Want to become a HGV driver but don’t know where to start? The world of HGV and how to become a professional driver can be daunting when you’re faced with an abundance of information all at once. We’ve tried our best to simplify the essential information you need to become an HGV driver. You’ll be on the roads in no time!
Becoming an HGV driver opens all kinds of doors to various job opportunities and earning potential. With an estimated 60k vacancies around the UK and a starting salary of £25k, now is the time to start your HGV training in preparation for your full license. First of all, you need to be 18 and have a full car licence before you even think about applying to become an HGV driver. Now you need to apply for your provisional. The category of your provisional depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive. These forms can be found on gov.uk’s website. Click here to view. If all goes well you should get your provisional driving license within 3 weeks from DVLA. Next up, obtain a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
So what exactly is a CPC? CPC is a set of standards applied to initial driver training and career-long continuing education. It is a set of standards established by the European Union to ensure all professional HGV drivers are both competent and proficient as well as developing their knowledge and skills. On the road to becoming a professional HGV driver, you must first pass all 4 initial tests to qualify for CPC. Thereafter you must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain your HGV qualification. If you do not obtain this qualification and you are driving professionally you could face a hefty fine of £1000. Definitely not worth it.
Upon passing all 4 CPC tests you’ll be sent a Driver CPC card. This is sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’. You are now a qualified HGV driver prepped and ready to take on the roads with your forty something tonne truck.
There are many training school and courses out there for you to get started on your new worthwhile journey to a life changing career as a HGV driver. Below are just a few to get you started:
https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/getting-qualified
