Frequently Asked Questions

To become a LGV Driver you will have to follow a number of processes and depending on the licence entitlements you already hold, will depend on what you will need to complete.

For a Category B (Car) licence holder you will need to complete the following processes to gain your LGV Category C (Rigid/Class 2) and then Category C+E (Artic/Class 1) vocational entitlements:

• Pass a Drivers Medical
• Apply for a Category C provisional licence entitlement
• Pass 2 Theory Tests (Multiple choice & Hazard perception)
• Pass Initial CPC Module 2 Case study test
• Attend and pass LGV Category C practical training & DVSA test
• Pass Initial CPC Module 4 Practical demonstration test
• Attend and pass LGV Category C+E practical & DVSA test

The time and effort that is required to pass each element of the LGV upskilling process should not be underestimated. The theoretical exams alone can be very challenging, which even experienced commercial Drivers can struggle with. To help with these exams we offer access to a top of the range on-line study system which contains actual content from the DVLA theory tests.

There are many factors that will affect the cost of becoming an LGV Driver. These include such things as the number of processes you will need to complete, the location and the duration of the course.

Please call our office on 0800 032 0728 to speak with a member of our Licence Acquisition coordination team, they will be able to tailor an individual training plan specifically for you and advise on the associated costs.

As a fully qualified LGV Driver you could earn up to £35,000 per annum depending on what category of vehicle you drive, with LGV Category C+E Drivers earning more than LGV Category C Drivers.

You also have the potential to earn even more by gaining further qualifications such as ADR (Dangerous Goods Licence), HIAB (Lorry Mounted Crane) or Moffett (Truck Mount FLT).

Driver CPC is a qualifications for LGV (‘HGV’) and PCV Drivers who drive professionally in the UK. The EU introduced the legislation from 10^th September 2008 for Bus and Coach Drivers and from 2009 for LGV Drivers of vehicles over 3.5 ton. Driver CPC Training was introduced to improve knowledge and maintain high driving standards and road safety.

There are 2 types of DCPC training;

Initial Driver CPC – The initial qualification is to be achieved by new LGV and PCV Drivers and will be included within your training programme to gain your first LGV and PCV licences. By gaining the Initial Qualification this enables you to be able to use your licence professionally and drive for work purposes.

During your training programme you will be required to undertake Initial CPC Modules 2 and 4. Module 2 is a theoretical case study test and Module 4 is a practical demonstration test, you will be required to pass both tests to be able to gain your Driver Qualification Card (otherwise known as DQC card or Driver CPC card). Once you have gained your DQC card you will then be required to complete 35 hours of Periodic Driver CPC Training every 5 years within the expiry date issued on your DQC card.

Periodic Driver CPC – All professional Drivers must undertake 35 hours of DCPC training every 5 years, each Driver may have a unique 5 year training cycle depending on when you acquired your LGV licence.

If you passed your UK car test before January 1997 you may have a LGV Category C1 entitlement by Acquired Rights (Grandfather Rights) on your licence or if you gained your first LGV vocational entitlement before 9^th September 2009 you will not need to complete Initial DCPC training but will be required to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC training to be able to gain your Driver Qualification Card. You will then need to complete 35 hours of training every 5 years thereafter.

Yes, you will need to apply for a Digital Tachograph Driver Card. To do this you will need to complete a D777B/DL form and send this to the DVLA. There is a small fee for this service, for your first application it will cost £32.

To find out how many periodic training hours you have completed you will need to register your details online with the DVLA by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours

After registering your details a password will be sent by post to the address on your driving licence. You will then be able to see how many hours you have completed, check what courses you have attended and check when you’ll receive your next Driver Qualification Card (Driver CPC Card).

This will depend on the type of courses your Driver CPC provider delivers. If you require a Driver Qualification Card for both LGV and PCV driving duties you will need to ensure your training provider offers DCPC courses accredited to cover both vehicle categories.

If you have attended 35 hours of Periodic CPC training which is only accredited to cover LGV driving duties, you will then need to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC training that covers PCV too.

You will need to apply for a replacement card via the DVSA, you must write by email or post and must include the following:

• Name
• Driving Licence Number
• Date of birth
• Address
• Telephone number

The DVSA will then phone you to take the payment for your replacement, you will need a credit or debit card to pay the £25 fee.

You can keep driving professionally while you wait for your replacement Driver CPC card to arrive.

If you hold a LGV licence with Acquired Rights (Grandfather Rights) you should attend 35 hours of Periodic CPC training to gain your DQC card. However if you have never completed any DCPC training, to gain your first DQC card you are able to attend Initial CPC training instead if you wish but only to gain your first DQC card, after this you will be required to attend 35 hours of Periodic CPC training every 5 years.

If you chose to attend Initial CPC training special permission is required from the DVSA. The DVSA will require your details and authorisation to complete a licence check, this is so they can ensure you are eligible to attend this training.

If you hold a LGV licence but upskilled to gain your first LGV category after 9^th September 2009 you will have to attend Initial CPC to gain your first DQC card.

The Drivers’ Hours legislation states that a rest period is a period during which Drivers may freely dispose of their time. It is therefore the compulsory or voluntary nature of CPC training which determines whether or not it should be counted as working time.

Driver CPC training should be treated as working time if you are instructed to attend the training as part of your employment (whether you are paid or not).

If, however, you organise your own training and attend that training during your rest period or day off, then it is counted as rest like any other voluntary activity.

If you complete your training within the 12 months before your DQC card expires you will receive your new card straight away.

If you complete your training more than 12 months before your DCPC deadline you won’t receive your card until nearer to the time your current card expires. 

Your new card will be automatically sent to the address on your driving licence and you can still drive professionally if you’ve done your periodic training and you’re waiting for your new Driver CPC card to arrive.

You can also register your details with the DVSA by using this link: https://www.gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours - You will e able to see how many hours you have completed, check what courses you have attended and check when you’ll receive your next Driver Qualification Card (Driver CPC Card).

We work with clients to identify road risk, both for whilst Drivers are carrying out duties and from an internal compliance perspective.

Often the process will start with a full audit of internal data and processes commonly followed by a review with our Fleet Auditors to identify and plot a road risk intervention plan. This can consist of many remedies from licence checking, on-line risk assessments, classroom and/or on-road training. Pertemps promotes the development of bespoke services, to ensure that meaningful training is delivered to provide positive outcomes.  

Once an intervention plan for the client has been established, the chosen methods of training will take place. During the delivery cycle and at chosen touch points, we measure and provide MI to ensure the successful application of the chosen road risk interventions.

Improving road safety in any business, needs a consistent approach to make effective change. We treat our clients as partners, and our collaborative approach helps us to embed ourselves in the clients business and therefore truly enabling us to drive improvements and deliver results

This can vary depending on the type of training you are receiving, as a minimum you should expect to provide the following:

For classroom sessions, a suitable venue with adequate space for each candidate will be required, a desk may also need to be supplied. Our Trainers will bring the necessary equipment such as a projector and screen.

For on-road sessions, a suitable roadworthy vehicle will be required and a sufficient yard manoeuvring area may also be needed depending on the type of course delivered. A classroom area may also be required.

Pertemps Driver Training holds sufficient insurance policies to cover the delivery of training. However, for certain training services you may be required to ensure your own business insurance covers such things as, but not limited to, use of your vehicles and training on your premises.

We have a robust interview process in place for our Trainer employment, following thorough background and reference checks, we conduct an interview, presentation and on-road assessment session to ensure we have the best calibre of Trainers in place.

We undertake on-going CPD for our Trainers, including legislation updates.  

Professionalism, quality and experience. Our Management team consists of highly educated and experienced professionals who offer over 200 combined years’ of service within the industry.

We are always on hand to support in creating the required solutions for your business and will be happy to discuss your overseas requirements.