How to Get an HGV Licence in the UK: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check you're eligible

To apply for an HGV licence, you must:

• Be 18 or over
• Hold a full car driving licence (Category B)

What type of HGV licence should I get?

The type you need depends on the vehicle size and what you'll be transporting:

Class 1 (C+E) - Recommended

Over 7.5 tonnes with a detachable trailer. Ideal for long-haul driving. Simply holding your Class 1 for 6 months to 2 years opens up many more job opportunities - mainly for insurance reasons - and Class 1 experience is a huge advantage.

Class 2 (Category C)

Over 7.5 tonnes on a rigid base. Common in urban work (e.g. bin lorries, fire engines).

Category C1

For vehicles between 3.5-7.5 tonnes. Automatically included if you passed your test before 1997.

Category D

For passenger-carrying vehicles like buses or coaches.

Step 2: Apply for your provisional HGV licence

Get these forms:

• D2 - Provisional licence application
• D4 - Medical form (must be filled by a GP or private provider)

You can order the forms from the DVLA or pick them up via a driver training centre.

Medical requirements

You'll need a medical check to:

• Complete the D4 form
• Declare medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy)
• Show proper management if you're insulin-dependent

After qualification, you'll need a medical every year from age 65.

Send the forms: Post the completed D2 and D4 forms to the DVLA. It usually takes around 3 weeks, longer if your health or personal details need checking.

Step 3: Complete the Driver CPC

To drive professionally, you need the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). It has 4 parts:

Part 1: Theory test

• Multiple choice - £26: 100 questions, 1h 55m, pass mark 85/100
• Hazard perception - £11: 19 videos (20 hazards, 1 video has 2), pass mark 67/100

Pass both to get your theory certificate (valid for 2 years). Book CPC Part 1 here.

Part 2: Case studies - £23

• 7 case studies with 6-8 questions each
• Test time: 1h 15m
• Pass mark: 40/50

Your pass letter includes a reference for Part 4 and is valid for 2 years. Book CPC Part 2 here.

Part 3: Driving ability (1.5 hours)

• Vehicle safety questions: 'show me, tell me' checks (instruments, body condition)
• Road driving - £115-£141: mirrors, signals, speed control, hazard response, plus 10 minutes of independent driving
• Off-road exercises - £40: includes an S-shaped reverse into a bay (sometimes booked on a separate day)

Pass if you make 15 or fewer minor faults and no dangerous faults.

Part 4: Practical demonstration - £55-£63

Tests your knowledge on:

• Loading the vehicle safely and keeping it secure
• Preventing trafficking of illegal immigrants
• Assessing emergency situations
• Reducing physical risks to yourself or others
• Walkaround vehicle safety check

5 sections, 20 points each. Pass mark: 15/20 per section + 80/100 overall. See the full CPC syllabus.

What if I fail a CPC test?

• You can rebook any part
• You'll need to wait 3 working days before retaking

When you book your theory training through HGV Academy you get our Pass Protection - if you don't pass your theory test first time, we cover the cost of your resit (up to 2 failed attempts across Modules 1a, 1b and 2). For driving and reversing cover, upgrade to Pass Protection Plus - call us for a quote.

What happens when I pass?

You'll receive your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) - carry it whenever you're driving professionally. If caught driving without it: £50 fine.

Note: If you only pass Parts 1 and 3, your licence will be marked with code 101 (non-commercial use only).

How long is an HGV licence valid?

• 5 years (renew by completing 35 hours of periodic training)
• After age 65, renew annually

How much does it cost?

Official DVSA test fees are on GOV.UK. As a guide:

• Part 1 - Theory (multiple choice): £26
• Part 1 - Theory (hazard perception): £11
• Part 2 - Case studies: £23
• Part 3a - Off-road exercises: £40
• Part 3b - On-road driving: £115-£141
• Part 4 - Practical demonstration: £55-£63

Estimated total: £270-£4,500. Add medical and training costs depending on your provider. Class 1 (Cat C+E) will cost the most - on average around £3,500.

How to get an HGV licence for free

You might not have to pay for your licence if:

• A company sponsors you due to the driver shortage (you may need to stay with them for 2+ years)
• You do a large goods vehicle apprenticeship (typically 12-13 months)
• You take a bus/coach driver training programme

Check GOV.UK for current opportunities.