At Castle LGV training we want to give you the best start into your LGV or HGV career. That's why we have put together the details below to help you get started before coming to us for our expert 1:1 training courses.
There are a few things you need to consider or complete before booking a course with us. Please follow the details below and if you still have questions, we would be more than happy to help!
To become a lorry, bus or coach driver you need to:
You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive a lorry, bus or coach as the main part of your job.
You usually need to pass 4 tests to get it.
You don’t need the full Driver CPC if you:
You still need to pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests of the qualification.
The category of provisional licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive.
To apply, order forms D2 and D4 from DVLA.
Click here to visit the page on the government website where you can request the relevant
application form to be sent to you.
Alternatively you can contact our office and we will send them out to you.
The D4 form has to be filled in by a doctor. This could be either:
Your doctor, optician or a private firm can charge you.
You can only apply for a provisional trailer (+E) licence when you’ve got the full licence for the vehicle you’ll be driving.
Send both forms and your photocard driving licence to DVLA. There’s no application fee.
You only need to include a passport-style colour photo and original identity documents if you have a paper driving licence.
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BR
You should get your driving licence within 3 weeks of DVLA getting your application. It can take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked.
You can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence.
The test is made up of 2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts
separately, but you can take them on the same day.
It doesn’t matter which one you take first, but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.
What to take to your test
You must bring one of the following:
If you don’t have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.
Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you don’t bring the right documents.
How the test works
Multiple-choice questions part
You can take a practice test to find out how the test works.
The multiple-choice questions part lasts for 1 hour and 55 minutes, and the pass mark is 85 out of 100
questions.
Hazard perception part
You’ll watch 19 videos, and there are 20 developing hazards to spot.
The pass mark is 67 out of 100. You can’t review your answers.
Your test results
You’ll be given a letter at the test centre with the results for the part of the theory test you’ve just taken.
When you’ve passed both parts, your theory test certificate will be posted to you. You need this when you book your Driver CPC part 3 driving test.
Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test.
You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3 driving test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 1 theory test again.
If you fail the theory tests
You’ll get a results letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.
You can book another theory test straight away, but you can’t take it for another 3 clear working days.
You can book the part 2 case studies test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence. You don’t need to have passed the Driver CPC part 1 theory test and this can also be booked for the same day as the CPC Part 1 but normally a few hours apart
What to take to your test
You must bring one of the following:
If you don’t have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.
Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you don’t bring the right documents.
How the test works
The test is made up of 7 case studies you work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life.
You’ll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.
The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.
Your test results
You’ll get a letter with the results at the test centre.
You need the test pass reference number when you book your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test.
The pass letter is valid for 2 years.
You need to pass the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 2 case studies test again.
Revision Material
There is a very good App called “LGV Theory Test and Hazards” which has a green icon and is licenced by the DVSA. Its costs £11.99 and is available on Apple and Android.
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3 test.
How the test works
Your practical test will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes:
Vehicle safety questions
During your test you’ll be asked vehicle safety questions on either:
Full training will be provided in relation to these questions as part of your course.
Practical road driving
During your practical road driving, the examiner will see how you:
There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.
Off-road exercises
The off-road exercises will include:
Test result
After you’ve taken the practical test your examiner will tell you if you’ve passed and explain how you did.
You’ll pass your test if you make:
If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away, but you can’t take it for another 3 clear working
days.
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 2 test before you can book the Driver CPC part 4 test.
How the test works
You’re tested on being able to:
The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic.
To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.
After you’ve passed all 4 of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests, you’ll be sent a Driver CPC card. This is sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’.
You must carry your Driver CPC card while driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally.
Every 5 years you must:
If you’re 65 or over, you must renew your lorry or bus driving licence every year.
You can undertake your driving course after you have completed the CPC Parts 1 and 2. Part 3 is the actual driving test after the course and Part 4 can be done almost immediately after.
D4 Drivers
https://d4drivers.uk/
03003030668
bookings@d4drivers.uk
Rates: £55
Locations:
Gatwick
Horsham
Brighton
Portsmouth
Once you have completed all the above, please do get in touch! We'd love to hear from you!
Registered Company Number: 12213643