Back to home page

One Stop Driving School Directory

School Owners Register Here

or Log In?

Learners:
Getting Started
Theory Test
Hazard Test
Car Maintenance
Practical Test
Passed:
Buying A Car
Insurance
Job Search
Schools:
Why Join?
How To Join?

Learning to Drive Large Goods Vehicles & People Carrier Vehicles (LGV & PCV)

Photo card licences

To drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a bus / coach (PCV) you are legally required to hold a valid, full driving licence for a car and be at least 21 years old to begin this type of training.

You may only learn to drive LGV's or PCV's if you pass a medical exam. The medical exam is carried out by a doctor and they can charge from between £35 and £95 to fill out the orange medical form (D4). Once the medical is completed send the "D4" form along with your current driving licence and completed "D2" application form (available from DVLA, Vehicle schools, DSA, LGV, PCV test centres) and appropriate fee to DVLA Swansea.

After you receive your new provisional licence you will then need to take a theory test. LGV/PCV training can then begin once you've acquired a theory test pass certificate.

Bus or coach (PCV) training and test

In order to drive a PCV (Passenger Carrier Vehicle) you must first complete the required training. Once you are fully trained you can then take the practical test.

During the practical test the examiner will be checking to see that you have gained knowledge of the vehicle and that under certain conditions (i.e. load and traffic conditions), you take safe, appropriate actions where necessary. The test will last for about 90 minutes, during which time you will be asked to perform some exercises which may include such things as reversing into a marked area, reversing into small, tight spaces and a braking exercise.

To drive a large goods vehicle (LGV)

The LGV test lasts approximately 90 minutes and consists of a gear changing exercise plus the same elements involved in the PCV test. You need to demonstrate the uncoupling / recoupling if you're taking your test with a trailer.

The role of traffic commissioner

Any concerns involving a drivers conduct will be passed onto the DVLA. The DVLA will then contact a traffic commissioner in that area and notify them of any criminal convictions including matters such as theft or assault etc, concerning the driver in question.

The traffic commissioner will deal with all cases in their area either in writing or by means of the driver attending a hearing. It is their job to decide whether the driver in question can drive an LGV/PCV, they have the right to suspend or take away licences if they feel it is justified.

Goods vehicle operator licence

The holders of a PCV operator licence are required under section 19 of the public passenger vehicles act 1981 to report any relevant convictions of themselves or others to the traffic commissioner.

Traffic commissioner can take disciplinary action against operators for not keeping to conditions of their licence.

Driving conduct

You must tell your local traffic commissioner whether, within the last 4 years you've been convicted of any offences connected with:-

There is no to tell the traffic commissioner of any previous convictions dated more than 4 years ago.

Non driving conduct

You will need to notify the DVLA of any previous court convitions you've had even if they were'nt connected to driving when applying for a bus or minibus licence.

Exchanging a paper licence for a photo card

To exchange a paper licence for a photo card licence:

  1. Complete form D1
  2. Send a passport sized photo and identity documents (these need to be original documents)
  3. Your current licence and the correct fee
  4. Send to DVLA, Swansea

Renewing a licence at 70 or over

Paper licence holders

90 days before your 70th birthday the forms D46 and D1 will automatically be sent to you. Complete these and send them back along with your paper licence and fee to DVLA, Swansea.

Photo card licence holders

You'll automatically receive D46 90 days before your 70th birthday and every 3 years there after to keep it updated.

Complete the application form and send the fee along with your photo card licence and paper counterpart to DVLA, Swansea.

Whats Upgear?

upgear.co.uk is an online directory for a wide range of uk driving schools. For more info check out About

Quick Search:
Click & Choose a service, Then type a town, county or postcode & Search!

Need Help or Want to Help?
Come & Be a part of our Forum

Wanting to include your school?
Take a look at the simple steps to Add Schools

Like Upgear? Tell a Friend!