How to Get an HGV Licence: A Step-by-Step Guide
To obtain an HGV licence is absolutely nowhere near as overwhelming as people think. With the right strategy in place combined with sheer will, the process should be effortless. Here’s how to acquire a HGV license in simple words.
What Is An HGV License?
Before heading towards the procedure, it’s important to know what purpose do HGV licenses serve. An HGV Licence allows you to legally operate motor vehicles above 3.5 tonnes, which includes lorries, trucks, and articulated lorries. This is the license that one needs to hold in order to work in the transport and logistics industry.
In general there might be two types of HGV Licences:
– Category C (Class 2): Having a baseline of 3.5 tonnes, for large delivery trucks or bin trucks.
– C+E (Class 1): Signed for even larger vehicles that have a truck on a semi-trailer, or for articulated lorries. These are engaged in long distance transportation.
Which class of driving licence you will apply for will depend on the vehicles you wish to operate. But most drivers begin with class C and then later on advance on to C+E.
Step 1: Finding out if you are eligible
One doesn’t just get their hands on big rigs by walking into an HGV training course. There are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet first:
- Age: No one younger than 18 years of age can apply for an HGV licence on their own without parents’ or guardian consent.
- Driving License: An HGV course can be taken if one possesses a full UK car driving licence.
- Medical Fitness: Not everyone can attempt to drive large vehicles; it requires mental and physical fitness. A medical test needs to be passed in advance in order to be fit for driving.
If you tick all these boxes, you’re ready to move on to the next stage.
Step 2: Apply for Provisional HGV Licence
The provisional HGV licence can easily be thought of as a learner’s permit for driving the lorry. To obtain one, the applicant will have to:
– Complete the D2 Application form, which may be filled out online or via paper from the DVLA.
– Answer all questions in the D4 medical form, signed by the examining medical doctor at the end of the test.
Filling these forms out and sending them to the DVLA will ensure an early application for a license within a few weeks.
Step 3: Take the Required Tests
To get any licence it is quite normal that you will have to sit for exams. Similarly, in the case of HGV driving licence only going through the training process is not enough. The training is followed by required tests in order to figure out how much you have learnt throughout the process.
You will be asked for a few tests like:
- The theory exam
- The practical exam
- The driving test
- The CPC test
All the above mentioned tests have their own necessities in this particular field. It is imperative for you to be prepared for all the tests and exams because earning a licence for such a demanding job is not a piece of cake. However, it is also not something that is impossible. With proper diligence and focus it doesn’t take long to achieve success.
How Long Does It Take to Get an HGV Licence?
In total, this exercise may take a few weeks when it comes to acquiring a provisional licence and the driving test. The processing time may vary for different people based on how often tests are available to them. This also includes the swiftness at which they progress through their training.
How Much Does It Cost?
In Europe, depending on its type, an HGV licence can be quite costly. This is owing to expenses associated with:
– Theory Test
– Regular Examination
– CPC Certification
– Practical Training and Test (depending on the provider and duration of the course)
Investing in one is however, often worth it with earning potential being sufficient enough to cover costs of the same.
Conclusion
At this point it would be fair to add that one must be prepared with a few measures. The goal should always be to refine oneself and “grow.” Here are some practices that may help to ensure one becomes better during HGV training:
– Studying Hard – Use online resources to understand the test a little better, and learn how to answer practice questions more accurately.
– Staying Calm – It is completely normal for someone to feel anxious during their practice.
– Ask Questions – Call your instructors if in need of an explanation, and do not doubt your teachers.
– Practise Patience – Do not rush, becoming an HGV driver is a goal, make sure to take your time while keeping a steady focus.
Acquiring such a document is necessary if one wishes to work for logistics. It will allow for one to seek promising opportunities across various mediums.
