FAQ's
Lorry Licence Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I need a provisional licence even if I have passed my car-driving test and hold a current driving licence?
2. How old do I have to be to take a Vocational driving course and test?
3. I have passed a theory test when I had car-driving lessons, will I need to take it again?
4. Do I have to go to my own Doctor to have my medical examination?
5. If I am over 21 years of age do I need to take a Category C1 (7.5 tonner) test before taking a Category C (Class II) test?
6. Is there a compulsory waiting period between taking a Category C (Class II) and a Category C+E (Class I)?
7. How long does the driving test last?
8. Is one to one training better than shared?
9. Do you offer a "Guaranteed Pass" scheme?
10. What is the difference between HGV and LGV?
11. What happens if I make a mistake and fail my driving test?
Driver CPC Frequently Asked Questions
a. What is the Driver CPC?
b. Does the new Driver CPC affect me?
c. When does the Driver CPC come into effect?
d. If I decide to become a professional LGV or PCV driver once the new legislation has been implemented what will I need to do?
e. Are there any exemptions to the Diver CPC?
f. I already have a CPC for transport operations do I need the Driver CPC?
g. Does the Driver CPC ever expire?
h. Can the 35 hours of approved training to renew the Driver CPC be staggered?
i. If I hold a Category C Licence and have a driver CPC will I need to take another Driver CPC if I upgrade my licence to a Category C+E?
j. I am currently driving LGV & PCV vehicles, will I need to obtain a driver CPC when the legislation is introduced?
k. I hold both LGV and PCV Driving licences will this mean I will be required to undertake 70 hours of training every 5 years?
l. If I leave the driving industry and my Driver CPC expires will I need to retake it before I can start driving again?
m. Who can arrange my 35 hours of approved training?
Forklift Truck Course Frequently Asked Questions
A: If I hold a certification for one truck e.g. Reach Truck, can I operate any lift truck e.g. Counter Balance
B: I only use a Fork Lift once a day do I need training?
C: How many persons can be trained in one day?
D: How long will a truck licence last?
Train To Gain
I. For more information on Train To Gain, please click here.
Licence Categories
Category B+E (Car and Trailer Minimum Age = 17)
Category C1 (Lorries between 3500kg and 7500kg with trailer up to 750kg)
Category C (Lorries over 3500kg with a trailer up to 750kg)
Category C+E (Lorries over 3500kg with a trailer over 750kg)
How To Book your Training
Click here for more information and booking
Q1. Will I need a provisional licence even if I have passed my car-driving test and hold a current driving licence?
A1. Yes. All Vocational Driving Licence categories will require candidates to firstly meet the higher medical regulations and hold a provisional licence for the category they wish to acquire.
Q2. How old do I have to be to take a Vocational driving course and test?
A2. Normally you will need to be 21 years of age although there are some exceptions, if you wanted a PCV licence these can be obtained at 18 years of age but you will be restricted to driving on a regular service where the route does not exceed 50km. LGV Category C1 can also be taken at 18.
Q3. I have passed a theory test when I had car-driving lessons, will I need to take it again?
A3. Yes. You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a bus licence you will need to take a theory test.
To upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally have to sit the test, for example, if you have a category C licence (Class II) (rigid body lorry) and you want a C + E licence (Class I) (articulated lorry) you will not have to take a theory test. You will however have to take the relevant practical test.
Anyone with sub-categories C1 and D1 entitlement who obtained those categories when they passed their car test and wants to upgrade to a C or D licence will have to obtain the correct provisional entitlement and pass a theory test.
Q4. Do I have to go to my own Doctor to have my medical examination?
A4. No. Although you can go to your own Doctor, before booking your medical enquire about the cost! It has been known that Doctors can charge anything between £40.00 up to £120.00. We normally arrange the medical for our customers at a very competitive rate.
Q5. If I am over 21 years of age do I need to take a Category C1 (7.5 tonner) test before taking a Category C (Class II) test?
A5. No. If you are 21 or over you can skip Category CI (7.5 Tonner) and go directly to Category C (Class II), the course costs and difficulty levels are the same and you will end up with two licence categories for the price of one.
Q6. Is there a compulsory waiting period between taking a Category C (Class II) and a Category C+E (Class I)?
A6. No. As soon as you have passed your Category C (Class II) course you will need to send your Provisional licence along with your pass certificate to DVLA, they will update your licence and return it, as soon as it is returned you can take your Category C+E (Class I).
Q7. How long does the driving test last?
A7. The LGV practical driving test is conducted over a route of about 26 miles, covering a variety of road and traffic conditions. Routes used could include Dual Carriageway, Motorway, Main 'A' roads, Country Lanes and congested City Centre roads.
The driving test lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes some special exercises. The reversing and controlled braking exercise takes place at the Test Centre before going out on the road. There are other exercises whilst out on test. Candidates for C+E (Artic) tests also have to physically un-couple and re-couple the trailer; this is usually done on their return to the Test Centre.
Q8. Is one to one training better than shared?
A8. There is no quick answer to this one! At the end of the day it is down to personal choice, I have included some factors to consider below: -
Some students learn better by watching, some by practical experience, most learn by a mixture of the two. When learning, one student to one instructor, students do not always fully absorb the information explained, it is very difficult to concentrate fully on driving and listen carefully to what the instructor is explaining during the drive.
However, when learning two to one there are several advantages. You get a break from driving when the other student drives. When not driving it is easier to "hear" the instructor and plan how you would have approached the situation or hazard. You will learn from each other's mistakes, (everyone makes mistakes). Discussion with your fellow student can help alleviate any pre-test "nerves" and worries.
We offer ONE to ONE and SHARED tuition.
Q9. Do you offer a "Guaranteed Pass" scheme?
A9. No. We do not make spurious claims that trainees are guaranteed to pass their test, like any other type of test if you make a mistake you could fail! Organisations use the term "Guaranteed Pass" as a marketing ploy.
Q10. What is the difference between HGV and LGV?
A10. There is no difference, HGV = Heavy Goods Vehicles and LGV = Large Goods Vehicles.
Q11. What happens if I make a mistake and fail my driving test?
A11. If you were to make a mistake and fail to meet the required standard, we would encourage you to take an early re-test. Suggesting any remedial training that may or may not be required. From past experience candidates that have failed knew exactly the error committed the moment it happened, and therefore do not require any further training before Re-Test. This suggests you had been fully prepared and ready for the test.
Aa. The Driver CPC is a new qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - has been given the Government go-ahead. In future, just holding a vocational driving licence will not be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive such vehicles for a living. The main benefit is road safety and better qualified drivers to help reduce road casualties. CPC Driver training should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the profession, attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and lorries for a living. It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they start work, but also at ensuring these skills are maintained and developed throughout their working life.
Qb. Does the new Driver CPC affect me?
Ab. If you drive or wish to drive Category C or D vehicles (including subcategories C1 and D1) then the Driver CPC applies to you.
Qc. When does the Driver CPC come into effect?
Ac. 10 September 2008 for PCV drivers and 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers.
Qd. If I decide to become a professional LGV or PCV driver once the new legislation has been implemented what will I need to do?
Ad. You must obtain a Driver CPC before you can drive professionally. To minimise cost and inconvenience, the DSA will offer new drivers the opportunity to acquire the Driver CPC at the same time as you obtain your vocational licence by completing 4 Modules.
1. 2 hours theory test
2. 1 hours theory test (case studies)
3. 1 hours practical test
4. hour practical demonstration of vehicle safety
Qe. I already have a CPC for transport operations do I need the Driver CPC?
Ae. If you are driving Category C or D vehicles (including subcategories C1 and D1) you will need a Driver CPC. The CPC transport training for transport operators is a different qualification.
Qf. Are there any exemptions to the Diver CPC?
Af. Drivers of the following vehicles will not be required to hold a Driver CPC:
1. A vehicle with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45 km/h;
2. A vehicle used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, a police force, a fire and rescue authority;
3. A vehicle undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or of new or rebuilt Vehicles which have not yet been put into service;
4. A vehicle used in a state of emergency or assigned to a rescue mission;
5. A vehicle used in the course of driving lessons for the purpose of enabling that person to obtain a driving licence or a CPC;
6. A vehicle used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods for personal use;
7. A vehicle carrying material or equipment to be used by that person in the course of his or her work, provided that driving that vehicle is not that person’s principal activity.
Qg. Does the Driver CPC ever expire?
Ag. Yes. You will need to renew your CPC Driver training every 5 years by completing a minimum of 35 hours approved training.
Qh. Can the 35 hours of approved training to renew the Driver CPC be staggered?
Ah. Yes. The driver has flexibility as to how he/she takes the 35 hours of approved training, provided that the training occurs in blocks of at least 7 hours. For example, a driver may complete two blocks of 7 hours in the first year and the final three blocks of 7 hours training in the fifth year. Alternatively all 35 hours could be taken in the fifth year
Qi. If I hold a Category C Licence and have a driver CPC will I need to take another Driver CPC if I upgrade my licence to a Category C+E?
Ai. No, you will upgrade your vocational licence in the normal way. Once you have obtained your Driver CPC you will not need to renew or alter it until it expires (Every 5 years).
Qj. I am currently driving LGV & PCV vehicles; will I need to obtain a driver CPC when the legislation is introduced?
Aj. Current professional drivers will be given acquired rights on the Driver CPC; these rights will expire 5 years later. You will then be required to take a minimum 35 hours of approved training to renew the Driver CPC.
Qk. I hold both LGV and PCV Driving licences will this mean I will be required to undertake 70 hours of training every 5 years?
Ak. No, the new directive states that the holder of a vocational licence for either LGV, PCV or both need only complete 35 hours course attendance in a five year period.
Ql. If I leave the driving industry and my Driver CPC expires will I need to retake it before I can start driving again?
Al. Yes, you will need to complete 35 hours of approved training before you are able to continue within the transport industry.
Qm. Who can arrange my 35 hours of approved training?
Am. All training must be organised by a training centre, which must be approved by the Secretary of State. Our training centre will obtain approval as soon as the approval process has been determined.
QA: If I hold a certification for one truck e.g. Reach Truck, can I operate any lift truck e.g. Counter Balance
AA: No, A conversion course must be completed; training must be received to be able to operate different trucks.
QB: I only use a Fork Lift once a day do I need training?
AB: Yes you need to be fully trained on any type of forklift truck by a registered instructor.
QC: How many persons can be trained in one day?
AC: All courses vary from one day to a whole week, for more details please email.
QD: How long will a truck licence last?
AD: There is no limit on how long the licence will last but Leeds FLT and the HSE recommends that operators have refresher courses. Refresher courses should be held if the operator has not had a refresh in the last 1 to 2 years, if the operator is new to the company and is not accustomed to driving your type of truck, if you believe the operator is driving dangerously or has had a near miss/accident.
I. Train to Gain is being rolled-out nationally by the Learning and Skills Council across England and has been developed from the highly successful Employer Training Pilots. The Train to Gain programmes' primary aim is to assist businesses in improving both productivity and competitiveness by ensuring their workforce is equipped with the appropriate skills and abilities to do the job and play a key role in the company's future growth and success.
