Introduction to LGV Driver Training
From September 10th 2009 candidates will be required to pass the Initial Driver CPC qualification if they wish to gain a Vocational Licence to drive a Category C (Rigid) Large Goods Vehicle. From this date the minimum age to learn to drive a Large Goods Vehicle will be 18 years of age
The initial qualification has been divided into 5 modules to give you flexibility to obtain your vocational licence only, or to gain Driver CPC at the same time. If you passed your Car test prior to 1st January 1997 then you will only need to complete Modules 1 & 3a & 3b. You will not have to pass the Initial Driver CPC Qualification, but you will need to undertake 35 hours Periodic Training within the next 5 years.
You are now able to move straight from a car category B licence to an Artic category C+E without the need of completeing a ridgid category C licence first.
The table below shows the different modules you will need to pass to gain the Initial Driver CPC Qualification:
Module 1 Theory Test (2.5 Hours) Multiple Choice & Hazard Perception 2 Case Studies (1.5 Hours) 3a Off Road Excercses (0.5 Hour) C+E will also require a Coupling & Uncoupling of the trailer Practical Excercise. 3b Practical On Road Driving Test (1 Hour) 4 Driver CPC Practical Test (0.5 Hours) Vehicle Safety Demonstration
If you take your test after the Driver CPC start date and you are not going
to be driving for a living, you will only need to pass Modules 1 & 3a & 3b.
If, at a later date, you change your mind and want to drive for a living you
would need to pass Modules 2 & 4.
Module 1 – Multiple Choice questions and Hazard Perception clips
From 4th August 2008, module 1 will consist of two separate tests. The first will be 100 multiple choice questions (of which the pass mark will be 85)
The second will be 19 hazard perception clips with 20 score-able hazards (one clip has two hazards) of which the pass mark will be 67 out of 100. The two tests will take a total of 2 ½ hours to complete, but can be taken separately and in either order.
Module 2 – Case Studies
In addition to passing module 1, to obtain your Driver CPC you will also need to pass module 2. This module is a computer based test and uses case studies, each one based on real-life scenarios you may encounter in your working life.
It aims to test your knowledge and how you put it into practice. Written by
experts from the industry, questions will be based around the case study and you will be asked to answer in a number of different ways such as multiple choice answers, clicking an area on a photograph / image or
by typing in a short answer.
Initial qualification for licence Sept 08 (PCV) & Sept 09 (LGV)
Each test will be made up of 7 case studies, each one with 6 – 8 questions, with a possible maximum score of 50 (of which the pass mark will be 38). The test will take 1½ hours to complete and can be taken at the same test centre as module 1.
Module 3a –Off Road Excercises
From 15th November 2021
Your test will last up to 30 minutes, and includes:
If you pass the test, you’ll get a test certificate. You’ll need to take the certificate to your Driver CPC part 3b (on-road driving) test.
You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3b test within 6 months of getting your certificate. If you do not, you’ll need to pass part 3a again.
Module 3b – Practical Test
From 15th November 2021 the current practical on-road driving test is being developed to include an Eco-Safe Driving assessment. Although this will not contribute to the result of the test, during the test the examiner will assess your ability to control the vehicle and plan your drive in an eco-safe manner. If you do not do so this will be recorded on the test report form. You will be handed further information on eco-safe driving at the end of the test.
Actual on-road driving time for all categories will 1 hour. This will give examiners the opportunity to assess a candidate’s driving in more varied traffic conditions and on a wider variety of roads.
Module 4 – Driver CPC Practical Test
In addition to passing module 3, to obtain your Driver CPC you will also need to pass module 4 a new practical test focussing on vehicle safety which has been developed with the support and advice of the industry. In this ½ hour test you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and ability in the areas listed below:
• Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use
• Security of the vehicle and contents
• Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants
• Ability to assess emergency situations
• Ability to prevent physical risk
• Demonstrate your ability through a physical, walk round vehicle safety check
LGV tests will also see the introduction of a new piece of equipment which will allow you to demonstrate your ability to secure loads.
The test consists of 5 topic areas which cover the Driver CPC syllabus and in order to pass the candidate has to score 15 out of a possible 20 points in each topic area (75%) and an overall score of 80%.
Please find listed below an easy guide to gaining the LGV Vocational Licence:-
1. Obtain the DVLA Licence Application Pack to obtain an LGV Provisional Licence.
The application pack consists of the following two forms and is available directly from DVLA, The Post Office or DLT Training Ltd.:-
• Form D2 – Provisional Licence Application Form
• Form D4 – LGV Medical Examination Form
2. Arrange an LGV Medical Examination taking the Medical form (D4) with you for completion by your doctor.
3. Apply to the DVLA, Swansea for a Rigid LGV (Category C) Provisional Licence enclosing the following:
• Form D2 – Completed LGV Provisional Licence Application
• Form D4 – Completed LGV Medical Examination
• Your ordinary driving licence
First LGV Provisional Entitlement – Free from the DVLA
Premium Checking Service: If you are applying for your first photocard licence you can have your application checked at selected Post Office branches and the DVLA local office for a nominal fee.
If you send valuable documents to the DVLA in Swansea (e.g. Passport, Birth Certificate) it is advisable to obtain ‘registered post’ for security reasons.
4. Undertake Module 1 of the Initial Driver CPC – Theory Test
To study for the LGV Theory Test you will need to obtain:
• The Official DSA Theory Book for Drivers of Large Vehicles
Ensure the version is the latest edition available
• The Hazard Perception Video or DVD produced by the Driving Standards Agency
The above are available from W.H. Smith, HMSO Bookshops, The Stationery Office, Amazon.co.uk or DLT Training Limited.
The LGV Theory Test can be taken at any DSA Theory Test Centre. From 4th August 2008, the LGV Theory Test has been split into two sections. Both of these tests can be arranged for you by DLT Training when you are in possession of your LGV Provisional Licence
5. Undertake Module 2 of the Driver CPC – Case Studies
The Case Studies Test is attended at the same test centre as the LGV Theory Tests. To study for the LGV Case Studies Test you will need to obtain:-
• DSA Publication – The Official Driving Goods Vehicle Syllabus
6. Undertake Module 3 of the Driver CPC – Practical Test
DLT Training usually run a 4-day intensive course which includes the DSA Practical Test at the end of the course. We will not book you on a training course unless we have a test available for you.
7. Undertake Module 4 of the Driver CPC – Driver CPC Practical Test
The Driver CPC Practical Test can be conducted before or after to the Module 3 Practical Test. We will endeavour to book in the Module 4 Driver CPC Practical Test during your 5-day intensive course or directly after your Module 3 Test depending on DSA Availability.
After you have passed all 4 modules you will be sent a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). There will be no charge for the card at the point of issue.
The DQC will be sent to the address on your driving licence. It is important that you keep your details up to date with DVLA.
You must carry your DQC whilst driving and there will be penalties if you are found to be driving professionally without one. If your DQC has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must report it to the DSA within 7 days and apply for a replacement card. There will be a fee to replace and issue new cards.
After successfully passing the LGV Category C Practical Test your licence will be returned to the DVLA by the DSA Examiner for up-grading to a Full Rigid LGV Category C Licence. The Licence will contain the Provisional entitlement to drive an Articulated LGV (Category C+E).
MODULE 1 – THEORY TEST
MODULE 2 – CASE STUDIES TEST
MODULE 3 – PRACTICAL TEST
The practical training time will depend on previous driving experience and how candidates adapt to driving a Large Goods Vehicle. A driving assessment can be arranged if required. Candidates must have the Provisional Entitlement on their licence in order to attend a driving assessment.
MODULE 4 – DSA DRIVER CPC PRACTICAL TEST
There is no further Initial Driver CPC Training to be carried out when carrying to undertake training and test on a Category C+E Articulated Vehicle.
A Driver CPC Qualification lasts for five years. To retain your Driver CPC you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to continue to drive professionally
Listed below are the only exemptions from the Driver CPC qualification for drivers of vehicles:
• used for the non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods, for personal use
• undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance
• purposes, or new or rebuilt vehicles not yet put into service
• used in the course of driving lessons for any person wishing to obtain a driving
• licence or Driver CPC
• carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his
• or her work, provided that driving the vehicle does not constitute the driver’s
• principal activity
• with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45km/h
• used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service, and forces responsible for maintaining public order
• used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions.