Documents Needed for Your HGV Licence – What to Bring and Why

Ready to start your HGV journey but not sure what to pack for the DVLA? You don’t need a mountain of paperwork – just the right six or seven items. Below is a no‑fluff checklist that covers every document the UK authorities expect when you apply for a Class 1 licence.

Core Identity and Residency Proof

The first thing the DVLA checks is who you are. You’ll need a valid passport or a UK photocard driving licence as proof of identity. If you’re using a passport, make sure it’s not due to expire within the next six months – the DVLA can reject it otherwise. Next, you must prove where you live. A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax statement, or bank statement dated within the last three months works fine. The address on this document has to match the one you give on the application form.

Medical, Training, and Test Records

Driving an HGV isn’t just about passing a test; you also need to show you’re medically fit. A completed D4 medical questionnaire signed by a GP or an approved occupational health doctor is mandatory. Some drivers prefer to get a full medical report – it speeds up the process and avoids back‑and‑forth.

Training paperwork comes next. If you’ve done a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) or a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), attach the certificate. For new drivers, a completed CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate is essential before you can take the HGV theory test.

Finally, gather your test results. The DVLA needs proof you passed the HGV theory test (a copy of the pass certificate) and the practical driving test (the test pass slip). If you’re applying for a licence upgrade – say from Class 2 to Class 1 – you only need the new test results, not the old ones.

Once you have all these documents, you can either post them to the DVLA or upload them through the online portal. Online filing saves time and lets you track the application status instantly. If you choose the post route, use a tracked courier to avoid losing any paperwork.

Quick tip: double‑check every name, address, and date for spelling errors before you send anything. A tiny typo can cause a 2‑week delay, and nobody wants that when you’re waiting for a licence to start a new job.

That’s it – six core documents, a couple of extra certificates if you’ve taken extra training, and you’re set. Keep this list on your phone or a sticky note at home, and you’ll never forget a piece of paperwork again. Good luck on the road, and drive safely!