Published by Go Big Driving School | Sheffield & Rotherham | Updated June 2026
Getting your HGV licence can feel like a maze — forms, medicals, theory tests, practical exams — all before you have sat behind the wheel of a lorry. The good news is that it is a straightforward process once you know what comes in what order, and most people in South Yorkshire complete the whole thing in six to twelve weeks.
Before You Start: What You Need to Be Eligible
You need to hold a full UK car driving licence (Category B) before you can apply for any HGV entitlement. You must also be at least 18 years old for a Class 2 (Cat C) licence, or 21 for a Class 1 (Cat CE), though some exceptions apply. No previous lorry experience is needed.
Step 1: Book Your D4 Medical Examination
This is the first thing to do — before you fill in any forms. A D4 medical is a physical examination carried out by a registered doctor. The DVLA requires it to confirm you are medically fit to drive a large goods vehicle. The examination covers eyesight, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, diabetes, hearing, and sleep apnoea screening. The appointment takes 20 to 30 minutes. Cost: typically £50 to £120.
You do not need to wait for your results before moving to the next step. Book the medical and start preparing for your theory test at the same time.
After 45: repeat the medical every five years. After 65: it becomes annual.
Step 2: Apply for Your Provisional HGV Licence
Once you have your completed D4 form, apply to the DVLA for a provisional HGV entitlement using Form D2. Both forms go to DVLA Swansea. Cost: £43 online or £58 by post. Allow three to four weeks for processing. This is usually the longest wait in the whole process — apply as early as possible and use the time to study for your theory test.
Step 3: Pass the HGV Theory Test
The HGV theory test has two parts sat on the same day:
- Multiple Choice: 100 questions covering vehicle safety, regulations, load securing, tachographs, and road law. Pass mark: 85 out of 100.
- Hazard Perception: 19 video clips. Pass mark: 67 out of 100.
Cost: £26. Most candidates study for two to four weeks using official DVSA revision materials and practice apps.
Step 4: Pass CPC Module 2 (Case Studies)
The Driver CPC is a legal requirement for professional HGV drivers. Module 2 is a written case study paper — 1 hour 55 minutes, seven case study questions about real-world driving scenarios. Pass mark: 40 out of 50. Cost: £23. Many people sit Module 2 and the theory test on the same day.
Step 5: Book Your Practical Training
With your theory passes in hand, book your practical training course. At Go Big Driving School in Sheffield, practical training is delivered one-to-one with a DVSA-approved instructor. A typical Class 2 (Cat C) course runs over four to five consecutive days. Class 1 (Cat CE) upgrade courses typically take three to four days if you already hold Cat C, or five to seven days for direct access.
Training takes place on roads local to Sheffield, including routes that form part of the actual DVSA test.
Step 6: Pass CPC Module 4 — In-House at Go Big
Module 4 is a 30-minute practical safety demonstration with a DVSA examiner. You walk around a stationary vehicle demonstrating safety checks: tyres, lights, brakes, coupling, load security, and emergency equipment. Go Big is a DVSA-approved CPC Module 4 test centre, which means you take this test on-site at our Sheffield training base. No separate appointment or travel required. This is included in all course packages.
Step 7: Pass the DVSA Practical Driving Test
The practical driving test takes place at Sheffield Handsworth HGV Driving Test Centre. It consists of:
- Off-road exercise: reversing the vehicle into a defined space
- On-road drive (approximately 60 minutes): normal driving in traffic, dual carriageways, junctions, and residential roads, plus roadside vehicle safety checks
Through Go Big’s DVSA trainer booking facility, we have access to short-notice test slots — useful if you want to get through the process quickly.
Step 8: Receive Your Licence and DQC Card
Once you have passed your practical test and both CPC modules, your HGV entitlement is added to your driving licence and your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) is issued. From this point, you are qualified to work as a professional HGV driver.
After You Pass
South Yorkshire is one of the best regions in the country to start an HGV driving career. There are currently over 360 HGV driver vacancies within 20 miles of Sheffield, with salaries ranging from £34,000 for Class 2 to £50,000+ for specialist Class 1 roles.
Summary: The Costs
| Stage | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| D4 medical | £50 to £120 |
| Provisional licence (online) | £43 |
| Theory test | £26 |
| CPC Module 2 | £23 |
| Practical training (Cat C, approx 20 hrs) | £1,440 to £1,600 |
| CPC Module 4 | Included at Go Big |
| DVSA practical test | £155 |
| Total (Class 2 with CPC) | £1,900 to £2,400 |
Finance is available on training courses — ask us about spreading the cost.
Ready to Get Started?
Go Big Driving School is based in Sheffield S9, and we train students from across South Yorkshire — Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley, and beyond. Call Dan on 0114 357 0000 for a no-pressure conversation about the right course for you.
Visit our Class 2 HGV training page or Class 1 HGV training page for full course details.