If you’ve got your standard driving licence, you may think that getting your LGV licence is exactly the same process. After all, how different can it be? And to some extent, you’re right. A lot of it is the same, just longer or more thorough. For example, instead of one theory and one practical test, you have to take 2 of each, so 4 in all. Similarly, even the process of applying for your provisional LGV licence is the same, but a little bit different.
Before we dive into what it is you need to apply, we wanted to address an issue a lot of people seem to have when it comes to applying for an LGV provisional licence – and that’s what type of license you should apply for. You may see documents and applications for both an HGV licence and an LGV licence, and get confused about which you need. But the truth is, it doesn’t matter – because they are exactly the same! HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, while LGV can stand for either Large Goods Vehicle or Light Goods Vehicle – either of which you need the same license to drive.
Having said that, there are 2 forms you will need to get if you want to apply for an HGV license.
The first form you need to get is called a D2. This form is the actual application form that you fill in and send to the DVLA in order to apply for your provisional license. It works in the exact same way as applying for your standard provisional driving license, so this should be a straightforward step for you. You can order the D2 pack directly from the DVLA, or get it from your chosen training school. It’s a really simple form to fill in, and shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to fill in. So at least that part of the process is fast!
The second element you need is a D4 form. You can get this form as part of the D3 pack from the DVLA, or you can download it separately from the GOV.UK website. Either way is fine and the form is the same, but if you download it direct from the government than you will get some extra tips and information about filling it in – which is always helpful. Essentially you fill in the first half of the D4, and then you take it with you to the doctor’s office for them to fill in the second half. You will go through a physical exam, and the doctor will note down how you do and if there are any issues that might need to be considered. This will then be sent off to the DVLA.
Once you’ve filled in both of these forms, you can send them off to apply for your provisional license. Assuming there are no complications in the process and no red flags, either on your driving record or with your medical exam, you should receive your provisional LGV license in the post within 3 weeks.
That leaves you with 3 weeks until your next action. Or does it? While you’re waiting for your licence to arrive, you can do a lot of practice for your theory test. Since you don’t need your licence in hand to do this, you can get a head start on the next part of the process and maybe even be ready to take your test by the time your licence arrives. At The LGV Training Centre, we love helping aspiring drivers navigate the process of earning their LGV licence, from beginning to end. We are here to offer help and hands-on advice on everything from applying for your provisional licence through to taking your practical tests and getting your first HGV job. If you would like to find out more, just get in touch with us today.