HGV

Friendly & Helpful Staff

Experts in the industry

Low prices

We are the number 1 choice in Essex for HGV training

So you want to drive a HGV?

There a number of things you have to do before you can even have HGV driving lessons. Below are some typical questions and answers regarding learning to drive a HGV.

Take a look below at the different classes of vehicle you can drive. Then click on either the photo or class type for further details and the training we provide.

C1 Class

A 2 axle vehicle with a rigid fixed body. A C1 class vehicle can be over 3.5T must not exceed 7.5T in gross weight. A trailer can be attached but it must not weigh more than 750Kg

A C1 Class is typically a small delivery vehicle but can also be an ambulance or horsebox

C Class

A 2, 3 or 4 axle vehicle with a rigid fixed body. A C Class vehicle can weigh over 7.5T

Is also referred to as a Class 2 vehicle. Typical C Class vehicles include fire engines, removals, roadside recovery, waste disposal and larger horseboxes.

C1+ E Class

The same as C1 Class vehicle but with a trailer added The trailer weight must not exceed the weight of the vehicle doing the driving and the combined weight must not exceed 12T

C1+E Class vehicles are mainly used by companies who maximise the payload of their existing C1 vehicles such as removals and utilities.

C+E Class

An articulated lorry with a cab and detachable container. Weight can exceed can exceed 7.5T. It is the largest HGV vehicle on the UK roads and can have a laden weight of up to 44T

C+E Class vehicles are mainly used for long haul deliveries of heavy equipment and goods

ADR

ADR or Accord Dangereux Routier is a vehicle used for the transportation of hazardous goods such as fuel or corrosives

You need to obtain a special license in order to drive an ADR vehicle.

HIAB

A HIAB or Hydrauliska Industri AB is a lorry loader vehicle. A license is not required for a lorry loader vehicle but you do need to complete recognised training for Health & Safety purposes

What's the difference between HGV and LGV

There isn’t one. HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle and LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle. However some people do refer LGV to be a Light Goods Vehicle such as a Transit type van

What forms do I need to fill in to get my HGV license?

You need to complete forms D2 & D4. These can be obtained either directly from the DVLA or we can supply them. A link to where you can order D2 & D4 forms is below.
Please Note:- You cannot download the D2 and D4 forms as parts of them cannot be printed

What are forms D2 & D4?

Form D2 is the HGV provisional license application and D4 is the medical form. D4 needs to be completed by the Doctor who conducts your medical. If you fail your medical then you will not be allowed to drive a HGV.

Do I have to go to my GP for the medical?

No you don’t. There is a fee to pay for the medical and it is generally higher if you go to your GP. We can arrange for you to visit a recognised HGV medical centre as part of one of our package deals but you can source your own medical.

What are Grandfather Rights?

Grandfather or Acquired Rights were given to car drivers who passed their test prior to 1997. Drivers who have Grandfather Rights are entitled to drive a C1, C1+E and D1 Class vehicles without the need to take the initial Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) but they do need to take the 35 hour Driver CPC Periodic Training before they can drive a HGV professionally. The photo on the right shows the driver has Grandfather/Acquired Rights

I have passed the medical and have the provisional entitlement on my license. What's the next step?

You will need to pass the Initial Driver CPC. This comes in 2 parts:- Case Studies (Module 2) Practical Test (Module 4) We can provide study material and lists of questions that you are likely to be asked on the Practical Test

I have Grandfather Rights on my license. What do I need to do?

You need to take 35 hours of Driver CPC Periodic Training. This is normally 5 modules of 7 hours in length.

We run the following modules:

  • Driving Skilss
  • Emergency First Aid
  • Loading & Unloading
  • Smart Motorways
  • Tachograph & Drivers Hours

In order to remain driving a HGV professionally, you MUST complete another 35 hours of Driver CPC training within 5 years

Can I learn to drive an articulated lorry first?

No you cannot. Initial HGV driver training must be in a C1 or C Class vehicle. See below for an explanation of the different vehicle classes

I have Grandfather Rights but have never driven a C1 Class vehicle. Can I practice driving a C1 with you?

Yes you can. We can arrange for you to have as much or as little driving practice as you wish. We also recommend that you have some practice driving in a C1 vehicle before you take the Driver CPC Periodic Training

How many driving lessons do I have before taking my test?

At Newcroft, our driver training takes place over 5 days. We normally book your test then start your lessons 5 days before it is due to take place. We find that you are more likely to fail by leaving a gap between your lessons and test

Can I retake my test if I fail?

You can retake your test as many times needed in order to pass. Some of our package deals on HGV driver training offer a free retest or free lessons on another vehicle if you pass first time. Unfortunately you will have to pay for future tests if you fail more than twice.

What happens now that I have passed all my tests?

You will be sent your Driver CPC card(sometimes called Driver Qualification Card/DQC) through the post to the address on your driving licence. You MUST carry your DQC at all times when driving a HGV professionally.

What is a Digital Tachograph Card?

A Digital Tachograph Card or Digi Card is required if you are going to be driving a HGV professionally. As a HGV driver, you are subject to laws regarding the amount of hours you can drive in a day and when you must take a break. A Digi Card records your driving activity and you will be fined and possibly banned if you are caught driving a HGV without a Digi Card. To apply for a Digi Card you will need to download form D777B/DL from the link below

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no driving license forms can be ordered from the DVLA until further notice

D2/D4 Forms
RTITB Theory Online