Monthly Archives: February 2024

The world of professional HGV driving is incredibly lucrative, with high salaries and plenty of job opportunities to choose from.

But before you can get behind the wheel and become an HGV driver, you’ll need to complete both theory and practical HGV driver training with a trusted training provider.

If you’re eager to fully understand the ins and outs of the HGV training process and everything you can expect from a HGV training course, keep reading to find out all you need to know.

What’s involved in HGV training?

Just like learning to drive a car, HGV driver training involves plenty of hands-on training and preparation, a theory test, and a practical examination at the end of the course.

Step 1 – Pass your medical

To ensure you’re fit to drive an HGV safely on the road, you’ll first have to undergo a medical exam.

Your medical will be conducted by a doctor, who will then fill out an official DVLA form outlining vital health details – the questions they ask will help them establish whether you have any conditions that may hinder your ability to drive safely, such as sleep disorders or neurological problems.

Then, it’s up to the DVLA to give you the green light to begin your HGV training.

Step 2 – Pass a theory test

After getting the all-clear from the DVLA, you can start looking towards your theory examination – revising for this can be done even before you’re cleared to drive if you want to get ahead of the game.

The theory test is split into two: a multiple-choice section to assess your knowledge of the road and the hazard perception, which evaluates your understanding of potential hazards.

You must pass your theory exam to undertake your practical test – for more information about the theory section of our training courses, take a look at our HGV Theory Test Explained blog.

Step 3 – Pass your practical driver training

Once you’ve completed your theory, you’ll start your practical training and learn how to operate a heavy goods vehicle correctly.

You’ll only learn from a qualified and seasoned instructor, who has “been there and done that” – under their guidance, you’ll gain the essential driving skills required to pass your practical test.

After passing your practical examination, you’ll gain your HGV licence and become a newly qualified driver ready to embark on the final part of training and enter the exciting and satisfying world of HGV driving.

Step 4 – Do your CPC training

Your HGV training course concludes with the completion of your initial driver CPC, also known as a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence – all HGV drivers must complete their CPC before applying for professional driver roles.

The CPC qualification is split into two modules: the case study test and the practical demonstration test.

After passing, you’ll be issued a Driver Qualification Card (DQC), valid for 5 years – after which you’ll have to complete driver CPC training again.

Is HGV training hard?

For many, the thought of tests often invokes feelings of dread – however, with the correct preparation and guidance from experienced instructors who know how to help you pass with flying colours, the process is made much easier.

Similarly to your car test, the following will make your HGV training course feel like a breeze:

1. Effective revision materials
   Official revision software that explores everything you need to know for your theory test should support you in passing the first time – this can include the official DVLA pack, apps or textbooks depending on your preference.
2. Quality training
   Learning from the best instructors who know exactly what examiners are looking for from students can make your training more straightforward.
   By having plenty of experience in the industry, they’re aware of the best ways to teach budding HGV drivers how to drive vehicles that are much bigger than the cars and bikes they’re familiar with.
3. Plenty of practice
   Although it may sound incredibly cliche, “practice makes perfect” is certainly key when it comes to making your HGV training much simpler.
   By practising turns and manoeuvres over and over, you naturally become more familiar with operating HGVs, meaning gaining your licence will be less difficult.
4. Calmness and confidence
   Keeping calm and composed, whilst having the confidence to know you can achieve your HGV licence will help to ease the pressure you may feel towards your HGV test.
   Working with your instructor and plenty of practice will help to alleviate test nerves.

How long does an HGV course take?

On the whole, it can take between 2-3 months from applying for your provisional HGV licence to gaining your full licence.

Here’s an average training breakdown

If you have previous training, you may only need to complete your driver CPC – if you need clarification, it’s best to contact the HGV Training Network today for further guidance.

What HGV licence do I need first?

To undertake any HGV training, whether it be to qualify as a 7.5-ton lorry or Class 1 driver, you’ll need an HGV provisional licence of the correct class, awarded by the DVLA. 

You can read all about how to apply for a provisional HGV licence at GOV.UK.

It’s important to note changes in the law as of November 15th 2021 – this regulation states that anyone looking to gain their Class 1 can now jump straight to this training without having previously earned their Class 2 Cat C licence.

All you need to do is send your driving licence off with a completed D2 application, which means you’ll have the C+E provisional entitlement put on your licence, enabling you to undergo Class 1 training.

HGV Training Requirements

There are a few requirements you need to be aware of before booking your place on an HGV training course in the UK.

Firstly, you must be medically fit to drive a vehicle, as outlined previously. This is why you need to undergo a mandatory medical test conducted by a medical professional before you start learning.

And, as obvious as it may sound, you’ll also need to hold a Category B licence, also known as a standard car licence – it must be in date, so be sure to get it renewed if needed.

Lastly, you must be 18 or over to participate in HGV training.

What do I learn during HGV training?

During your HGV training course, you’ll learn the ins and outs of HGV driving, from how to operate a much bigger vehicle to vital vehicle safety checks necessary by law.

Here’s a list of what you can expect to learn on your HGV training course:

• Use of vehicle controls
• Vehicle checks, such as assessing braking performance
• Bay reversing 
• 90-degree turns and overtaking in a bulkier vehicle
• Load securing

Becoming fully trained in the above will help you pass your practical test with flying colours, and provide you with the skills needed to operate a HGV confidently and safely.

What HGV licence do I need first?

To undertake any HGV training, whether it be to qualify as a 7.5-ton lorry or Class 1 driver, you’ll need an HGV provisional licence of the correct class, awarded by the DVLA. 

You can read all about how to apply for a provisional HGV licence at GOV.UK.

It’s important to note changes in the law as of November 15th 2021 – this regulation states that anyone looking to gain their Class 1 can now jump straight to this training without having previously earned their Class 2 Cat C licence.

All you need to do is send your driving licence off with a completed D2 application, which means you’ll have the C+E provisional entitlement put on your licence, enabling you to undergo Class 1 training.

HGV Training Requirements

There are a few requirements you need to be aware of before booking your place on an HGV training course in the UK.

Firstly, you must be medically fit to drive a vehicle, as outlined previously. This is why you need to undergo a mandatory medical test conducted by a medical professional before you start learning.

And, as obvious as it may sound, you’ll also need to hold a Category B licence, also known as a standard car licence – it must be in date, so be sure to get it renewed if needed.

Lastly, you must be 18 or over to participate in HGV training.

What do I learn during HGV training?

During your HGV training course, you’ll learn the ins and outs of HGV driving, from how to operate a much bigger vehicle to vital vehicle safety checks necessary by law.

Here’s a list of what you can expect to learn on your HGV training course:

• Use of vehicle controls
• Vehicle checks, such as assessing braking performance
• Bay reversing 
• 90-degree turns and overtaking in a bulkier vehicle
• Load securing

Becoming fully trained in the above will help you pass your practical test with flying colours, and provide you with the skills needed to operate a HGV confidently and safely.

Start your HGV driver journey now with the HGV Training Network

Now is the perfect time to switch professions and start your enjoyable and fulfilling HGV driver career.

Here at the HGV Training Network, we’re an expert training provider with exceptional pass rates, helping trainee drivers across the UK to earn their HGV licences.

If you’d like to know more about the HGV training courses we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll assist you in any way we can.

If you are considering a career change and HGV driving looks like the right career for you, there are a few steps you will have to complete before you can get out on the open road.

One of which is the HGV training test.

But don’t panic, you don’t have to spend hours researching online to see what is best for you – we’ve compiled everything you need to know in one place!

What is the HGV training test? 

The HGV training testing is actually made up of multiple smaller tests and includes your theory, CPC, and practical driving tests. 

• Driver CPC part 1 test: theory – this is referred to as your theory test and involves multiple choice and hazard perception tests. 
• Driver CPC part 2 test: case studies (CPC test)
• Driver CPC part 3a test: off-road exercises (CPC test)
• Driver CPC part 3b test: on-road driving – this is your practical driving test. 
• Driver CPC part 4 test: practical demonstration (CPC test)

Multiple choice segment 

In this section, you will have 1 hour and 15 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions, choosing the correct answer once you have read the question carefully. 

You don’t have to use the fill time allowance and can flag questions you aren’t sure about to save them until the end, giving you another chance to answer them correctly. 

To pass this section, you will need to score at least 85/100, or you will need to resit it. 

Hazard perception segment 

In this section, you will watch 19 computer-generated clips of journeys on UK roads and try to spot the hazards as they occur. 

18 clips will have 1 developing hazard, and one will have 2, and your job is to identify the hazards by clicking them as quickly as possible to score the maximum number of available points, from a scale of 0-5. 

When you click a small red flag will appear at the bottom of your screen so you know it has worked, and while you won’t lose points for clicking at events that are not hazards, repeatedly clicking can be seen as cheating and will lead to a score of 0 for that clip alone. 

You will have an hour in total and to pass this section, you will need to score at least 67/100. 

What is test day like?

Your theory test day for the HGV theory test is very similar to the same day for your car test and starts with getting yourself to your DVSA test centre in good time. 

When you arrive you will asked to store your personal items, such as your coat, phone, and wallet, in a locker or similarly secure location, removing only your driving licence and a bottle of water – though this can differ centre by centre so is worth checking.

Then you will check in, show your documents to the DVSA staff, and sign electronically to confirm your identity, before sitting in the waiting room until it is your allotted time to go in. 

Once called, you’ll be taken through to the computer room and the theory test computer process will be explained to you. You will also be asked to empty your pockets and your ears will be visually checked to make sure you aren’t wearing earphones to help you cheat.

You’ll then be shown to your seat and the test will begin – if you have booked to complete both sections you will start with the multiple-choice questions followed by the hazard perception segment. 

After your test(s), you’ll go back to the waiting room while the computer system calculates your results, which will be given to you by the DVSA staff on a folded letter – to keep it private. 

Whatever your results, you will then leave – it is important to note that even if you need to, you can’t book in for another theory HGV test at the DVSA test centre, you can only do this online.

How long does an HGV test take? 

Completing your HGV theory test should take at least 2 hours and 15 minutes, plus extra time for checking in and waiting for your results at the end. 

To be sure you aren’t in a rush, it’s best to set aside around 3 hours for your theory test, but rest assured, you will be out of the centre long before then. 

It is also encouraged to arrive at the centre with a little time to spare beforehand, to allow you to find the room, use the facilities if you need them, and check in before your allotted time – as if you are late you can be refused entry. 

Can I take my HGV driving test in another language?

Unfortunately, as of 7^th April 2014, you can no longer take a driving test in any language other than English, Welsh, or British Sign Language (BSL). 

This includes the use of:

• A foreign language voiceover on the theory test 
• A foreign language interpreter on your theory or practical HGV driving tests

However, there is a vast range of preparation test materials you can use in your native language to help get you ready for your tests – and many of these can be completed on a phone or tablet at your convenience. 

Can you book multiple HGV driving tests? 

Though it may seem a good way to safeguard against failing, it is not possible to book multiples of the same HGV tests – for example, multiple practical tests.  

If you are booking different HGV tests, however, for example, your theory, and practical tests, you can and most likely will have multiple tests booked at once. 

This is because the full regimen of HGV driving tests is made up of many smaller tests – including the theory tests, your practical driving test, and the CPC elements. 

The bottom line is, that as long as you haven’t booked multiples of the same type of test, you will be fine.   

How to pass the HGV test

Every driver wants to pass their HGV driving test first time, firstly as a matter of pride but also to help them save money and get earning faster.  

To help with this endeavour, what will help you pass your HGV test the first time? 

What skills do I need to pass the HGV licence?

As part of your HGV training, our experienced and helpful instructors will help you develop the skills you need to pass your many HGV tests.

These skills include: 

• Communication 
• Stress management
• The ability to work independently
• Identifying and dealing with hazards 
• Problem-solving 
• HGV driving 
• Attention to detail 
• Effective time management 
• Reliability 
• Concentration skills 
• Patient and calm driving 

You may already have developed some of these skills from your educational and working background, which gives you a good head start that you can capitalise on. 

HGV driving test pass rates

According to the latest data from the DVSA, the pass rate for the HGV practical theory tests was as follows:

• Multiple-choice questions – 68.7%
• Hazard perception – 84.7%

Which demonstrates an increase in data from the previous year (2020).

How many minors are you allowed on an HGV training test?

Just like with a Cat B car driving test, your practical HGV test has no minimum pass mark and is based on the collection of driving faults while you are behind the wheel. 

Faults are classed as either minor or serious/ dangerous, and to pass you need 15 or fewer minors and no serious faults. This could mean you get 4 or 13 minors; it doesn’t matter, you will still pass. 

Likewise, you could get 7 or only 1 minor fault, but as soon as you collect 1 serious fault, you will fail. 

But try not to worry, as long as you listen to your instructor, drive at a sensible speed for the type of road you are on, and observe regularly, you will be able to anticipate hazards and act in good time – avoiding serious faults.

How to study for your HGV practical test?

If you are currently preparing for your HGV theory test, the most important thing to remember with studying and revision is frequency. 

No matter how you revise, doing it in smaller bursts regularly will help you to learn and remember the information you need to pass.

There is now a vast array of materials available to help you pass, from apps to the GOV website, YouTube videos, and even TikToks, but most trainees also use trusted DVSA books, like:

• The Highway Code – just make sure it is the most recent copy 
• Know Your Traffic Signs
• The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles

If you train with HGVTN, you will receive access to free online theory practice software that is designed to help you pass the first time – which can be great for revising at home and on the go!

Minimum driver hours for HGV test 

Perhaps surprisingly, there are no minimum driver hours that you must complete before taking your HGV theory test and it is possible to take your theory test before you step behind the wheel, especially if you are taking your theory test before you start your practical training. 

However, some encourage you to combine revising for your theory with practical training as it increases your exposure to road signs and markings, as well as common situations that can be covered in the hazard perception segment – helping you to revise in real-time. 

It can also help you to pass more quickly, which is important for some learners. 

Most common HGV driving test fails

To pass your HGV driving test, you need to make:

• No more than 12 driving faults (or ‘minors’)
• No serious or dangerous faults (or ‘majors’) 

In reverse order, the 5 most common reasons people fail their HGV test in the UK are:

5. Move off – safety 

Failure to move off safely from a range of road and traffic conditions will result in failure.  

It is essential that you always observe effectively, take your time, and only drive on when you are ready. 

4. Mirrors – change direction 

Another common error is to omit checking in your mirrors before you change direction. 

Using mirrors and looking thoroughly before you change direction will help stop this from becoming a hazard and keep you and others safe on UK roads.

3. Control – steering 

Just as you would in a car, you mustn’t make contact with the kerb while turning – while gentle contact is unlikely to result in failure, mounting the kerb will probably lead to test failure.  

2. Junctions – observations 

Surprisingly, the second most common reason for test failure is failing to observe carefully enough at a junction. 

Never pull out while not looking and ensure you don’t pull out into a gap that is too small, which means others or even your instructor will have to take action on your behalf. 

1. Reverse left – Control

With the most recorded fails according to DVSA data, incorrect control during reversing usually fails HGV drivers.

There is no penalty for taking your time and remaining in control, but thanks to the stress of the situation trainee HGV drivers often rush, become dangerous, and complete it in a manner that puts you and other road users at risk.

Top tips for HGV practical test

In the run-up to your test, we have a range of top tips you can follow to help you pass first time. These include:

• Only taking your test when you are ready 
• Checking the details, including what you need to bring and when
• Get a good night’s rest and have something to eat and drink beforehand
• Decide what time you will arrive and make sure not to arrive too early or late 
• Wear something comfortable that suits the weather 

This will leave you free to focus on the following during your test itself:

• Remove distractions before you set off, including keys, phones, music, etc. 
• Check your blind spots regularly 
• Use your mirrors, about every 15 seconds or so is best to ensure there are no surprises 
• Anticipate things in good time, for example, having to slow down, and complete anticipatory movements smoothly
• Stay calm and get over small mistakes quickly – dwelling on mistakes can lead to sloppier driving

Get HGV test ready with HGVTN

At HGV Training Network we offer HGV training, CPC training and bus driver training from over 50 locations across the UK, allowing you to train close to home and reduce your commute. 

We also include free online HGV theory learning materials and one-to-one support to help you become an HGV driver sooner. 

To get started, find your nearest location or call us on 0800 254 5007 and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.