If you are thinking of becoming a professional HGV driver, chances are you think the process is a straightforward one – especially if you already have a driver’s license. After all, it can’t be that different. Right? But that’s not the case. It’s worth noting that the process, while not that complicated, still has a few things that need to be considered before one can complete their training.
One of the first and most important things you need to do is apply for – and secure – a provisional LGV license. However, there are a few things you need to have before you can apply for a temporary LGV license and be on your way to becoming a licensed LGV driver. This post will be looking at everything you need to know about the different documents required to get a provisional LGV license.
HGV and LGV License: What’s the Difference and Which One Should I Get?
Since many people confuse the two, we’ll start by addressing the matter, so you understand what each means. For anyone to drive an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle), they will need a specialty license, often referred to as the LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) license or the HGV license. Despite the two having different names, they are the same thing – it is all a matter of semantics. On paper, there’s no difference between the two. The primary source of confusion is the improper use of the term LGV, as some think it means Light Goods Vehicles, such as vans and pickup trucks with a gross vehicle weight of under 3.5 tonnes, instead of large goods transporters like tipper trucks and lorries.
Now that’s settled, let’s look at some of the documents you need to get an HGV/LGV license.
D2 Form
The D2 form is the first document you will need to get. This is the form you fill in and submit to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to apply for a provisional license. The process is similar to applying for a standard temporary driving license, which means the process simple and straightforward. If you are thinking of getting a provisional HGV license, you can order the form directly from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or request one at your HGV training school.
D4 Form
After you’ve applied for a provisional license using the D2 form, the other document you’ll need is the D4 form. This form is unique, considering that it addresses the medical side of things for drivers. The D4 is an approved medical form that you fill part of and take to a doctor to complete. You’ll need to undergo a physical examination that’s performed by a registered and licensed doctor. The physician will then fill in the relevant parts before signing the document.
Once the form has been filled and signed, you send it to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for processing. You can get the form by downloading it from gov.uk or requesting it from the DVLA together with the D2 pack. If it were up to us, we’d recommend that you visit gov.uk and download it yourself since the website also offers information and tips on how to fill the form – which we’ve seen to be useful.
Once you have filled and sent both forms to the DVLA, all that’s left to do is wait for your provisional HGV/LGV license. Assuming that there aren’t any complications or red flags, either with your medical examination or on your driving record, you should receive a provisional HGV/LGV license in the post within three weeks. While you wait for your license, we advise you to use this time to prepare and study for your theory test. That way, you will have an easier time progressing once your provisional HGV license arrives.
Easy as HGV specialises in providing new drivers with the support they need on their journey to become professional drivers – from how to apply for provisional HGV licenses, to taking their HGV tests, to securing their first job as professional HGV drivers. We provide both practical and theory HGV driver training every step of the way, and our team of experts are always on hand to share their knowledge with you while guiding and advising you on what to do. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch today, and speak to the team.