From car licence holder to class 2 driver - what steps?

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

I’m a class 1 driver who passed my test a number of years ago, and I understand the process in acquiring an HGV licence has now changed .

I’m about to have a chat with a mate (car licence holder) who wants to get his class 2 licence, but before I have this chat I need to know something.

What is the exact process these days, in terms of steps to be taken, and in what order to be able to drive class 2s commercially?

Is it?

  1. Medical
  2. Apply for provisional
  3. Theory

Is this part made up of several modules now? Does one module have to be taken before another?

  1. practical training and test
  2. some kind of practical demonstration

Do these modules and whatnot add up to a CPC card? Will he need a CPC card from day 1? Or just some specific modules with the rest being made up before 5 years is up? How does the whole CPC thing work for new drivers?

Also, should he decide to go for class 1, am I correct in thinking he can do so as soon as he has passed his class 2? Or has that changed now too?

If anybody can give me exact and simple answers I’d be really grateful, as I really want to help this bloke out, and would like accurate knowledge.

Thank you in advance.

2

Hi

He will need:

Medical
Theory preparation
Hazard perception test
Multiple choice test
Case studies test (unless he already holds C1)

Then he moves onto the practical:

Driving course and test
Training for practical demonstration test … unless he holds C1
Practical demonstration test … ditto

Assuming he hasn’t got C1, then the above is correct and will get him into the driver cpc system. His card will be valid from the date of passing his last practical test (driving or practical demo) for 5 years. Within the 5 years he needs to complete a further 35 hours.

He can move on to CE (class 1) as soon as his CAT C licence is returned showing the CE provisional. He can get some cpc hours out of the CE if the trainer is approved for this.

If he already holds C1, then the C and the CE can count towards the 35 hours which he will need to complete, one way or another, before being able to drive commercially. That will generate a 5 year card and he will have to complete a further 35 hours within the 5 year period.

Some trainers, including us, offer a complete start to finish service so all the test bookings, training appointments etc are all sorted on his behalf.

We also offer residential at no extra cost and all our fees are subject to 10% Trucknet discount.

Hope this helps, Pete :laughing: :laughing:

3

The whole process is contained within the link in my signature below along with virtually everything else he is likely to need

4

Thank you very much, Peter Smythe and Rog. That’s exactly what I needed to know.

I must say, that’s enough to put off all but the most enthusiastic candidates.