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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 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight.). A trailer may be towed as long as it does not exceed 750 KG (G.V.W.). Remember. That includes the weight of the trailer AND the load being carried. If you passed your car test before 1997 you will have gained C1 and C1+E automatically (check your driving licence for restriction codes). If you already poses C1 entitlement then you will be exempt from the Initial Driver CPC qualification. Passing your car test post 1.1.1997 will mean you will not be able to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes (limited to cat B)
	Category C - Minimum age 18 Cat C is required to drive vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes and not exceeding 32 tonnes GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight.) Category C, (known formerly and still today as class 2) is best described as a rigid type vehicle, (i.e. the cab and trailer are permanently fixed together, unlike artics.) Without cat E entitlement (cat E represents trailer entitlement over 750 KG) you may not tow a trailer (and load weighing more than 750 Kg GVW.) 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 pass the category C+E driving test. The letter E represents trailer entitlement. Having cat C+E (formerly and still known as class 1) means you can drive any type of Large Good Vehicle (C1, C and C+E). Cat E will also apply to all other categories you hold, i.e B+E, C1+E etc.)

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 more young people 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. The age reduction was implemented to coincide with Driver CPC (September, 10th 2009.) The problems with lowering the age are twofold. One is finding an employer who will take on an 18 year old with little or no HGV driving experience. The second is an employer finding vehicle insurance that will be realistic regarding premiums and excess.

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 professional Lorry Drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes 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 your 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, safe loading of vehicles 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 HGV categories C1 and C and want to drive professionally. To gain Initial Driver CPC You must pass the following 4 modules:

Module 1
Module 1a
Theory test. Multiple choice. 100 questions. Must get at least 85 right to pass. (test cost £35, publication: "Official DSA Theory Test book for Large Vehicles) or visit our HGV/LGV online training simulator
Module 1b
Hazard Perception theory test: You must identify potential hazards as and when they occur. Must get at least a score of 67 to pass (test cost £15, training material "Official DSA Hazard Perception" DVD/CDROM)
Or visit our HGV/LGV online training simulator

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. You will be shown 7 case studies. Each case study will consist of 6-8 questions. Overall you will asked approximately 49 questions. The case studies are designed to replicate situations that you as a Professional Lorry Driver may experience in your working environment. This is a multiple choice examination. (test cost £30, Publications: contact your local training provider) click here to find a provider in your area
Or visit our HGV/LGV online training simulator

Module 3
Pass the LGV practical driving test: 1.5 hours driving on varying road and traffic conditions. You must demonstrate competency and safety behind the wheel to be awarded a pass. Most training companies will deliver your course over a 5 day period. Out of all the 4 modules of Driver CPC Undoubtedly this is arguably the most challenging to pass. It is the most time and cost consuming element of your training. Getting the right result means getting the right training. Speak to your independent provider for professional advise. Click here

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, whilst not driving. A 25-30 minutes test carried out at a DSA test center. You will need a suitable HGV 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.

i.e. explain the effects of force and motion on the vehicle (laden or unladen), including momentum, centrifugal force, centers of gravity etc.

Show that you know how to secure the vehicle and its contents.

i.e. select and use an appropriate restraining devise for a specific load (a trolley with ropes, chains, ratchets, webbing etc will be available to demonstrate your answers)

Demonstrate an ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants.

i.e. walk around (and in) the vehicle identifying possible places where illegal immigrants or contraband may be hidden

Demonstrate an ability to assess emergency situations

i.e. you are driving on the motorway and you notice your rear tyre on fire. What is the correct procedure to follow?

Demonstrate an ability to prevent physical risk

i.e. identify the parts of an HGV that protrude from the vehicle and may be a danger to other road users?

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. Click here to find training providers in your area.

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 an HGV 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 and Vehicle 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 to Driver CPC 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.

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