What’s the difference between an HGV, PCV and LGV Class 2 Licence?

This is a question we get asked so many times. There are currently plenty of heavy goods vehicle driving jobs out there. Are you not sure what licence is right for you? We can explain all you need to know to become a HGV driver.

As far back as 1992, driver licencing in the UK came in line with the European Union and as a result, licences changed overnight to LGV. The reason for this was prior to 1992 the UK referred to vehicles under 3,500kg as light goods vehicles. Vehicles over 3,500kg were called heavy goods vehicles and this was all for road tax purposes.

So essentially after 1992 those vehicles over 3.5 tonnes were referred to as LGV not HGV.

For someone new trying to upgrade their car licence to a lorry licence, this can be confusing. Getting your licence is one of the most rewarding things you can do. We will explain how you get through all of this confusion.

For more advice on this, then you can contact us on 07818 408 336 or 07984 493798.

So what is an LGV Class 2 licence?

If you want to change your car licence and drive any rigid vehicle over 3,500kg then you need an LGV licence for that category. A lot of companies use delivery vehicles over 3,500kg, so to drive anything over this weight would require LGV training and taking a practical driving test.

There is also an LGV theory test and hazard perception, which you must pass. If you want to earn an income from your licence, then you also have to do driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).

A lot of people that pass the category C1 driving licence use this for driving a horsebox socially or an ambulance. In these instances, they do not require driver CPC qualification.

For more advice on this, then you can contact us on 07818 408 336 or 07984 493798.

LGV Class 2 licence compared to other drivers licences

If you want to upgrade your car licence and get a provisional licence for driving a large goods vehicle. Then this is what driving licence you need;

• Category B licence – Depending on when you passed your driving test will depend on what you can drive. On this category of licence, anyone that passed before 1st January 1997 also holds a C1 and D1 entitlement under their “grandfather rights”. If you passed after this date, then you can drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg. For further advice on this refer to our B+E, C1 and D1 pages.
• Category C1 licence – If you want to drive a vehicle weighing over 3,500kg but no more than 7.5 tonne. Then you would need to take an LGV theory test and hazard perception, before an LGV practical driving test.
• Category D1 licence – When you are looking to drive a minibus, you should research this thoroughly. There is confusion around the section 19 permit and who can and can’t drive a vehicle weighing over 3,500kg, that can carry 9-16 passengers. To learn more about this licence or get advice call us today on 07818 408 336 or 07984 493798.

Comparing an LGV to a PCV licence

Although an LGV (category D1 licence) falls into the category of PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence, it is easier to think of PCV as a full bus licence. When looking at the PCV licence, although it is the same test as an LGV class 2 licence test, they are different.

PCV driver licences:

• Category D licence – After upgrading your car licence to a category D licence you can drive a passenger-carrying vehicle with more than 8 passengers and add a trailer of no more than 750kg.
• Category C licence – Usually if people want to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle and obtain a C1 driving licence, it may be easier to get a class 2 licence (HGV Licence). This is because you can drive a rigid vehicle weighing in excess of 7.5 tonnes, so it gives more flexibility.
• Category C+E licence – This licence entitles the person to drive large goods vehicles weighing in excess of 7.5 tonnes and drive a large goods vehicle and trailer combination.

Once you have passed either your practical driving test for either your PCV or LGV licence. There are plenty of agencies or jobs out there. Such as here for PCV or here for LGV jobs.

Getting your LGV licence

The first thing you should do is find a company you can trust. What would it be like if you found a company that has been operating since 2006. That same company has qualified instructors providing first-class training.

At Sirens Driving Academy we can offer you the full booking package.

We can offer you the following;

1. Complete and send off both D2 and D4 forms
2. Book your doctors medical at a discounted rate.
3. Supply and monitor your LGV theory test and hazard perception package
4. Book your LGV Theory test and hazard perception.
5. Offer assessment drives for the practical driving test.
6. Driver CPC training for module 2 and module 4

Book with us today and start your career. Let us show you what it is like to book with a professional family business, that looks after you.

Call us today to book your new LGV class 2 licence, telephone 07818 408 336, 07984 493798 or fill out our simple online contact form here: Contact Us