LGV / PCV Training - Frequently Asked Questions


How much can I earn as a driver?

As an LGV or PCV driver, you can earn up to £560 a week - over £11 per hour! Newly qualified C drivers can earn £400 - £450 a week, and start to earn more as they gain experience and acquire specialist skills.

Can I be sure I will get a job after training?

There are thousands of job vacancies for qualified LGV and PCV drivers in the UK, so once you've gained your licence it won't be long before you are on the road.

Where will I do my training?

We use both public roads and our own private maneuvering area during your training. All training is carried out by fully qualified instructors.

How long is the test?

The practical driving test is approxiamately one hour in length, covering a variety of road and traffic conditions. Routes used could include Dual Carriageway, Motorway, Main 'A' roads, Country Lanes and town centers. The driving test includes some special exercises. The reversing and controlled braking exercise take place at the Test Centre before going out on the road. There are also other exercises whilst out on test. Candidates for C+E tests also have to physically un-couple and re-couple the trailer, this is usually done on their return to the Test Centre.

When will the LGV Driving Procedure change to incorporate the driver CPC aspects?

From September 10th 2009. (The changes will reflect those implemented into the PCV Driving test procedure in 2008. These are a case study module, and a walk around vehicle check test). The candidate will not undergo any additional practical driving test.

Why choose Sindher Driving School?

Our reputation speaks for itself, as does the statistic that 98% of our pupils have been recommended by friends, family or colleagues to train with us.

With over 35 years in this field, Sindher Driving School has become reknowned for its honest, professional, and conscientious approach to providing driver training to its clients, whether they be from multi-national companies or are private individuals.

Is there any compulsory waiting time between C and C+E training?

No, there is no specific waiting time. As soon as you receive your licence with full Category C Entitlement (Rigid vehicles) you can start lessons to upgrade to a Category C+E (Articulated vehicles). A full Category C entitlement automatically provides for a provisional C+E.

To commence an LGV or PCV training course

  1. You will need the appropriate provisional Licence.
  2. Meet the stipulated age requirements.
  3. Hold a full valid car licence.
  4. Be certified medically fit.

The Categories of LGV Licences

Category C1
Rigid goods vehicles over 3,500kg but NOT over 7,500kg.

Category C1+E
Combinations of vehicles in Category C1 plus trailers over 750kg maximum authorised mass, but with an overall maximum authorised mass (gross train weight) not over 12,000kg

Category C
Rigid goods vehicles over 3,500kg maximum authorised mass. Entitlement holders may also drawtrailers not over 750kg.

Category C+E:
Articulated vehicles and drawbar combinations whose semi-trailers and trailers have a gross train weight greater than those stipulated in Category C

The catagories of PCV Licence are listed below:

  1. D1 - Minibuses with between 9 and 16 passenger seats towing a trailer up to 750kg

  2. D1 + E - As for category D1 but towing a trailer over 750kg - total weight not more than 12000kg

  3. D - Bus with more than 16 passenger seats towing a trailer up to 750kg

  4. D + E - As for category D but towing a trailer over 750kg

Commonly used abbreviations (and their meanings)

  1. HGV - Heavy Goods Vehicle
  2. LGV - Large Goods Vehicle
  3. PCV - Passenger Carrying Vehicle
  4. CPC - Certificate of Professional Competency
  5. RTITB - Road Transport Industry Training Board
  6. DoT - Department of Transport
  7. DSA - Driving Standards Agency
  8. DVLA - The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency