Understanding HGV licences is a crucial part of becoming a professional lorry driver. With different licence categories, additional qualifications like ADR, and specific rules around driving in Europe, it’s important to know exactly what’s required.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the HGV licences, along with help to navigate the licensing process with confidence.
what are the different hgv licences?
To become an HGV lorry driver in the UK, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out exactly what kind of licence you’ll need.
There are different categories depending on size and types of vehicles and, if you’re planning to subcontract, then you’ll need the right one before you can legally work.
hgv licence categories
category c1
Vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. These are usually medium-sized vans and smaller rigid trucks. It’s still classed as an HGV licence, but it won’t cover you for the kind of articulated vehicles used in most subcontractor haulage work.
Category C (also known as Class 2)
Rigid body vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. It’s the standard licence for many HGV roles, including local and regional delivery work.
Category c+e (also known as Class 1)
This is the highest category for HGV drivers. It allows you to drive articulated vehicles (meaning the cab and trailer are separate units) and most long haul and subcontracting jobs require this category. This licence is what will give you access to the widest range of work.
Direct Access to C+E
You can now go straight to training and testing for a C+E licence without holding a Category C first. It’s a faster way in and is usually the better option if you’re aiming to work with articulated vehicles from the start.
What is an ADR Licence & Who Needs One
An ADR licence is mandatory for drivers carrying dangerous goods in Europe, regardless of load size. The licence ensures drivers understand hazardous material classification, labelling, documentation, emergency procedures, and safe loading and unloading.
ADR training helps reduce risks, protects the public, and prevents legal issues and fines for businesses. Drivers must complete a certified course to obtain the licence, which must be renewed every five years through refresher training and exams to stay up to date with regulations and best practices.
How Long Does an HGV Driver Licence Last?
A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers licence doesn’t technically expire, but you need to renew it every 5 years. It’s important to note that once you reach a certain age, there are several things that affect the validity of your licence too.
- If you’re under 45, you must renew your licence every five years. The DVLA will send you a D47PU form from 56 days before expiry to update your details if needed.
- If you’re over 45, you must renew your licence every five years. The DVLA will send a D47P form and a D4 medical examination report to complete.
- If you’re over 65, you must renew your licence annually using the D47P form and D4 medical report, and complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every five years.
Can I Renew My HGV Licence After it Has Expired?
You must renew your licence within 2 years of expiry or reapply for a new one. The DVLA will notify you beforehand, giving you plenty of time. All HGV drivers experienced, new, or subcontracting should understand the renewal process to stay compliant and safe on the roads.
Driver medical exam
To hold or renew your HGV licence, you must pass a D4 medical. This checks that you’re physically and mentally fit to drive, including vision and blood pressure tests, as well as a review of medical history for conditions such as diabetes.
HGV drivers need a D4 medical at application, every 5 years until 65, then annually.
It plays a vital role in maintaining road safety, protecting both you and other road users, particularly given the size, weight, and potential risks associated with HGV operation.
Documents for driving in europe
If you’re travelling from the UK to and from Europe, you must ensure you have the correct licences. It confirms that you’re allowed to be in the country, alongside protecting your own safety.
There is a chance that your vehicle may be stopped for a roadside check at any time and, if you don’t have the correct documentation, you could face a prohibition notice. You’ll need to carry on you:
Passport
You must have a valid passport, that is under 10 years old and is still valid for more than 6 months.
visas
A visa isn’t required to travel through EU countries, provided you spend no more than 90 days there within any 180-day period.
Driving Licence
You need a valid UK driving licence that covers the vehicle you are driving to allow you to carry goods into the UK and internationally.
tachograph & drivers’ hours documents
To drive an HGV in the EU, you must comply with the UK-EU FTA rules on drivers’ hours and tachograph. Keeping a record of your driving hours and rest breaks to help ensure road safety.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Card
If you work for a UK haulage operator, you must always carry your Driver CPC card with you. It’s enforced in all EU regions and failing to show this during a roadside inspection can get you a fixed penalty.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
While on the roads, you may need an IDP for some countries. Generally, you will not need an IDP to drive in the EU, but you may need one if: you have a paper licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
These are the 3 types of International Driving Permits:
- 1926 – Lasting for 12 months
- 1949 – Lasting for 12 months
- 1968 – Lasing for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
Understanding what licences and documents you need to drive an HGV in Europe is essential for staying compliant on the roads and avoiding delays at borders. If you hold the correct UK licences, you’ll be able to operate across Europe without any issues.
At Transmode, we’re here to guide you through every step of obtaining and maintaining your HGV licence. Whether you have questions about eligibility, travelling in Europe, training, or renewals, our team is ready to provide the support you need. Get in touch with us today and drive forward with confidence.
Written by Moose
