Start with the qualification route
Professional HGV driving normally requires the relevant driving entitlement and Driver CPC.
GOV.UK sets out the first-time route: hold a full car licence, apply for provisional entitlement and complete the required Driver CPC tests. Previous drivers and exempt journeys can follow different routes, so use the official service for your circumstances.
Keep Driver CPC current
Qualified drivers generally complete 35 hours of periodic training in each five-year period.
National and International Driver CPC routes now differ. The right course mix depends on whether you need to drive only in the UK or in the UK and Europe. Check your recorded hours and approved-course status through GOV.UK before booking or claiming training.
- Check your current five-year training record.
- Confirm whether the vacancy involves UK-only or international driving.
- Keep your Driver Qualification Card details available, but only share them through an approved process.
Prepare for a permission-based licence check
A driver can generate a time-limited DVLA check code for an authorised person.
The official check service can show vehicle entitlements, penalty points and disqualifications. The checker needs the final eight characters of the licence number and a one-use check code. Personal driving information must not be obtained without permission.
Generate a code only when a legitimate role process requires it. Check the recipient and channel first; do not post a licence image or check code publicly.
Make the role conversation useful
Bring accurate facts, not assumptions.
A published vacancy can still be subject to checks, client requirements and assignment-specific conditions. Supplying information does not guarantee placement.