Yearly Archives: 2025

Whether you are a professional driver or you are taking the family on a staycation, planning rest stops is an essential part of any journey. 

Yes, they extend your journey and may even cost you a treat at the services – but the alternative is far more dangerous. 

So, how often should you take breaks while driving? The experts at HGV Training Network reveal all!  

Driving hours/breaks – why are they so important? 

While they can extend journey time in the short term, there are many benefits to taking rest stops while driving.

It decreases the risk of accidents

The statistics relating to ‘drowsy driving’ (driving while tired) are truly terrifying, especially when you consider how many road users are probably tired when they set off, let alone when they arrive home. 

UK police statistics show that fatigue is the sole reason for about 4% of fatal accidents and a further 2% of all collisions. 

Similarly, across the globe, it is estimated that between 10 – 20% of road traffic accidents (RTAs) and crashes are fatigue-related. 

Driving ability is maintained and reaction times remain high

Everyday actions, like noticing dangerous driving around you and falling further back to avoid it or spotting developing traffic and slowing down, help keep you and others safe on the road.

However, thanks to vehicle engineering, modern cars are quieter and more comfortable than ever before. 

This means drivers often can sit comfortably for hours and can become sleepy without realising how dangerous it can be. 

This sleepiness can impact reaction times in multiple areas, making it hard for drivers to react to changing road or weather conditions – which in turn makes it less likely they will break or steer in time to avoid collisions. 

Decision-making remains sound

Day-to-day driving is full of micro-decisions – any of which can be impaired by sleepiness. This can mean you inaccurately judge distances or gaps or even misread whole situations while driving, causing accidents.

*Considering HGV training so you can switch up your career? Whether you’re looking for a better work-life balance or want to see a bit more of the UK, HGV Training Network can help!   

How to remain fresh while driving 

So, to keep yourself and others safe while driving, what should you do? 

• Don’t drive tired 

If you have the option of choosing public transport or a taxi while tired, use it. It might be slightly more expensive but it means you aren’t getting behind the wheel while impaired and unsafe. 

• Avoid the most dangerous times of day 

Drowsiness rises and concentration naturally dips throughout the day, especially in the very early morning (2-6 am) to mid-afternoon (2-4 pm). 

If you can, try to avoid these slots and drive when you feel naturally more alert. 

• Take breaks every 2 hours

Driving continuously for two hours negatively affects your ability to concentrate and reaction times. For this reason, take a break every two hours – or when you start to feel drowsy – for 15 minutes at least. 

While on this break, try to move around a little to stretch your legs, enjoy a caffeinated beverage of your choice, and have a light snack if you feel peckish. 

But what about driving breaks for HGV drivers? 

For some, it is more important than ever to adhere to driving breaks – HGV drivers! 

As they drive the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road for the highest number of hours, HGV drivers need to adhere to the Working Time Directive. 

Just as with domestic drivers, rest breaks aim to reduce tiredness, maintain driver alertness, and keep accidents as few and as far between as possible. 

Unlike car drivers, however, HGV driving breaks are as follows: 

• A mandatory 45-minute break must occur after every 4.5 hours of continuous driving. 

This 45-minute break can be taken in one chunk or in two sessions of at least 15 minutes and at least 30 minutes.  

It must occur within the 4.5 hours of driving – not before or after. 

• Drivers must also take a further 30-minute break if working between 6-9 hours.
• If working more than 9 hours, a further 45-minute break is needed. 

These are measured with tachographs and are legally binding. 

*To find out more, read our blog ‘HGV Driver Hours – How Do They Work?’ – it will help you see just what your new job will involve!

Driving breaks keep everyone safe

From stopping fatal collisions to keeping your insurance premiums as low as possible, driving when safe and alert is the best possible option for everyone on the road. 

Especially if you are entering a career in professional driving. For more information about the rules and regulations for professional drivers, including HGV, LGV, ambulance, or even HIAB drivers, email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our contact form and our friendly and helpful team will be in touch to assist you. 

If you’ve been exploring HGV training as part of your next career shift, you’ll likely be aware that to drive HGVs legally, you’ll need to earn a HGV licence.

But one thing you may not have considered is the need for a HGV provisional licence.

Much like a regular provisional car licence, you’ll need a provisional HGV licence before you can get behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle– but what if you don’t have anyone to sign your provisional?

Thankfully, there are options on the table for you – and HGV Training Network is here to help.

With 50 professional HGV training centres scattered across the country, we’re your go-to choice for HGV training, ADR training, Horsebox training, and more.

So, let’s look at the HGV provisional in closer detail to find out more. 

What is a provisional HGV licence?

Provisional HGV licences (also known as provisional entitlements) are the HGV equivalent of a standard driving provisional licence.

It’s a document that says you’re allowed to begin learning to drive HGVs. However, it’s important to note that you’re only able to apply for a provisional HGV licence if you already carry a full photocard driving licence. So if you’ve yet to pass your driving test and earn your full car licence, you’ll need to wait until you’ve completed both your practical test and theory test first.

Once you pass this test, though, you’re free to apply for a provisional HGV licence, if you’d like to explore driving larger vehicles. Though we recommend getting to grips with driving in general first. 

Most people who become HGV drivers have already been driving for several years, giving them the confidence they need to handle larger vehicles.

You need to apply for a HGV licence through the DVLA, in a similar way to standard provisionals. The only major difference is that, to be awarded your HGV provisional, you’ll also need to pass a medical exam. This is because those driving HGVs need to be in good enough physical condition to not only drive such vehicles competently but also to ensure they don’t pose a safety risk to themselves or other road users.

HGV Training Network can assist you with your provisional HGV licence application, along with your driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) once you’ve completed training, taking some of the stress out of the whole process. So feel free to speak to a member of the team today about becoming an HGV or LGV driver.

Why does someone need to sign my provisional?

Your provisional driving licence is a legal document that not only authorises you to drive certain vehicles but also legitimises your identity in the eyes of the DVLA and the government. Having someone other than yourself confirm your identity gives these bodies the confidence they need to allow you to begin learning.

However, this is technically just for the standard provisional driving licence. The HGV provisional licence works slightly differently.

Who can sign my HGV provisional?

Unlike a standard driving licence, nobody needs to sign your HGV provisional.

The only person bound to sign anything in your HGV provisional application is the doctor who performed your medical examination. They must sign the form to confirm to the DVLA that you are fit to learn to drive HGVs.

Your GP is legally allowed to perform this examination and sign the form, though their knowledge of this process may be lacking. Plus, it may take some time for you to be seen, given this is not a usual doctor’s appointment.

That’s why many enthusiastic learner drivers turn to specialist companies for their HGV medical.

Thankfully, we’re here to assist with all your HGV medical needs and application process here at HGV Training Network. We’re able to arrange your HGV medical on your behalf, saving you potentially hours of legwork trying to find the right doctor at the right price.

Once you have your provisional, it’s time to begin training with HGV Training Network

If you need a hand obtaining your provisional HGV licence so you can begin your training, HGV Training Network has you covered.

We’ll guide you through all the steps so that, once your provisional arrives, you’ll be ready to start training straight away at one of our world-class training centres.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t let the technicalities of your provisional hold you back – speak to the team at HGV Training Network today to start the process towards a new and exciting career.

As all professional drivers know, your CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is an industry-recognised accreditation, alongside your chosen licence, that is required to prove you are able to drive various vehicles safely and competently. 

Specifically, it is a legal requirement for all bus, coach and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

But it doesn’t last forever. Once you first gain your CPC qualification, you need to complete 35 hours of periodic CPC training every 5 years for it to remain valid. Should you miss your driver CPC training course, your driver certificate will be rendered void and you’ll no longer be able to drive for a living.

Thankfully, if your CPC has expired, or is on the way out, retaining it is relatively simple thanks to the accessible and easy-to-navigate driver CPC courses offered here at the HGV Training Network.

So whether you’re an experienced driver looking to stay on the road, or you’re returning to the game after a long time away, we’re here to help. Click the links above to look further into CPC training, or keep reading to learn more.

Did You Know: HGVTN is home to a host of driver training courses, helping you get behind the wheel whatever you wish to drive professionally!

What to do if your driver qualification card has expired?

Rules are rules: If you’ve left it too late and have allowed your driver CPC qualification to expire, you’re no longer allowed to drive vehicles professionally.

This is even true if you’re in the process of booking or undertaking your CPC refresher training; you’ll need to wait until you have completed the course and have your CPC reinstated before driving for a living again.

This is why completing your driver training in a timely manner is so essential. It helps you avoid loss of time and earnings and keeps you doing what you do best.

If your card has expired, and you drive full-time for a company, you must inform your employer immediately, as you’re no longer allowed on the road.

At this point, you should book yourself in for CPC driver training as soon as possible. But don’t worry, the team at HGVTN is here to help. And with over 50 certified HGV training centres to choose from, you’ll be able to complete your 35 hours in rapid time in a location that’s convenient for you!

How to renew your driver CPC card 

The beauty of the CPC card and working with an experienced and reputable training provider like HGV Training Network is that you don’t need to get involved when it comes to physically renewing your CPC. Aside from the training, of course.

After you’ve completed your training with your chosen provider (we strongly recommend choosing us) you don’t need to lift a finger – your training provider will contact the DVLA on your behalf and instruct them to send your renewed driver CPC card. All you need to do is wait until it arrives.

You don’t even need to complete your training in one big chunk if you don’t want to. You can break it up into smaller increments that fit around your busy work and life schedule. As long as you hit 35 hours of training before you reach the 5-year mark, you’re good to go.

Just be sure you keep track of how much training you’ve completed – if you go over the 35-hour mark accidentally, you can’t put that towards your next batch of CPC renewal training, so try not to waste your time!

CPC renewal courses at HGV Training Network

Ready to tick off your national driver CPC renewal and keep yourself in poll position for the best driving gigs? HGV Training Network is here to help.

Our team is comprised of experienced professional drivers who’ve seen it all and done it all, so they’re well-prepped to deliver the exact training you need to keep your wheels moving – CPC training included.

Better still, you’re able to complete your driver CPC training online, if you want to, by attending online driver CPC courses from the comfort of your own home.

Sound good? For more information on our periodic CPC training renewal courses – as well as our other courses, including HIAB training and ADR training – get in touch with a member of the team today and we’d be happy to assist you.

A tachograph card measures the mileage, rest times and speed of a driver.

They’re compulsory for professional drivers as they ensure EU and GB domestic regulation compliance, which is essential to keep drivers and the public safe.

If you’re wondering whether you can drive without your tachograph card, we’re here to help!

At HGV Training Network, We have over 50 centres in the UK where you can discover outstanding CPC training, alongside ADR training and HIAB training.

Read on as we break down the process that you should follow if have a lost or stolen card.

What should you do if you’ve lost your tachograph card?

If you’ve lost a manual tachograph driver card, you should alert your employer and record your driving and rest times manually on paper slips.

What to do if your tachograph card has been damaged

In the event of a damaged manual tacho card, you should discuss what’s happened with your employer, while you continue to record your driving activity by hand.

If your digital tachograph card has been damaged, you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately to report the damage and apply for a replacement within 7 days. 

You must pay a replacement fee for your new digital card and carry your Vehicle Unit (VU) records while you drive in case you get stopped by enforcement.

What to do if your tachograph card has been stolen

Similarly, if your card has been stolen, you must report it to the DVLA as soon as you become aware that it is missing and pay the replacement fee while keeping your VU records handy.

What to do if you’ve lost your digital tachograph card

If you’ve lost your digital tachograph card, it’s crucial that you inform the DVLA as soon as possible, as it will affect your ability to record your drivers’ hours. You can continue to drive for up to 15 days without a card, while you wait for a replacement.

You must apply for a new card within 7 days.

You can apply online by submitting your driving licence number and the replacement fee.

If you don’t have your tachograph card, you must carry VU records with you, should you be stopped by enforcement like the police. These records must be printed twice a day, at the start and end of your shift, and handed over to your employer or vehicle operator after 28 days.

Should you find your misplaced card, you should send it back to the DVLA via post, with a letter to explain what’s happened.

To find out more about the differences between manual and digital tachograph cards, check out our blog.

How often should a digital tachograph card be downloaded?

These cards store data digitally, which must legally be downloaded and accessed to make sure that drivers are complying with road transport regulations.

The data from a digital tachograph card should be downloaded at least every 28 days to monitor driver activity and promote safety. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences, including fines or penalties.

How long does a replacement tachograph card take?

Once you’ve filled out an application form, your replacement card should typically take 5-8 working days to arrive. It will be delivered to the address shown on your driving licence.

During this time, you can continue to use your VU records temporarily while you wait for your new card. It’s extremely important that you continue to print these records twice a day, as they serve as a substitute for your missing card.help you retrain into a career you will love.  Why not read the testimonials from our past students to see how we can help?

Ready to start your career as a HGV driver?

At HGV Training Network, our specialists help you begin your career as a professional driver through comprehensive training. Additionally, you can benefit from our career service after successful completion to access your dream role.

Get in touch today to find out more information. 

Blind spots are a common issue for anyone on the road – no matter what your drive.

While it can differ depending on the make and model and your driving position, the most common blind spot on a car is the area behind the driver’s right shoulder. 

On HGV’s however, blind spots are a much more dangerous issue, so need to be a top consideration for both HGV drivers and anyone passing the vehicles while out and about. 

How to prevent danger in HGV blind spots

The easiest way to prevent the danger associated with HGV blind spots is to be aware of them. 

On an HGV, there are 4 main areas in which the driver can’t see other road users. This includes: 

• The front 

As the cab of an HGV is much higher than any other road vehicle, most HGV drivers won’t be able to see approximately two feet in front of them while driving. 

While two feet might not sound much, this puts them in the direct path of traffic, causing potential accidents. 

• Back

The rear blind spot can be up to nine feet and can mean that other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are impossible to see. 

• Both sides

Side blind spots can vary in length depending on the type of HGV you drive. 

On some, the left-hand blind spot can merge with the front blind spot, creating a much larger area of restricted visibility. 

The right-hand blind spot can start from the back of the cab and run for some of the length of the trailer, causing issues for traffic on all sides. 

As part of your HGV training, your instructors will cover safe driving practices with you, including how to pass other road users and driver awareness in town or city centres – a hotspot for collisions with cyclists and pedestrians. 

Other things HGV drivers can do to minimise the risk of incidents include:

Using mirrors effectively 

Drivers need to ensure their mirrors are correctly positioned before every journey to ensure they have an unobstructed view on every possible side. 

Likewise, ensure all four mirrors are securely in place, including the: 

• Offside external mirror
• Nearside external mirror
• Internal mirror
• Close proximity mirror

Embrace technology 

Mirrors are incredibly useful but they have their limits. 

For this reason, HGVs are now being equipped with cameras and sensors that offer additional views and can alert drivers if they get too close to others. 

If drivers work in London, these cameras and sensors are being installed on heavy goods vehicles as part of the Progressive Safe System implemented by the Mayor of London. 

If you work outside of London, you can still choose to include these systems, as they will contribute to safer driving and reduce dangerous incidents on our roads.

Eliminate distractions 

While it can be tempting to pass the driving time by belting out your favourite songs, you should consider the implications of distractions while driving. 

Singing and chair dancing to music can lead to prosecutions for dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention while being caught on the phone or a tablet can incur a fine, penalty points, or even a driving ban. 

After completing your HGV training and completing a few jobs, your driving confidence will likely be quite high – don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security. The UK roadways are ever-changing and need your constant focus. 

*Is your current role filling you with more failure than fulfilment? Contact HGV Training Network to see how you could be behind the wheel of an HGV in no time!   ve.

How to avoid being in an HGV driver’s blind spot

While HGV drivers need to minimise dangers as much as possible, other road users and pedestrians also need to make sure they are doing all they can to avoid incidents with the largest vehicles on the roads. 

As such, to avoid being caught in the HGV blind spot, you should: 

1. Stay out of the way 

When driving a car, there are minimum space allowances that you employ to give cars around you the room they need. 

Be sure you maintain the two-second rule when driving around HGVs and remember that it takes them much longer to come to a stop because of their extra weight. 

Likewise, avoid sudden manoeuvres, like overtaking or suddenly braking, as this can mean you end up in the blind spot of an HGV without intending to. 

2. Make yourself visible 

Using lights, reflective strips, or bright clothing if you are walking or cycling near main roadways is the simplest way to ensure an HGV driver will see you.

If you are in a car, ensure your lights are on when needed and ensure you indicate in good time to make clear your intentions before you start, if you plan to overtake for example.

3. Be patient 

Given the increased weight and height of their vehicle, an HGV will need more time and room to complete actions like changing lanes, turning, or even pulling over. 

With this in mind, be patient if you are driving near one and anticipate stopping just in case. 

*With highly experienced and friendly staff and instructors, the team at HGVTN can help you retrain into a career you will love.  Why not read the testimonials from our past students to see how we can help?

Choose the HGV Training Network for safer HGV driving

As the industry continues to change to improve safety levels and efficiency, leaders like HGV Training Network do their all to ensure their trainees pass the first time and go on to be safer and more competent drivers.  

This approach, plus their 1:1 support, and the huge array of training courses students can choose from leads to thousands of happy, new HGV drivers a year! 

To get out on the open road as soon as possible, email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our contact form (below) and our friendly professionals will be in touch as soon as they can!      

If you’ve been considering driving vehicles professionally and have been putting in some research, two terms you’re likely to have come across are ‘PSV licence’ and ‘PCV licence.’

With so many licences being thrown around these days, with seemingly every letter of the alphabet up for grabs, it can be difficult to know which specific licence you need to make the career switch that’s right for you.

Don’t worry, HGV Training Network is here to help.

We’re home to over 50 HGV training centres across the UK, helping you pick up the skills and knowledge you need to get behind the wheel for a living in a place that’s convenient for you, whatever you want to drive. 

Click the links above to learn more, or keep reading to discover whether a PSV or PCV licence is the right move!

What is a PSV licence?

PSV stands for ‘Public Service Vehicle.’ In short, a PSV licence allows you to drive vehicles designed to transport multiple passengers for payment.

However, it’s important to note that ‘PSV’ is not the recognised abbreviation anymore, hence the common confusion. Today, PCV is far more common… more on this in a moment.

When you undergo PCV training with HGVTN, you’ll be training to drive:

• Buses and coaches with up to 64 passengers (known as a Category D licence)
• Minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats (Category D1 licence)

This opens you up to a wealth of opportunities in professional driving. You’ll be able to drive the many buses you see rolling along the streets of Britain every day.

Or, for something a little bigger and wide-ranging, you could end up driving much larger coaches, for those long-haul coach trips people up and down the country know and love.

What does PCV stand for?

PCV stands for ‘Passenger Carrying Vehicle.’ Before confusion truly takes over, let us set the record straight for you:

There is no difference between a PSV licence and a PCV licence.

It’s simply different terminology for the same certification, with ‘PCV licence’ being the more recent of the two.

PCV has become the preferred usage since EU driving regulations were updated several years ago, hence why PSV has taken a back seat (pun intended!).

In other words, when researching which of these licences will serve you best, start by looking up ‘PCV licence training’ but you’ll likely be steered in the right direction either way.

PCV training, much like your standard driver training, involves a mix of practical training and theory revision, before completing a practical driving test, relevant theory tests and a hazard perception exam.

So if you’re already an experienced driver with a standard car licence, these steps won’t feel new to you.

Did You Know: You could earn your PCV licence in as little as eight weeks, on average? Speak to a member of the team today to learn more.

Pros and cons of a PCV licence

Compared to other forms of professional driving, PCV licences allow you to partake in journeys and jobs you may find more appealing than others in the industry.

Having said that, you may be at the opposite end of the spectrum. It all depends on your personal preference and temperament!

Here are a few pros and cons of a PCV licence for you to consider:

Pros of a PCV licence

• Job availability – Bus and coach drivers are in high demand at the moment.
• Variety – Alternating routes can be a welcome change to familiar settings.
• Interactions – You’ll get to speak with new customers every day.
• Good pay – PCV licence holders often take home impressive salaries, depending on the location.

Cons of a PCV licence

• Traffic problems – There will always be some road-related issues you’ll need to deal with.
• Responsibility – When you’re at the wheel, all passengers in your vehicle are in your care.
• Physical demands – Sitting at the wheel of a large vehicle for long hours can sometimes put a strain on your body.
  

If you think another form of driving licence would be more up your street, get in touch with the team at HGVTN – we guarantee we’ll have something to suit your taste!

What is a CPC licence?

When studying for your PCV licence, it’s also a legal requirement for you to complete CPC training.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is a compulsory qualification for bus, coach and HGV drivers that proves you’re willing and capable of upholding all relevant safety procedures when out on the open road. For your own safety and that of those around you.

Once you’ve earned your CPC, you’ll need to complete 35 hours of training once every five years to keep it. At HGVTN, your CPC modules are included as standard in your PCV training, so you needn’t worry about seeking them out elsewhere.

Begin training for your PCV licence and get on the road with HGV Training Network

If you’re ready to take the next big step in your driving career, or get a brand new career in the driver’s seat off to a fantastic start, HGVTN is here for you.

Our experienced and qualified instructors will help you pass your practical test with flying colours, while arming you with all the know-how and confidence to do the same with your theory and hazard exams, so you can start applying for new roles quickly.

To find out more about PCV driver training, or for any more information on the multiple training courses we have available, speak to a member of the HGVTN team today.

A career in coach driving is a rewarding and sociable one, but how much do coach drivers tend to earn?

Keep reading to learn more about the salary you can expect as a coach driver.

How much do coach drivers earn monthly?

In 2025, the average coach driver’s salary tends to hover at around £2,253 per month in the UK.

As an entry-level driver, you can expect an average wage of around £1,965, which can increase to an estimated figure of £2,968 as an experienced coach driver, based on a full-time position.

Factors including hours worked per week, level of experience, type of hours, location of work and distances travelled can play a role in deciding the hourly rate of bus and coach drivers. 

For example, professional coach drivers working at unsociable hours like evenings and weekends or those working in cities with a higher cost of living like London can often expect to receive higher monetary compensation.

How much do coach drivers earn yearly?

The average salary for a UK coach driver in 2025 can range from £23,583 up to £35,618 per annum. The median is currently sitting at approximately £27,040 which equates to an hourly rate of £13.87.

According to the Government website, you can expect to earn anywhere from £18,000 to £34,000 largely depending on experience. A typical week for a coach driver tends to look like 45 to 47 hours of work, which affects salary accordingly. 

Again, the amount and type of hours worked, experience, location and distance travelled are considered when deciding on yearly salary.

Are coach drivers on a salary?

Coach drivers do often earn a salary. 

Drivers can also benefit from additional opportunities such as tips, commissions, bonuses and overtime pay to seize a higher amount of pay.  

In the UK, employers must abide by minimum and national living wage compliance. The national living wage currently sits at £11.44 for those over the age of 21. This figure is set to increase to £12.21 from April 2025, meaning you should be earning this amount or higher as long as you meet the requirements. ponsibility of transporting the most hazardous goods on our roadways, HGVTN can help you gain your licence. 

Can you work part-time as a coach driver?

Coach drivers can access a variety of contract types, including part-time!

A comprehensive range of coach operators list part-time opportunities, which can provide shift variety and flexibility to suit your lifestyle and requirements. Drivers often consider casual, weekend, evening and full-time contracts depending on the employer’s needs.

Do you want to start a career as a coach driver?

To start your fruitful and rewarding career as a coach driver, you must first complete PCV coach driver training to ensure your professional competence.

At HGV Training Network, we help to train and provide career opportunities for aspiring bus and coach drivers, with future initiatives specifically aimed at supporting your success.

You can complete your bus and coach licence (Cat D) training with our friendly and welcoming team in as little as 5 days. We have an extensive range of training centres throughout the country, so you’re bound to find one accessible to you.

If you already hold a car driving licence and think you have what it takes to drive a passenger-carrying vehicle and deliver the very best customer service, get in touch with us today!

Professional drivers of HGVs, buses, or coaches are, understandably, held to much higher standards on UK and EU roads. 

This ensures competency, maintains high standards, brings business benefits, and improves road safety for other road users and pedestrians who might find themselves walking past the largest vehicles on the roads. 

To achieve these aims, drivers must complete CPC training – but how many CPC hours do you need if you drive for work? 

The two types of CPC training 

The Driver ‘Certificate of Professional Competence’ (CPC) training should occur every five years. 

On each CPC card, there is a deadline date for each new round of CPC training, which consists of multiple modules that add up to 35 hours in total. 

CPC training can either be initial, which is designed specifically for newly qualified drivers or periodic – for drivers a bit longer in the tooth!  

Initial CPC training is most often completed concurrently as part of your HGV training so if you are currently taking it, you might not even notice they are separate training types!   

*Considering HIAB training to switch up your current role? Contact HGV Training Network to get started today! 

How many CPC modules are there?

The number of CPC modules depends on which kind of CPC training you are undertaking – initial or periodic. 

Initial CPC training 

This includes CPC Case Studies (CPC module 2 theory test) and CPC Practical (CPC module 4).

CPC module 2, part of the theory test, gives you case studies based on real-life scenarios and asks a series of questions based on them. 

CPC module 4 is included in the practical HGV test and uses show me, tell me style questions on aspects of HGV operation that don’t include driving. 

Periodic CPC training 

The exact module list can differ depending on which HGV training provider you choose. However, they generally cover topics like: 

• Improving your driving skills
• Safety
• Emergency first aid
• Fuel-efficiency 
• Environmental responsibility
• Driver hours and tachograph usage 
• Vehicle checks 
• Company image 
• Security 
• First aid 

For a comprehensive guide – ask your chosen CPC training school, they will be able to give you more details. 

*If you like to live dangerously, why not consider ADR training? With the responsibility of transporting the most hazardous goods on our roadways, HGVTN can help you gain your licence. 

How to check CPC hours 

It’s essential that all professional drivers carefully track their 35 hours of CPC training – failure to have the right amount can result in a fine of up to £1,000 or the loss of HGV driving eligibility.  

Luckily, to help you do this, there is a specific government portal you can use to check your periodic driving hours. 

Please note, you will need to register if you haven’t used it before and a password will be sent to your home address – so it’s best to register before you need it in a hurry! 

To track your initial CPC training hours, simply ask your provider – they will have a record they can share with you.   

Choose CPC training with HGV Training Network 

As industry leaders in the HGV training world, we work with thousands of new and current professional drivers to give them the skills they need to get their preferred careers on the road. 

With 1:1 support, finance options, and a wide choice of professional courses to choose from, it’s worth enquiring to find out more. 

To speak to the team, email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.     

HGV drivers play a significant role in keeping the country moving, ensuring goods of all kinds reach their intended destinations safely and on time.

Considering its importance, and with thousands upon thousands of HGV drivers on the road every day, the question must be asked: is HGV driving actually a good job? Or is it just another placeholder position to earn drivers a monthly wage?

In short, yes – HGV driving can be a fantastic career shift if you’re looking to improve certain aspects of your working life.

At HGV Training Network, we’re nationally renowned providers of HGV Training – including HIAB training, ADR training and several other qualifications – so if you’re looking to make the jump to HGV driving, click the link to learn more or get in touch with HGVTN directly!

Did You Know: HGVTN is home to over 50 professional training centres across the country? Click here to see a full list of our locations!

The benefits of being an HGV driver

Independence

One of the main factors driving so many people away from traditional nine-to-five jobs is the constant badgering from colleagues, other members of staff or the general public.

Since much of the country was forced to work from home back in 2020, many people discovered a newfound desire for peace and solitude in their jobs; something that’s not always present in many positions and industries.

But it is present in HGV driving.

HGV drivers enjoy great independence behind the wheel, often spending long hours in their own company between deliveries.

It may sound isolating, but this kind of self-reliant environment is something a lot of people are longing for in the modern working world. If you’re one of them, HGV driving might be the job for you.

Good pay

Surprisingly to some, HGV drivers enjoy very healthy paychecks for the work they do.

Those driving in the logistics industry in the UK have a typical starting salary of between £21,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on the vehicles they drive, the companies they work for and the areas of the country they cover.

For instance, those working in and around London can expect to earn more right off the bat than those in the North of England.

Either way, for a complete beginner in the trade, these figures are hard to turn your nose up at.

Transferable skills

Lorry driving is, in itself, an impressive skill that many drivers make a very good career out of. But that isn’t to say that you need to remain an HGV driver until you retire.

On closer inspection, you’ll find there are many desirable transferable skills one can obtain through HGV training and HGV driving.

Excellent hand-eye coordination, good timekeeping, road safety and working well in a pressured environment (out on the open road among other drivers) are just some of the skills you’ll pick up, which you could then take with you to other careers – driving or otherwise.

Speaking of more driving, you could also drive other vehicles and transport other items while applying the skills you learned behind the wheel of an HGV. Including ambulances, cars with trailers and many more.

To find out more about these options – and the training involved – get in touch with a member of the HGVTN team today.

Available roles

While HGVs are a common staple on virtually all British roads, there is a significant shortage of HGV drivers and a lot of roles that need to be filled.

According to data featured on BBC News, there are still approximately 40,000 lorry driver roles that must be taken if the HGV industry is to perform to the fullest.

This ongoing shortage is due to a number of factors, including the retirement of previous drivers and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.

It sounds daunting, but becoming an HGV driver represents a wealth of opportunity for those seeking a new and exciting career choice, as well as a higher level of job security, knowing qualified new drivers are well-valued at the moment.

So, if you’re keen to make a change, there could be a job ready and waiting for you as soon as you complete your HGV training!

Want to become a truck driver and enjoy a rewarding career? HGV Training Network is here for you!

Does HGV driving sound like the answer to your career woes? HGV Training Network is here to give you the tools, knowledge and confidence you need to operate these vehicles professionally.

With many training centres to choose from and assistance finding a job once you’re qualified, we’re your ideal partner to begin your HGV journey.

Sound good? Speak to a member of the team today to get the ball – and your wheels – rolling!

How much do London bus drivers earn monthly?

London bus drivers are paid on a scale which typically averages at £15 per hour. Based on a 40-hour week, this amounts to around £2600 per month.

The hourly rate for an experienced driver can vary, averaging at £18. Based on a 40-hour week, you’re looking at earning around £3120 per month.

Factors such as experience and hours of work play a role in deciding an hourly rate. Drivers who work unsociable shifts, such as weekends and evenings, can access premiums, which allows them to access a wage of up to £20 (averaging at £3466 per month based on a 40-hour week).

Pay can vary depending on the bus operator too. Apprentices for Go-Ahead London reportedly earn a minimum of £15.37 per hour (£2664 per month based on 40 hours). However, this might not be the same for all companies.

How much do London bus drivers earn yearly?

The yearly salary for a driver can land anywhere between £25,742 and £48,270. Again, considerations such as experience, level of training, and hours of work must be taken into account. 

During training, a driver’s salary can average at £27,227 per annum. This will increase after completion.

For a fully qualified driver, the average salary sits at £32,815 per annum.

Are London bus drivers on a salary?

London bus drivers are typically paid on a salary.

The salary of a driver must abide by the London Professional Wage (LPW). As of 2024, the LPW sits at £13.85. This is higher than the national living wage for the rest of the UK due to an increased cost of living in London.

The Licence for London scheme (LfL) specifically protects drivers in the event of switching employment between bus operators. This means that wages will be maintained despite changing employers. The scheme recognises the drivers’ services and aims to maintain employee satisfaction within the industry. 

Can you work part-time as a London bus driver?

Many bus companies offer part-time contracts as a driver in London, including Metroline and Transport UK.

A career as a London driver provides flexibility to a variety of workers. By working shifts, you can suit your individual requirements. As well as working part-time hours, drivers can also consider full-time, weekend, evening, and casual contracts.

What are the benefits of becoming a bus driver in London?

Career progression

Bus driving in London is a fruitful career. The sliding scale of pay allows progression to work towards.

Additionally, drivers can specialise in other roles. Other careers in the sector can include training new drivers, route planning, and supervising.

Flexible hours

People in London are always on the move! With a career in bus driving, you can work hours that accommodate your needs. Drivers can work from a variety of shifts, including overtime, weekends, evenings, and casual (on an as-needed basis).

Job security

The LfL scheme provides drivers with security. Drivers can progress their careers with different operators without compromising pay.

It’s a growing industry! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for drivers will increase in the next 6 years by 21%. By becoming a driver, you can be confident that your new career will promise you stability.

Do you want to start a career in bus driving?

We offer training for a bus and coach (Cat D) licence through HGV Training Network. You can register your interest today.

Have any questions?

If you have any more questions regarding HGV Training Network or a career in driving, you can get in touch with one of our friendly experts.ntact form and our approachable but experienced staff will be in touch to see how they can help.