How to get your HGV licence, step by step

Choose the licence you need

Start with the work you want to do. Local delivery and construction jobs usually ask for Class 2 (Category C). Long-distance, tanker and bulk haulage usually need Class 1 (C+E), which you can now take directly without passing Class 2 first. C1 (7.5 tonne) is a common first step into delivery work.

Not sure? Our licence category table sets them side by side, or call us and we will talk it through.

Get a medical and apply for your provisional entitlement

You need a D2 application form and a D4 medical report, which a doctor completes after checking things like your eyesight, blood pressure and medical history. We can arrange your medical with Drivers Medical Solutions, and their doctor brings the D2 and D4 forms, so you don’t need to order them.

Post both forms to the DVLA with your photocard licence. There is no fee for adding provisional entitlement, and we recommend Special Delivery. Allow three to four weeks. The entitlement won’t be printed on your card, so check it online or call us and we will check it for you. See our trainee resources for the forms and links.

Pass your theory tests

There are three theory tests, taken at a DVSA test centre once your provisional entitlement is through:

• Multiple choice: 100 questions in 1 hour 15 minutes, with a pass mark of 85
• Hazard perception: 19 video clips, with a pass mark of 67 out of 100
• Driver CPC case studies (Module 2, for professional drivers): 50 questions across 6 to 8 case studies in 1 hour 15 minutes, with a pass mark of 40

If you are training with us, we book the tests with you and offer free one-to-one theory tuition at our Dumfries centre, or an online learning platform, DTS Anytime, where we can follow your progress. Theory passes last two years, so plan your practical training within that time. Practice tests and revision links.

Train with an instructor

With your theory passed, practical training starts. At Nithcree you learn in a dual-controlled lorry with an instructor who drove for a living: vehicle safety checks, the reversing exercise, and plenty of time on real roads around Dumfries or Perth. How long you need depends on the category and your experience. Direct Access C+E, for example, is 32 hours over four days one-to-one, or eight days two-to-one. If you are travelling to Dumfries, we send bed and breakfast recommendations when you book.

Funding can cover some or all of the cost. We check what applies before you book.

Take the practical driving test

The DVSA practical test (Module 3) covers vehicle safety questions, off-road exercises such as reversing into a bay, and an on-road drive of about an hour. Your instructor will tell you when you are ready, and we prepare you for exactly what the examiner looks for.

Pass the Driver CPC practical demonstration

Professional drivers also take the Driver CPC practical demonstration test (Module 4). You show an examiner that you can keep the vehicle and its load safe and secure, carry out a walk-round check, and deal with situations such as emergencies. It is short, and we cover it in training.

Once you have passed Modules 2 and 4 the DVSA sends your Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which you must carry when driving professionally.

Keep your licence and card valid

To keep your DQC you need 35 hours of Driver CPC periodic training every five years. Lorry drivers also renew their medical at 45, then every five years until 65, and every year after that. If you plan to carry dangerous goods, add an ADR certificate.