Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Category C1 (7.5 Tonnes)
LGV Category C1 – Driver CPC Initial Qualification:
Please be aware the licence category C1 allows you to drive a medium size goods vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes. The LGV C1 is often needed by paramedic drivers, the drivers of horseboxes and local delivery drivers of medium size goods vehicles where the maximum authorised mass is no greater than 7.5 ton.
The first step is to apply for the LGV C1 provisional entitlement. To do this you will need to have a HGV medical with a doctor who needs to complete a DVLA Form D4 (medical report). You will also need to complete a DVLA Form D2 (licence application) in order to apply for your provisional LGV C1 licence.
We have a Doctor who holds an HGV drivers medical clinic at our Cardiff office every other Saturday (excluding bank holidays) and charges £60.00. Alternatively give your own doctor a call and ask for an HGV medical and establish the cost, as there is no standard cost which varies from surgery to surgery.
If you wish to make a HGV medical booking with our private doctor please contact our office (Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm). If needed, we have the DVLA Forms D2 and D4 and will be happy to assist you in completing your HGV provisional licence application.
Once your DVLA D2 and D4 Forms are completed, you simply post both forms off to the DVLA in Swansea with your current car licence, and within 4 weeks the DVLA will issue you with a new driving licence with the provisional LGV C1 entitlement.
Booking your Theory Test (Driver CPC Module 1):
When you receive your driving licence back from DVLA Swansea with the provisional LGV C1 entitlement you are then able to book your LGV theory tests. You can arrange the theory tests yourself via the Direct.Gov website, or alternatively we can book the theory tests for you at your local theory test centre.
The Driver CPC Module 1 LGV theory test is divided into two separate parts; the Multiple Choice Test (100 questions) £26.00 and the Hazard Perception Test (19 interactive clips) £11.00. Theory Test Centres in South Wales are located in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Newport and Swansea.
The Driver CPC Module 1 theory test is not just about the highway code, it covers all topics ranging from vehicle weights and dimensions, drivers’ hours, vehicle loading, hazard perception, environmental issues plus other matters relating to large goods vehicles.
In order to pass the LGV CPC Module 1 theory tests we strongly recommend you revise prior to taking the test and would highly recommend one of the following options:
Option 1 – Online Theory Training:
Big Wheelers (South Wales) Limited provide online theory training at discounted rates from Driving Test Success. The package contains everything you need in order to study to pass the theory tests allowing you to revise anytime, anywhere on a Smartphone, Tablet or PC. The cost is £16.67 plus VAT and allows you unlimited access for 6 months.
Option 2 – DVSA Official Publications:
A book titled ‘The official DVSA theory test for drivers of large vehicles’ rev Jan 17 (£19.99). This covers the multiple choice test, and a DVD titled ‘The official DVSA guide to hazard perception DVD-ROM 2018 edition (£15.99)’. This includes sample clips, which give you feedback to help you prepare for the hazard perception test. The RRP (Apr 18) for both items from the TSO shop is £35.98.
The LGV Module 1 theory tests for the multiple choice and hazard perception can be booked via the link www.gov.uk/book-theory-test or by contacting our office.
After passing both parts of the theory test, we can then start your LGV C1 practical training.
Case Study Test (Driver CPC Module 2):
In addition to passing the two LGV Module 1 theory tests, if you want to become a professional driver (which means you will drive for a living) you will also need to pass the Initial Driver CPC Module 2 Case Study theory test (£23.00).
The Driver CPC Module 2 Case Study Test is computer based. There are seven case study tests, each with between six and eight questions. The questions will be based on real life situations which you may encounter in your working life as a professional driver.
In order to pass the LGV CPC Module 2 case study theory test we recommend you spend plenty of time to revise prior to taking the test. For revision we would recommend one of the following options:
Option 1 – Online Theory Training:
Big Wheelers (South Wales) Limited provide an online theory training package for the Module 2 test at a discounted rate from Driving Test Success. The online training package allows you to revise at your own pace and contains everything you need in order to prepare for the case study test. The training package allows you to revise anytime, anywhere, on a Smartphone, Tablet or PC. The cost is £16.67 plus VAT and allows you unlimited access for 6 months.
Option 2 – DVSA Official Publications:
Essential reading to help prepare for the CPC Module 2 test can be found in a book titled ‘Driver CPC The Official DVSA Guide for Professional Goods Vehicle Drivers’ (£9.99) and also the book titled ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles’ (£19.99). The RRP (Apr 18) for both items from the TSO shop is £29.98.
The Initial Driver CPC Module 2 Case Study test can be booked via the link www.gov.uk/book-theory-test or by contacting our office.
Practical Driving Assessment:
After passing your LGV theory test you may wish to attend a free driving assessment. The duration of the assessment drive is approximately 60 minutes.
The free assessment drive will allow you to experience what it is like to manoeuvre a larger C1 vehicle in a confined space and also to drive on-road in various traffic situations.
After the assessment drive the instructor can advise as to how many training days are needed in order to reach test standard. Assessment drives are generally available during most working days (Monday to Friday).
To book the free assessment drive you will need to provide the following:
- UK driving licence details.
- Provide a ‘Check Code’ for the office staff to verify the provisional entitlement is valid.
Your licence Check Code is available via the link www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
As a guide, most car drivers attend a 16 hour training course. However some drivers who already have regular experience in driving other vehicles such as minibus, or a full size 3.5 ton van may attend a reduced course of 12 hours, or exceptionally 8 hours.
Practical Driver Training & Test (Driver CPC Module 3):
In general timings are between the hours of 7.30am and 3.30pm; however the timings may be adjusted slightly in order to link in with the practical test timings.
An intensive LGV C1 practical training course of 12 or 16 hours can be carried out in just 2 or 3 working days.
The LGV C1 practical training and tests will cover the requirements of the DVSA Module 3a off-road reversing exercise and also the Module 3b vehicle safety check questions, driving on urban and rural road settings, dual carriageways and motorways.
All training options can be discussed with the admin team prior to making any booking. This will allow us to provide you with your allocated training and test dates to suit your personal requirement.
Big Wheelers (South Wales) Limited are registered with the DVSA as a training provider and are able to book the Module 3a and 3b LGV C1 practical driving tests for our customers up to ten weeks in advance.
Under normal circumstances your practical test is always taken on the final day of your training.
Practical Demonstration Test (CPC Module 4):
To achieve the professional Driver CPC initial qualification, you will be required to complete the Initial Driver CPC Module 4 Practical Demonstration Test (test fee is £55.00).
The Initial Driver CPC Module 4 test takes place at the practical test centre where the examiner will test your knowledge in the following areas:
- Loading the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use.
- Ensuring security of the vehicle and contents.
- Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking of illegal immigrants.
- The ability to assess emergency situations.
- Preventing physical risk – Emphasis on daily walk round vehicle safety checks.
At Big Wheelers (South Wales) Limited we always aim to provide the Module 4 training and test within the same working day.
Subject to test timings, training will take place in the morning with the Module 4 practical test taking place in the afternoon.
After successfully completing Driver CPC Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 the driver will be able to drive professionally and will be sent a Driver Qualification Card, which must be carried whilst driving.
