What are the basic requirements to become an HGV driver in the UK?

To become an HGV driver in the UK, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a full UK car driving licence, and be medically fit. If you passed your car test after 1997, you'll need to apply for provisional HGV entitlement.

What are the main steps to getting an HGV licence in the UK?

The process involves several key steps: completing an HGV medical, choosing the correct licence category (e.g., Class 2 or Class 1), passing theory tests, undertaking practical training and passing the driving test, and finally completing CPC Module 4 if you intend to drive professionally.

What is the Driver CPC and is it required for HGV drivers in the UK?

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a professional driving qualification required for all HGV drivers who intend to drive professionally in the UK. It involves initial qualification (including Module 2 and Module 4 tests) and 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep it up to date.

What are the different HGV licence categories and which one should I choose first?

The most common categories are HGV Class 2 (Category C) for rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, and HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) for articulated lorries. Class 2 is often the starting point, allowing you to gain experience before potentially upgrading to Class 1 for more advanced roles.

Driving Licence

How to get an HGV licence?

1 August 20250 min readGS Driver TrainingUpdated: 24 April 2026

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