Monthly Archives: November 2024

All qualified HGV drivers who’ve undertaken HGV training and earned their HGV licence will also be holders of a driver CPC card.

But cards of all kinds are easy to lose – how many times has your debit card slid in between the cushions of your sofa?

If you lose your CPC card and are unable to find it, you’ll need to replace it to ensure you keep hold of all the documentation that proves you’re a fully qualified driver.

At HGV Training Network, we’re experts in the realm of HGV training and everything involved in the process – including CPC training.

With this in mind, if you think you may need a replacement CPC, here are a few things you should know.

Did You Know – HGVTN is home to over 50 HGV training centres across the UK, so you’ll always have a centre close to home! Click here to get in touch and learn more.

What is a CPC card?

As you’re probably aware if you’re reading this, CPC stands for ‘Certificate of Professional Competence’.

It’s a qualification that goes alongside your HGV licence (or another licence if you specialise in a different vehicle type) that proves you’re able to competently and responsibly handle your vehicle according to the rules of the road.

Along with being a useful extra, it’s also a legal requirement which makes getting a new CPC card an important step if you find yourself without it.

When do you have to get a new CPC card?

As a rule of thumb, you should carry your CPC card with you at all times when driving professionally, as well as when applying for any new driving jobs.

This means if your CPC card has been lost or stolen, you’ll need to get a replacement as soon as possible.

The same is true if your card is damaged as this may not be accepted, depending on the level of damage and the clarity of the text. 

How do you get a CPC replacement card?

Thankfully, replacing a CPC card is relatively simple.

If your card is lost, has been stolen or is severely damaged, you can order a replacement via phone or by filling in an online form.

You can call the dedicated DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) CPC line on 0300 123 7721, or fill in the form on the GOV.UK website, though it’s recommended to request a new card via phone as it’s a far quicker process.

Want to know more about the CPC replacement? Get in touch with HGVTN and we’d be happy to advise!

Do I need to pay for a new driver qualification card?

Yes. A new CPC card will cost £25 (at the time of writing). This can be paid over the phone via credit or debit card. If completing the application process via the online form, you’ll receive a call from the DVSA in the following days to offer payment.

As soon as you have completed the application process and paid the fee, legally you’re able to get behind the wheel in a professional capacity again, despite not yet having a physical card which will be posted to your address.

Speaking of which…

Can I get fined if I don’t have my CPC card?

You may receive a £50 fixed fine if you drive professionally without your CPC card. However, this does not count if you have applied and paid for a replacement card, as mentioned above.

Do I need to do more driver training if I lose my CPC?

No, you won’t need to do any extra training if you lose your CPC, you’ll simply need to replace the card by following the steps above.

The only instance in which you’ll need to undergo driver training is when your CPC is up for renewal, which must be completed once every five years.

Choose HGV Training Network for driver CPC training and stay on the road

If you’ve reached the end of your five-year time period and you need to complete periodic training to keep your driver certificate of professional competence, don’t wait, HGV Training Network is here for you.

With many driver training centres scattered across the country and a team of experienced and reliable training professionals at the ready, we’ll help you pass your CPC renewal with flying colours.

To find out more, click the link here, or get in touch with HGV Training Network for more information.

Essential for keeping yourself and others you may encounter safe, an HGV walkaround gives you proactive peace of mind and ensures you to comply legally with DVSA regulations. 

As such, every HGV driver across the country should be doing them! 

So, to adequately prepare for your busy days, how long should a HGV walkaround take and what does it involve? 

How long does an HGV walkaround take? 

For more experienced HGV drivers, daily checks can take an average of 15 minutes a day – less time than you might spend on your coffee break! 

However, as with all things, if you are a new driver fresh out of HGV Training or a more experienced driver completing CPC Training in the UK, you should expect that your daily checks will take longer to start with. 

But don’t worry, as you become more familiar with them, the time spent checking will decrease. 

*Did you know HGV Training Network can give existing HGV drivers room for career progression? Browse ADR training today! 

Can I skip HGV walkaround checks? 

Well, you could – but we wouldn’t recommend it. 

Failure to comply with DVSA and road safety regulations can lead to:

• Accidents and incidents involving yourself and/or the public 
• Driving prohibition 
• Fines 
• Penalty points on your licence 

Plus, if you are shown to be neglecting your duties as a professional driver, there could be implications for your career and job security.

So, what exactly is included in an HGV walkaround? Keep reading to find out! 

How to complete an HGV walkaround check?

As a rough guide, a walkaround check covers things both inside and outside of the HGV. This includes: 

Inside the vehicle 

• Front view (mirrors, cameras, and glass) 
• Windscreen wipers and washers 
• Dashboard warning lights and gauges 
• Steering 
• Horn 
• Brakes and air build-up
• Height marker 
• Seat belts and cab interior 
• Security and condition of cab, doors and steps

Outside the vehicle 

• Lights and indicators
• Fuel and oil leaks
• Security of body and wings
• Battery security and condition
• Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue)
• Excessive engine exhaust smoke
• High voltage emergency cut-off switch
• Alternative fuel systems and isolation
• Spray suppression
• Tyres and wheel fixing
• Brake lines and trailer parking brake
• Electrical connections
• Coupling security
• Security of load
• Number plate
• Reflectors
• Markings and warning plates
• Other equipment

Browse our blog on HGV vehicle inspections to find out everything you need to know. 

*With hundreds of happy HGV testimonials from past drivers, HGVTN can support you to swap a new, more fulfilling career! n vary depending on your location, the company you work for, and hours worked.ng licence.

Contact HGV Training Network for more than just training 

While HGVTN offers high-quality and highly effective HGV training, we also do everything we can to ensure our industry is well-informed and safe. 

To do this, we also prioritise reputable information sharing – like this blog! 

To find out more about how we can help you or for a bespoke quote for a training centre near you, email the team at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our contact form and our lovely staff will get back to you as soon as we can.   re typically reserved for younger people looking to enter the industry after high school.

Becoming a shunter driver could be the best career move you ever make given the attractive salary and job freedom associated with this role.

But what exactly is a shunter driver and what does the job entail?

Within this blog, you can discover more about the vital role of HGV shunter drivers in logistics and construction, their responsibilities, and how to become one with HGV training.

What exactly is a shunter driver?

A shunter driver, or a yard shunter, is responsible for safely operating large vehicles across construction sites. These trained professionals are essential in the construction and logistics sectors and help to keep work yards, ports, and loading docks functioning efficiently.

HGV shunter drivers and their role in logistics

Shunter drivers have a range of duties within their job role but this may vary depending on the industry type and site where they work. For example, yard shunters may work on construction sites, loading docks, shipping yards, and more.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Directing and moving freight trains
• Manoeuvring large vehicles and trailers safely around company premises
• Coupling and uncoupling lorry trailer units
• Ensuring strict health and safety standards are followed to avoid workplace collisions and other dangers
• Conducting safety inspections
• Examine vehicles and trailers to ensure they’re road-safe
• Parking LGVs and trailers

How much do shunter drivers earn?

If you’re interested in becoming a shunter driver, you’re probably intrigued to know the earning potential associated with the role.

• Newly qualified drivers typically earn around £20,000,
• Experienced yard shunters can expect to earn between £20,000 and £35,000.
• Senior-level drivers can often earn salaries above £35,000.

These figures can vary depending on your location, the company you work for, and hours worked.ng licence.

How to become a shunter driver

To work as a shunter driver, you require a standard car licence and may need an LGV C+E driving licence (Class 1) – this licence permits you to drive some of the largest vehicles on the road, such as lorries with detachable trailers.

In order to earn your C+E licence, you must embark on a recognised HGV training course with a trusted provider – only an established company will provide you with the adequate training needed to apply for shunter roles.

HGV training courses will teach you the essential skills necessary to manoeuvre large vehicles safely and pass your practical and theory exams, which must be done before being awarded your HGV licence.

During HGV training, students learn all the beneficial skills required to become a shunter operator including:

• Reversing wide and long vehicles with trailers into loading bays
• Turning and navigating corners in an HGV
• Conducting safety assessments that prevent serious or fatal injuries
• Coupling and uncoupling trailers

Plus many more.

In addition to the above training elements, you’ll be taught critical theoretical knowledge which will help you pass your HGV theory test with flying colours!

The course also includes CPC training, which is required by law. CPC training elements ensure drivers are informed about important aspects of vehicle safety.

Plant operator apprenticeships are also available, providing shunter training and helping pave the way towards a career in shunter driving. However, these qualifications are typically reserved for younger people looking to enter the industry after high school.

Gain your LGV C+E licence today

Here at HGV Training Network, we have years of experience in the field and offer training in 50 locations across the UK.

We’re an established and reliable training provider with an excellent record of success thanks to our seasoned instructors who all boast many years in the HGV driving industry.

So, if you’re eager to switch careers and enter the rewarding profession of shunter driving, call us today to book your place on one of our training courses.