Expert HGV Training Chatham

Whether you can be an HGV driver while taking medications depends on several factors, including the specific medications you are taking, their effects on your ability to drive safely, and the regulations in your country or region.

In general, HGV drivers are subject to strict medical standards and regulations from the DVLA to ensure road safety. Certain medications can have side effects that may impair your driving abilities, such as drowsiness, dizziness, reduced reaction times, or decreased concentration.

After applying for HGV driver training, you’ll be required to complete a medical examination where the medical examiner will assess your fitness to drive based on the medications you are taking.

Remember, safety is the primary concern when operating an HGV or any other vehicle. If your medications have the potential to impair your driving abilities, it may be necessary to refrain from driving until it is safe to do so or swap to a like-for-like medication.

In the UK, HGV driving is one of the most rewarding and exciting careers for newly qualified professionals – with starting wages exceeding £25,000 per year.

Common benefits also include:
· Freedom and independence
· The freedom to fit work around your personal life
· Every day is different
· Company-specific perks, such as free meals or cash-bonuses
· Legally protected resting hours to keep you safe on the road

Plus, as the UK is currently experiencing a driver shortage, companies have plenty of work to offer, providing you with the chance to select jobs that best suit you.

As an HGV driver, you can choose to work seven days a week, but you must follow the legal requirements for HGV driving working hours, which include:

Work up to a maximum of 9 hours per day, or 10 hours per day twice a week.
Not exceed 56 driving hours maximum per week.
Have 45 hours of rest per week.
After every 4.5 hours driven, you must take a 45-minute rest – tachographs are used to monitor driving times and break periods.
Work a maximum of 90 hours over two weeks – a 56-hour week must be followed by a 34-hour week or less.

If you have any queries regarding HGV driver working hours, please don’t hesitate to contact our team!

In the UK, the minimum age for undertaking HGV driver training and obtaining a Category C (rigid) licence is usually 18 years old.

For Category C+E (articulated) licence, the minimum age is typically 21 years old.

Additionally, you must also have a valid standard driver’s licence, be medically sound to drive and gain a provisional HGV licence.

Yes – you’ll need to pass your theory test as part of your HGV training.

The HGV theory test assesses your knowledge of the road and consists of two parts, the multiple-choice section and the hazard perception test. This will be undertaken on-screen at your local driving theory test centre

You’ll answer 100 multiple-choice questions first, followed by the hazard perception test.

To pass, you must reach the pass mark of 85/100 on the multiple-choice, and 67/100 on the hazard perception section

At the HGV Training Network, we have over 50 HGV training facilities spread across Britain, including a few in the southwest. For example, you could choose to learn in Chatham, nearby Purfeet or Canterbury.

So you can be sure you can train and practice without needing miles and miles.

Where you decide to learn is up to you, however, make sure you select a location that you can easily commute to!