Monthly Archives: January 2025

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.