Are you thinking about new career and become a lorry driver?

If you love to drive, want to travel around the UK or all over the Europe, and like to spend time on your own, then HGV driving could well be for you. It is a great way to travel and see a bit more of the road.

There is a constant shortage of professional truck drivers in the UK. Therefore, if you choose to become an HGV driver, you will always have a job.

The HGV licence is designed to ensure that drivers of large goods vehicles are competent and have the necessary skills to drive these vehicles.

The application process for a professional driving qualification is a complicated one, and it can be difficult to know where to start. This article will provide you with all the information you need in order to apply for your HGV licence.

What are the requirements to become a HGV driver?

To become a HGV driver, you need to meet a few basic conditions. Most of all, you have to love driving. Lorry driving is a good idea for those who like to work independently.

If you want to become a lorry driver you need to have a full car licence and be over 18.

Get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

If you are qualifying for the first time, you must pass the 5 tests that make up the Driver CPC. You must have the full driver CPC if you drive an HGV as the main part of your job.

If you have qualified as an HGV or bus driver before you will need to take 5 course equal to 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified lorry driver.

What steps do I need to take to get the HGV licence?

The first step to become a lorry driver is ensure you are in a good medical condition. That’s why you will need to pass a medical exam (D4 form) as a part of the process and apply for provisional driving licence (D2/D4 form).

Another step in your journey to drive professionally is to pass the theory test. To pass the exam you will need to answer for multiple choice questions in an official test centre. Book the theory test.

There are 3 theory tests: part 1a (multiple choice questions), part 1b (hazard perception test), part 2 CPC (case studies)

Only after passing the theory test, you will be able to start the practical training. Make sure your instructor is DVSA certified and experienced. This way you will be sure that you are learning from a professional and have the best possible chance of passing the practical driving ability test.

After then you will have to take a practical test to confirm your driving ability of larger vehicles.

We suggest you pass your driver Cpc practical demonstration during your practical training.

Once you pass the driving test and have a full uk driving license you can receive driver CPC card.

These are 5 simple steps for you to be able to drive professionally as an HGV driver.

How much experience do you need to become a HGV driver?

It all depends. There is no fixed rule. Even if you have just passed your CPC test, you can get a new job as a driver.

Of course years of experience sometimes play an important role when it comes to employment as a truck driver. But some companies do not require any experience from you other than the basic requirements.

There is still a shortage of professional HGV drivers in the UK.

Therefore, if you want to start working as a professional driver don’t be afraid that you will not be able to find a job. If you have a full UK driving licence and you drive safely, you will definitely be able to become a HGV driver.

What are renewable CPC licence requirements?

All lorry drivers and HGV drivers must renew their lorry drivers licence every 5 years and those over 60 must renew it every year (regardless of their licence status).

To legally drive a vehicle you will need to complete 35 hours of CPC training to keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.

What type of driving license should I have to become a HGV driver?

Different vehicles have different weights. Therefore, you need a different type of driving license to drive different vehicles.

Among other things, it depends on what kind of vehicle you would like to drive. For example you can be a lorry driver, HGV driver or bus driver.

Types of driving licenses in the UK:

• Cat C 1 + E – this type of licence allows you to drive vehicle weighing between 3 500 kg and 7 500 with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg,
• Cat C – having this type of driving licence allows you to drive vehicle over the 3 500 kg and pulling a trailer weighing up to 750kg.
• Cat C E – with this licence you can drive vehicle which is weight over 3 500 kg but with a trailer that can weigh more than 750kg. It is the largest kind of HGV.

What should I know as a HGV driver?

The job of an HGV driver is often split into two different categories: long-distance haulage and local distribution.

Long-distance haulage often involves carrying goods from one place to another, for example, transporting cargo from one country’s port to another country’s port. Local distribution involves delivering goods within the same country or region.

The cost of becoming a lorry driver varies depending on what type of license you want ( cat C, cat C E from C or CE from B) and how much experience you have.

The 5 best reasons to become a lorry driver

1. Great earnings potential –

   Professional drivers can earn a lot of money. Due to the constant lack of drivers, you can decide for yourself what rate you want to work for.

2. Relaxing job –

   You will spend long periods of time in your own company while driving a lorry. Driving alone for a long time can be really relaxing. Drivers appreciate this reason very much.

3. Improved Road Safety –

   Who is not annoyed by irresponsible drivers? If you follow the safety rules as a driver, you can make a real contribution to road safety. Remember that many emergency situations can happen on the road, so it is important that you always remember about the safety rules.

4. Flexible Working Hours and Location of Employment –

   If you are not someone who likes to sit behind a desk and be dependent on strictly defined working hours, you may really like the job of a driver. When you are a CPC driver you can count on flexible working hours.

5. A Sense of Adventure and Freedom –

   Long, empty road, silence and independence. Imagine this peace and freedom. Driving a truck can also be a great way for you to travel and explore a country or Europe.

Is being a lorry driver for me?

Anyone who has ever driven a car knows that driving is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

But, not everyone has the time to devote themselves to getting a driver’s license. HGV drivers are in high demand because they are needed to transport goods from one place to another.

If you have what it takes, then you should consider becoming an HGV driver.

All you need to do is have the appropriate driving license, pass the cpc driver test and you can start your new working life.