From van or delivery driving to an HGV licence

# From van or delivery driving to an HGV licence

If you already drive a van, work in a warehouse, or deliver stock to shops, an HGV licence could help you move into better-paid driving work. Your existing road experience is useful, but you will need the correct licence and training before driving larger vehicles for work.

The route is straightforward when you understand each stage.

Which HGV licence do you need?

Your first decision is the type of vehicle you want to drive.

• Category C1 allows you to drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.
• Category C allows you to drive rigid lorries over 3.5 tonnes.
• Category C+E allows you to drive an articulated lorry with a trailer.

Many people moving from van driving start with Category C. It gives you access to a wide range of rigid lorry jobs, including multi-drop deliveries, builders’ merchants, retail distribution, and haulage work.

If you want to drive artics, you normally take Category C first, then train for Category C+E.

What do you need before training?

You must hold a full car driving licence and meet the medical requirements for professional lorry driving. You will need to complete a D4 medical examination with a qualified medical professional.

You then apply for your provisional entitlement from the DVLA. The application is normally made using form D2, along with your completed medical form. Check the current requirements before sending your application.

Once your provisional entitlement is in place, you can book training and tests for the category you want.

What is involved in HGV training?

A good course should prepare you for both the practical test and the standards expected in real work. Training usually covers:

• Vehicle safety checks
• Safe positioning and observation
• Junctions, roundabouts, and urban driving
• Reversing and manoeuvring
• Coupling and uncoupling, where relevant
• Use of mirrors and blind spots
• Loading awareness and vehicle stability
• Safe, economical driving

Your trainer will help you understand how a larger vehicle behaves. Turning space, braking distance, height restrictions, and road position all need more planning than they do in a van.

Do you need Driver CPC?

If you plan to drive an HGV professionally, you will usually need a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, known as Driver CPC.

The qualification includes a theory test and a practical demonstration test. You must also complete periodic training to keep your Driver CPC current. Some exemptions apply, so check how the rules relate to the type of driving you plan to do.

Driver CPC is an important part of delivery driver HGV training because employers generally need drivers to hold the correct professional qualification.

Moving from 7.5 tonne to HGV work

If you already drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle, you may have useful experience with vehicle checks, delivery paperwork, customer sites, and working to timed routes. Moving from 7.5 tonne to HGV work still requires the correct licence category and tests, but your day-to-day experience can make the transition easier.

Think about the work you want before choosing training. Local multi-drop work, trunking, supermarket distribution, and general haulage can all have different schedules and responsibilities. Weekly pay can improve, but rates vary by employer, location, hours, experience, and the type of vehicle.

Start your next step

If you are ready to move from van driver to HGV, ask about the licence categories, training hours, test process, and likely job options. Do not choose a course based only on the shortest timetable. You need enough training to become a safe, confident driver.

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