Monthly Archives: October 2024

If you spend your time among horses, it’s not totally unheard of that you will need to transport them. 

Whether it’s to or from summer grazing or a stable, or even to the equine vet, horses can need to be transported frequently throughout their lives. 

But are you allowed?

What size horsebox can I drive on a car licence? 

All car drivers on UK roads can pull a horsebox as long as the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) is 3.5 tonnes or less.

However, if you passed your practical driving test before 1^st January 1997, you can legally:

• Pull a horsebox (or trailer) up to 8.25 tonnes
• Drive a horsebox under 7.5 tonnes 

As you automatically have the B + E licence.  *Did you know HGV Training Network can help aspiring drivers with many vehicle types? To find out more, explore our HGV training today!

Do I need horsebox or trailer training? 

But what about if you passed your test after 1^st January 1997?

Well, then you find horsebox training! 

Also known as trailer training, a category B + E car and trailer licence allows you to drive a rigid, laden horsebox of 3.5 tonnes. 

Likewise, you can also drive a car and pull a trailer or horsebox with a maximum laden weight of 3.5 tonnes.

But, like with a category B (car) licence, there are also date-dependent limitations here. The size of the trailer depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date on your licence – if you passed: 

• Before 19^th January 2013 – you can tow any trailer size within the limits of your car.

You’ll need to check the vehicle handbook or ask the manufacturer to find out this limit for your car. 

• On or after 19 January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg within the towing limits of the vehicle

But what if you need to transport multiple horses or your MAM exceeds 3.5 tonnes?

Category C training 

For larger loads, a category C training course should be sufficient for most, as it allows drivers to handle smaller, rigid vehicles/horseboxes over 7.5 tonnes as long as they don’t exceed 32 tonnes. 

Plus, you can also include a trailer up to 750 kg – perfect for all of those equine essentials. 

*Need a way to pay for training? With industry-leading finance options, HGVTN can get your new career off the start line in just a week!  help aspiring drivers with many vehicle types? To find out more, explore our HGV training today! 

What does MAM include? 

If you are about to move your pony pal or tow a trailer, you need to keep an eye on the MAM of the whole load. 

This includes:

• The horsebox 
• The fuel 
• The horse 
• Any bedding or straw as well as any tack

It is important to note that the actual weight of the trailer may not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle – essentially, your horsebox and its contents can’t be heavier than your car. 

Top tips

To find your car’s MAM, you can check:

• The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate
• The car’s handbook 
• With the car’s manufacturer

To double-check the weight of your vehicle and trailer/horsebox, travel to your nearest weighbridge. 

However, it’s worth noting that if you don’t at least roughly work it out before you get out on the road, you could be prosecuted if you are caught with excess weight, as you won’t have the right driving licence.

Travel with your horse safely with HGVTN! 

Whether you are looking for horsebox training to refresh your skills or need category C training to move multiple horses with confidence, HGV Training Network can help.

For a bespoke quote or to book at a convenient training centre, email contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!  

Given just how many duties are involved in lorry driving and how many intricate roles drivers must undertake during their day-to-day, it is understandable that many of these roles require their own unique qualifications. 

HIAB drivers are one such example of those who must earn their licences that go beyond standard HGV licences, to operate the machinery and vehicles in their care.

But what exactly is a HIAB driver? How do they differ from other lorry drivers and what does one need to do to become a HIAB driver?

At HGV Training Network, we’re home to a plethora of driving courses – including HGV training, CPC training, HIAB training courses and more – so you can gain in-depth knowledge and experience before starting your new career as a fully qualified driver. Whatever you want to drive!

Speak to a HGVTN staff member today to learn more about HIAB courses and HIAB training costs, or keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of HIAB drivers.

Did You Know – HGV Training Network is home to a fantastic finance plan that allows new students to train now, pay later? You won’t find that with all training providers. Click here to read all about it!

HIAB driver meaning

A HIAB driver is someone qualified and authorised to load, offload, transport and operate lorry-mounted cranes.

A common piece of workplace transport equipment, you’ve probably seen a lorry-mounted crane when you’ve been out on the road. They look similar to other HGVs, with the addition of a retractable crane on the back.

HIAB stands for ‘Hydrauliska Industri AB’ – a company that innovated the use of such cranes on lorries, founded in 1944. Since this time, the name of the company has become synonymous with this type of crane-equipped lorry, to the point it has become an umbrella term to cover all such lorries.

As lorry drivers up and down the country are sometimes expected to haul overly large or heavy loads and items that are difficult to manoeuvre with other equipment, these cranes can be infinitely useful, allowing the user to move the relevant goods at will, with ease.

To become a HIAB driver, you first need to earn the correct HIAB licence. You can do this by studying with approved training companies, like HGV Training Network.

Our staff is comprised of fully qualified drivers with vast experience in all aspects of the haulage and transportation industries – including HIAB driving. With our team, you’ll undergo practical training and theory revision.

We can also assist you in earning all associated qualifications you may need to drive professionally, including your CPC (certificate of professional competence) along with arranging your medical examination if this is required.

In short, we offer a comprehensive driver-learning environment that’s undoubtedly your fastest and most efficient way to drive the vehicles you want to drive to make a living.

Click here to learn more about HGVTN, or drop us a message to speak to a member of our team.

What is a class 2 HIAB driver?

Technically, all HIAB drivers are class 2 HIAB drivers.

To legally drive a HIAB, you need to have earned your class 2 licence, also known as the Cat C licence.

This licence is considered the “entry-level” HGV licence and is the most common licence held by HGV drivers across the country. Many of the students who learn with HGVTN do so to earn their Cat C licence before moving on to other qualifications if they wish.

But don’t worry, at HGV Training Network, we offer training in all of the above and more, making us your one-stop shop for all your lorry training needs. 

How long does a HIAB licence last for?

Once you’ve successfully passed all your HIAB exams and have received your HIAB licence, that licence is valid for five years, meaning you won’t need to undergo any more training or refresher courses during this time.

After five years have passed, you’ll need to take refresher training and examinations to retain your licence. 

If you’re already a HIAB driver and you’re coming up on your five-year mark, HGV Training Network is here to help with your refresher training and examinations, so you can keep hold of your HIAB licence and not lose any work.

Start your HIAB training course with HGV Training Network 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your driving career and want to master operating crane-assisted lorries, HGV Training Network is here to help.

With over 50 training centres across the UK, you’ll never have to travel too far to learn the skills and knowledge you need to become a fully qualified HIAB driver.

We offer HGV training, HIAB training, lorry loader training, ADR training and more – whatever vehicles you wish to drive, we can help you get there.

Speak to HGVTN today to find out more, and if you’re asking yourself ‘How much does HIAB training cost?’ be sure to enquire about our train now, pay later finance packages that allow you to spread the cost of your HIAB course, making it far more affordable.

If you’re already an accomplished HGV driver and are looking to change things up by switching to another area of the driving profession or you’re a budding first-timer wanting to enter the world of professional driving and start from scratch, you may have come across the PCV licence.

It’s a common accreditation, but one that is required by law if you want to drive certain vehicles with a certain number of passengers.

But what exactly is a PCV licence? What type of vehicles can you drive with a PCV licence and what do you need to do to earn one?

The experts at HGV Training Network are here to shed some light on all these questions for you, so you can make the right decision about your next training programme and your driving career moving forward.

So, keep reading to learn more. Or if you’ve already been looking for a PCV training school and are ready to dive in head-first, find out more about PCV training from HGVTN here.

Did You Know – HGVTN is home to over 50 HGV training centres scattered across the country, so you’ll never be a stone’s throw away from a professional driver training facility where you can enjoy the very best PCV training!

PCV licence meaning

PCV stands for ‘Passenger Carrying Vehicle’ and, as you can guess, you will need to earn a PCV licence if you wish to drive such vehicles professionally in the United Kingdom.

These vehicles can include buses, minibuses, and coaches. Though the specific vehicle you will be able to drive and the specific number of passengers you’ll be able to accommodate will depend on what type of PCV licence you earn – more on this in a moment.

What can you drive with a PCV licence?

A PCV licence is also known as a ‘Category D’ or ‘Cat D’ licence. If we break things down even further, the Category D licence comes in two forms:

D1 – This licence allows you to operate a minibus, but it must not seat more than 16 passengers.

D – This licence allows you to drive larger passenger vehicles (a bus or coach) with over 16 passengers. Also known as a full PCV licence.

There’s also the D1+E licence, which allows you to drive minibuses, as mentioned above, as well as trailers up to 750kg.

You’ll need to undergo PCV training with an experienced, reliable training provider like HGVTN if you wish to earn either your D or D1 PCV licence. But it should be noted that you’ll also need a full standard driving licence before undertaking any training.

What is the difference between PSV and PCV licence?

During your research into the PCV licence, you may have also come across something called the PSV licence, which stands for ‘Public Service Vehicle’.

These two terms often come up together a lot, which can be very confusing when you’re trying to figure out the exact licence you need to drive the vehicles you want to drive.

But, in this case, there’s nothing to worry about. The PSV licence is simply the old terminology that was replaced with the PCV licence back in 1992.

You might still hear the term thrown around by drivers in the trade who were still driving back in the early nineties, or even sooner, but think nothing of it. The only licence you need to focus on earning is the PCV licence.

What do I need to get a PCV licence?

As mentioned above, you’ll first need to have held your standard car licence for at least 12 months before attempting to earn a PCV licence. You’ll also need to be at least eighteen years of age.

But beyond this, you’re pretty much ready to begin training and studying to earn your PCV licence, which you can do with HGV Training Network.

It’s not too dissimilar to the training and practice you experience when learning to drive a car for the first time. As part of your preparation for the test, you’ll need to undergo practical training which involves driving a real-life passenger vehicle – you’ll need to show you can drive this vehicle competently before attempting your practical driving test.

Then, there’s also a 100-question PCV theory test you’ll need to pass. But don’t worry, when learning with an experienced training provider like HGVTN, you’ll be given all the tools you need to pass with flying colours.

If you manage to pass both your practical PCV driving test and theory exams, along with a legally required PCV medical examination and CPC (certificate of professional competence) exams, you’ll be awarded your PCV licence and will be ready to take large passenger-carrying vehicles out on the open road!e throughout 5-years and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining your professional licence and driver CPC card.

Explore HGV training and PCV driver training with HGV Training Network

Now that you’re more aware of what exactly the PCV licence is and how you can earn one, HGV Training Network is here to help you take the next step.

When training with HGVTN, you’ll benefit from learning under real-life professional drivers who have been exactly where you are and are ready to share their wealth of knowledge with you to help you pass your theory and practical test with ease.

To find out more about PCV training at HGVTN, click here or speak to a member of the HGVTN team for more information about our courses and our attractive financing options.

All aspiring professional lorry drivers must complete driver CPC training if they want to enter the rewarding field of HGV driving. But what exactly is driver CPC training, and how many CPC modules are there?

You can find out all you need to know about driver CPC throughout this blog, so carry on reading!

What is driver CPC training?

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, commonly abbreviated as Driver CPC, is a recurring professional development that continues throughout a HGV driver’s career.

Driver CPC was introduced to enhance road safety by ensuring that professional drivers are aware of updated health and safety requirements, and any other advancements in the sector.

There are two types of CPC training: initial and periodic training, both of which professional drivers must complete to drive a heavy goods vehicle legally. We’ll explain more about each throughout this blog.

What are the initial CPC modules?

Initial driver CPC training, or the CPC initial, is mandatory training for new-professional drivers. It’s for those who earned a lorry entitlement after the 9th of September 2009 and haven’t held a CPC beforehand.

The initial CPC is comprised of two elements: CPC Case Studies (CPC Module 2 Theory Test) and CPC Practical (CPC Module 4).

CPC Case Studies

The third and final test you do as part of your HGV training starts with the first part of the CPC.

CPC module 2 is a theory test that gives you seven “case studies” based on real-life situations you’ll likely come across whilst driving an HGV.

You get 1 hour 15 minutes to complete between 6-8 multiple choice questions on each case study. In total, there are 50 questions to answer and the pass mark is 40 out of 50 (80%).

CPC Practical

This practical demonstration test covers the parts of being a lorry operator aside from driving, such as vehicle safety checks.

You’ll be trained on how to conduct the various checks before taking a “show me, tell me” style examination. While showing the examiner how to perform each, you must also tell them what you’re doing.

After completing your initial CPC training, you’ll gain your driver qualification card, also known as a driver CPC card. This means you’re now fully qualified and able to use your professional licence for work!

What’s involved in driver CPC periodic training?

Periodic CPC training, or the interim CPC, is a training necessity that HGV drivers must fulfil every five years to ensure their licence stays valid.

If you drive a HGV without a valid CPC, you can be fined up to £1,000 or even lose eligibility to drive HGVs professionally – so, it’s essential that you maintain your CPC qualification.

Periodic CPC is for drivers who have held a lorry entitlement (C1, C1+E, C or CE) before 9th September 2009 or individuals who are renewing a CPC.

The training consists of classroom-based refresher modules that build on existing knowledge – with CPC periodic training, there are no questions to answer as it’s purely an attendance-based course. So, all you need to do to pass is turn up on time and don’t fall asleep!

How many periodic CPC modules do I need to complete, and how long do they take to finish?

Each module lasts for 7 hours (not including breaks), and you need to pass 5 CPC modules (35 hours of training every 5 years) to achieve your periodic driver CPC qualification.

Drivers typically choose to complete one module per year, but it’s entirely up to them how they wish to do it.

List of periodic course modules we offer at HGV Training Network

The content of periodic CPC modules varies between HGV training providers, but ultimately they all aim to improve driving skills, safety, emergency first aid, fuel-efficient driving and environmental responsibility. Here are the 7-hour course modules we offer here at HGV Training Network:

• Health and Safety & Fire Marshal
• Company Image & Driver Lifestyle
• Security & First Aid
• Drivers Hours & Tachographs
• Vehicle Checks & Weight Dimensions (Lorry Only)
• Eco Driving & Vulnerable Road Users

All you need to do is complete five of the above throughout 5-years and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining your professional licence and driver CPC card.

CPC training at HGV Training Network

In addition to our LGV, HGV and ADR training courses, we offer CPC driver training here at HGV Training Network. Initial driver CPC training is included as part of your HGV training, and we also provide periodic driver CPC training modules for those looking to keep their licence valid.

For more information, you can call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007, or we can help you book your HGV training today! or email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

HGV walkaround checks are an integral part of the day-to-day life of an HGV driver for both safety and legal reasons. 

But what are HGV daily walkaround checks, why are they needed, and who should complete them?Join our HGV training experts as they go through this everyday essential in more detail to answer your most pertinent questions in this article.

What are HGV vehicle checks?

HGV vehicle checks are several walkaround inspections vehicle operators must complete to ensure their lorry is safe to drive.

These crucial checks are a vital part of commercial vehicle safety and help to prevent incidents such as collisions, breakdowns, bridge strikes, and more! 

These checks can also stop you from receiving hefty fines or more severe penalties, so are well worth the time, but we’ll explore more about this later on.ontrol a variety of vehicles? If combining driving and lifting is for you, browse our HIAB training to find out more! . 

How often should a HGV be inspected?

HGVs must be examined daily to ensure its safe to drive for the day ahead. 

Heavy vehicle checks must be conducted every day This is because defects may have occurred since the truck’s last inspection and may not have been noticed as they happened.

How often should a HGV be inspected?

HGVs must be examined daily to ensure its safe to drive for the day ahead. 

Heavy vehicle checks must be conducted every day This is because defects may have occurred since the truck’s last inspection and may not have been noticed as they happened.

After assessing the above, your vehicle check should be complete.

What happens if defects are found?

Suppose any safety defects are found during the check. In that case, they must be recorded, reported, and fixed before the HGV can be considered roadworthy again – for the sake of yourself and other road users, you mustn’t drive the vehicle until the issues have been addressed.

When reporting defects, record the vehicle registration, date details, and information about the issues and hand them over to the individual in charge of vehicle safety in your organisation.

Here’s a GOV.UK goods vehicle defect report template if you haven’t already got one.

Who should complete HGV daily walkaround checks and is it a legal responsibility?

Drivers are legally responsible for conducting all the relevant walkaround checks. If there’s more than one driver, each driver taking charge should perform these checks.

The police and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officers can pull you over at any time to inspect your HGV. If problems are identified, you can be prevented from driving until you address them, a fine may be issued, and you could even gain penalty points on your licence.

HGV drivers could also be instructed to attend a driver conduct hearing if they’ve committed offences relating to drivers’ hours and tachographs – this could have been a result of failing to calibrate their tachograph device during their walkaround checks.

How long should an HGV walkaround take?

An HGV daily walkaround check should take 15 minutes on average, although this may vary depending on any defects detected.

With this in mind, it’s important to be on time for your shift so you have adequate time to perform these critical checks and report defects to your transport manager. The earlier they’re made aware of issues, the quicker a solution can be found so you can continue your work for the day.

HGV trailer MOT checklist

In addition to daily walkaround checks for commercial vehicles, each must have a yearly MOT like a standard car. MOTs are performed by qualified mechanics and offer a more complete evaluation of an HGVs roadworthiness. 

If your vehicle fails its MOT, you won’t be able to drive it legally until any issues are addressed.

The following components will be examined:

• Brakes and brake systems
• Lights and indicators
• Exhaust emissions
• Suspension
• Bodywork
• Steering
• Windscreen
• Tyres

For a deeper exploration into HGV MOTs, take a look at our How to check your HGV MOT status blog.

Speak with our experts today

From LGV and HGV courses to specialist and CPC training, we provide hundreds of aspiring drivers each year with the experience and qualifications to start a brand new career on the road. 

Interested in hearing about the HGV training services we offer here at HGV Training Network? Feel free to call us on 0800 254 5007 or email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.