Automotive

Qualifying as a Lorry Driver in the UK

A career driving a lorry can provide people with a steady source of income because all sorts of businesses need to get their products to their point of sale destinations. Almost everything can be transported via large goods vehicles, more commonly known as either LGVs or HGVs. Lorry driving is a good career choice for dependable people who like working without someone always looking over their shoulder, but you have to have the correct credentials to find work driving an HGV.

Lorry Driver in the UK

Credentials for a Driving Career

In order to get a job driving an HGV, you must possess a full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence or CPC. To qualify to get this certificate, you must be at least 18 years of age, possess a full car licence with a good driving history, and pass a medical exam, as well as have good eyesight. If you intend to have a career as a full-time driver, there is a four-part test that you must pass to get a CPC.

Credentials for a Driving Career

Obtaining a CPC

The first step in getting a CPC is applying for it, which is simple to do. You can request the application forms from the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency, which is known as the DVLA. For driving a lorry, you will need to fill out a D2 and a D4, which can be requested as a D2/D4 pack. You can also download the forms from the DVLA’s website.

A doctor is required to fill out the D4, so you can either go to your GP, or you can visit a clinic that specialises in driver’s medical exams. You may need to go an optician as well. Along with both of the forms, you will need to send in a copy of your driver’s licence to the DVLA. While there is no fee to apply for a CPC, you will probably be charged a fee by your physician or by the clinic for filling out the D4 forms.

Obtaining a CPC

Driver’s Training

You will also need to be trained in how to properly drive a lorry. If you already work for a transportation company, they can train you, or you can go to a driver’s training school to get the instruction you need. For a CPC, you must have at least 25 miles of road training to get the certificate. If you take an approved National Vocational Training driving course, you can drive for up to 12 months without a full CPC. However, you must pass part one and part three of the test to drive.

Driver’s Training

CPC Exams

The four parts of the CPC test include:

  • Part 1 – Theory, which is a two-part test.
  • Part 2 – Case Studies
  • Part 3 – Driving Ability
  • Part 4 – Practical Demonstration

CPC Exams

You will be required to pay a fee for each part of the test. Once you pass the tests and receive your CPC, you can look for HGV driver jobs from a specialist recruiter who hires drivers for many companies within the United Kingdom.

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