Truck Driving Licence

[fishing81]

Does anyone know how long you have to have a car driving licence before you are allowed to take a HGV licence

[EDDIE51]

looks like you just have to have passed your car driving test, no time mentioned
https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/driving-licence-requirements

[Zacs-Master]

If you what to learn to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a bus or coach (PCV) you have to have a full driving licence for a car, you have to be over 17 or 18 years old (see above), otherwise you have to be 21, you have to pass a Department of Transport medical.

[Prudie]

I didn't think there was a limit. You must have a full licence with provisional C on it and be 21 years old minimum.

[fishing81]

Thanks everyone, as you say it doesn't look as if there is a time limit but I would have thought you would need a few years driving before you are let loose with a 40 footer

[Zacs-Master]

Why? If you've passed the test, you've passed the test. Regardless of age. I know people who have passed their car test and got a pilots license on their 17th birthday.

[Prudie]

Well for HGV you must be 21 so assumes maybe a a few years experience. Plus you have to pass your C test and then apply and pass the +E bit.Neither are a walk in the park and both will require training..

[Zacs-Master]

No such thing as HGV anymore.

[Prudie]

Well you still need C_E to drive an articulated lorry which is what most HGVs are - and a bit like a Dyson is a hoover, that's what people still call it :-)

[Zacs-Master]

Well, if the OP wants accurate answers......

[sddsddean]

You will have to take your C test first...that is to drive a rigid vehicle of over 7.5T. If you want to drive an artic or wagon and drag, you will then have to take the C+E ( vehicle over 7.5T with a trailer over 150kg [Ithink!]). Theoretically, you could take C and take C+E immediately after, but I have never heard of anyone doing this. In the old days you could go for a double L (no car licence, so L for that; no HGV licence, so L for that) and take one test in an artic and get your car licence at the same time...scary! Don't forget you now have the added complication of the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). This requires 35 hours of training every 5 years, but for new drivers, must be completed before they can drive after passing their test. This is usually taken as 5 7hour/day courses and is generally accepted as being a total waste of time and money (there isn't even a test...you just have to attend), but thats the EU for you! This will cost about £60 a session, so about £300 to get your DriverCPC card (which amazingly is free!).

[furrypusscat]

The CPC is a money making scheme for the government. Quite rightly, 35 hours in total with 5 different 7 hour sessions. I think hubby paid on average £64 each. After each session you get a certificate but you can do the same session 5 times and qualify so if for example Tachographs and permitted hours is one session, you can do that 5 times, so you tell me if this isn't a waste of time and money.
Medicals range from £80 to £120 dependant on your GP and you have to now have a separate opticians eye test.

[sddsddean]

Just had my medical fpc (as I'm 55 next week) and as far as I know, you don't have to have a seperate opticians test...I did mine all at the doctor. Shop around for medicals. At my surgery its £120..at a surgery a few villages away its only £50...and the medical only takes 10 minutes!

[furrypusscat]

Medical Examination Report D4. Important changes. Taken from Medical Examination Report Inf4D.
'Because the eyesight standards for driving have changed, anyone applying for a Group 2 licence must now provide a vision assessment as part of their D4 medical examination report. The vision assessment can be filled in by a doctor, optician or optometrist. In some cases the doctor may not be able to fully complete the report and will have advised applicant to arrange with an optician. ...'.
Hubby didn't need separate report but I think it depends on individual GP practices and their eyesight testing equipment.

[sddsddean]

Now you mention it, I remember reading something about it on my D4, but doc said I didn't need seperate opticians test as i) he could do it and ii) as I wear glasses, obviously I had had a 'recent' eye test.

[TWR]

The only job in the Country that you get done for working too hard, have to pay for your So Called HGV, Professional Driver, My @rse! you get treated / spoken to like muck, (To some) have to lie about being late, have this so called CPC, to some that's done the Job for 40+years, But does not tell you how to keep the load inside the trailer, ( Load of Tosh & money making ) Fish, do yourself a favour! keep away from the rat race & protect your heart.

[Hopkirk]

Never heard of anyone doing C+E straight after passing the C test Sddsddean?

That's what I did, and was recommended to do.
You are still in learning / testing mode.
Instructors find it harder with people who have been on rigids for a while, as they have developed bad habits.

Mind you, I already had my PCV licence.