If you passed your test after 1st Jan 1997 you can only drive up to 3.5 tonnes (Transit twin wheeler or similar). It’s now very easy to go up to 7.5 tonnes by taking an intensive course typically in a 5 tonne van. Before you can start your Cat C1 driver training you need a medical and then apply for a provisional C1 Licence.
The first stage of the C1 Licence acquisition is to complete a driver medical. This is a higher standard medical than that required to drive a car. This can be arranged locally for you by the team. We will issue you with a D4 medical application form for the doctor to complete at the appointment.
Once the medical is completed you will need to fill in a (D2) Licence application form. This will ask you for the provisional entitlement you are applying for, e.g. C1 (7.5-ton Licence) or C (ridged lorry Licence). Additional medical questions also need to be answered and the form signed at the bottom, please note no picture is required if the Licence you currently hold is in date and is the photo type
card.
You will then need to send the D2 and D4 application forms, as well as your current drivers Licence, to the DVLA. They will then return your Licence with the provisional entitlement that you have applied for on it.
Nationwide training locations
1
4/5 days (inc test)
These are vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes but do not exceed 7.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight (G.V.W.). A trailer may be towed as long as it does not exceed 750 KG Gross Vehicle Weight (G.V.W.). If you passed your car test before 1997 you will have gained C1 automatically and be exempt from requiring the Initial Driver CPC qualification, but driver training for familiarisation is strongly recommended before driving a C1 vehicle even if you have the licence entitlement.
Becoming a HGV driver isn’t just about getting used to driving a bigger vehicle. It’s about learning all the rules of the road, how to load and unload the truck safely, and how to handle tricky situations. Below is a breakdown of what’s involved in training to become a HGV driver.
From honing your driving skills to obtaining the necessary licences, we’re here to guide you through the training options, licensing requirements and career prospects in the field of HGV driving.
With a wide range of vehicle types and sizes falling under the HGV category, it’s crucial to understand which specific licence you need to legally and safely drive each type.
We’re here to guide you through the step-by-step journey of becoming an HGV driver. From understanding the prerequisites and choosing the right training program to passing essential tests and launching your driving career
