A complete novice insight to getting a HGV Licence - Part 1
- Nikki Prince
- Jul 19
- 6 min read
I have been photographing and writing about the haulage industry for around 2 years now. I have attended many shows and events, spoke to loads of drivers and industry workers and
more recently started some day in the life blogs giving me a daily insight to the industry. Every day is a school day and I am forever learning new things.
As part of some up and coming features I started doing research which lead me to speak to the Managing Director of a local training school, Dulsons. Steve gave me some interesting perspectives and insights into the industry and after a long chat we discussed the possibility of me shadowing a new driver from start to finish of the HGV Licence process, as the chat progressed Steve told me about funding available and suggested that I be that case study. The thought was daunting and I needed to give it some serious thought. I love driving, I am always road tripping, but HGVs are a whole new ball game, the size of them, the thought of being in charge of such a large vehicle is a lot of responsibility. I mentioned to some friends who are drivers, and the majority of responses were that I should go for it as it was an amazing opportunity. Having a licence would also open up new opportunities for my business which is obviously a plus and give me the option to gain driving experience with ad-hoc driving work once I passed.
I went along and met Dulsons at a local business event, whilst there I got the chance to speak to an instructor and do a little test drive around the car park which included reversing into a space. The size of the vehicle wasn't as daunting as I expected.
I then went and met Steve the MD and had a chat about if I wanted to go ahead, I agreed and we decided that I should aim for class 1 as this would give me most flexibility, and if I did struggle with that there is always the option to do the class 2 instead. Steve explained he would set the wheels in motion the following day (excuse the pun) and I would receive emails explaining everything.
As it transpired the initial funding was only available for Class 2, but as it would benefit my business and be used for future employment I qualified to apply and it seemed like a logical step to take. Always handy to add a new string to my bow and a good skill to have if I decide to do driving work full time too in the future.
Initially I had to complete a business plan with supporting evidence on how my business would benefit from me having a licence. More press opportunities, magazines etc. I sent off the information and provided references confirming it would open up more opportunities for me and once accepted the boot-camp process started.
Through an online portal I had to initially started the process by completing a functional Maths and English test. It had been a long time since I have done any sort of academic tests, but I passed with a level 1 and level 2 and this meant I was ready for the next step.
A road map of the process was sent out to me explaining the processes and timescale for the boot-camp. The process is the same if you are self-funding, just time-scales would not be as strict to complete them.
The first step was to have the driver medical.
My medical was at a local clinic through D4drivers. They only had Saturdays and a few Wednesday appointments when I went to book, although online it said they offer them, evenings too. I completed the booking process using the voucher provided by Dulsons, and it was then showing a discounted amount to pay rather than a zero balance, unable to find an answer to if this was right I carried on the booking and it went through ok and didn't ask for any payment. So that is something worth noting if you book through the same company.
On the day I took the D2 form I completed with my details which I had previously been emailed, plus my ID.
The centre was easy to find and 5 minutes from my house, there was plenty of parking on arrival. Inside there was a sign directing people booked in for medicals to wait in the adjacent waiting room. I went through to the waiting room and was the only one there so flicked through some leaflets and a copy of Commercial Motors magazine whilst I waited. After about 5 minutes a man came out, had a browse of the waiting room then went back inside. Several minutes later he came back out looking confused and asked if I was there for the HGV medical, after I confirmed I was I was told to follow him to the medical room. Guess I don't look like the typical trucker?!
He checked my ID and took the form from me, then vaguely explained I needed an eye test and blood pressure checked, then gave mumbled instructions on how to do the eye test. I completed that and then he put the blood pressure machine on which was straightforward.
He made notes of the results from both tests on the form and continued to ask questions for me to complete the rest of the medical. The whole process was pretty quick and I was told I had passed the medical and needed to post the completed form off to the DVLA
In an attempt to become more like a typical trucker I stopped at Greggs on the way home.
My provisional licence came back after a week. It initially looked no difference so I went on the government licencing website to check it had been updated. I then informed Dulsons it had arrived so they could update the boot-camp and book in the theory tests. There are 3 parts to this, Theory, Hazard Perception and CPC Module 2, all of which are done online at a local test centre.
I had been doing theory revision online and really struggled, the pressure was exhausting juggling things and trying to get it to stick. Then one day I looked again with fresh eyes and a different perspective on how to learn and it seemed to work. Then I just kept repeating the 3 tests to make sure it stayed in my head. It had been recommended to use DTS Anytime app and some online resources through the portal. Both of these were really useful and would recommend DTS to anyone starting their revision.
The hardest part was finding a revision process that worked as it had been a long time since I had to do any revision and have had my car licence for 18 years so even the theory test was a recap.
On the day of my online tests I arrived at the test centre in Shrewsbury with my ID and paperwork they needed. I was asked to put my belongings in a locker, sign some documents, pose for a photo and then read some guidance on how the process works. I sat for 10 minutes reading through the information before the receptionist called me back over. She told me she had assumed I was there for my car test and had given me the wrong sheet. Once I had read the right sheet I was ready to start. Again I mustn't look like a trucker.
When it was my turn I was directed round a corner where I had to roll up my sleeves, move my hood etc and remove tissues from my pocket to prove I wasn't cheating. Once she was happy I was told to enter a room with the computers in and take the seat she had pointed too. Instructions were simple and headphones were provided. After about 35 minutes the theory test was complete so I had to get the ladies attention and could leave my seat when she said it was ok. Within 5 minutes the results were printed out. I had to pop the paper in my locker before repeating the process again for the 2nd test, Hazard Perception and one last time for the Online CPC, Module 2. This test was easier than I expected and easier to understand in person. I was pleased to have passed all 3 tests first time which meant the preparation for the practical driving was all completed and I was ready for my driving training and practical tests to be booked.
Tips and Advice
Don't stress over the online tests, keep revising and you will get there. A lot of it is common sense. You can always resit if you fail.
DTS app was invaluable. The longer tests have 100 questions to answer out of a possible 880 you could be asked, so the more you do these the more likely you are to cover all the possible questions
Ask for help if you need it and communicate if you don't understand something, the training schools are there to help you pass.
Follow social media accounts from the industry, speak to those already in the industry and absorb industry knowledge. Some of the questions could be tricky if you are going into it without any prior industry knowledge or experience. Some TikToks I had previously watched actually helped me answer some of the questions.
Comments