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HGVs, or heavy goods vehicles, are a staple on British roads. They transport everything from food and clothes to construction materials and waste. If you’re thinking of becoming an HGV driver, there’s a lot you need to know. Here’s an insight into what it takes to build a career driving an HGV in the UK. 

The Basics of Driving an HGV

First things first, you need a special licence to drive an HGV. Getting your licence can take up to two months, so it’s important to plan ahead. You will need to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. The theory test covers topics such as vehicle safety and the Highway Code. The practical test is similar to a regular driving test but with added challenges specific to HGVs, such as reversing a large vehicle into a loading bay.

HGV Drivers’ Hours Regulations

In addition to the basics of driving an HGV, there are regulations surrounding how long you can drive without taking a break. These are known as drivers’ hours’ regulations and they’re there to keep drivers and other road users safe. The rules are complex, but state, for example, that drivers must take breaks after 4.5 hours of driving – these breaks can be either 45 minutes long or split into two shorter breaks of 15 minutes followed by another 30 minutes spent doing something else (like eating or resting). Drivers are allowed no more than 56 hours behind the wheel in one week, with a restriction on how many hours they can drive each day.

Control System

When driving an HGV, you must be in control of the vehicle at all times. This means that you need to concentrate on the road to avoid causing an accident. Safe driving is even more important when driving an HGV, as they’re larger, heavier, and more of a threat to other road users than other vehicles.

HGV drivers must have a good understanding of their vehicle’s control system and its limitations in order to drive safely and effectively. For example, many HGVs have speed limiters on board to prevent them being driven too fast. They also have safety features such as rear-view cameras, reversing cameras and so on to help drivers manoeuvre their vehicles safely and negotiate hazards such as blind spots and turn restrictions at intersections. A large part of your HGV training will be focused on ensuring you understand how to use these control systems so you can drive safely around other vehicles on the road.

Bike Safety

Again, for HGV drivers, it is especially important to be aware of cyclists on the road. Due to the size and weight of HGVs, they can be difficult to manoeuvre around tight spaces and are more likely than other vehicles to cause an accident with a cyclist. As a result, all HGV drivers need to take special care when driving around cyclists and take measures to ensure their safety. This could include leaving extra space between the HGV and cyclists, avoiding sudden lane changes, and being aware of cyclists’ signals.

Congestion Charges

It’s important to be aware of congestion charges in the UK. Congestion charges are fees imposed on vehicles entering certain areas at peak hours and are in place in order to reduce the volume of traffic on city roads. HGVs are often subject to these charges due to their size and weight, so drivers need to know where they apply and what they will need to pay in order to drive legally.

HGVs play an important role in keeping Britain moving – but before you jump behind the wheel of one, there’s a lot you need to know! From getting your licence to following driver’s hours regulations, there are many things potential HGV drivers need to keep in mind before hitting the road. By familiarising yourself with the basics before getting behind the wheel, you can help make Britain’s roads safer for everyone involved.

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HGV Training Network provides high-quality HGV training in the UK. We offer training for all levels of drivers, from new applicants to experienced professionals. Our staff are experienced and knowledgeable, and we’re proud to offer competitive prices, including flexible payment schemes.

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How do I become an HGV driver?

There are a few ways to become an HGV driver. You can either go to a driving school, apply to a trucking company as an intern and work your way up, or get hired by a trucking company as a driver and then go through their in-house training programme.

No matter how you go about it, you’ll need to pass both a written test and a practical driving test in order to become certified to drive an HGV. The written test will cover topics like vehicle safety, traffic laws, and hours of service regulations. The driving test will be more specific to trucks than the standard UK driving test and will assess your ability to operate an HGV on the road safely.

How much does it cost to become an HGV driver in the UK?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of training provider you choose and the level of certification you aim to achieve.  To get a free quote, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our staff. We can provide you with the best advice on which type of training suits your individual needs and the cost associated with it.

How long does it take to train as an HGV driver?

The first step is to attend and complete an authorised training course. The duration will depend on the type of HGV licence you’re aiming to get.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be issued a certificate of competence. You must then pass a medical examination and a driving test in order to be awarded your full HGV licence. This process can take up to 8 weeks.

So in total, it usually takes around 6-8 weeks to become a fully qualified HGV driver.

Is it worth becoming an HGV driver in 2023?

Yes, it is well worth becoming an HGV driver in 2023. There is currently a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, and this is only set to worsen in the coming years. So there are plenty of job opportunities for HGV drivers, and the pay and benefits are good.

In addition, the job is interesting and challenging, and it allows you to travel around the country. So if you’re looking for a good career that offers plenty of opportunities and rewards, becoming an HGV driver is a great choice.

Is driving an HGV difficult?

Driving an HGV is relatively easy, but it takes a lot of practice to become a safe driver.

The most important thing for anyone learning to drive an HGV is practising in a safe and controlled environment. Make sure you are comfortable with the truck before you hit the open road. Remember that large vehicles take longer to stop, so always give yourself plenty of space when driving around other cars. Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Safe driving is critical when operating a large vehicle.

If you want to take HGV Class 1 training, now is the best time to do so. The shortage of drivers with HGV training has received a lot of media attention in recent months, although the problem has been around for some time. COVID-19 and Brexit have aggravated a current retention concern. We analyse the reasons for the scarcity and examine several potential alternatives.

The reason for a shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers

The Association of Road Haulage report has claimed a lack of around 100,000 truck drivers (though current assessments indicate this number to be nearer to 70,000). Brexit and COVID-19 are commonly attributed as the main reasons for the truck driver shortage.

However, the facts are expected to be more complex and nuanced than the news suggests.

The concern involving the lack of workers pre-2020 was not caused by a failure to employ or an ageing workforce. Between the years 2015 and 2019, there were a total of 25,500 new drivers trained every year, which essentially compensated for the 10,000-each-year retirement rate.

Whilst there’s no question that COVID-19 and Brexit have had an impact, retention in the freight transport sector has been an issue for a long time. Most truck drivers leave their profession before they reach the age of 45. Only 19% of individuals under the age of 45 who carried HGV licenses in 2020 were qualified drivers, while just 32% kept their qualifications and licences.

Many others abandoned their profession. A substantial number of those above the age of 45 leave the labour force before retiring; 40,000 over-45s did so in the initial months of 2021.

From 2020, the stream of new workers could be sustained and met national demand, letting companies continue with low-paid labour and less favourable conditions of employment for truckers. For over 15 years, HGV trucker salaries have stagnated. Many drivers work extended and unpleasant hours – the reduced balance of work and life was frequently given as a cause for quitting. The latest driver scarcity seems to be due to a long-term inability to keep HGV drivers. The epidemic as well as Brexit have worsened the problem, causing it to be more apparent, which has generated media attention and government responses.

Is there a Solution?

Evidently, no one-size-fits-all solution applies to this concern. A variety of short- and long-term changes are needed. Here are some solutions that have been proposed or implemented to encourage more people to undergo HGV training and work in the truck industry:

Presenting Visas – To provide a short-term answer, the Government created visas available for HGV operators of food and fuel products. These visas, though, were only accessible to 5,000 individuals. This fails to account for the 12,500 citizens of the EU who have departed their jobs since 2020 and the 52,500 drivers in Britain who don’t want to work anymore.

Furthermore, even if more drivers qualified for the visa because there are shortages of HGV drivers throughout central Europe (although to a reduced amount than in the United Kingdom), a work visa for short-term use in the United Kingdom may not be enough to entice them. Nevertheless, this might be a temporary solution while new workers are taught or as payments are increased to encourage those who have changed occupations.

Using the Military – Although it is anticipated that military personnel will be used as drivers for a short period, this is not considered to be a lifelong answer.

Better Wages – Several experts suggest that the industry corrects itself in an open market. Contracting or employing HGV drivers to reach the growing needs for drivers would result in raised wages (particularly beyond normal working hours), enhanced working conditions and shifts, and would require improved facilities to satisfy the swelling demand for drivers.

Several businesses have already boosted their pay (some by as much as 40%), but employment has been slowed owing to a lack of work and life balance – it appears that more comprehensive adjustments are needed.

IR35 – The variations to IR35 prompted many heavy truck drivers to exit the business, especially the contingent labour market. The self-employed status, as well as the reduced tax liability, had appealed to drivers.

Many contingent drivers’ assignments were deemed to be within IR35, forcing them to use a PAYE system, lose their status, or retain their self-employed rank but lose their tax benefit.

This resulted in most drivers leaving the sector and seeking employment in other industries. Those employment firms that have recognised this problem and assessed in what way they can remain self-employed beyond IR35 have had some success in improving the total of drivers on their accounts.

Lower Costs of Training – Another approach to address the shortage is to lessen or subsidise training costs. Training to become a driver requires thousands of pounds today, which might deter potential applicants. A plan was announced that provides 5,000 spots for training lessons, local funding and new “skills bootcamps”. Although this may assist with the current scarcity, the chronic problem in the industry has always been retention rather than finding fresh drivers.

To reduce the difficulty of obtaining HGV Class 1 training and a licence, some experts recommend that the Government must forever subsidise training expenditures and partner with insurance companies to give better insurance coverage for unprofessional drivers.

Adjusted Working Hours – Most HGV drivers have requested that firms give more favourable working hours, shift patterns, including breaks, to allow them to better balance work and life. Where firms can’t do so, the administration may change the Tachograph Hours and Working Time Directive rules to provide drivers with more frequent or longer rests and confine everyday driving hours.

Other permanent solutions include greater investments in roadside amenities, improved parking (with overnight parking), enhanced service stations as well as ‘truck stops’ together with other services.

For the economy of the UK to be based on the transportation industry, significant change will be required to focus on these problems. As of now, no simple solution is being offered; instead, organisations and employers at all levels will need to come up with their own solutions by combining several of the ideas mentioned above.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the shortage of HGV drivers or if you are asking yourself, “how can I find quality HGV training near me”, please speak to a representative from the Immigration or Employment department.

Finding the right company that provides complete HGV training courses and offers jobs with benefits and work/life balance can be difficult. This is where HGV Training Network can assist. We help you become a skilled HGV driver, allowing you to land the best position. Please browse our website at hgvtrainingnetwork.com or call us on 02038699001 today!

The HGV training cost will always be one of the primary considerations when signing up for HGV training. Consider this an investment for your future, helping you find high-paying jobs that would not be as available without the training.

Of course, choosing the right place to be trained should not just be based on the price. It has to be about the value you’ll be getting from the HGV training cost. Here are some of the most important things you should look at when looking for a place to get the best training.

Experience, certification and accreditation

The quality of training you’ll be receiving has a huge impact on your career, so make sure that you will get exceptional training from experienced teachers. Going to a training centre with highly-experienced teachers like HGV Training Network ensures your success.

It helps if the training centre is quite established, as the length of their service as a business is also a testament to their quality of service. Most of the time, established training centres have teachers who are sure to have passed their own certifications, which is why they have stayed this long in the business in the first place.

The HGV industry is also governed by different bodies. So, make sure you choose accredited centres with tests that meet the highest standards in the UK.

Passing rates

Find a training centre that sets their students up for success. One way to do this is to find one with high pass rates. This means that they are teaching their trainees the right things the right way, which paves the way towards passing the certifications in the end.

If this information isn’t readily available on the training centre’s website, make this a part of your inquiry as you canvass for different options. As much as possible, you want to see a high percentage of passes coming from the HGV training centre’s website to improve the odds of you passing certifications yourself.

Payment options

Some people miss out on proper training because of financial concerns. This is understandable, knowing that life can give people some tough blows.

So, check for training centres that offer flexible payment terms that allow you to spread out your training costs. This will help you work within a certain budget as you complete your courses.

Remember that the training costs will be an investment towards your future, and funding your own training will help you get closer to that career you’ve been aiming for. Especially if you place this budget into something that will help you become better at your chosen field, it will definitely be worth it in the end.

Accessibility to training centres

You need your full energy and focus the moment you start training, so make sure the training centre is accessible to you. Otherwise, you’d be spending so much time commuting or driving, wasting a lot of time and energy in the process.

With training centres like HGV Training Network, there are numerous centres spread all over the country to make sure that opportunities are within reach, no matter where you are located. Having multiple locations allows you to choose the most accessible centre and maximise the time you spend in training.

Possibility of employment after training

The end goal in looking for the best HGV training is getting the best employment that will give you long-term opportunities, but wouldn’t it be even better if that employment is part of the package?

This industry has continued to thrive in the past couple of years, which means so many employment opportunities are available. However, finding a job could also cost you even more. This also takes a lot of time and effort as you jump from one possible employer to another.

This is why it’s best not just to look at the lowest HGV training costs possible but to also look for a training centre that gives employment opportunities right after you graduate. This means that you get to practice everything you learned right after completing your training. This also means that you can see some return on investment faster.

So, the next time you do an online search for “HGV training near me”, make sure you tick off all of the items on the list above. Reach out to HGV Training Network on 02038699001 to ensure all of these bases are covered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I get funding for HGV training?

Yes, you can! We at HGV Training Network have partnered with Deko, allowing our clients to quickly and easily apply for a loan to cover the price of LGV driver lessons. You can find the best finance solution for your specific needs thanks to Deko’s secure technology.

How long does HGV training take?

The typical route to obtain a formal license as an HGV driver takes five days. However, the entire procedure, which includes acquiring a license, takes anywhere between eight and ten weeks. If you are looking for the best “HGV training costs near me” while still receiving the best and fastest results, get in touch with HGV Training Network today!

Is it worth doing HGV training?

Yes, acquiring your HGV licence is still worthwhile. With the demand for HGV drivers in the United Kingdom increasing rapidly due to heightened concern over the national driver scarcity, now is more than ever a good time to get your training and obtain your licence.

What does HGV training involve?

HGV applicants will physically operate an HGV in the presence of a DVSA tester. The tester provides the candidate with specific instructions to evaluate their driving abilities. Everything will be tested, from braking to backing up, parking, cornering, and more.

What is the difference between an HGV and LGV licence?

There is no distinction between an HGV or LGV licence; both refer to the same thing. The initials LGV stand for Large Goods Vehicles, and HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicles. For new HGV applicants, the most important thing they should learn is the types of licence categories, which could affect their future jobs.

How do I start my HGV training?

Here’s a step-by-step process when going through your HGV training course:

• Choose a training company you can trust that offers affordable HGV training costs.
• Set up a medical examination.
• Finish your theory exam.
• Complete your hands-on training.
• Get your licence.

What are the benefits of being an HGV driver?

HGV drivers in the United Kingdom are an important element of the country’s logistics network, transporting products and materials across the nation. The past two years have demonstrated this sector’s critical role in the UK economy. Here are some of the reasons why LGV schooling price is worth paying for:

• Good salary
• The opportunity to travel
• Job security

Here’s Why You Should Consider Becoming an HGV Driver

Many companies are looking for fully-trained truckers, resulting in the scarcity of HGV drivers. Therefore, being trained in driving HGV makes you in high demand. There are a large number of HGV drivers under 25, suggesting that they have a good chance of finding employment at an early age. This professional path would also be ideal for anybody tired of working a 9-5 job.

It implies you’ll no longer be micro-managed, won’t have to deal with office politics or uninteresting chores, and will have more time for things that interest you.

The security of a driving job is one of the most appealing aspects of becoming an HGV driver. People are so eager to employ drivers due to the shortage of drivers that it’s comforting to know that your employment will be there for you when you need it most. Being an HGV driver may provide you with more travel opportunities than just to your desk. It allows you to go to places you wouldn’t have been able to visit otherwise due to your job. This infographic was created to demonstrate several more advantages of becoming an HGV driver and a more in-depth look at the HGV driver shortage.

About the Practical Driving Test

During your practical driving test, the examiner rates you on how well you:

• Make use of the vehicle controls
• Take a step back and away at an angle, both uphill and downhill
• Make a safe stop
• Look in the mirrors
• Send the correct signals
• Being aware of and anticipating the intentions of other road users
• Manage your progress and control the speed of your car
• Dangers must be addressed
• Select a safe stopping place

There’s a 10-minute period of independent operation at the end. This is to see whether you can drive safely while making autonomous judgments.

Types of HGV Licences

The weight of your vehicle may be higher than the commercial vehicle you hired. Every motor vehicle has a different capacity to carry extra weight up to a specific limit. Because you must be trained to drive a vehicle that size, the car’s weight determines the license type. The following are some of the most important and affordable LGV coaching costs:

Cat C1

The smallest form of truck used for transportation is a Cat C1 vehicle, weighing between 3,500 and 7,500 kg. A trailer weighing up to 750 pounds can be added to this type of truck.

Cat C1+E

A Cat C1+E license allows you to drive lorries or trucks weighing 3,500 kg – 7,500 kg, with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg and a total weight of fewer than 12 tonnes.

Cat C

A Cat C licence allows you to drive larger vehicles weighing more than 7,500 kg and pull a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.

If you are now ready to take on your HGV training, then it’s time you get in touch with us. HGV Training Network can accommodate you any time that’s convenient for you! Feel free to explore our website for more information.

Due to a shortage of truck drivers in the UK, a Miss England beauty queen finalist is swapping high heels for high-vis as she trains to become a lorry driver. Milly Everatt, a farmer’s daughter and model from Eastoft, Lincolnshire, attempts to break the stereotype by pursuing a new career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She will undergo HGV driver training, and after getting the right credits and certification, she will be able to drive her own truck. HGV training is not as difficult as it may seem but does take some time to master.

Milly is currently studying for her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licences, which will allow her to drive 44-tonne lorries. Milly is already used to driving tractors around her father’s farm and believes that the next logical step is to drive large trucks. She stated that she was inspired to do so after a combination of Covid, Brexit, and other factors resulted in a nationwide shortage of lorry drivers.

Her new job is far from her previous life as a model and Miss England beauty pageant contestant. In 2018, the former Miss Lincolnshire was crowned Miss Charity for raising the most money for charitable causes.

Four years later, Milly is on her way to becoming a lorry driver, proving that operating heavy-duty vehicles is not only for 40-year-old men. It is currently estimated that only 1% to 3% of HGV drivers are female, resulting in one of the most significant gender imbalances in British society.

Everatt says she thinks that we are in modern times when nothing can stop girls from getting involved in such careers. While it’s not the norm, it can be done. She also shared how she noticed some farmer’s daughters who don’t want to do what their parents do or have anything to do with the farm. Feminism seems to have forgotten about agriculture, she laments.

This is why she is trying to break the stereotypes. She wants to prove that the job can be done by young women as well. Milly wants to inspire other women by undergoing HGV training and becoming a certified lorry driver.

One has to go through HGV driver training to get a licence. It is much more tedious than an average driving licence. Currently, Everatt is focusing on the theory side but has also been practising driving lorries in the yard, hoping to be out on the roads soon.

Everatt recalls her first time riding a lorry. She said everyone laughed when she hopped out of the lorry because of her small stature.

Getting a licence is one of her lifelong dreams aside from modelling. She said that it has always been one of the top things that she has wanted to do. She was supposed to have done it when she was 18, but that was when the pandemic hit, which was why she had to put it off.

Being able to drive a lorry can help a lot on the farm. She could use it to transport grain, for example. She says that it is something that she can use every day. What’s more, she says that the shortage of drivers for HGVs pushed her to pursue it.

Everatt applied for Miss England because of her sister and mum, who both had a modelling past. She just tried to enter the pageant and never gave it much thought, which is why it surprised her when she received a call.

National HGV Driver Shortage

Vacancies for lorry drivers in Bristol have risen sharply. This is why, in the face of severe labour shortages, the Government is introducing temporary visas for 5,000 fuel tanker and food lorry drivers to work in the UK during the Christmas season. The army has dispatched approximately 200 personnel to assist in delivering fuel to filling stations.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the city advertised 179 HGV (heavy goods vehicle) driver jobs. By July of this year, it had risen to 217, and by August, it had risen to 224. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 313,000 people in the UK worked as HGV drivers in the fourth quarter of 2019. This was reduced to 278,218 for the fourth quarter of 2020.

According to the Government, one of the causes of the driver shortage is a backlog of HGV driving tests that have not been completed due to the coronavirus pandemic and an ageing workforce entering retirement. According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 23,997 tests were conducted in the fiscal year 2020/21: a decrease of 66% from the 70,288 tests conducted in 2019/20.

While the Government has offered an emergency visa scheme to help alleviate the problem, which will allow firms to hire fuel tanker drivers from abroad until March 2022, The Times reported that only 27 had applied. However, the Prime Minister later stated that the number was 127.

General Secretary of the TUC, Frances O’Grady, said that everyone deserves to work to earn a decent living. But the condition of wages in sectors like logistics has been low for a number of years. Migrant workers are not to blame: it’s more to do with the flawed economic model that relies heavily on holding down workers’ rights and pay.

Make a Career Out of Driving HGVs

With the issues in the driving industry, one has to find a light at the end of the tunnel. This is an opportunity to find a fulfilling career from numerous companies looking for lorry drivers. This can help you and the economy as well.

If you’re looking for quality HGV training near me, HGV Training Network can help! You can acquire our services to secure your own licence. Our mentors are experienced and well-versed in driving trucks and lorries. They are also knowledgeable in explaining theories and practical knowledge to each student.

Browse hgvtrainingnetwork.com today for more information about our services. You can also send us your questions, and we will be glad to answer them.

If you dream of a life on the road or want an HGV licence for your career advancement, you may have tried searching for ‘HGV training near me’ in the Google search bar. But there are many options available, and that makes it hard to decide which one to choose from the list of results you get. One good tip for selecting the right HGV training centre is to look at the convenience of the location in which the training is held, along with the schedule.

Are these sufficiently easy for you to attend training during the free time you have available so you can achieve your goal? HGV Training Network offers flexible training slots in over 50 locations across the UK. So, whether you want to take lessons during the morning or in the afternoons after your day job ends, you’ll have no problem finding a location and a time to suit your schedule.

Why Choose Us?

HGV Training Network is one of the largest HGV training course providers in the UK. As noted, we have more than 50 HGV training centres across the country. We can also demonstrate many years of experience in helping train people from scratch so they can access highly paid driving jobs. Our high pass rates and 5-star feedback record for our customer service mean you can sign up with us with 100% confidence, and rest assured that your career development is in safe hands with us. We offer specialist lessons for the appropriate licences to drive:

So whatever stage you are at or want to reach, we can guide you through the whole process until you achieve your goals. We will take care of your medical, training, theory and practical tests and more. In many cases, it only takes around six to seven weeks to learn to drive an HGV and earn your HGV licence from start to finish.

And if you’re still looking for a job at the end of the process, we can help you find one that fits you. We’re partnered with Blue Arrow, which hires drivers for some of the biggest companies in the UK. We also offer the advantageous ‘Train now and Pay Later’ programme, which makes it even easier for you to get started straight away, regardless of your current financial circumstances.

Benefits of Having an HGV Licence

Proper training helps drivers work safely, smartly and efficiently. Once you’ve passed your HGV training and gained your licence, you’ll not only have gained new knowledge and experience, but you’ll also find plenty of other benefits.

Excellent Employment Prospects

One of the main reasons you probably want an HGV licence is because it can significantly enhance your opportunities for securing highly-paid work. It’s no secret that, because of a combination of factors such as Brexit, the pandemic and so on, HGV drivers are much in demand in the UK at present, and that looks likely to continue for several years to come, if not more. The logistics industry is vital to the smooth running of the country, so securing your HGV licence is likely to mean that you’ll never be without work for as long as you want it.

Career Growth Opportunities

In addition, there’s plenty of room for career growth once you become a qualified HGV driver. Once you have passed the HGV training programme and have acquired some experience, there are plenty of opportunities for career progression, and with that comes higher salaries. It all starts with gaining your licence.

Excellent pay

Although many traditional driving jobs are not recognised for earning high rates of pay, the HGV industry is an exception to the rule. Typically, you can expect to earn anything from £500 a week, rising to £55,000 a year. Recent shortages in the numbers of qualified HGV drivers have also seen salaries rise in the industry, so now is an excellent time to capitalise on that.

Overall, it’s well worthwhile taking the time to earn your HGV licence if you’re aiming to enhance your driving career prospects and earn more money. The best way to achieve that is to sign up with one of the best trainers in the country, and that is HGV Training Network. With our track record and your commitment, you will massively increase your chances of being hired by a prominent company.

HGV Training Cost

No matter what kind of career you decide to pursue, there will always be some sort of training necessary. But HGV training is about more than just preparing you for a job – it’s about value. It’s about paying only for the training you need to embark on your career as a professional driver, without having to spend money and time learning things that have absolutely nothing to do with your career choice.

Prospective students often ask what the real HGV training cost is. Unfortunately, there’s no ‘one price fits all’, because there are several stages involved in getting an HGV licence. What we can say is that you’ll pay a fraction of the cost of university education, depending on your requirements and how much you want to learn.

If you are looking for an ’HGV training centre near me’, look for HGV Training Network. We’re sure to have a location suitable for your needs. If you have any enquiries about our training courses or what it takes to become an HGV driver, please do contact us on 02038699001 or email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How quickly can I get an HGV licence?

Typically, the practical part of any course offering ‘HGV training near me’ lasts five days, but the whole process of acquiring your licence takes around eight to ten weeks to complete from start to finish. If you’re looking to acquire your licence as quickly as possible, it’s crucial to partner with a reliable training provider like HGV Training Network.

What’s the difference between Class 1 and 2 HGV?

The distinction is straightforward: a Class 1 licence allows you to drive a category C+E vehicle, which is essentially an articulated truck (‘artic’). A Class 2 licence allows you to operate a category C vehicle, or what is sometimes known as a rigid-sided vehicle.

What is the difference between HGV & LGV?

In practical terms, there’s no real difference between an LGV and an HGV licence. The terms are interchangeable. The phrase ‘heavy goods vehicle’ (HGV) is an older one that was officially superseded by the EU term ‘large goods vehicle’ (LGV).

Can you drive straight after passing your HGV test?

Once you have completed ‘class 1 HGV training near me’ and become a professional HGV driver, you must have a valid Driver CPC card at all times. However, if you’ve completed your training but are waiting for your card to arrive, you may be allowed to drive without it.

How many HGV tests are there?

There are two key examinations that every HGV driver must complete in order to be licensed. The first is the HGV theory test, and the second is the HGV practical skills test. Typically, these two are covered during HGV training courses.

What’s the highest HGV licence?

The most comprehensive HGV licence that one can hold is a category C+E licence. The “E” in “category C+E” stands for “entitlement”, meaning that the vehicle you can drive can carry up to or over 750 kilogrammes. With this licence, you are allowed to drive a drawbar or articulated vehicle.

The Steps in Acquiring an HGV Licence

Here, we outline the steps involved in obtaining a driving licence through ‘large goods vehicle driving courses near me’:

• Step 1: The first stage is the theoretical component, which includes a multiple-choice test and a hazard spotting test. In this part, the applicant is taught all the necessary theoretical aspects of driving, handling, and reacting to various potentially hazardous scenarios.
• Step 2: During this stage, the candidates take a case studies test in which they’re provided with fictional situations or incidents that give them an exact picture of what really happens when driving a big goods vehicle. The purpose of this is to ensure drivers are prepared for the majority of the situations that typically occur when travelling long distances carrying heavy merchandise or goods.
• Phase 3: This is a test to determine practical skills. Here, drivers are tested to see if they have the ability to move a large vehicle over long distances and load heavy goods. Because driving an LGV needs a very particular set of talents, skills, and abilities, passing this test is essential.

Reasons Why You Should Become an HGV Driver

Here are several good reasons why you should consider driving lessons near me to become an HGV driver:

Not every vehicle is automated

While many blue-collar occupations have been lost due to automation in recent years, driving is not an area where this has happened and is not likely to be for the foreseeable future. Although self-driving car technology is improving all the time, humans will always be required for at least part of the operation procedure, especially with larger trucks like HGVs.

Driving powers the economy

The more lorries on the road, the more freight is being carried. This is a positive indicator of a nation’s overall economic health because it implies that people are spending more money, resulting in increased cash flow for businesses.

Things You Should Know About HGV Training

As a highly trained HGV driver, you can rest assured that you will have opportunities for employment in the long run because the logistics sector is here to stay. Despite technological advancements, driverless cars are still a way off, so qualified HGV drivers are in high demand. With the advent of Covid-19, things have never been better for HGV drivers. With an increase in Internet commerce, there is a greater need for logistics operations, ensuring that becoming an HGV driver is a secure career.

With more drivers needed in the haulage sector, now is an excellent time to get on board. If we had no HGV transport operations, the country would grind to a complete halt. It’s well worth starting to look for an ‘HGV driving program near me’ now!

If you are thinking of pursuing an HGV driving career, then why not take a look at our training courses now? Just contact the team here at HGV Training Network if you have any questions.

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