If you’re interested in starting a driving career in the Logistics & Transport industry, it’s essential that you get the right HGV licence. At Elite, we work with drivers everyday so we know exactly what it takes to become an HGV Class 1 Driver.

In a nutshell: 

1. Be aged over 18 with a full car driving licence 

2. Apply for your provisional HGV lorry licence  

3. Complete HGV Driver CPC Theory Test  

4. Complete HGV Driver Category E Practical Test 

Read below for further details and useful links for each step. 

Step 1: Obtain a Full Car Driving Licence 
Firstly, you must be over the age of 18 and if you do not already have a car driving licence, you need to apply for, take the theory and practical driving tests to obtain a licence from the DVLA.

Step 2: Apply for a Provisional Lorry Licence.
Secondly, apply for your provisional lorry licence. Similar to the car driving licence, this is done through the DVLA website. This time, you require a form called D4; this needs to be filled in by a registered doctor. This is because drivers of lorries must be in reasonably good health. The areas that will be assessed include your eyesight, neurological and heart conditions, mental health, alcohol and drug use, diabetes and sleep disorders.
You must send this medical assessment (D4) to the DVLA and form D2, which you have completed yourself, along with your photocard driving licence. The DVLA will then assess whether you are fit to drive a large vehicle and then process your application and provisional lorry licence; you should receive your licence within three weeks of the DVLA receiving your application.

Step 3: Take the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) test
The next step is a four-part theory test called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). You need the full Driver CPC if lorry driving is the central part of your profession. The tests follow a similar format to the driving licence theory test but are longer and more extensive. Once you have booked and passed the theory tests, you will need to find a good training provider to prepare you for the practical tests.
Once you’ve passed all parts of the Driver CPC, you’ll be sent a card, which you must carry at all times when driving a lorry professionally. To keep your Driver CPC, you must take 35 hours of driver CPC training every five years to stay qualified.

Step 4: Take the Category E practical test
You are now a qualified Cat C LGV (Class 2 HGV) driver. To become a class 1 driver, you must pass one more practical test, which adds category E to your licence. One of the benefits of going straight into becoming a class 1 driver is that it shows you are committed and driven. If you’re new to the field or have little experience, it will show employers that you’re hard-working and responsible.

How much do HGV Driver Tests Cost?

• Driver CPC part 1 – theory – (multiple-choice) 
• Weekday is £26 – Evening, weekend and bank holiday is £26

• Driver CPC part 1 – theory – (hazard perception)    
• Weekday is £11 – Evening, weekend and bank holiday is £11 

• Driver CPC part 2 – case studies       
• Weekday is £23 – Evening, weekend and bank holiday is £23 

• Driver CPC part 3 -driving ability
• Weekday is £115 – Evening, weekend and bank holiday is £141 

• Driver CPC part 4 – a practical demonstration   
• Weekday is £55 – Evening, weekend and bank holiday is £63

Our team is happy to chat, if you’d like more information on becoming an HGV driver or HGV driver work you can contact Elite Employment via email at widnes@elite-employ.com or call 0151 420 1219. 

Alternatively, if you’re already qualified and ready to drive your way to success, simply register your details with us here.