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 and relevant information.
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Category C1 - Minimum age 18These trucks weigh more than 3,500 Kgs but don't exceed 7.5 tonnes (Gross Vehicle Weight). You can tow a trailer as long as it does not exceed 750 KG (G.V.W.). Passed your car test before 1997? then you will have gained C1 automatically. |
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Category C - Minimum age 18Category C entitlement is needed to drive vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes and not exceeding 32 tonnes (Construction & Use regs.) Cat C, (known more commonly as class 2) is best described as a rigid vehicle, i.e. the cab and trailer are permanently fixed together. Like the C1 any trailer being towed weight not exceed 750kg (G.V.W.) Cat C is the most common HGV licence held and the stepping stone to C+E. |
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Category C+E - Minimum age 18If you want to drive articulated or draw bar type vehicles, then you must gain category C+E. The letter E represents trailer entitlement (i.e. up to and over 750 Kgs). Once you acquire cat C+E (better known as class 1) you can drive any type of Large Goods Vehicle. |
The minimum age requirement to drive an HGV has dropped from 21 to 18 years. Meaning you can drive a class 1 or class 2 (professionally) from just eighteen years of age. The age was lowered to coincide with the implementation of the new Driver CPC (came into force for HGV's 10th, September 2009.) Lowering the age is also an attempt to attract younger people into the haulage industry. The current average age of the professional LGV driver is 51. The commercial transport industry is screaming out for young new entrants with the right attitude and aptitude.
HGV/LGV and Driver CPC
Ataining and maintaining your HGV/LGV licence has changed. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is now needed to drive professionally. Driver CPC applies to cats C1, C and C+E. Get the facts and info from those who know. All HGV, Driver CPC and ADR training companies listed on this website can assist you in getting the qualifications you need.
Driver CPC has 3 goals:
- Improve road safety
- Underpin and expand on current driver knowledge and skills
- Ensure new entrants have the required skills and knowledge to carry out their duties as professional drivers.
There are two types of Driver CPC acquisition. Initial Driver CPC and Periodic Driver CPC . The initial driver CPC is required by all new entrants who require LGV C1 and C entitlement to drive professionally. If you need the initial element you must pass the following:
Module 1Module 1a
Theory test. Multiple choice. 100 questions. Must get at least 85 to pass.
Module 1b
Hazard Perception theory test: Must get at least a score of 67
Module 2
Theory case study exam.
A theory test based on case studies and scenarios. To help you prepare and get the result you want HGV/LGV Training has teamed up with Theory4All. You can now study for the module 2 online.
Module 3
HGV practical driving test: 1 and 1/2 examination test on your driving ability. You must demonstrate competency and safety to be awarded a pass. Make sure you get the best info and training by finding an approved HGV training provider in your area.
Module 4
Practical Demonstration knowledge exam. No driving is required on this practical test. This exam is about your driving job, while not driving. The exam will be carried at the same location as the module 3 driving test (DSA practical test centre.) The duration for this one is approximately 30 minutes and you will need a vehicle (C1, C or C+E) to demonstrate your answers. Your DSA examiner will set you a number of scenarios, normally 6 in total. The scenarios will replicate situations a professional driver may experience in his or her working life. You will be asked questions and you must use the vehicle to explain your answers. Below is a list of the subject topics you will be asked about
- Ability to load a vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use
- Check for illegal immigrants & contraband
- Security of the vehicle and contents
- Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants
- Ability to assess emergency situations
- Ability to prevent physical risk
- Demonstrate your ability through a physical, walk-round vehicle safety check
Drivers who have HGV entitlement (acquired before 10th September 2009), and drive a category C1, C or C+E professionally must complete 35 hours formal training every 5 years. In this instance you must complete your 35 hours by September 10th 2014
There is no examination or test for periodic training. Your attendance only will suffice to be awarded a Driver CPC card. How you undergo 35 hours is entirely your choice, as long as two conditions are met.
- You complete a minimum of 7 hours (within a 24 hour period)
- The course you attend is Driver CPC approved (JAUPT approved)
The government were looking to make Fuel Efficient and Eco Driving a mandatory element of Driver CPC but this has now been rejected. Read our article for more information
At the last count nearly 1,000 companies approved to deliver periodic training. Courses are wide ranging including: Drivers' Hours, ADR, Operator CPC, Daily Safety Checks, 1st Aid, Accident Prevention, Roadside Recovery, Manual Handling, Lorry Loader, Legal Obligations etc. It would be true to say some Driver CPC training companies are better than others (i.e. professional, established and proven track record.) By using our unique search facility you can find an approved, quality Driver CPC training provider in your area.
Once you have completed your 35 hours you will be issued with a DCPC qualification card (via DSA and DVLA). You must carry your card at all times while driving professionally. It will be a criminal offence not to
their are exemptions to driver CPC so not every Driver needs it. See our Driver CPC exemptions article for further details.