What does the HGV license change mean for you? - HGV Training Network
blog, HGV News, Uncategorized

The rules surrounding getting an HGV licence and HGV training can be confusing at the best of times, even for those of you who are already HGV licence holders, and always raise questions: “What licence lets me drive what vehicle?” “Do I need to undertake any extra training to switch vehicles?” And so on.
As we try to move towards a more eco-friendly world, the rules surrounding electric vehicles also add more confusion to the mix, with many HGV drivers, fleets and distribution companies worrying new rules and regulations may cost them a fortune. However, some recent news has come as a serious relief to many.

If you’re a professional HGV driver or are considering earning an HGV licence or LGV lorry licence and are wondering whether this recent news affects your driving status, keep reading…

What does the HGV license change mean for you? - HGV Training Network

Are HGV licence requirements changing?

Yes, there have been some minor – but important – developments in HGV training and HGV licences you should know about…

The government recently announced that it will be SCRAPPING the requirement for drivers with a Category B car licence to undertake an extra 5 hours of training before they’re legally allowed to drive “alternatively-fuelled goods vans” (AKA electric vans) of up to 4,250kg.

This means that drivers with a Cat B licence can drive vehicles weighing 4,250kg (as long as they’re electric) without halting their work or re-training to earn a higher category of licence should they begin to drive more electric-powered vans this weight in the future – which is expected.

What does the HGV license change mean for you? - HGV Training Network

Why is all this happening?

The UK government has been making steady (yet slow) progress towards creating a greener, more energy-efficient world for future generations. Given that emissions from cars and vans contribute approximately 20% of the country’s overall carbon emissions (which may not sound like a lot, but the government considers this a big issue in their plans) steps have been taken to encourage the adoption of electric cars and electric vans.

As part of this plan, the government says the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles of all kinds will be gradually “phased out” by 2030 – the thought being that all vehicles will benefit from zero emissions by 2035. It’s a bold task, but one that is making some progress with announcements like the one above. 

In 2018, the government was able to obtain a derogation (a pass, in other words) from the European Commission which allowed Cat B drivers to drive electric heavy goods vehicles of up to 4,250kg in weight, which is higher than the previous limit of 3,500kg. This was in answer to the differences presented by electric goods vehicles.

Because electric cars and vans operate using large batteries, which are often much heavier than engines and other parts found in petrol vehicles, drivers of these vehicles can expect them to be much heavier than the traditional alternative – including goods vehicles. Because electric goods vehicles often exceeded 3,500kg, the government had previously required drivers to take 5 hours of extra training to get to grips with said vehicles.

However, as time has passed, this change has shown that the extra training comes at a great cost to drivers and companies and can significantly stunt the progress of deliveries while drivers step aside for the 5 hours as required. Which is why the government has decided to do away with this training altogether.

Now, Category B drivers are allowed to drive these heavier electric vehicles without taking any extra training or shooting for a different licence, which would cost them more time and money.

If you would like to read more about these changes, why they’ve occurred and the next steps the government is taking, you can read the official executive summary on the GOV.UK website here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency for more information.

What does the HGV license change mean for you? - HGV Training Network

Do you need to do anything with your HGV licence?

If you hold a Cat B licence and are worried you may not be able to drive these new vehicles as they are more widely introduced, you can relax. The rules have changed in your favour and you’ll be able to drive these vehicles without earning a new licence.

Having said that, a Cat C licence opens up many new doors for drivers seeking to onboard new work and boost their wages, making further HGV Training an enticing prospect.

Choose HGV Training Network for all your HGV Training requirements

If you want to become an HGV driver or lorry driver or want to add to your driving credentials, HGV Training Network is here for you. Our experienced instructors offer in-depth training with a personalised approach, helping you earn the qualifications you need quickly and efficiently while giving you the confidence to head out on the open road and forge a new career. Our training courses are available from over 40 locations across the UK and we offer train now pay later HGV training finance, taking the stress out of affording your training.

Our HGV training course will cover all aspects of HGV training you need to earn the licence you require – including your provisional licence, practical HGV training, your practical test, your theory test, as well as your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC qualification. Plus, you won’t need to let the HGV licence cost worry you, as we can provide a finance package to help cover your training fees.If you’d like to find out more about the training services we offer including bus driver training, reach out to us today.

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Car insurance for HGV driver - HGV Training Network
blog, HGV News, Uncategorized

Insurance can be a tricky subject for people to understand as it is based on so many variables.

Add in the extra confusion of having two different licences – a car and an HGV licence – and it gets even more complex.

To make things clearer, here is everything you need to know about insurance with an HGV licence.

HGV driver car insurance - HGV Training Network

Is car insurance cheaper with an HGV licence?

Car insurance is calculated by providers using a range of factors to ascertain how risky you are as a policyholder. These factors include:

  1. Where you live and the crime rate in your area
  2. The kind of car you drive
  3. Where you normally park
  4. Your driving record
  5. The size of your No Claims Discount (NCD)
  6. The level of cover you choose
  7. The size of your voluntary excess

But it could also take into consideration your job as a professional driver. This is because you have more practice driving than most, which should in turn make you a better driver.

Unfortunately, this is dependent on your particular insurance provider, so you shouldn’t assume that just because you drive for a living it will make your car insurance cheaper – but it absolutely is worth asking about when shopping around for policies!

If you don’t ask, you don’t get right?

HGV driver car insurance - HGV Training Network

Do you need HGV insurance if you drive professionally?

Just as with cars, it is a legal requirement to have HGV or lorry insurance, unless it is registered as out of use with a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN).

HGV insurance covers other motorists, your lorry, and you, as well as the goods you are carrying – which is essential if you frequently carry very high-value haulage.

HGV insurance comes in the same three levels of cover: Third-Party Only (TPO), Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT), and Comprehensive, allowing you to choose which is best for you and your vehicle and the use of devices like dash cams, telematics (black boxes), and additional security measures can bring the price down slightly.

If you’re not sure who should be paying the insurance, it is likely to be you, but check with your employer when you start – it should be outlined in your contract.

Can HGV drivers get discounted insurance?

This question can be considered in two areas: in your HGV insurance and your car insurance, but it is important to note that NCDs (No Claims Discounts) don’t carry over from one policy to another or are mirrored across the two.

In your HGV insurance

HGV insurance is an example of a commercial vehicle insurance policy and as such it will become cheaper as your number of NCDs increases.

When it comes to HGV insurance discounts, there are providers who prioritise professional drivers in order to attract them as a customer base. Irish provider Cornmarket Insurance appears as the favourite among professional driving forums so it’s worth shopping around.

Another way to get a discount can be to use specific measures, including:
1. Dash cams and other surveillance options
2. Telematics or black box insurance
3. Additional security measures to secure your load

In your car insurance

As we explored above, HGV drivers may be eligible for a discount, but this is down to the individual provider.

Some car insurance providers do partner with services aimed at HGV drivers in order to offer policyholders a discount, so you should check when comparing packages.

Suggested insurers that may offer a discount include Shiela’s Wheels, Apricot Insurance, and Cornmarket Insurance.

HGV driver car insurance - HGV Training Network

What insurance do you need to drive an HGV abroad?

What you need to travel safely and legally abroad can change country by country, but you will always need to have HGV insurance, with Third-Party cover being the minimum accepted.

Some countries in Europe, and the wider world, also require you to have a ‘green card,’ to verify your HGV insurance. These countries include:

Albania
Belarus
Moldova
Ukraine
Iran
Israel
Morocco
Tunisia

HGV drivers don’t need a green card to drive in the following countries:

Andorra
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Serbia
Switzerland

It is important to check things out before you leave and keep backup copies of all documents with a friend or family member in case you need further copies while travelling.

Explore the world with HGV Training Network

To ensure you have the experience, skills, and support to start your HGV adventure, make sure you choose a reputable, welcoming, and trusted HGV training provider.

With over 50 nationwide training centres, training materials, a variety of training options including bus driver training and hundreds of happy graduates who are already out on the open road – what are you waiting for?

For more information, or to book HGV training near you, call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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