Commercial Driving Lessons and Qualifications

Commercial vehicles include motor vehicles that are used to transport goods and passengers. In order to operate these types of vehicles, specific categories of driving licence are needed. Each type of licence is appropriate for the particular type of motor vehicle being driven. Commercial driving licences entitle holders to legally drive the specific type of commercial vehicle, whether it is a lorry or a minibus. An important way to learn how to drive commercial vehicles safely is through approved training schemes that include practical driving components.

Commercial Driver Licensing

For medium-sized commercial vehicles, a Category C1 licence is required when driving a motor vehicle that weights between 3,500 and 7,500 kg. If operating a similar vehicle with a trailer weighting over 750 kg, a Category C1+E licence is needed. Driving large commercial vehicles that weight more than 3,500 kg requires a Category C licence. When operating a large vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg, a Category C+E licence is needed.

Operating passenger coaches require specific types of licences. A D1 licence must be sought to operate a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats. Minibuses attached to a trailer over 750 kg can only be driven when holding a Category D1+E licence. The combined weight of the vehicle and its trailer must not be over 12,000 kg and the trailer cannot weight more than the minibus. To drive a bus with more than 8 passenger seats, a Category D licence is required. A D+E licence is needed when attaching a bus to a trailer that weights 750 kg or more.

With the exception of a C1 licence, drivers must be 21 years of age to hold a commercial driving licence. For C1 licences, drivers must be at least 17. Drivers wishing to operate a lorry, bus or coach as a career must undertake periodic training and obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. Drivers with a licence for lorries, minibuses or buses are required to be retested every 5 years if they are 45 or older. Drivers 65 or older must renew driving licences for commercial vehicles annually.

Commercial Driving Training

Driving a commercial vehicle requires specialised skills and knowledge. For example, drivers must know how to load and carry goods safely in their lorry. The experience of operating a passenger bus or a large motor vehicle includes unique challenges not associated with operating a car. Formal instruction and driver training ensures commercial drivers have the knowledge necessary to perform roadside checks, transporting goods abroad, vehicle operation, and health and safety issues related to carrying goods and passengers. Driving lessons are also opportunities to learn skills such as reversing into loading bays, coupling trailers, maneouvering large vehicles on urban and rural roads, and controlling commercial vehicles safely.

Specialised training is recommended and typically required before operating a commercial vehicle for a living. Driving lessons provide practical experience to learn the skills necessary for operating larger vehicles safely on the road, whether these vehicles are used for transporting goods or fare-paying passengers. Driving lessons are also excellent ways to refresh skills, including older drivers who are re-tested and re-licensed more frequently.

Commercial Driver Certification

Driving lessons for commercial vehicles provide knowledge and skills related to transporting goods and passengers. Training from an approved instructor recognised by the Driving Standards Agency can also lead to a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. Certification is required when driving a lorry, bus or coach for a living. Initial and periodic training every 5 years, including driving lessons with a qualified instructor, are required to receive and maintain this certification.

Qualification as a commercial driver is completed in four parts. The first is a theory test, which assesses a driver's knowledge of The Highway Code and hazard perception. The second part is a driver case studies test, following by a driving ability test in the third part. The driving ability test includes questions related to vehicle safety, practical road driving, and off-road exercises. The final part of commercial driver qualification includes a practical demonstration test. All components must be passed in order to receive a Driver Certificate of Professional competence. Coach and bus drivers must also seek additional certification, including tests related to seat belt safety and obtaining a Reduced Pollution Certificate or Low Emission Certificate to qualify for free entrance within London's low emission zone.