If you are looking for employment opportunities as a professional HGV driver in the UK, then you need to know several things to get the licence to do the job. Once you get an HGV licence, you can legally drive any heavy vehicle for commercial purposes, but only after completing proper training at a renowned HGV training centre. Let us see how you can get the licence step by step.

Getting Qualified for HGV Licence

To become qualified as an HGV driver, you should have a full car licence, be over 18 years, and get a professional driving qualification, i.e., Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). You need to undergo five tests to become a full Driver CPC. However, you can skip some of these tests if you have previously been qualified as an HGV driver. The process looks like this:

• Requesting and completing the D2 application forms and the D4 forms, which are to be passed by a doctor. D2 forms require you to mention the correct Lorry entitlement on your licence as a learner.
• Revise for your theory test, which will consist of multiple choice, hazard perception, and CPC. Meanwhile, you will receive your licence back from the DVLA.
• Start with your practical driving and CPC test from the training centre.

If it is your first time, apply for a provisional HGV or bus licence, pass the tests, and take 35 hours of periodic training from an HGV training centre every five years to stay qualified as a part of renewing your HGV licence. Let us see these steps in detail. 

Steps To Get The Licence

Medical Test

HGV Licence: To become a professional HGV driver, you need to pass a medical exam as a part of your training in order to ensure that you are devoid of any medical conditions that could prevent you from driving safely after you pass your test. This test may consist of a conversation with a doctor along with a brief examination. You need to contact a qualified doctor to conduct this test and fill out a DVLA form as a part of the process. 

Theory Test

HGV Licence: Your theory test will include multiple-choice questions which need to be answered on a screen in an official test centre. Hence, you should make sure that you choose an experienced team who can guide you through each step of the theory training and test. It is recommended that you take multiple mock tests before you go for the final test using the training and resources provided by your training centre info about commercial electrican. 

Practical Training

HGV Licence: After finishing your theory training and getting a result from the DVSA stating that you have passed the test, you should start with your training. The training will take place in an actual HGV vehicle. An experienced instructor from the training centre will give you the best possible chance of passing your practical test. Once you finish your training, you can book your practical test. Some training centres offer free attempts to pass the test without extra cost. 

Driver CPC Training

HGV Licence: You can legally drive an HGV once you pass your practical exam, but you may also need to take your Driver CPC test to drive professionally. Driver CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence which is a set of standards that you need to meet in order to be able to drive certain vehicles as a part of your job. If enrolled in an approved NVT course, you can go up to 12 months without taking the Driver CPC part 2 and 4 tests. Once you get the CPC, you must take a refresher course of 35 hours every five years. 

How Long Does It Take?

Usually, it takes 6-8 weeks to complete the process of getting an HGV licence. DVLA can take a lot of time, sometimes 3+ weeks, to put the provisional entitlement on your licence and return your new licence. You can use this time wisely by thoroughly revising your HGV theory tests. Most practical training classes are conducted Monday to Friday. 

How To Know If The Job Is Suitable For You?

If you like being on the road and enjoy seeing new things every day, professional heavy vehicle driving may be a good job for you and may suit you well. You can get to travel around the UK. However, remember that you cannot be a good HGV driver just because you love driving. A reliable HGV driver should be focused and patient when driving. They should be organised and maintain all the records and paperwork up to date. You should be able to work independently and tackle problems like delays, bad weather and route changes. Most of all, you should know how to keep your temper behind the wheel. 

Concluding

Being a lorry driver can earn you a lot, but you must have the requisite experience, further licences and additional courses. Earning experience can further increase your chances of making more money.