How to become a professional Lorry driver
Do you want to become a HGV driver and don’t know where to start?
Here are the steps to follow:
Applying for a provisional HGV or bus licence
When you apply, you’ll need to choose what category of provisional licence you’re applying for.
The category of provisional licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive and the weight of the trailer you can tow with it.
How to apply
To apply, order forms D2 and D4 from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Filling in form D4:
The D4 form must be filled in by a doctor. This could be either your GP – but an optician might need to fill in the section about your eyesight. Or a private firm specialising in drivers’ medical exams.
Your doctor, optician or a private firm can charge you.
Filling in form D2:
Depending on which provisional licence category you choose in form D2, you may get additional provisional entitlements to the one you apply for.
C1 – C1
C or C1+E – C1, C1+E, C and C+E
D or D1 – D1, D1+E, D and D+E
Driver CPC part 1 test: theory
You can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence.
The test is made up of 2 parts – multiple choice and hazard perception. You must book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.
It does not matter which one you take first, but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.
Driver CPC part 2 test: case studies
You can book the part 2 case studies test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence. You do not need to have passed the Driver CPC part 1 theory test.
Driver CPC part 3a test: off-road exercises
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3a test.
Book your test
You can book your test with either:
- an approved private test provider
- the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
Driver CPC part 3b test: on-road driving
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3b test.
You can book your test online.
You must have passed the Driver CPC part 3a (off-road exercises) test before you can take the part 3b test.
Driver CPC part 4 test: practical demonstration
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 2 test before you can book the Driver CPC part 4 test.
This can be booked with you driving school or yourself online
After you’ve qualified
You will receive you DQC (driver qualification card) in the post once your licence is sent off to be updated
If you are thinking of doing international journeys check your passport and renew if needed and get your GHIC (global health insurance card).
You can apply for your tacho card, it is recommend, if possible, apply for this after passing the driver cpc part 2: case studies.
You must carry your Driver CPC card while driving an HGV, bus, or coach professionally.
You can drive without it if you’ve passed the tests and you’re waiting for the card to arrive.
If you requalified by taking the 35 hours training, make sure your training provider has recorded your training within 5 working days of you completing it. If they do not, you cannot drive while you’re waiting for your card to arrive. (Once your Driver CPC card has arrived, you can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without your card.)
If your card does not arrive, you should get your Driver CPC card within 20 days of passing the final test. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you do not receive it.