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If you’ve been exploring HGV training as part of your next career shift, you’ll likely be aware that to drive HGVs legally, you’ll need to earn a HGV licence.
But one thing you may not have considered is the need for a HGV provisional licence.
Much like a regular provisional car licence, you’ll need a provisional HGV licence before you can get behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle– but what if you don’t have anyone to sign your provisional?
Thankfully, there are options on the table for you – and HGV Training Network is here to help.
With 50 professional HGV training centres scattered across the country, we’re your go-to choice for HGV training, ADR training, Horsebox training, and more.
So, let’s look at the HGV provisional in closer detail to find out more.
What is a provisional HGV licence?
Provisional HGV licences (also known as provisional entitlements) are the HGV equivalent of a standard driving provisional licence.
It’s a document that says you’re allowed to begin learning to drive HGVs. However, it’s important to note that you’re only able to apply for a provisional HGV licence if you already carry a full photocard driving licence. So if you’ve yet to pass your driving test and earn your full car licence, you’ll need to wait until you’ve completed both your practical test and theory test first.
Once you pass this test, though, you’re free to apply for a provisional HGV licence, if you’d like to explore driving larger vehicles. Though we recommend getting to grips with driving in general first.
Most people who become HGV drivers have already been driving for several years, giving them the confidence they need to handle larger vehicles.
You need to apply for a HGV licence through the DVLA, in a similar way to standard provisionals. The only major difference is that, to be awarded your HGV provisional, you’ll also need to pass a medical exam. This is because those driving HGVs need to be in good enough physical condition to not only drive such vehicles competently but also to ensure they don’t pose a safety risk to themselves or other road users.
HGV Training Network can assist you with your provisional HGV licence application, along with your driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) once you’ve completed training, taking some of the stress out of the whole process. So feel free to speak to a member of the team today about becoming an HGV or LGV driver.
Why does someone need to sign my provisional?
Your provisional driving licence is a legal document that not only authorises you to drive certain vehicles but also legitimises your identity in the eyes of the DVLA and the government. Having someone other than yourself confirm your identity gives these bodies the confidence they need to allow you to begin learning.
However, this is technically just for the standard provisional driving licence. The HGV provisional licence works slightly differently.
Who can sign my HGV provisional?
Unlike a standard driving licence, nobody needs to sign your HGV provisional.
The only person bound to sign anything in your HGV provisional application is the doctor who performed your medical examination. They must sign the form to confirm to the DVLA that you are fit to learn to drive HGVs.
Your GP is legally allowed to perform this examination and sign the form, though their knowledge of this process may be lacking. Plus, it may take some time for you to be seen, given this is not a usual doctor’s appointment.
That’s why many enthusiastic learner drivers turn to specialist companies for their HGV medical.
Thankfully, we’re here to assist with all your HGV medical needs and application process here at HGV Training Network. We’re able to arrange your HGV medical on your behalf, saving you potentially hours of legwork trying to find the right doctor at the right price.
Once you have your provisional, it’s time to begin training with HGV Training Network
If you need a hand obtaining your provisional HGV licence so you can begin your training, HGV Training Network has you covered.
We’ll guide you through all the steps so that, once your provisional arrives, you’ll be ready to start training straight away at one of our world-class training centres.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t let the technicalities of your provisional hold you back – speak to the team at HGV Training Network today to start the process towards a new and exciting career.
