Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver
If you want to transport animals
You must get an ‘animal transportation certificate of competence’ if you want to drive pigs, horses, cattle, goats, sheep or poultry:
- for commercial reasons
- on journeys of 65km and over
You usually need a full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to get a certificate of competence for transporting animals in a heavy goods vehicle (HGV). You do not need the full Driver CPC if driving is not the main part of your job.
What you’ll get
You’ll train for a Level 2 Award in Animal Transport by Road for either:
- short journeys (over 65km and less than 8 hours)
- long journeys (more than 8 hours)
Once you’ve qualified you’ll get a certificate, which will be valid for life.
Where the certificate is valid
These qualifications are only valid in the UK.
If you have a certificate issued by the Republic of Ireland, you can get a UK certificate without doing training in the UK by sending your certificate to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Email: WIT@apha.gov.uk
If you want to drive in another country, you must check the driving requirements for that country.
Qualifications issued by an EU country are valid in all other EU countries.
Cost of training
How much you’ll pay depends on your training provider. Check with them to find out the training and assessment fees.
Find a training course
If you want to transport farm animals (for example sheep, cattle and pigs) or horses, you can train with NPTC or Lantra Awards.
1st4sport only offers training in transporting horses.
NPTC (part of City & Guilds Group)
Telephone: 02476 857 300
Email: information@cityandguilds.com
Website: www.nptc.org.uk
Lantra Awards
Telephone: 02476 696 996
Email: awards@lantra-awards.co.uk
Website: www.lantra.co.uk
1st4sport
Telephone: 01132 907 610
Email: enquiries@1st4sportqualifications.com
Website: www.1st4sportqualifications.com
How you’re assessed
For short journeys (less than 8 hours), you can take an online course remotely or in a training centre. You should confirm the assessment process with your training provider.
For long journeys (more than 8 hours), you’ll have a practical assessment at a training centre.
After your assessment
You’ll be sent a card and a certificate if you pass the assessment. You must carry your certificate with you when you’re driving.
If you drive without your certificate, you could be taken to court.
If you fail your assessment, you should speak with your training provider about retaking it.
Replacing lost, stolen or damaged cards and certificates
Contact your training provider for a new card or certificate.