CPC and LGV Driver TrainingTruck Training Courses
LGV licence acquisition:
For those of you that require an LGV license to further your career or start out in the road transport industry, we can help you get your driving career off on the right road. An LGV license is a vocational license and once granted there are some strict rules governing its use and the conduct of the license holder.
Important Information about Applying to be an LGV Driver
The Law requires that the minimum age to drive an LGV vehicle is 18 years, which and subject to a specific order of tests and training. All the above is subject to passing a medical and meeting the required standard on application by the DVLA.
You can obtain both the medical and application forms from us here at ULTS. Alternatively, order your forms online via the .gov.uk website.
Please give us a call or email us and we will be happy to advise you on any aspect of your LGV driver training and guide you through the application process.
We recommend your own Doctor for the LGV medical, but you can go to any GP or Medical Centre. There is normally a fee from the doctor for this type of medical and the vision test is now done by an optician who will also charges. After your medical, you simply send away the forms provided to the DVLA
While the medical report and Provisional Licence are being processed remember to start studying for your theory and hazard tests; we can guide you through the whole process. Once you have been granted your provisional LGV license you can begin the process of driver training and tests.
Taking your LGV Driving Test
You must take your LGV driving test in a ridged vehicle first as described under Category C or C1 and pass the test before you can progress onto an articulated or trailer drawing vehicle.
Please see the list of license categories below:
Category B + E (Car and Trailer)
Vehicle weighing up to 3500kg with no more than 8 seats, towing a trailer exceeding 750kg with a GTW not exceeding the towing vehicle GTW as per manufacturers weight plate with the correct tyres. The size of the trailer depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date shown on your license. If the date is:
- before 19 January 2013, you can tow any size trailer
- on or after 19 January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg
- in all cases, there is a UK length limit of 18.75meter non-articulated HGV.
Category C1 (Rigid Vehicle)
Rigid vehicle weighing between 3500kg and 7500kg, towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg.
Category C1+E (Rigid Vehicle)
Rigid vehicle specification as per Category C1, towing a trailer weighing more than 750kg but not exceeding 12000kg.
Category C (Rigid Vehicle)
Rigid vehicle weighing over 3500kg, towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg.
Category C+E (Articulated Vehicle)
Articulated vehicle specification as per Category C, towing a trailer weighing more than 750kg.
Category D1 (Minibus)
Passenger carrying vehicle having more than 8 but no more than 16 seats, towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg.
Category D1+E (Minibus)
Passenger carrying vehicle specification as per D1, towing a trailer exceeding 750kg.
Category D (Bus)
Passenger carrying vehicle having more than 8 seats, towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg.
Category D+E (Bus)
Passenger carrying vehicle specification as per Category D, towing a trailer exceeding 750kg
What is involved in the initial qualification?
If you intend to drive an LGV commercially and you are 18 to 21 years old you must do the training in the set order below; if you are 21 or over you must do modules 1 & 2 first before you can do your practical driving course, but you must do your CPC tests before you drive any lorry commercially.
| Module 1 | Theory Test – Multiple choice questions & hazard perception test | 2.5hrs |
| Module 2 | CPC Case Studies | 1.5hrs |
| Module 3 | Practical Test | 1.5hrs |
| Module 4 | Driver CPC Practical Test – Vehicle safety demonstration | 0.5hrs |
Once you are fully qualified you will then need to keep your driver CPC current by completing 35 hours of periodical training before the expiry date on your CPC card.
Existing LGV and PCV drivers will also need to do 35 hours over 5 years of periodical training so call us to discuss your driver CPC training needs.
We offer both Module 4 and periodical driver CPC courses and would be glad to advise and help you.
What is Driver CPC Training?
The Driver CPC Training (Certificate of Professional Competence) has been introduced across the EU and Britain to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. All professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers must hold a Driver CPC card if they want to drive for a living. It applies to drivers who drive lorries of 3.5t and above, and buses with 9 or more seats.
How will it affect you?
All drivers will need to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training within every five-year period. Examinations are not included in the training and as such, there is no pass/fail.
If you already hold a vocational license prior to the relevant start date then you will hold acquired rights, which means that your first five-year period is covered – buses until 9th Sept 2013 and lorries until 9th Sept 2014. To keep your CPC and continue driving after this date, you will need to undertake regular periodic training.
Check your Driver CPC periodic training hours
I hold both a PCV and LGV licence; am I required to do two sets of periodic training?
No, only one set of periodic training needs to be completed every five years.
* New rules: in an attempt to bring qualified drivers back into the industry, allows those who have done NO CPC, to qualify for the first time by choosing to carry out the INITIAL CPC, ie: you do a CPC case study test and the one day CPC ‘show me tell me’ practical test. (Modules 2 and 4) please call or contact us for more details.