare for the practical test?
There are a few things that you can do in order to prepare for the practical test. These include:
- Reading up on the commercial vehicle regulations
- Studying the commercial vehicle safety guidelines
- Practicing the skills that you need to pass the test
Once you have a driving licence and are familiar with the driving regulations applicable to HGV drivers, you’ll need to find a job. HGV driving is a highly demanding occupation, and you’ll need to be prepared to work long hours. If you’re looking to start out as a HGV driver, be prepared to put in the hard work.
You can improve your CV by completing your CPC courses at the stress-free HGV driving training centre hgvtrainingcentre.
