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Driver Training Information

What age can you drive an HGV/LGV vehicle?

There are three categories of HGV/LGV licence entitlement. The table below shows the different categories, age restrictions and relevant information.

	Category C1 - Minimum age 18 These are vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes but do not exceed 7.5 tonnes (G.V.W.). A trailer may be towed as long as it does not exceed 750 KG (G.V.W.). If you passed your car test before 1997 you will have gained C1 automatically. If you already poses C1 entitlement then you will be exempt from the Initial Driver CPC qualification.
	Category C - Minimum age 18 Cat C is required to drive vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes and not exceeding 32 tonnes. Category C, (known formerly as class 2) is best described as a rigid vehicle, i.e. the cab and trailer are permanently fixed. Without cat E entitlement, any trailer weight must not exceed 750kg (G.V.W.) To attain category C+E, you must first acquire cat C.
	Category C+E - Minimum age 18 If you want to drive articulated or draw bar vehicles, then you must gain category C+E. The letter E represents trailer entitlement. Having cat C+E (formerly known as class 1) means you can drive any type of Large Good Vehicle.

The minimum age requirement to drive an HGV/LGV has changed from 21 to 18 years. This means you can drive a cat C+E vehicle (class 1) at 18. It is, in part an attempt to attract younger persons into the transport industry. The average age of the professional HGV/LGV driver currently is 51. The transport industry needs new blood and this is one way of addressing the problem.

HGV/LGV and Driver CPC

Passing and keeping your HGV/LGV licence has changed. The Driver CPC qualification is now required if you want to drive an HGV/LGV professionally. Driver CPC applies to categories C1, C and C+E. Get the facts from the people who know. All HGV/LGV training companies listed on this website can assist you in all matters relating to Driver CPC acquisition and retention.

The Driver CPC has 3 main objectives, these are

Improve road safety
Underpin and expand on current driver knowledge (e.g. driver hours, digital tachographs etc.)
Ensure new entrants have the required skills and knowledge to carry out their duties as professional drivers.

There are two types of Driver CPC training/acquisition:

Initial Driver CPC and Periodic Driver CPC.

Initial Driver CPC

The initial driver CPC is required by all persons who wish to attain LGV categories C1 and C to drive professionally. You must pass the following modules:

Module 1
Module 1a
Theory test. Multiple choice. 100 questions. Must get at least 85 to pass. (cost £35)
Module 1b
Hazard Perception theory test: Must get at least a score of 67 (cost £15)

Module 2
Theory case study exam.
A theory test based on case studies and scenarios. You will be shown pictures, diagrams, text and audio to illustrate situations and scenarios. This is a multiple choice examination. Cost (£30)

Module 3
Pass the LGV practical driving test: 1.5 hours drive with varying road and traffic conditions. You must demonstrate competency and safety to be awarded a pass. Getting the right training is essential to ensure you get the result you want. Speak to your independent provider for professional advise.

Note!

You can pass module 1 and 3 before modules 2 and 4 (pass the theory, hazard perception and practical driving test before passing the theory case study and practical associated knowledge exam)
You are not allowed to drive professionally until you have passed modules 1, 2, 3 and 4.
If you already have C1, (passed you car test before 1/1/1997 or passed the C1 theory and practical test) then you do not need to do modules 2 & 4 of the initial qualification.

Module 4

Practical associated knowledge exam. No driving is required for this one. Its all about your driving job, while not driving. A 25-30 minutes test carried out at a DSA test center. You will need a vehicle to demonstrate your answers. The examiner will ask a number of questions based on the following topics:.

Demonstrate how to load a vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use.
Show that you know how to secure the vehicle and its contents.
Demonstrate an ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants.
Demonstrate an ability to assess emergency situations
Demonstrate an ability to prevent physical risk

Know your subject

It is strongly recommended you undergo adequate training before taking the Module 4 exam. Find local providers by going our home page.

The pass mark for module 4 is 80%. However you must attain at least 75% in each section (5 sections as listed above). Cost of the test is £55. The £55 test fee will also pay for your Initial Driver CPC qualification card On completion on passing module 4, you will be awarded a DCPCQC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Qualification Card). This card is valid for 5 years and entitles you to drive professionally. Bear in mind. You must also complete 35 hours periodic Driver CPC training within that 5 years, and every 5 years thereafter. Your independent HGV/LGV provider can assist you in all matters regarding Driver CPC (Initial and Periodic).

Periodic Driver CPC

All drivers who have HGV/LGV entitlement and drive professionally must complete 35 hours formal periodic training every 5 years. This applies to category C1, C and C+E. (by September 10th 2014 for those who already possess C1, C or C+E on or before 10th September 2009)

This means you must undergo formal Driver CPC training on an ongoing basis. There is no examination for periodic training, just attendance. How you complete the 35 hours is entirely up to you, as long as you complete at least 7 hours at any one time (within 24 hours period) and your course is JAUPT (Driver CPC) approved. Most, if not all Driver CPC courses are 7 hours in duration. Typical courses include: ADR, Drivers' Hours, Vehicle Checks & Safety, Digital Tachographs,Health and Safety, Fuel Efficient and Eco Driving, Manual Handling, Customer Services, etc. It would make sense to complete one day (7 hours) every year. That way you are spreading the cost and time. Once you have completed your 35 hours you will be issued with a DCPC qualification card. It is an offence if you do not carry your card at all times while driving professionally.

Most, if not all companies listed on this site are Driver CPC approved for both Initial and Periodic Driver CPC. Speak with your Local Independent Provider for More details. (certain exemptions apply, see below).

Driver CPC Exemptions

Driver CPC Directive 2003/59 does not apply to drivers of:

Vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45km/h
Vehicles used by or under the control of the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service and forces responsible for maintaining public order
Vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair, maintenance purposes, or new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service
Vehicles used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions
Vehicles used in the course of driving lessons by any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or Driver CPC
Vehicles used for the non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods for personal use
Vehicles carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of their work, providing that driving the vehicle is not the driver's principal activity

N.B. This list is not necessarily exhaustive and is intended only as a guide.