How do I become an LGV driver?
There are a number of things to be considered before starting the process to become a fully qualified LGV (large goods vehicle) driver.
Is this the right career for me?
If you enjoy working by yourself, wanting a job that makes use of your driving skills and you want to travel across the Uk and in some cases Europe and beyond then yes this could be the right career for you.
Do I need a medical examination?
Yes you do. Before you apply for your provisional licence you will be required to take a medical and submit a submit a medical examination report (D4 Form). The medical can be arranged with your local doctor but in some cases your company or training provider will arrange this for you but please note this may be something you are charged for by your doctor, optician or a private firm.
Applying for you provisional lorry licence
After passing your medical you will need to apply for a provisional licence with the DVLA by submitting both the D2 & D4 forms along with your current photocard driving licence to the DVLA (DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR). There’s is no application fee.
If you do not have a photocard driving licence, then you will need to supply a passport-style colour photo and your original paper driving licence identity documents.
Ensure that you read and complete the form accurately so to not delay your application. You should get your driving licence within 3 weeks of DVLA getting your application. It can take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked.
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 have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.
You must score a pass mark of 85/100 for the multiple choice questions part and 67/100 for the hazard perception part.
It doesn’t matter which one you take first but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.
You’ll be given a letter at the test centre with the results for the part of the theory test you’ve just taken.
When you’ve passed both parts, your theory test certificate will be posted to you. You need this when you book your Driver CPC part 3 driving test.
Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test.
You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3 driving test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 1 theory test again.
If you fail, you’ll get a results letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed but don’t worry, you can book another theory test straight away, but you can’t take it for another 3 clear working days.
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 don’t need to have passed the Driver CPC part 1 theory test.
he test is made up of 7 case studies you work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life.
You’ll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.
The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.
You’ll get a letter with the results at the test centre.
You need the test pass reference number when you book your Driver CPCpart 4 practical demonstration test.
The pass letter is valid for 2 years.
You need to pass the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 2 case studies test again.
If you fail the test, you’ll get a result letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed. You can book another case studies test straight away, but you can’t take it for another 3 clear working days.
Driver CPC part 3 test: driving ability
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3 test.
Your practical test will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes:
- – vehicle safety questions
- – practical road driving
- – off-road exercises
During your test you’ll be asked vehicle safety questions.
During your practical road driving, the examiner will see how you:
- – use the vehicle controls
- – move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
- – do a controlled stop
- – use the mirrors
- – give appropriate signals
- – show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions
- – manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
- – deal with hazards
- – select a safe place to stop
There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.
The off-road exercises will include:
- – an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
- – showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer
After you’ve taken the practical test your examiner will tell you if you’ve passed and explain how you did.
You’ll pass your test if you make:
- – 15 or fewer driving faults
- – no serious or dangerous faults
If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away, but you can’t take it for another 3 clear working days.
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.
You’re tested on being able to:
- – load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure
- – stop trafficking in illegal immigrants
- – assess emergency situations
- – do a walkaround vehicle safety check
The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic.
To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.
At the end of your test the examiner will tell you if you’ve passed.
If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away, but you can’t take it for another 3 clear working days.