Our guide to becoming a HGV driver

With there being a reported shortage of 59,000 drivers, now is the ideal time to pursue a career with HGVs. With drivers required to transport goods across the UK and beyond, in times of uncertainty, this can be viewed as a safe career choice where your skills will always be in demand.
It's not quite as easy as just jumping into an HGV and taking to the road though. Drivers of these vehicles have an enormous responsibility both for the cargo they carry and, more importantly, for other road users. This means that in the UK there are strict requirements and tests before you can get started with this career.

The basic requirements

Before you can think about tests and training to be an HGV driver, there are some basic requirements that you must meet first:

With these basics in place, you are ready to take the next steps towards being able to drive an HGV for a living.

Medical

Given the nature of HGVs, they can be lethal on the roads. An accident involving an HGV is likely to have catastrophic consequences for many. The first step towards ensuring you will be safe behind the wheel is a medical examination. This can be carried out with any GP, and a DVLA form will need to be completed as part of this.

Obtain your CPC

To drive an HGV professionally, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). The CPC was introduced to the UK in 2008 and was initially for bus drivers. HGV drivers were included in 2009, and the CPC is recognised across Europe.
There are 4 modules to the CPC, and you will need to pass each of these to be successful.

Module 1 - Theory test

Much like a car test, before you can progress, you will need to pass a theory test. This module is broken down into 2 parts. Part 1 is a multiple-choice examination, and part 2 is a hazard perception test.
Part 1 will see you having to answer 100 questions within 1 hour 55 minutes with a pass mark of 85%. Part 2 will involve you identifying hazards from video clips. Each hazard you identify will give you 5 marks, and the pass mark is 65%. To obtain the theory certificate, you will need to pass both parts 1 and 2 within 2 years of each other.

Module 2 - Case studies

This is a computer-based test that will see you answering 6-8 multiple choice questions on each of the 7 scenarios with a time limit of 1 hour 55 minutes.
These scenarios are based on situations that you are likely to come across as an HGV driver in your day to day work.

Module 3 - Driver ability

This is the time when you can get behind the wheel and have the opportunity to demonstrate your driving skills. The driver ability test is broken down into 3 parts:

This test will take 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.

Module 4 - Demonstration test

The final module will see you being tested on other practical elements of being a driver. These include:

The overall pass mark for this section is set at 80%.

After your CPC

Once you have successfully passed each module, you will be issued with your CPC, but that is not the end. The nature of driving an HGV and some of the risks involved mean that you will regularly be updating your training and demonstrating your competence. You will need to complete 35 hours of refresher training every 5 years which equates to 7 hours a year.
Obtaining your CPC can open up a world of opportunities as an HGV driver. With the possibility of travelling abroad, as well as freedom across the roads of the UK, a career as an HGV driver certainly appeals. The haulage industry will always need drivers so, assuming that you stay up to date with your refresher training and that you perform well, there is no reason why you will ever struggle to find work again.