Step 1

Firstly, you must have obtained the C1 provisional category on your driving licence. To do this, order forms D2 and D4 from the .gov website. D2 is the application form for the addition of the provisional category itself. D4 is a medical form to ascertain that you meet Group 2 medical standards. Completion of the D4 should be by a registered GP, and will involve a medical examination conducted by the GP. Send both forms to the DVLA together to be processed, in order for the provisional category to be added.

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Step 2

Secondly, upon receipt of your provisional licence, you have to sit the LGV Theory Assessment and LGV Hazard Perception Tests. These are conducted at your local DVLA Theory Test Centre. In order to prepare for your theory ands hazard perception, aside from the Highway Code, there are a number of LGV specific learning aids available on the internet.
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As well as several useful digital apps which incorporate practice theory and hazard perception tests.

Step 3

Finally, upon completion of the above steps, you can start your practical training.

This is normally conducted over several days, in a small lorry type vehicle or very large van.

The test element is split into two parts. The reversing and manoeuvring exercise is usually conducted by the training provider themselves, with an independent designated examiner from within the provider’s team. This test takes approximately 15 minutes, and is used to assess your safe control of the vehicle in slow manoeuvring and reversing situations.

Step 4

The practical drive is the final test element. This is conducted by a DVSA examiner, normally in the vehicle you have trained in. You will be asked a small number of vehicle specific safety questions to start with. These assess your understanding of the safety elements to look out for on the vehicle before you consider driving it. The practical drive takes approximately 1 hour to complete, and assesses your ability to drive the vehicle safely within the law on a variety of road types.
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Successful completion of the above will result in you gaining your C1 entitlement.

More information on the tests can be found on the DVSA website following the link below:

www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver

Providers/Costs

We work with a range of suppliers who deliver this training. You could contact one of these, or make your own enquiries with other training providers. Be diligent in your checks when choosing a training provider, to ensure you are getting the highest level of training possible.

Costs vary depending upon the supplier and how many days of training you require, but you should budget around £1100 for the whole process.

Please note that to work for the ambulance service you do not currently need to undertake the driver CPC components of the test.