HOW TO BECOME A HGV, LGV OR BUS DRIVER
TRAINING TO BE A HGV DRIVER
There are 3 main types of licence in Lorry driving the CAT C1, CAT C and CAT C+E.
CAT C1, a vehicle weighing between 3.5tonne and 7.5tonne (if you passed your driving licence before 1997 you may already have this entitlement). These types of lorries are typically small in stature with a rigid square back, eg, Emergency vehicles like an Ambulance, Small deliveries/rental trucks, Horse box trucks, Small flat bed, army tankers etc. This is a starting qualification and can be used with a C+E addon to allow you to pull a trailer.
CAT C and CAT C+E are the most popular licence in the UK commonly known as Class 2 for the CAT C licence and Class 1 for the C+E licence, please note you can not drive a C+E vehicle unless you have CAT C or CAT C1 qualification. Many of the goods in the UK are carried via consumer goods lorries both Rigid and Articulate, the size or lorry you will drive will depend on your licence, size of cargo and transport distance.
Legal Requirements for becoming a HGV or Bus Driver
Becoming a HGV driver can be a daunting process so as well as learning materials listed above we have also put together a list of useful links on becoming a HGV, Lorry or bus driver. This includes everything from legal requirements to registering yourself as a limited business for self employed roles.
https://www.gov.uk/adding-higher-categories-to-your-driving-licence
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-a-digital-tachograph-driver-smart-card
https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/applying-for-a-bus-or-lorry-provisional-entitlement
https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/when-you-dont-need-driver-cpc
https://www.gov.uk/driver-cpc-training
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-for-buses-and-coaches-used-for-driving-tests
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-for-lorries-used-for-driving-tests
https://www.gov.uk/run-business-from-home
https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/self-employed
https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration
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