Learning to drive
Large Vehicles - LGV PCV

New laws are in effect for Driving a Large Vehicle or Bus

You can now learn at the Age of 17 if you are a member of the armed services.

You can drive these vehicles at age 18 if one of the following apply:

~ You passed your driving test and Driver CPC initial qualification.
~ You are learning to drive or taking a driving test for this category or Driver CPC initial qualification.
~ You are taking a national vocational training course to get a Driver CPC initial qualification.
~ You had your driving licence before 10 September 2009.

Since 10th September 2009 LGV drivers also have to do the Driver CPC theory test, which consists of 19 LGV case studies and the Driver CPC practical test which consists of a half hour practical test module. Therefore, in order to gain both an LGV licence and the initial Driver CPC the following modules will have to be passed:
~ Module 1a - 100 multiple choice questions
~ Module 1b - 19 hazard perception clips
~ Module 2 - 19 LGV case studies
~ Module 3 - licence aquisition test
~ Module 4 - Driver CPC practical test

More Information about the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) can be found 2passhere

If you what to learn to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a bus or coach (PCV) you have to have a full driving licence for a car, you have to be over 17 or 18 years old (see above), otherwise you have to be 21, you have to pass a Department of Transport medical. For your medical, take the orange form (D4 or DLM1 in Northern Ireland) to your doctor for a fee of about £120. Once you have completed your medical you must send your D4 form along with your current driving licence and your completed D2 licence application form (available from DVLA Local Offices, Vehicle Operators Services, DVSA, LGV and PCV test centres, Traffic Area Offices, LGV and PCV training schools and direct from DVLA), together with the appropriate fee. Send to D.V.L.A in Swansea. A provisional LGV or PCV licence should be returned within 10-14 days.

Once you have received your provisional licence you can then book for the appropriate theory test.



2passSample some of the Official Theory Test LGV (HGV)/PCV Theory Test Questions
in all 15 test Categories
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To Drive a Bus or Coach (PCV)

busAfter passing the theory test you have to pass a Category D1(mini bus, with 9-16 passenger seats, capable of 50mph) test or Category D test. On passing these tests you can go on to take category D1+E test or D+E test. (You don't need to pass a D1 before taking a test in Category D)

Your LGV test will last about 90 minutes. During this time your examiner will want you to drive safely to a high standard under various road and traffic conditions.
You'll be given directions clearly and in good time and asked to carry out set exercises.

The set exercises carried out at the test centre will include,
reversing within a marked area into a restricted opening and
a braking exercise.

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To Drive a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV)

After passing the theory test you have to first take the L.G.V Category C (H.G.V CLASS II) before taking the LGV C+E (H.G.V CLASS I). Once you have your Class II licence you can go straight on to Class I training.

Your LGV test will last about 90 minutes. During this time your examiner will want you to drive safely to a high standard under various road and traffic conditions.

You'll be given directions clearly and in good time and asked to carry out set exercises.
If you take your test on a manual vehicle, you'll be asked to carry out a gear- change exercise during the general drive element of the test.

The set exercises carried out at the test centre will include:-
~ reversing within a marked area into a restricted opening
~ a braking exercise
~ demonstrate the uncoupling and recoupling procedure, if you're taking your test with a trailer.

It is important that you have the correct training and instruction before taking your LGV practical test.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has developed a voluntary LGV Instructor Accreditation Scheme to ensure that training offered to prepare new LGV drivers to take the current DVSA LGV theory test and practical driving test is of a high standard.

2passOfficial Video - What to expect on your LGV Practical Driving Test




Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance