How to become a HGV Driver?

Becoming an HGV or Heavy Goods Vehicle operator requires many things, but most of all having the love to drive on the open road and being able to do so for long periods of time alone.

If this sounds like something enjoyable, the following are the requirement to obtaining a HGV license so the fulfillment of this goal can be obtained and employment in this business sector is possible.

After you qualify as a HGV diver check out the costs to get HGV road insurance policy

Qualification

• 18 years old is the minimum age for qualification.
• Already have obtained a legal and full driver’s license from the UK Government.
• Obtain a provisional license for the type of lorry you desire to operate.
• Must be able to obtain a CPC or Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
  • There are four parts to this test
    • Part one Theory
      • Both multiple choice and hazard perception questions are in the test.
        • 100 questions of which 85 must be correctly answered.
        • 19 videos with hazards where 67 of the hazards out of 100 must be correctly identified.
      • You have 2 years to take both parts and pass each one.
    • Part two Case Studies
      • 7 different cases or scenarios will be presented.
        • Each case study has 6 to 8 multiple choice questions.
        • To pass 40 out of 50 questions must be answered correctly.
        • This part can be taken before or after part one.
        • Once this part of the test is passed you have 2 years to complete the testing.
      • Part three Driving Ability
        • Part one must be passed before this section of the testing can be undergone.
        • Requires the applicant to provide a lorry, bus or coach
          • This is where being an apprentice is advantageous.
        • Each applicant will be asked questions pertaining to the type of HGV they are trying to acquire a license to operate.
        • Skills that will have to be demonstrated with the vehicle on a paved road.
          • The use of the vehicles controls.
          • Starting and stopping on both uphill and downhill grades.
          • Controlled stop.
          • Ability to use mirrors.
          • Dealing with hazards.
          • Anticipating the direction of other users on the motorway.
          • Ability to use turn signals appropriately.
          • The ability to maintain a constant speed within the legal limits.
          • Being able to choose a safe location to stop the vehicle.
          • 10 minutes of the test will be free driving.
            • This will test the safety level of independent decisions the applicant will be making when operating the vehicle.
          • The off-road portion of the driving test.
            • The ability to reverse into a bay in an s-shape manner.
            • For those with a trailer attached, the uncoupling and recouping procedure must be demonstrated.
          • To pass 15 or less driving faults will pass this section of the test without any serious faults being present.
        • Part four Practical Demonstration
          • Part two must have already been passed within the last 2 years before this section can be taken.
          • Requires the applicant to provide a lorry, bus or coach
            • This is where being an apprentice is advantageous.
          • 5 sections to this test.
            • The ability to load the vehicle in a safe manner and secure it according to the regulations.
            • Tested on stopping the trafficking of illegal immigrants.
            • Ability to reduce the physical risk to your person.
            • Capable of doing a visual safety check of the vehicle.
            • Assessing emergency situations.
          • 15 of the 20 questions must be correct in each section of this test with a total of 80 out of 100 questions correct.
        • At the end of the testing period the examiner will inform the applicant if they have passed and will obtain an HGV license.
        • To stay qualified 35 hours of testing must be completed every five years.
        • For operators over the age of 65, they must recertify every year.