Anyone who wants to be a professional HGV driver and who possesses only a Category B licence will need to obtain an HGV provisional licence in order to complete the necessary training for one of the Category C/C+E/C1 licences. HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) applies to any commercial vehicle for which a Category C, C+E, C1, or C1+E licence is required. It may also be called a LGV (Large Goods Vehicle).

As for the provisional licence, it is essentially an entitlement allowing you to train using larger and heavier vehicles. Without the entitlement, getting behind the wheel of an HGV would not be allowed. The good news is that obtaining an HGV provisional licence is not difficult at all. It is a matter of procuring the necessary forms, completing a routine health exam and submitting the paperwork along with a copy of your photo card licence.

Obtaining the Provisional Licence Paperwork

Drivers wishing to be HGV professionals must obtain forms D2 and D4 from us (HGVT). These forms contain the necessary paperwork broken down into two components, as follows:

• Medical Paperwork – The first package is the medical paperwork that will need to be completed by the physician who conducts the mandatory medical exam. That form is then submitted to the DVLA as evidence that the driver meets minimum requirements for health and safety. Candidates DO NOT fill out this form themselves. We arrange the medical test in your local area as per your schedule. Our approved doctor will do all the work for you.
• Entitlement Application – The second package contains the application and instructions to apply for the provisional entitlement. Associated forms are completed by the applicant and submitted to the DVLA. Once you pass your medical test, our bookings team will guide you on how to send this form to get your provisional licence.

If you call us on 08000315765  or signup for the course, our expert booking team while guide you throughout the process. Our automatic system makes sure you complete each step in a timely manner. It usually takes between 14 and 21 business days to receive your provisional licence in the post after submitting both forms. This may take longer during DVLA’s busy periods.

Most of the individuals who train at the HGV Training Services use this time to prepare for the HGV theory test. Some will prepare by taking classes through us while others prefer to prepare on their own. Our useful HGVT App can be used to prepare for the theory test. The app covers all areas of the test with free mocks to use any time. In either case, having the provisional licence in hand allows the training process to continue.

Routine Medical Exam Requirements

We encourage individuals not to panic over the routine medical exam requirement to receive an HGV provisional licence. The government does not expect you to be in perfect health in order to be a professional driver. However, reasonably good health is necessary. Our booking team will assist you in booking your medial test. Your own personal GP may not be equipped to carry out the specific test required for HGV licences.

The HGV medical exam assess the following:

• Visual acuity
• Any history of seizures or blackouts
• Cardiovascular issues (heart disease, stroke, etc.)
• Chronic neurological issues
• Previous traumatic brain injury
• Evidence of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes (and treatment when applicable)
• Any history of psychosis or psychiatric disorder
• Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse.

The doctor conducting your medical exam is essentially looking for evidence of any physical or psychological conditions that could potentially make you unsafe on the road. Most of the individuals who train with us have no problem passing the medical exam. Even in cases where diabetes might be present, a candidate would not be disqualified from becoming an HGV driver with proper management of the disease.

It should be noted that obtaining an HGV provisional licence in the presence of certain physical conditions may require you to undergo annual or semi-annual health screenings to make sure you are still in good health. But that is something we can talk about after your training is complete.

We Provide Everything You Need

Here at HGV Training Services, we alleviate much of the work required to obtain a provisional HGV licence by providing administrative assistants throughout.

When you sign up to train with us, we immediately give you two introductory packets of information:

• Medical Pack – This pack contains all of the same forms you would get from the government along with additional information. This includes the names and contact information of doctors throughout the UK providing medical exams at the absolute best prices. You will not need to shop around for doctors because we have done the work for you.
• Entitlement Pack – This pack contains all of the same information you would get from the government along with additional information to successfully complete and submit your provisional licence application. What’s more, one of our specialists will go through the process of completing the paperwork with you to make sure it is done correctly. This way, your application is not held up by unintentional errors.

Should you decide to work with us to prepare for the HGV theory test, we offer two additional resources. The first is our HGVT App that enables you to prepare for the test by taking multiple practice tests while you learn. This app will go a long way toward making you comfortable with the information long before you take the test.

Second, you can take theory test preparation classes at any one of our more than four dozen facilities in the UK. Preparation classes are convenient, affordable, and very effective.

What Happens Next?

You might be wondering, “what happens after I obtain my HGV provisional licence?” With provisional entitlement in hand, you are able to undergo practical skills training at HGV Training Services. It is this training that prepares you to take the final test you will need to pass in order to get your licence. It is provided both in the classroom and in the driver’s seat of an appropriate vehicle. HGVT has a nationwide network of training centres, meaning you do not need to travel far for training.

We should point out that the testing requirements have changed with the implementation of the CPC mandate. What used to be a process involving just two tests is now one that involves four. The practical test we previously mentioned comprises two different parts that are taken during the same session, at an approved testing facility. Those two parts are:

• Driving Skills – You will have to demonstrate to the DVLA examiner that you have the physical skill to safely drive the vehicles you want to be licenced for. You will be taken out on the road to demonstrate your skills in a real-world setting, and then returned to the testing facility for some closed course work that involves things such as reversing and parking.
• Practical Demonstration – The second part of the test requires you to demonstrate to the examiner that you know how to complete some fundamental tasks required of all HGV drivers. For example, you will have to demonstrate how to do a proper walkaround check and how to test the various systems of your vehicle.

It is not difficult to get your HGV provisional licence in order to begin professional driver training, if you still need help to apply for your provisional licence, please give us a call on 08000315765 . We would be happy to help you navigate the process. The HGV Training Services works with hundreds of drivers who pass through our doors every single month.

Further Resources on Getting an HGV Licence

If you want to know more about getting an HGV driving licence please choose from the selection of our other articles listed below.

• Top Quality Intensive Ambulance Driver Training Courses
• The Best LGV Driver Training Schools across the UK
• You’re Career as an LGV Driver Starts Here
• Find the Best LGV Driver Training In Your Local Area
• The Complete Guide to the LGV Licence
• The Real Costs of Getting an LGV Licence
• How Do I Get an LGV Provisional Licence?
• Everything You Need To Know About the LGV Test
• Facts and Top Tips on Passing the LGV Theory Test
• Find the Best UK LGV Training Course Deals Online
• How to Compare LGV Training Costs Like a Professional
• What is LGV? Driving Licence Requirements Explained
• Nationwide Low Cost Van Driver Training Schools
• Are You Thinking About Van Driving For A Living?
• Hiring A Van – Do You Need A Van Driving Licence?
• The UK’s Best Intensive Van Driving Training Courses Revealed
• Latest Van Licence Requirements for UK Drivers