HOW DO I GET A HGV OPERATOR’S LICENCE UK?
Easy enough – you can apply online for your HGV operator’s licence using the government’s service. Apply for your licence here.
You’ll need to submit some financial evidence to demonstrate that you have enough finances to support your business venture. You’ll also need to advertise your application in the traffic areas in which you plan to operate. More information on this can be found on the gov’s site.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? Applications can take up to 7 weeks . Should there be any issues with your application – for example, you don’t submit all the correct documentation – it may delay the approval.
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO GET STARTED AS A HGV DRIVER
As well as paying the HGV operator’s licence cost, you’ll also need a few other documents to ensure you can legally do business in the UK.
Steps 1-2 below are what you should complete before applying for your O-licence.
STEP ONE: GET YOUR HGV DRIVER’S LICENCE
To qualify as a HGV driver in the UK, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid driving licence
- Be over 18
- Pass your Driver CPC training (step two)
If you don’t yet have a driving licence, you will need to apply and pass your test. We estimate training costs to be between £1,000-£1,500 in total, depending on how quick you take to it.
Once passed, you can get your provisional HGV licence, which is free of charge . You will need to send some medical information and choose the correct category of licence, which will depend on the vehicle you plan to drive. Apply for your HGV provisional licence here.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? It can take up to 3 weeks to get your provisional once the DVLA has received your application. It can take longer if there are any errors with your health or personal details.
STEP TWO: COMPLETE YOUR DRIVER CPC TRAINING
There are 5 tests in total (35 hours of training) in the full Driver CPC, which new applicants must take. However, you might not need to take all of these (say, for example, you’ve previously qualified as a HGV driver and are simply looking to retrain).
Prices for individual CPC driving tests range from £11 to £141 , depending on the licence category and time of day you select. Check out the full list of fees here.
NOTE: Steps 1-2 are standard within the UK. However, depending on the organisation you apply for, there could be additional job orientation or road tests that you’ll be required to take, but this will vary from firm to firm.
STEP THREE: NOW FOR THE WHEELS, GETTING YOUR HGV
Of course, you will very much need a truck. The type of truck you purchase will naturally depend on the type of business you plan to run, what goods you’re moving, and the budget you’re working with.
At Smith Bros., we’ve been helping independent truckers get their hands on top-of-the-range pre-owned trucks for years. We stock leading brands, such as our wide collection of Scania trucks, ensuring each vehicle undergoes rigorous tests and checks before we list it.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? We’re known for industry-beating prices so will be sure to get you the best deal. For any listings that you’re interested in, simply hit ‘ENQUIRE NOW’ and we’ll price you up.
And there you have it! Once you’ve completed each of these steps, you’re all set to hit the road.