How To Become a Lorry Driver? Qualifications and More

Have you given any thought to how to become a lorry driver? You’ll be responsible for transporting large amounts of goods across the UK, and sometimes go abroad if that is what your job entails. If you love the idea of driving and want the freedom of the open road, then HGV driver work is for you. However, there is a process that potential lorry drivers need to know about.

Naturally, you’ll need the essentials of a valid UK driver’s licence and to be aged over 18, but after that, there’s a little more to consider. Being an LGV or HGV driver is a rewarding career, though, so you need to focus on getting the process right. Let’s take a look.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Lorry Driver?

Becoming an HGV driver means you’ll need to complete a vehicle training course. The process ordinarily takes 2 to 3 months – it largely depends on you. All aspects of the process will be tested, mostly by DVSA.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Lorry Driver?

There are a wealth of costs that are associated with becoming a lorry driver, including applying for and getting your HGV driving licence, and you’ll have to fund most of them yourself.

The good news is that getting an application for a provisional HGV, LGV or PCV (bus licence) is free. However, HGV driver training, tests and exams cost a bit of money.

Theory Tests for HGV Lorry Drivers

• Your Driver CPC Multiple-Choice examination costs £26.
• Your Driver CPC Hazard Perception examination costs £11.

Case Studies

• Your Driver CPC Case Studies Examination costs £23.

Practical Tests to Become an HGV Driver

• Your Driver CPC Training Off-Road Exercises Examination costs £40.
• Your Driver CPC Training On-Road Driving Examination costs £115.
• Your Driver CPC Training Practical Demonstration (Mod 4) costs £55.
• Tuition costs will fluctuate depending on the number of hours required and your own personal ability.
• You’ll also need to pay £25 for your Driver CPC card.

Qualifications Needed to be a Lorry Driver

To become an HGV driver, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be over the legal age of 18.
• Have a full vehicle licence.
• Have Existing Driver CPC or Complete the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

If you’re applying for the first time, then you’ll need to make sure that you apply for the provisional licence first – you’ll need this while you train. From there, you just need to pass the five different tests which make up the Driver CPC to qualify for the LGV or HGV licence. You need to take 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain your qualification.

Categories You Can Choose From to Drive a Lorry

There are different categories that you can choose from when it comes to driving a lorry:

• Category Class 1: This is for any vehicle which is more than 7.5 tons and has a detachable trailer.
• Category Class 2: This is for vehicles which are more than 7.5 tons but are also working with a fixed base.
• Cat C1: This is for vehicles which are between 3.5 and 7.5 tons.
• Category D and D1: This is for vehicles where you need to travel with passengers, (PCV).

How to Get an HGV Licence?

There are four main steps to acquiring an LGV or HGV licence.

1. Medical Exam

You’ll be required to have a routine medical exam to make sure that your health is good and that your reflexes work for driving a PCV or HGV lorry.

2. Theory Test

The HGV theory test is designed to make sure you understand the basics of road and LGV, PCV or HGV safety. This will be a combination of multiple choice and a hazard perception test.

3. Practical HGV Driving Test

The driver’s practical PCV, LGV or HGV test will make sure that you are capable of driving a heavy vehicle. This will be conducted by an official DVLA representative.

4. Driver CPC Training

You’ll be required to complete your driver CPC training to make sure you are qualified to drive a PCV or HGV vehicle.

How to Know if Lorry Driving is For You?

HGV lorry driving is a career which can be rewarding work. However, there are certain rules and requirements for HGV, PCV and LGV drivers which should be considered.

As a solo LGV or HGV driver, you will work a lot of time on the road – especially during the typical work day. You may not have anyone else with you, so it can be lonely work, and you’ll need to concentrate on your driving and the road all the time.

However, if you love seeing new places and getting to choose where you go and what you do, HGV lorry driving can be a good career choice.

If you want to learn to drive an HGV, get in touch with us or call 01942 826133. If you want to learn to drive an HGV, get in touch with us or call 01942 826133 or visit our driver training centre in Wigan.