If you’re looking for a new career that offers great pay and plenty of opportunity for advancement, you should consider becoming a truck driver. Getting your HGV licence is the first step on the road to success.
There are a few different ways to go about getting your HGV licence. You can attend a truck driving school like HGV Driver Training Centre, which will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the exams. Or, if you have the time and money, you can study for the exams on your own.
If you want to drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) in the UK, you’ll need to get your Cat C, Cat C+E, Horseboxes, Cat C1, or Cat C1+E license, as per your requirement.
Here’s how to get the various licences.
#1. Cat C License
There are a few requirements you must meet in order to get a HGV Cat C licence in the UK.
- At least 18 years old.
- Have a full UK driving licence.
- Must have completed a DVLA-approved driving course.
- Must pass a DVLA driving test.
Once you have met all of these requirements, you can apply for a HGV Cat C licence by filling out a form and sending it to the DVLA along with the required fee. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a licence which will be valid for 5 years.
#2. Cat C+E License
You’ll need to pass both the basic driving test and the practical test. The practical test for a Cat C+E license is the same as the practical test for a Cat C license, but it will also assess your skills in driving a HGV that is loaded to a maximum weight of 24 tonnes.
#3. Horsebox License
The basic driving test and the practical test passing requirements remain the same to qualify for your Horsebox licence. In other words, you’ll go through the same practical test as the Cat C licence but to get your Horsebox license, the DVLA will also assess your skills in driving a HGV that is loaded to a maximum weight of 10 tonnes.
#4. Cat C1 License
You go through the same theoretical and practical tests that you would to achieve your Cat C licence. In addition to these skills, you will also have to demonstrate practical skills in driving a HGV that is loaded to a maximum weight of 6 tonnes.
#5. Cat C1+E License
In addition to the practical test to achieve a Cat C1 licence, you’ll also be tested by DVLA for your skills in driving a HGV that is loaded to a maximum weight of 12 tonnes.