What You Need to Know Before Driving an HGV in London

If you’re thinking of driving an HGV in London, there are a few things you need to know first. For one, the process of getting licensed to drive an HGV in the UK is different from other countries. Also, the congestion charge and low emission zone can add to the cost of driving in London. And finally, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations around HGVs in London.

The Process of Getting Licensed to Drive an HGV in the UK

The process of getting licensed to drive an HGV in the UK is different from other countries. In order to get a license, you must first pass a series of tests, including a theory test and a practical test. The theory test consists of multiple-choice questions about the Highway Code and basic road safety. The practical test is a driving test that assesses your ability to drive an HGV safely.

If you’re coming from another country, you may need to take additional tests depending on your country of origin and the type of license you currently hold. For more information on this, please see The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) website.

The Congestion Charge and Low Emission Zone

The congestion charge is a daily fee that needs to be paid by drivers in central London. The fee is currently £11.50 per day for vehicles that emit less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometer driven.

The low emission zone (LEZ) is a designated area in London where only vehicles that meet certain emissions standards are allowed to enter. The LEZ covers most of Greater London and the daily fee for non-compliant vehicles starts at £100.

For more information on the congestion charge and LEZ, please see Transport for London’s website.

Rules and Regulations around HGVs in London

There are a number of rules and regulations that apply specifically to HGVs in London. For example, HGVs are not allowed to use bus lanes during daylight hours, and they must be equipped with special mirrors that give the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, there are restrictions on where HGVs can park and how they can access certain roads.

For more information on the rules and regulations around HGVs in London, please see Transport for London’s website.

London can be a challenging city to drive an HGV in but if you’re prepared for the Congestion Charge and Low Emission Zone, and familiar with the rules and regulations that apply specifically to HGV sin London, you’ll be able to navigate the city with ease!