If you’re considering a career as a professional driver, obtaining an HGV licence is an essential step. In the UK, an HGV licence allows you to drive large vehicles, such as lorries, trucks, and vehicles with heavy payloads. However, before you can get behind the wheel, you must meet certain legal HGV licence requirements and must fulfill certain conditions to get qualified for HGV provisional licence according to government of the UK. This blog will guide you through the essential HGV licence requirements in the UK.
requirements for hgv licence
Age for HGV Licence
You must meet the HGV licence age requirements to obtain an HGV licence. In the UK, the following HGV licence age requirements apply:
- For Category C Licence (for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes but no trailer over 750 kg), you must be at least 18 years old.
- For Category C+E Licence (for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750 kg), you must be at least 21 years old.
This age limit for HGV drivers ensures that drivers have reached a certain level of maturity and responsibility to operate large vehicles on the road.
Valid UK Car Driving Licence (Category B)
Before applying for an HGV licence, you must already hold a valid full UK car driving licence (Category B). This ensures that you have the basic skills needed for safe driving, such as understanding road rules, handling a vehicle, and navigating traffic. If you only hold a provisional car licence, you need to complete the necessary steps to pass your car driving test before applying for an HGV licence.
Medical Fitness
A critical requirement for an HGV licence is being medically fit to drive a large vehicle. The physical and mental demands of operating an HGV mean you must undergo a medical examination to ensure you’re in good health. This includes:
- Vision tests: You need to meet certain visual acuity standards, typically requiring you to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters.
- General health: A doctor will assess your overall health, including your heart, joints, and mental fitness.
- The DVLA D4 Medical Form: Your doctor must complete and sign this form after your examination, confirming your fitness to drive.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as epilepsy or diabetes, they may affect your ability to obtain an HGV licence. In such cases, you’ll need to provide additional documentation from your doctor, and the DVLA will assess whether you can safely drive an HGV.
No Serious Convictions
To obtain an HGV licence, you must have a clean driving record. Serious criminal convictions or driving-related offences may prevent you from obtaining the licence. For example, previous disqualifications for dangerous driving, driving under the influence, or other serious violations may disqualify you from becoming a professional HGV driver.
The DVLA will check your criminal record and driving history when processing your application. While minor infractions might not prevent you from obtaining an HGV licence, serious offences could make you ineligible.
Provisional HGV Licence
Before starting HGV training, you must apply for a provisional HGV licence. This is the first step in the process, and you can apply for it through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You will need to complete:
- The D2 application form: You will use this form to apply for your provisional licence.
- The D4 medical form: If required, a doctor must complete this form to confirm your fitness to drive.
The provisional licence allows you to begin training and take your theory and practical tests, but you cannot drive an HGV on public roads until you pass your driving test and obtain a full licence.
Driver CPC
To drive an HGV commercially in the UK, you must complete a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). This requirement ensures that all HGV drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to drive safely and efficiently. The Driver CPC is split into two parts:
- Initial CPC: You must pass a series of tests to prove your knowledge and driving skills. This includes a theory test and a practical driving test that covers vehicle safety checks and driving skills.
- Periodic CPC: After obtaining your Driver CPC, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain your certification. This training covers various topics, such as road safety, vehicle maintenance, and handling hazardous loads.
You cannot drive an HGV for commercial purposes without completing your Driver CPC qualification.
HGV Theory Test
The theory test is another key requirement for an HGV licence. This test assesses your knowledge of road signs, regulations, and best practices for operating large vehicles. It consists of two parts:
- Multiple-choice questions: The first part of the theory test includes multiple-choice questions that cover topics like traffic rules, health and safety, vehicle operations, and road safety specific to HGVs.
- Hazard perception test: This part assesses your ability to spot potential hazards on the road. You will watch a series of video clips showing road situations and must click whenever you see a hazard developing.
Passing the theory test is mandatory before you can move on to practical training and testing.
Practical Driving Test
The practical driving test is designed to assess your ability to drive an HGV safely and competently. During this test, you must demonstrate:
- Pre-driving checks: You will be tested on your ability to inspect the vehicle and perform safety checks before setting off.
- Road driving: You will drive an HGV on public roads, showing that you can handle the vehicle, follow road signs, and drive in various traffic conditions.
- Reversing and manoeuvres: The test will include a series of manoeuvres, such as reversing the vehicle, parking, and executing tight turns.
The practical test ensures you are fully capable of operating an HGV in real-world conditions.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Truck Driver in the UK?
To be a truck driver in the UK, you need to meet several HGV licence requirements. This includes:
- A valid UK car driving licence (Category B).
- Completion of a medical examination to ensure you are fit to drive.
- Passing the HGV theory and practical driving tests.
- Completion of the Driver CPC qualification, which involves initial and periodic training.
Once you meet these qualifications, you can apply for an HGV licence and begin your career as a professional truck driver.
HGV Licence Fees
Obtaining an HGV licence involves several costs. These fees cover the medical examination, theory tests, practical tests, and the required training. The total cost can vary but typically ranges from £2,500 to £4,000. Training costs depend on the type of licence (Category C or C+E), the training provider, and whether you have any prior experience behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Obtaining an HGV licence in the UK requires meeting several legal and medical requirements for an HGV licence. You must be of the appropriate age for an HGV licence, hold a full car licence, undergo a medical examination, and pass both theoretical and practical tests. Additionally, to drive commercially, you must obtain a Driver CPC qualification and maintain it through periodic training.
While the process may seem lengthy, the demand for qualified HGV drivers in the UK continues to rise, making it a rewarding and secure career path. If you meet all the necessary HGV licence requirements, you can start your journey toward becoming an HGV driver and entering a vital industry that keeps the UK moving.