If you have a bus licence and you want to drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), you might be wondering if you can do so without taking additional tests or training. The answer depends on when you got your bus licence, what type of HGV you want to drive, and whether you need the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
In this post, we’ll explain the different scenarios and requirements for driving an HGV on a bus licence in the UK. We’ll also cover some of the benefits and challenges of driving an HGV, and how to get started if you’re interested in this career.
You can drive an HGV on a bus licence if you got your bus licence before 10 September 2008 or 10 September 2009, depending on the type of HGV. Otherwise, you need to take additional tests and training.
What is an HGV?
An HGV is a vehicle that weighs more than 3.5 tonnes and is used to transport goods or materials. There are different categories of HGV licences, depending on the size and weight of the vehicle and trailer. These are:
- C1: Medium-sized lorries weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, with or without a trailer weighing up to 750kg
- C1E: Medium-sized lorries weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer weighing more than 750kg (the total weight must not exceed 12 tonnes)
- C: Large lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, with or without a trailer weighing up to 750kg
- CE: Large lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer weighing more than 750kg
What is a bus licence?
A bus licence is a licence that allows you to drive buses or coaches that can carry more than eight passengers. There are different categories of bus licences, depending on the size and weight of the vehicle and trailer. These are:
- D1: Minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats, with or without a trailer weighing up to 750kg
- D1E: Minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats, with a trailer weighing more than 750kg
- D: Buses or coaches with more than eight passenger seats, with or without a trailer weighing up to 750kg
- DE: Buses or coaches with more than eight passenger seats, with a trailer weighing more than 750kg
What is the Driver CPC?
The Driver CPC is a professional qualification that is required for drivers of HGVs, buses, and coaches in the UK and Europe. It aims to improve road safety and driving standards by ensuring that drivers have the skills and knowledge they need for their job.
The Driver CPC consists of four parts:
- Part 1: Theory test
- Part 2: Case studies test
- Part 3: Driving ability test
- Part 4: Practical demonstration test
You need to pass all four parts to get the full Driver CPC. You also need to take 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC valid.
Can you drive an HGV on a bus licence?
The answer depends on when you got your bus licence, what type of HGV you want to drive, and whether you need the Driver CPC.
If you got your bus licence before 10 September 2008
If you got your bus licence before 10 September 2008, you can drive any type of HGV on your bus licence without taking any additional tests or training. This is because you have acquired rights (also known as grandfather rights) that allow you to drive vehicles that were included in your original licence category.
However, if you want to drive an HGV as the main part of your job, you still need to get the full Driver CPC by completing 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
If you got your bus licence between 10 September 2008 and 9 September 2009
If you got your bus licence between 10 September 2008 and 9 September 2009, you can drive medium-sized lorries (C1 and C1E) on your bus licence without taking any additional tests or training. This is because these vehicles were included in your original licence category.
However, if you want to drive large lorries (C and CE) on your bus licence, you need to take and pass the part 2 (case studies) and part 4 (practical demonstration) tests of the Driver CPC.
You also need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC valid if you want to drive an HGV as the main part of your job.
If you got your bus licence on or after 10 September 2009
If you got your bus licence on or after 10 September 2009, you cannot drive any type of HGV on your bus licence without taking additional tests and training. This is because the licence categories changed and you no longer have acquired rights to drive vehicles that were not included in your original licence category.
To drive an HGV on your bus licence, you need to:
- Apply for a provisional HGV licence
- Pass the part 1 (theory) test of the Driver CPC (if you have not already done so for your bus licence)
- Pass the part 2 (case studies) test of the Driver CPC
- Pass the part 3 (driving ability) test of the Driver CPC in the type of HGV you want to drive
- Pass the part 4 (practical demonstration) test of the Driver CPC
You also need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC valid if you want to drive an HGV as the main part of your job.
Why drive an HGV on a bus licence?
There are some reasons why you might want to drive an HGV on a bus licence, such as:
- You want to change your career or expand your skills and opportunities
- You want to earn more money or have more flexibility in your work schedule
- You enjoy driving and travelling and want to explore different routes and destinations
- You like working with different types of vehicles and loads
How to get started with driving an HGV on a bus licence?
If you’re interested in driving an HGV on a bus licence, here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Check when you got your bus licence and what type of HGV you want to drive
- Find out if you need to take any additional tests or training and how to apply for them
- Prepare for the tests by studying the relevant materials and practising your driving skills
- Book and take the tests and pass them with confidence
- Find a suitable job as an HGV driver or start your own business
FAQs about driving an HGV on a bus licence
Q: Can I drive an HGV on a car licence?
A: No, you cannot drive an HGV on a car licence. You need to have a specific HGV licence category for the type of vehicle you want to drive. You also need to have the full Driver CPC if you want to drive an HGV as the main part of your job.
Q: Can I drive a bus on an HGV licence?
A: Yes, you can drive a bus on an HGV licence if you got your HGV licence before 10 September 2009. This is because you have acquired rights that allow you to drive vehicles that were included in your original licence category. However, if you want to drive a bus as the main part of your job, you still need to get the full Driver CPC by completing 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
Q: How much does it cost to get an HGV licence?
A: The cost of getting an HGV licence depends on several factors, such as:
- The type of HGV licence category you want to get
- The number of tests and training sessions you need to take
- The fees charged by the test centres and training providers
According to GOV.UK, some of the fees for getting an HGV licence are:
- £26 for applying for a provisional HGV licence
- £23 for taking the part 1 (theory) test of the Driver CPC
- £23 for taking the part 2 (case studies) test of the Driver CPC
- £115 for taking the part 3 (driving ability) test of the Driver CPC on weekdays
- £141 for taking the part 3 (driving ability) test of the Driver CPC on evenings, weekends, or bank holidays
- £55 for taking the part 4 (practical demonstration) test of the Driver CPC on weekdays
- £63 for taking the part 4 (practical demonstration) test of the Driver CPC on evenings, weekends, or bank holidays
You also need to pay for any training courses or materials that you use to prepare for the tests.
Conclusion
Driving an HGV on a bus licence is possible in some cases, depending on when you got your bus licence, what type of HGV you want to drive, and whether you need the Driver CPC. Driving an HGV can be a rewarding career choice for people who enjoy working with different types of vehicles and loads. However, it also requires passing several tests and completing periodic training to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed for safe and professional driving.
