LGV Driver Basics: Licences, Checks and Common Job Requirements

LGV driver basics: what do you need to get started?

The alarm goes off early, the roads are quiet and the day starts before many people have even left the house. For an LGV driver, that can be the beginning of a working day covering local deliveries, regional routes or longer journeys.

LGV driving can offer a wide range of opportunities, but if you’re considering your first LGV job, the terminology and requirements can seem confusing.

What is a Class 1 or Class 2 licence? Do you need Driver CPC? What checks will an employer carry out? And what experience do you need?

The good news is that you don’t need to know everything before you start looking. Once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to work out which LGV driving jobs you can apply for and what you may need to do next.

This guide covers the key requirements for professional LGV driving in Great Britain, along with some of the things employers commonly look for.

What licence do you need to drive an LGV?

The type of LGV licence you need depends on the vehicle you want to drive and the trailer you need to tow.

Two terms you will see regularly when searching for LGV jobs are Class 1 and Class 2.

Class 1 and Class 2 are commonly used industry terms when advertising LGV driving jobs. The formal licence categories are Category C and Category C+E (CE).

LGV Class 2 – Category C

A Category C licence allows you to drive vehicles over 3,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).

You may see these jobs advertised as Class 2, Category C or simply C.

Class 2 work can include delivery driving, distribution, waste collection and other roles where the vehicle is a rigid lorry.

LGV Class 1 – Category C+E

A Category C+E, also shown as CE, licence allows you to drive a Category C vehicle with a trailer over 750kg.

This is commonly known as Class 1 driving and is the category normally used for articulated lorry work.

If you’re interested in Class 1 work but currently only hold a Category C licence, you can upgrade to C+E by completing the required training and tests.

The exact entitlement shown on your driving licence is what matters, so check your licence before applying for jobs.

What do you need to become an LGV driver?

If you’re qualifying as an LGV driver for the first time, there are several stages to complete.

For professional LGV driving, you generally need to:

• Hold a full car driving licence.
• Meet the minimum age and qualification requirements for the vehicle you want to drive.
• Apply for the appropriate provisional LGV entitlement.
• Complete the required theory and practical tests.
• Obtain the relevant Driver CPC qualification if you intend to drive professionally.

You will also need to meet the relevant medical standards for vocational driving.

The minimum age for Group 2 entitlement is normally 21, although drivers can drive lorries from age 18 after gaining, or while training towards, the required Driver CPC qualification, subject to the applicable rules.

Your licence category will depend on the type of vehicle you intend to drive, so it’s worth deciding whether you’re aiming for Class 2 or Class 1 work before arranging training.

What is Driver CPC?

Driver CPC stands for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.

If you’re driving a lorry professionally, you will generally need the appropriate Driver CPC qualification, although exemptions can apply in certain circumstances.

Driver CPC is designed to make sure professional drivers maintain their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

Professional drivers generally need to complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every five years to remain qualified.

The type of training you need depends on where you want to drive.

If you drive professionally in the UK only, you can complete 35 hours of National Driver CPC training, or a combination of National and International Driver CPC training.

If you want to drive professionally in both the UK and Europe, you must complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.

If you’ve been away from LGV driving for some time, don’t automatically assume that your previous CPC qualification is still current.

If your Driver CPC has expired, what you need to do before returning to professional driving depends on when it expired and whether you intend to drive in the UK only or internationally.

A Return to Driving CPC course may be available if your Driver CPC expired less than two years ago. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before returning to professional driving.

What medical checks are required?

A medical is part of the process when applying for a provisional LGV licence.

The medical examination is used to assess whether you meet the required medical standards for vocational driving.

All initial Group 2 licence applications require a medical assessment, normally recorded on a D4 medical examination report.

Vocational driving entitlements have renewal requirements. Group 2 licences are normally renewed every five years, or at age 45 if that comes sooner, until age 65. From age 65, they are normally renewed annually. Shorter periods can apply for medical reasons.

If you have any questions about your own medical eligibility, it’s best to speak to your doctor and check the latest DVLA guidance rather than relying on assumptions or hearsay.

What checks might an employer carry out?

Getting your LGV licence is only one part of getting a job.

Employers and recruitment agencies need to make sure drivers have the correct licence and qualifications for the work they are undertaking. This can include checking your driving licence and professional qualifications before you start work.

You may therefore be asked to provide information such as:

• Your driving licence details.
• Your LGV entitlement and licence categories.
• Driver CPC information.
• Tachograph card details, where required.
• Details of previous driving experience.
• References or employment history.
• Evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• Details of any driving convictions or endorsements, where applicable.
• Other documents required for the particular role.

At Extrastaff, compliance is an important part of the recruitment process. Our compliance team and EFOS technology support checks and help ensure candidates are appropriately cleared for the work they undertake.

It is worth having your documents and licence information readily available when registering with a recruitment agency. It can make the process considerably smoother.

Do LGV drivers need a tachograph card?

If you’re applying for professional LGV driving work, you will probably hear the term tachograph regularly.

Whether you need to use a tachograph depends on the vehicle and the type of work being undertaken.

If your work is covered by the relevant drivers’ hours rules and you are driving a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph, you will generally need to use a digital driver card.

A tachograph records information such as driving time, speed and distance, and helps drivers and operators monitor compliance with the relevant drivers’ hours rules.

If you’re new to LGV driving, your employer or recruitment consultant should be able to explain what is required for the particular role.

What do employers look for in LGV drivers?

Having the right licence gets you through an important first door, but employers will also want to know that you can do the job safely and reliably.

Requirements vary from one vacancy to another. Some employers may want experienced drivers, while others advertise opportunities for newly qualified drivers.

Common requirements can include:

A good safety mindset

Driving a large vehicle carries significant responsibility. Employers need drivers who take road safety, vehicle checks, load security and company procedures seriously.

LGV drivers are also expected to carry out appropriate daily vehicle checks, often referred to as walkaround checks, and report defects correctly.

Reliability

LGV work often operates to tight schedules.

Turning up on time and being dependable can make a real difference, particularly when you’re working regular shifts through a recruitment agency.

Communication skills

You may deal with transport offices, warehouse teams, customers, traffic controllers and other drivers throughout the day.

Clear communication helps keep deliveries and collections running smoothly.

Good time management

Routes don’t always go exactly to plan.

Traffic, loading delays and unexpected problems can all affect a day’s schedule. Being able to manage your time while following the relevant driving and rest requirements is an important part of the job.

Practical ability

Some LGV roles involve more than sitting behind the wheel.

Depending on the job, you may need to assist with loading or unloading, secure loads, use specialist equipment or carry out other practical duties.

Always read the individual job description carefully because requirements can vary considerably between LGV roles.

Do you need previous LGV driving experience?

Not necessarily.

Some vacancies specifically require previous experience, while others may consider newly qualified LGV drivers. The answer depends on the employer, vehicle, type of work and level of responsibility involved.

For example, a role involving specialist equipment, complex deliveries or particular types of haulage may have more specific experience requirements.

If you’re newly qualified, don’t assume that you can’t find work. Be upfront about your experience when registering with a recruitment agency. A recruiter can then focus on vacancies that match your licence, experience and availability.

You can also search current LGV opportunities through Extrastaff’s job search and see the types of roles currently available.

Are there additional qualifications for some LGV jobs?

Some types of driving work require additional training or qualifications.

For example, drivers carrying certain dangerous goods may need an ADR qualification. Other jobs may require experience or additional training relating to particular vehicles, trailers, equipment or types of delivery.

This is why there isn’t one single list of requirements that applies to every LGV job.

The best approach is to start with your core licence and Driver CPC, then look at the requirements of the jobs you’re interested in.

What should you check before applying for an LGV job?

Before applying, take a few minutes to check:

• Licence: Do you have the correct category for the vehicle?
• Driver CPC: Do you have the correct current CPC qualification for the type of driving you want to do?
• Tachograph: Do you have the driver card required for the work, if applicable?
• Experience: Does the vacancy require a particular level or type of experience?
• Endorsements: Do you have any points or driving convictions that need to be declared?
• Location: Can you reliably get to the depot for the required start time?
• Hours: Are you comfortable with the advertised shift pattern?
• Additional requirements: Does the role require ADR, specialist vehicle experience or other qualifications?
• Availability: Can you work the days and hours the employer needs?

These checks can save time and help you focus on vacancies that match your licence, experience and availability.

Finding your next LGV driving job

LGV driving covers a much wider range of work than simply driving an articulated lorry from A to B.

You could find opportunities in distribution, deliveries, waste and recycling, haulage and other specialist areas.

Extrastaff specialises in driving and industrial recruitment, with branches across the UK and opportunities covering temporary, permanent and contract work. Our candidate service also uses the EFOS mobile app to help workers view shifts, job details, hours and earnings.

If you’re ready to look for your next role, you can browse current LGV and driving vacancies or register your CV with Extrastaff.

You don’t have to have your entire career mapped out before you register. Having an honest conversation with a recruiter about your licence, experience and availability can be a useful starting point.

LGV driver FAQs

What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 LGV driving?

Class 2 generally refers to Category C, which allows you to drive vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg MAM.

Class 1 generally refers to Category C+E, which allows you to drive a Category C vehicle with a trailer over 750kg, including articulated lorries.

How old do you have to be to become an LGV driver?

The minimum age for Group 2 entitlement is normally 21. However, drivers can drive lorries from age 18 after gaining, or while training towards, the required Driver CPC qualification, subject to the applicable rules.

Do LGV drivers need Driver CPC?

If you’re driving a lorry professionally, you will generally need the appropriate Driver CPC qualification. There are specific exemptions, so check the current GOV.UK guidance if your circumstances are unusual.

How often does an LGV driver need Driver CPC training?

Professional LGV drivers generally need to complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every five years.

The type of training required depends on whether you intend to drive professionally in the UK only or internationally.

Can a newly qualified LGV driver get a job?

Yes.

Some employers recruit newly qualified drivers, although others require previous experience. Always check the individual vacancy and be clear with the recruiter about when you qualified and what experience you have.

Can I return to LGV driving after a break?

You may be able to, but you should check that your LGV licence and Driver CPC status are current.

If your Driver CPC has expired, what you need to do before returning to professional driving depends on when it expired and whether you want to drive in the UK only or internationally.

A Return to Driving CPC course may be available if your Driver CPC expired less than two years ago. If you use this route, there are additional training requirements depending on whether you intend to drive in the UK or Europe.

Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before returning to professional driving.

Ready to look at LGV driving jobs?

If you have the right licence and qualifications, the next step is finding work that suits your experience, availability and preferred type of driving.

Search current Extrastaff vacancies or register with Extrastaff and speak to your local branch about the opportunities available in your area.

Extrastaff’s recruitment teams work with drivers looking for temporary, permanent and contract opportunities, so you can start by discussing what you’re looking for and where your current qualifications could take you.