How to Get and Keep Your Lorry Licence in the UK

If you want to drive a big truck on UK roads, you need a lorry licence – officially called a Class 1 HGV licence. It might look daunting, but the process breaks down into a few clear steps. Below you’ll find a practical road‑map that takes you from the first medical check to staying legal on the road.

Steps to Get Your Lorry Licence

First, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, have a clean driving record, and hold a full Category B (car) licence. A quick medical exam will confirm you’re fit to handle a heavy vehicle – most doctors will check vision, blood pressure, and overall health.

Next comes the theory test. It’s the same format as the car theory test but includes extra questions about HGV laws, loading, and braking distances. Use the official DVSA practice questions, focus on sections about vehicle size, weight limits, and the Driver CPC rules. Aim for a score of at least 90% to avoid retakes.

After you pass theory, you move on to the practical test. This is split into two parts: the off‑road module (basically a skill test on a closed site) and the on‑road module (driving in traffic). The off‑road part checks things like coupling and uncoupling, reversing with a trailer, and the vehicle safety checks. The on‑road part looks at how you handle normal traffic, junctions, and road signs while pulling a lorry.

When you finish the practical test, you’ll receive a provisional HGV licence. To turn that into a full licence, you need to complete the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification. The CPC is a series of 35 hours of training covering topics like fuel efficiency, road safety, and cargo handling. You must also pass a short CPC theory test.

Keeping Your Lorry Licence Valid

Getting the licence is just the start; you have to keep it up to date. The CPC points you earn are valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to take a refresher course to avoid a gap in your qualification. Failing to do this can mean your licence is suspended.

Regular medical checks are also required. You’ll need a renewal every five years if you’re under 65, and every three years after that. Keep a copy of the medical certificate handy – drivers are often asked for it during random checks.

Finally, stay on top of any rule changes. The DVSA frequently updates weight limits, braking distances, and electronic tachograph regulations. Joining an HGV forum or subscribing to a driver newsletter can help you spot updates before they become an issue.

In short, the lorry licence journey is a series of checkpoints: meet the age and health criteria, nail the theory test, conquer the practical modules, and finish the CPC. Keep your paperwork current, refresh your CPC every five years, and you’ll stay road‑legal for the long haul.