Expert HGV Training in Reading

HGV driver training generally depends on the individual learner drivers, but can depend on:

•         If you have HGV driving experience
•         If you have already completed any HGV training

Drivers who only need to complete their practical driver training and test can expect to graduate in around 5 days.

Trainees with no prior experience or training can expect the entire process to last around 4-5 weeks, potentially longer, depending on the individual trainee and how much time they can devote to the training.   

No matter where you are starting from, the experienced driving staff here at HGVTN offer personalised 1:1 support for all trainees, doing everything they can to get you into your first driving job.   

To book your HGV training, call or email us today at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com. Our friendly advisors can answer any questions and start your training journey.

All learners wishing to train as an HGV driver must complete a medical assessment before they begin formal training – this ensures HGV drivers are not likely to experience a health-related road traffic accident while working.

The medical assessment is relaxed and informal, carried out by experienced doctors who regularly carry them out and fill in the relevant paperwork.

As the first step for any learner, this ensures that if the DVLA doesn’t deem you fit to drive professionally, you won’t have already invested lots of time or money into your new endeavour. 

The most important thing is not to worry though, most people pass the medical test without a problem and find that they had nothing to worry about.

The team at HGVTN will arrange your medical test for you and support you throughout the process in any way that is needed – giving you the freedom to concentrate on your studies.

For more information about the medical or other tests, you can call or email us today at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

HGV driver training is made up of three different types of training:

•         Theory training – as with car driver theory training, theory training is made simpler and easier with our online complimentary DVSA theory test support software.
•         Practical training – which takes place over 5 consecutive days, generally Monday – Friday and will be led by our specialist, expert HGV driving instructors and learner vehicles.
•         CPC training – an essential, legal requirement for all professional drivers, CPC training and exams will be interwoven through your theory and practical study periods, helping save time.

To get your HGV training in Reading started, reach out to our expert training coordinators today – you can call us for a chat or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you!

Not all students that come to HGVTN are starting afresh – some have started their journey before and dropped out or have completed other driving qualifications and wish to move into a new vehicle type.

Either way, HGVTN can help.

When you call to book, we will find out if you have any previous driving experience and see where you want to go in future – which will tell us which training you need.

We’ll then:

•         Talk you through any starting paperwork
•         Arrange a medical assessment (if needed)
•         Book your training sessions at a location of your choosing
•         Schedule any relevant tests, including your theory, practical, and CPC certifications (as needed)

Everything is bespoke to your needs, so you can relax and begin looking over the learning materials, so you are ready to get started.

To see how soon your HGV training can begin, reach out to our experienced team today. You can email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Trainees wishing to drive larger vehicles professionally will start by choosing between three possible licences, which correspond to three different vehicle sizes. This includes:

•         7.5 Ton Cat C1 licence – the smallest of the vehicles you can learn to drive with HGVTN, this licence applies to rigid vehicles weighing between 3.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes. They are perfect for delivery and removal vehicles, ambulances, and smaller horseboxes.
•         Class 2 Cat C licence – this licence applies to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes with rigid bases that do not exceed 32 tonnes.  Cat C lorries mean professionals can also drive fire engines, tractors with long trailers, refuse or recycling trucks and anything on the Cat C1 vehicles.
•         Class 1 Cat C + E licence – this licence covers the largest, heaviest vehicles on UK roads, up to 44 tonnes with a detachable trailer. Articulated HGVs are usually reserved for long-haul routes, but drivers can also control drawbar vehicles and anything from the 7.5 Ton Cat C1 licence and the Class 2 Cat C licence.

For expert help deciding which vehicle licence will be best for you call us. Our advisors will gladly discuss your options and career plans with you to help you make a final decision.

While most of our learners enjoy long rewarding careers driving HGVs across the country, some opt for a change and go on to explore alternative driving careers with other types of vehicles. These can include:

· PCVs – Passenger Carrying Vehicles, such as buses or coaches
· Ambulances and fire engines
· HIABs – lorry-mounted cranes or lorry loaders
· Horseboxes of all sizes
· Refuse or recycling lorries
· ADRs – a Dangerous Goods Vehicle driver, allowing you to carry goods that may be flammable, toxic, or even radioactive!

These jobs come with fantastic salaries thanks to their increased responsibility and high job satisfaction, and depending on where you work, can come with a range of driver-specific benefits!

To see how HGV driving could be a springboard for you, reach out to our expert team today. You can email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get you on the road in no time.