PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence upgrade to HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) can significantly enhance your career opportunities in the driving industry. This transition is not only about obtaining a new licence; it involves understanding the differences between the two types of licences, the requirements for upgrading, and what each licence permits you to drive. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and considerations for successfully making this upgrade.
PCV to HGV Upgrade
If you currently hold a PCV licence, your initial journey likely involved completing Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4. This comprehensive process included undergoing a medical examination, applying for a provisional Cat D licence, passing three theory tests, and completing two driving tests. Successfully navigating this pathway also granted you Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualifications for operating minibuses, buses, and coaches.
To acquire HGV entitlement, you will follow a similar path. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
- Medical Examination: You will need to undergo a medical exam to ensure you meet the health standards required for HGV driving.
- Applying for Provisional Licence: Fill out the necessary application forms, including the D2 and D4, which can be requested online. Don’t forget to include your existing driving licence and ensure that its photo ID is valid.
- Theory Tests: You must complete several theory tests. These typically cover topics such as road safety, vehicle maintenance, and regulations specific to heavy goods vehicles.
- Driver CPC: You’ll also need to obtain the Driver CPC, which applies to all professional drivers. The training includes 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
- Practical Tests: Finally, you’ll have to pass a practical driving test tailored to HGV vehicles.
The overall duration for PCV Licence Upgrade to HGV, or vice versa, typically takes around eight weeks, depending on the availability of tests and your personal preparation.
Understanding the Differences Between PCV and HGV Licences
The primary distinction between PCV and HGV licences lies in the type of vehicle and its capacity. Here’s how they differ:
- PCV Licences:
- D1: This category includes passenger-carrying vehicles with 9 to 16 seats, regardless of vehicle weight.
- D: This category allows drivers to operate vehicles with more than 16 passenger seats.
- HGV Licences:
- C1: Covers goods vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
- C: For goods vehicles with a MAM over 7.5 tonnes but not exceeding 32 tonnes.
- CE: This category includes vehicles over 7.5 tonnes towing a trailer exceeding 750 kg.
Is bus and lorry cpc the same
If you’re operating a minibus, bus, coach, or HGV, you must complete the Driver CPC training if you are being paid to drive these vehicles. This training applies to all professional drivers licences.
It’s worth noting that there is separate Driver CPC training for buses and lorries. However, if you possess both HGV and bus entitlements, you only need to complete one set of 35 hours of training to satisfy the requirements for both categories.
Can you drive a PSV on an HGV licence
As an HGV driver, you might wonder whether you can operate a PSV. Generally, the rules allow HGV drivers to drive PSVs only under specific conditions. For instance, if an HGV driver needs to recover a bus by transporting it to a repair location, this is permitted. However, during this exemption, no passengers may be carried, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Can I drive a class 2 on a bus licence
A PCV licence is divided into two primary categories: D1 and Cat D. Understanding these can help you navigate the regulations more effectively.
- If you hold a D1 licence, you cannot drive a passenger-carrying vehicle with more than 16 passenger seats. This restriction limits the type of vehicles you can operate.
- In contrast, a Cat D licence allows you to drive any passenger vehicle, regardless of the number of seats, including those designed to carry over 16 passengers.
This distinction is critical for ensuring you operate within legal boundaries and avoid potential fines or penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Drive a Lorry on a bus Licence?
No, a PCV licence does not permit you to drive lorries. It is strictly for passenger vehicles with up to 8 seats. But HGV driver can drive an empty bus in case of emergencies or vehicle pickup.
Is a PCV Licence the Same as an HGV Licence?
No, PCV and HGV licences are distinct categories, each requiring separate theory and practical tests to obtain.
PCV Licence Upgrade to HGV possible in One Step?
No, upgrading from PCV to HGV requires multiple steps, including a medical examination, gaining provisional entitlement, passing various theory and practical tests, and obtaining Driver CPC.
Does My PCV CPC Cover HGV Driving?
It depends on various factors, such as the specific tests passed before certain dates. Always check your Driver CPC card for confirmation of both PCV and HGV coverage.
Can You Go Straight from a Car Licence to an HGV Licence?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade directly from a car licence to an HGV Class 2 or Class 1 licence. You can even skip the Cat C (Class 2) and progress straight to Class 1 if you meet the requirements.
Conclusion
Transitioning from driving PCVs to HGVs is a common step for many drivers in the UK. The HGV industry presents a broader job market and typically offers better pay, making it an appealing option for many aspiring drivers. For those contemplating the PCV licence upgrade to HGV, it is crucial to understand the differences in licensing requirements and the specific steps involved in this transition.
In summary, whether you’re contemplating a shift or actively pursuing it, the HGV sector has much to offer, and understanding the ins and outs of the licensing process will set you on the right path.
Looking for FURTHER INFO?
If you want to find broker free HGV or PCV training providers near your area in UK, you can use our locator for further information.