The lorry licence categories
| Category | What you can drive | Often called |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Vehicles from 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg | 7.5 tonne licence |
| C | Vehicles over 3,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg | Class 2, rigid |
| C1+E | A C1 vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg | |
| C+E | A category C vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg, including articulated lorries | Class 1, artic |
When you apply for a provisional licence, choosing category C or C1+E gives you provisional entitlement for C1, C1+E, C and C+E together, so you can learn on a rigid or go straight to an artic.
What you need before you start
- A full car licence. If you lose your car licence, you lose your lorry licence with it.
- To be over 18, though there are some exceptions.
- To meet the higher medical and eyesight standards for lorry and bus drivers, shown on a D4 medical report.
Step 1: provisional HGV licence
Fill in form D2 (the application) and form D4 (the medical report, completed by a doctor), both available from Post Offices that offer DVLA services. Send them to DVLA with your photocard licence. There is no application fee, and the licence usually arrives within 3 weeks. The doctor who completes the D4 can charge for it.
Step 2: the Driver CPC tests
To drive a lorry professionally you pass four tests. If driving is not the main part of your job, you may only need parts 1 and 3 (see who needs the full Driver CPC).
| Test | What it is | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1a: theory | 100 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour 55 minutes | 85 out of 100 |
| Part 1b: hazard perception | 19 video clips; up to 5 points per developing hazard | 67 out of 100 |
| Part 2: case studies | 7 case studies on a computer, 5 to 10 questions each, 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 out of 50 |
| Part 3a: off-road exercises | Up to 30 minutes: an S-shaped reverse into a bay, and uncoupling and recoupling if you test with a trailer | Examiner's assessment |
| Part 3b: on-road driving | The practical driving test in a vehicle of the category you want | Examiner's assessment |
| Part 4: practical demonstration | Loading the vehicle safely and keeping it secure, and a walkaround safety check: 5 topics, up to 20 points each | At least 15 of 20 in each topic and 80 of 100 overall |
The two theory parts are booked separately but can be taken the same day, in either order. Both must be passed within 2 years of each other, and the theory certificate lasts 2 years: parts 3a and 3b must be passed inside that time. Part 3b must come within 6 months of passing part 3a. After a failed theory or case study test you can rebook straight away but must wait 3 clear working days; after a failed part 3a, at least 24 hours.
You need to have passed part 2 before booking part 4. Your Driver CPC card should arrive within 20 days of passing the final test, and you can drive while you wait for it.
What the tests cost
| Test | Weekdays | Evenings, weekends and bank holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1a theory | £26 | £26 |
| Part 1b hazard perception | £11 | £11 |
| Part 2 case studies | £23 | £23 |
| Part 3a off-road | £40 | £40 |
| Part 3b on-road | £115 | £141 |
| Part 4 practical demonstration | £55 | £63 |
| All six, first attempt | £270 | £304 |
These are DVSA's prices when booked through GOV.UK and are the same for C1, C, D1 and D. Part 3a may cost up to £40 with an approved private test provider instead of DVSA. Unofficial booking websites usually charge more. On top of the tests come the training itself, which each school prices, and the doctor's fee for the D4.
Step 3: staying qualified
- Driver CPC training: 35 hours every 5 years to keep driving professionally. How periodic training works.
- Licence renewal: every 5 years. From age 45 each renewal needs a new D4 medical, and from 65 you renew every year. Renewing is free.
- Tachograph card: needed to drive a lorry fitted with a digital or smart tachograph; £32 for the first card. Tachograph and drivers' hours rules.
Driving while training: the NVT concession
If you are on an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) course you can drive professionally for up to 12 months without having passed Driver CPC parts 2 and 4.