Before you begin looking at HGV training courses, you should bear in mind that there are certain HGV licence requirements you need to show you meet before you can start. These HGV licence requirements are to do with your legal ability to drive an HGV, as well as your status. We’ll break these down for you so you can make a decision about whether to start talking to us about your LGV / HGV training today.

What do I need to do to become an HGV driver in the UK?

In order to become an HGV driver in the UK of any class, you need to apply for your provisional licence, take a medical exam, theory test, get the driver CPC certification, get your training from a DVLA approved instructor & then take the Practical test,  and then clock up 35 hours of additional training every 5 years. The good news is that we do all this for you, signup on one of our registration form and one of our expert adviser will contact you soon.  

What are the different kinds of HGV licence?

There are four main categories of HGV licence:

1. Category C+E – the highest of all, and drivers holding this type of licence drive the heaviest types of vehicles, usually for things like construction. With this licence, you can drive vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and with trailers more than 750 kg in weight.
2. Category C – this is the most common of all HGV licences. It allows you to drive all kinds of vehicles from bin lorries to be trucks.
3. Category C1+E – with this licence you can drive vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes in weight, with trailers weighing more than 750 kg.
4. Category C1 – the lowest of all licences, this is ideal for professional drivers who need only to drive small transit vans or trucks without trailers.

How old do I have to be for each type of licence?

There is a single age restriction common to all of these categories, and that is that you must be at least 18 years old before you begin training.

Do I need a car licence first?

Yes, for all types of training you need a valid car driving licence.

When do I need to renew my licence?

If you’re over 45, you need to renew your licence every 5 years until you’re 65, at which point your renewal needs to be annual.

What hours can I work as an HGV driver?

HGV drivers’ hours are very strictly regulated. By becoming a driver through this training, you are also agreeing to keep track of your hours and to adhere strictly to the maximum number of driver hours you’re allowed to do within any time period. The hours you can drive will depend on several factors such as the type of vehicle you’re driving, and where you’re driving it. Make sure you know exactly which rules apply to you before every single journey. For more details on working hours, please download the HGV Drivers’ Working Hours, approved by DVSA.

You might also find that you drive throughout the night rather than in the day. This is quite common for European jobs, and you have a responsibility to make sure you adjust your lifestyle accordingly to stay alert at the wheel.

Is driving an HGV a lonely job?

Although you may spend many hours on the road, driving an HGV is actually a great way to socialise with other drivers.  At the various truck stops around the UK you’ll meet people doing the same job as you, and if you’re doing regular European trips you may find yourself mingling with other passengers on ferries or trains between countries.

What kind of jobs can I do as an HGV driver?

The sky’s the limit when you’ve got your licence. You can move up through the licence categories if you like, taking on more and more responsibility. Drivers who transport dangerous goods, for example, can earn more than drivers who deliver consumer products. If you work for a company who deliver to Europe or beyond, you can find yourself going all over the world with all kinds of cargo, from food to rock stars’ touring gear.

What skills do I need?

Although the exams test you for all the vital driving skills you need, it also helps if you’re good with basic maths, patient, organised and careful, as well as being able to enjoy your own company for long periods when needed.

What can I earn as an HGV driver?

Your salary really depends on your experience, what class of vehicle you can drive, what you carry, who you work for and where in the world you’re driving to. Salaries can vary from a starting wage of £18,500 to an impressive £35,000 for more experienced drivers doing larger jobs with more responsibility.

If you need more information on the different HGV licences we offer or the PCV / LGV / HGV licence requirements do not hesitate, please get in touch. Call us and one of our expert advisers will be happy to help.