Your dream of becoming a professional lorry driver is not farfetched; it can become a reality. However, know how to drive, and becoming an LGV driver is far from being a straightforward process. People often think they can transition into being LGV drivers without facing any hurdles since they already have a license to drive. While this might not be that difficult as you might presume, there are a few things you must do, and you will follow a particular order if you are to complete your LGV or HGV training and acquire a professional license. One of the first things you will do is to apply for a provisional LGV license.
Must I Have The LGV Or HGV License?
Avoid getting confused when it comes to figuring out what you must have to drive HGVs or LGVs. You are required to have a speciality license that qualifies you as a professional HGV or LGV driver. While the two are terms that might often be viewed as different, the use of HGV over LGV is often a matter of semantics. The two are used in the commercial goods transit industry and do not differ that much on paper. LGV is mostly used when referring to “Light Goods Vehicles,” such as vans but not “Large Goods Vehicles” like Tripper trucks and Lorries.
But with that said, you must get two forms when applying for your HGV license.
1). D2 Form
It is the first document you need is called a D2 form. It is an original application form you must fill out and submit to the DVLA when applying for your provisional license. The process is the same as when you are applying for the standard provisional driving license; therefore, this should not be too complicated. You can get the D2 form from the DVLA or a training school of your choosing.
2). D4 Form
The next form is more unique to the HGV profession; it is the D4 document. It covers the medical side of your driving skills. Part of the requirements that qualify you to become a professional driver is centred around your health and wellbeing. The D4 form is an approved medical document you must fill in, part of it yourself, and some sections require a qualified doctor’s assessment and recommendation. Therefore, you will undergo a physical exam overseeing by a registered and licensed physician who will then fill in and sign the relevant sections of the document you will submit. Once you have gone through the form to ensure all the necessary parts regarding your medical and health status are filled, you will send it to the DVLA for processing.
You can get the D4 form from the DVLA or opt to download it directly from the official Gov.UK website. Visiting the site to download the document is a better option because it is less of a hassle, and you also will get some tips and information on how to fill in all the required parts.
After filling in the D2 and D4 forms, you must send them to the DVLA for processing. If there are no complications and no red flags in your medical exam or driving record, your application should go through and expect to get your provisional LGV license within three weeks.
Instead of watching the time waste away as you wait for your provisional license, you can use that time to study and prepare for the theory test. It will help you be ready to jump to the next step.
At Easy as HGV, we are renowned for helping novice HGV drives as they embark on becoming professionals with the requisite license. We help you learn how to apply for the provisional LGV license, taking the test, and assist them in securing their first jobs in the HGV industry. We have a team of experts that advice and offer guidance while sharing their wealth of knowledge during the theory and practical training. Get in touch with us today to know more.