Author Archives: Chris

The rules surrounding getting an HGV licence and HGV training can be confusing at the best of times, even for those of you who are already HGV licence holders, and always raise questions: “What licence lets me drive what vehicle?” “Do I need to undertake any extra training to switch vehicles?” And so on.
As we try to move towards a more eco-friendly world, the rules surrounding electric vehicles also add more confusion to the mix, with many HGV drivers, fleets and distribution companies worrying new rules and regulations may cost them a fortune. However, some recent news has come as a serious relief to many.

If you’re a professional HGV driver or are considering earning an HGV licence or LGV lorry licence and are wondering whether this recent news affects your driving status, keep reading…

Are HGV licence requirements changing?

Yes, there have been some minor – but important – developments in HGV training and HGV licences you should know about…

The government recently announced that it will be SCRAPPING the requirement for drivers with a Category B car licence to undertake an extra 5 hours of training before they’re legally allowed to drive “alternatively-fuelled goods vans” (AKA electric vans) of up to 4,250kg.

This means that drivers with a Cat B licence can drive vehicles weighing 4,250kg (as long as they’re electric) without halting their work or re-training to earn a higher category of licence should they begin to drive more electric-powered vans this weight in the future – which is expected.

Why is all this happening?

The UK government has been making steady (yet slow) progress towards creating a greener, more energy-efficient world for future generations. Given that emissions from cars and vans contribute approximately 20% of the country’s overall carbon emissions (which may not sound like a lot, but the government considers this a big issue in their plans) steps have been taken to encourage the adoption of electric cars and electric vans.

As part of this plan, the government says the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles of all kinds will be gradually “phased out” by 2030 – the thought being that all vehicles will benefit from zero emissions by 2035. It’s a bold task, but one that is making some progress with announcements like the one above. 

In 2018, the government was able to obtain a derogation (a pass, in other words) from the European Commission which allowed Cat B drivers to drive electric heavy goods vehicles of up to 4,250kg in weight, which is higher than the previous limit of 3,500kg. This was in answer to the differences presented by electric goods vehicles.

Because electric cars and vans operate using large batteries, which are often much heavier than engines and other parts found in petrol vehicles, drivers of these vehicles can expect them to be much heavier than the traditional alternative – including goods vehicles. Because electric goods vehicles often exceeded 3,500kg, the government had previously required drivers to take 5 hours of extra training to get to grips with said vehicles.

However, as time has passed, this change has shown that the extra training comes at a great cost to drivers and companies and can significantly stunt the progress of deliveries while drivers step aside for the 5 hours as required. Which is why the government has decided to do away with this training altogether.

Now, Category B drivers are allowed to drive these heavier electric vehicles without taking any extra training or shooting for a different licence, which would cost them more time and money.

If you would like to read more about these changes, why they’ve occurred and the next steps the government is taking, you can read the official executive summary on the GOV.UK website here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency for more information.

Do you need to do anything with your HGV licence?

If you hold a Cat B licence and are worried you may not be able to drive these new vehicles as they are more widely introduced, you can relax. The rules have changed in your favour and you’ll be able to drive these vehicles without earning a new licence.

Having said that, a Cat C licence opens up many new doors for drivers seeking to onboard new work and boost their wages, making further HGV Training an enticing prospect.

Choose HGV Training Network for all your HGV Training requirements

If you want to become an HGV driver or lorry driver or want to add to your driving credentials, HGV Training Network is here for you. Our experienced instructors offer in-depth training with a personalised approach, helping you earn the qualifications you need quickly and efficiently while giving you the confidence to head out on the open road and forge a new career. Our training courses are available from over 40 locations across the UK and we offer train now pay later HGV training finance, taking the stress out of affording your training.

Our HGV training course will cover all aspects of HGV training you need to earn the licence you require – including your provisional licence, practical HGV training, your practical test, your theory test, as well as your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC qualification. Plus, you won’t need to let the HGV licence cost worry you, as we can provide a finance package to help cover your training fees.If you’d like to find out more about the training services we offer including bus driver training, reach out to us today.

Insurance can be a tricky subject for people to understand as it is based on so many variables.

Add in the extra confusion of having two different licences – a car and an HGV licence – and it gets even more complex.

To make things clearer, here is everything you need to know about insurance with an HGV licence.

Is car insurance cheaper with an HGV licence?

Car insurance is calculated by providers using a range of factors to ascertain how risky you are as a policyholder. These factors include:

1. Where you live and the crime rate in your area
2. The kind of car you drive
3. Where you normally park
4. Your driving record
5. The size of your No Claims Discount (NCD)
6. The level of cover you choose
7. The size of your voluntary excess

But it could also take into consideration your job as a professional driver. This is because you have more practice driving than most, which should in turn make you a better driver.

Unfortunately, this is dependent on your particular insurance provider, so you shouldn’t assume that just because you drive for a living it will make your car insurance cheaper – but it absolutely is worth asking about when shopping around for policies!

If you don’t ask, you don’t get right?

Do you need HGV insurance if you drive professionally?

Just as with cars, it is a legal requirement to have HGV or lorry insurance, unless it is registered as out of use with a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN).

HGV insurance covers other motorists, your lorry, and you, as well as the goods you are carrying – which is essential if you frequently carry very high-value haulage.

HGV insurance comes in the same three levels of cover: Third-Party Only (TPO), Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT), and Comprehensive, allowing you to choose which is best for you and your vehicle and the use of devices like dash cams, telematics (black boxes), and additional security measures can bring the price down slightly.

If you’re not sure who should be paying the insurance, it is likely to be you, but check with your employer when you start – it should be outlined in your contract.

Can HGV drivers get discounted insurance?

This question can be considered in two areas: in your HGV insurance and your car insurance, but it is important to note that NCDs (No Claims Discounts) don’t carry over from one policy to another or are mirrored across the two.

In your HGV insurance

HGV insurance is an example of a commercial vehicle insurance policy and as such it will become cheaper as your number of NCDs increases.

When it comes to HGV insurance discounts, there are providers who prioritise professional drivers in order to attract them as a customer base. Irish provider Cornmarket Insurance appears as the favourite among professional driving forums so it’s worth shopping around.

Another way to get a discount can be to use specific measures, including:
1. Dash cams and other surveillance options
2. Telematics or black box insurance
3. Additional security measures to secure your load

In your car insurance

As we explored above, HGV drivers may be eligible for a discount, but this is down to the individual provider.

Some car insurance providers do partner with services aimed at HGV drivers in order to offer policyholders a discount, so you should check when comparing packages.

Suggested insurers that may offer a discount include Shiela’s Wheels, Apricot Insurance, and Cornmarket Insurance.

What insurance do you need to drive an HGV abroad?

What you need to travel safely and legally abroad can change country by country, but you will always need to have HGV insurance, with Third-Party cover being the minimum accepted.

Some countries in Europe, and the wider world, also require you to have a ‘green card,’ to verify your HGV insurance. These countries include:

Albania
Belarus
Moldova
Ukraine
Iran
Israel
Morocco
Tunisia

HGV drivers don’t need a green card to drive in the following countries:

Andorra
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Serbia
Switzerland

It is important to check things out before you leave and keep backup copies of all documents with a friend or family member in case you need further copies while travelling.

Explore the world with HGV Training Network

To ensure you have the experience, skills, and support to start your HGV adventure, make sure you choose a reputable, welcoming, and trusted HGV training provider.

With over 50 nationwide training centres, training materials, a variety of training options including bus driver training and hundreds of happy graduates who are already out on the open road – what are you waiting for?

For more information, or to book HGV training near you, call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Considering training for a PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) licence and changing careers?

Perfect for sociable professional drivers who want to drive to a variety of locations – from tourist destinations to airports – a PCV licence could be the key to getting you behind the wheel of your new life.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about PCV licences.

What is the PCV licence?

Previously known as the PSV (public service vehicle) licence, a PCV licence comes in two varieties and allows you to drive either:

Buses and coaches – Cat D licence
Minibuses – Cat D1 licence

Depending on what you drive, you can expect a starting salary of around £25,000, rising to £38,000 with more experience – however, this can change depending on your hours, contract, and which company you work for.

Driving jobs that require these licences combine driving professionally with the sociability of meeting people – making it ideal for more outgoing individuals.

The bus and coach licence (Cat D)

This licence is designed for bus or coach drivers and permits them to carry up to 64 passengers on both single and double-decker vehicles.

Cat D vehicles have more than 8 passenger seats and are at least 10m long and 2.4m wide.
These vehicles and their drivers are used for a range of purposes, including:
School trips
Coach holidays
Visiting tourist attractions or large sporting events

The minibus licence (Cat D1)

The D1 licence is suitable for drivers who want to drive minibuses with 16 passenger seats or less.

Cat D1 vehicles should be 5-8m long with a maximum mass of 4 tonnes.

Minibus drivers can drive to many of the same places as buses and coaches but also frequently can be used as:
Taxi travel to closer destinations
For hen or stag dos
For private hospital transport
Private event transport – for weddings or funerals
Local sports events

How do I get my PCV licence?

Similar to other large vehicle licences, as long as you have your Cat B (car) licence, the stages for gaining your Cat D or D1 licence are as follows:

Complete your medical examination
Study for and pass your theory test
Train and achieve your Cat D/D1 driving test
Complete your CPC training (Certificate of Professional Competence)

Then you can look for your very first driving job in either a minibus, bus, or coach

How much will a PCV licence cost?

The exact cost of a PCV licence depends on many factors, including your experience level of driving Cat D or Cat D1 vehicles and if you have any previous HGV training.

For this reason, every learner will need to chat with one of our advisors to get a bespoke, no-obligation quote.

Achieve your PCV licence with HGV Training Network

With a choice of over 40 locations across the country, you’ll be sure to find a training centre that suits you with the HGV Training Network. We also offer finance on all our training courses allowing you to train now and pay later when you begin your new career.

For more information, or to book HGV training near you, call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

Any sort of driving test can make you anxious – which can, unfortunately, increase your risk of failing your HGV test.

But if you have failed an HGV test three times now, you might well be wondering what you can do to limit your chances of failing a fourth time.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about failing your HGV driving test, so you can limit the chances of it happening to you in future!

What happens if I fail my HGV test?

Just as with the car driving test, if you’ve failed an HGV test, your examiner will ask you to park up and go through your results with you.

They will talk you through your driving test report, outlining the faults you have made and why specifically you have not passed.

This could be because of:
1. Having amassed 12 or more minor driving faults
2. Committing one serious or dangerous fault – sometimes called majors

If either of these things happens, you will unfortunately fail your HGV driving test.

How long after taking your theory test can you retake?

After your failed theory test, you will have to wait at least three working days, Monday to Saturday, before you can rebook your HGV theory test.

The rebooking rules are the same if you have also failed your HGV practical driving test.

No matter if you have failed your HGV test three times, or thirteen times, it is essential that you work on the areas identified in your test report.

This test report will be sent to you over email after your last test and can be shared with your instructor to ensure you focus on the areas that need the most improvement, to give yourself the best chance of passing next time.

What’s the pass rate for the HGV theory test?

Exact pass rates can differ across the country, but the UK government data for test pass rates in the year ending March 2022 were:

• Theory multiple-choice was 64.9%, up 4.1 percentage points versus March 2020
• Theory hazard perception was 83.4%, up 2.2 percentage points when compared to March 2020

The most common reasons for failing your HGV driving test

Working in descending order, below are the most common reasons drivers failed their on-road practical HGV driving test between 1^st October 2017 to 30^th September 2018. 

10. Response to signs and signals – traffic signs

With 1,662 fails recorded, drivers have frequently missed essential road traffic signs on their practical test, including those noting height or weight restrictions on routes. 

Because of the size of your vehicle, it is essential you pay close attention to road signs otherwise you could end up stranded or stuck. 

9. Judgement – meeting an oncoming vehicle 

With 1,693 fails, drivers have not shown competence when meeting an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a serious or dangerous fault, such as blocking narrow roads or overtaking incorrectly. 

8. Awareness – Planning

With an equal number of failures, there were two reasons for failing for awareness and junctions. 

• Awareness – planning, 2,040 fails. 

Failure to plan ahead, pay close enough attention to vulnerable road users, or failing to ensure your vehicle has passed safely through hazards are all examples of failure to demonstrate awareness and planning ahead. 

7. Junctions – turning right

Also with 2,040 fails poor positioning at a junction, especially when turning right, often results in failure during driving tests as traffic around you then have to take action to avoid you. 

6. Response to signs and signals – traffic lights 

With 2,205 fails, mistakes with traffic lights are fairly common. 

Remember, because of the size and weight of your vehicle, your stopping distance is increased versus a car or bike. As such, you should always anticipate and prepare for stopping at a traffic light! 

5. Move off – safety 

Failure to move off safely from a range of road and traffic conditions will result in drivers joining the 2,594 fails committed in 2017-18. 

Always observe effectively, take your time, and drive on when ready. 

4. Mirrors – change direction 

If you don’t check your mirrors when changing direction, how can you be aware of hazards on either side or behind you? 

Well, you can’t – and changing direction then becomes a hazard. 

Don’t join the 3,187 fails and ensure to look thoroughly in all directions and mirrors before you take action. 

3. Control – steering 

Like the 4,348 drivers who failed because of their steering control, avoid making contact with the kerb while turning. 

Gentle contact is unlikely to result in failure but mounting the kerb will likely result in a fail. 

2. Junctions – observations 

Surprisingly, the second most common reason for test failure, at 5,925 faults, is failing to observe carefully enough at a junction. 

Pulling out into a gap that isn’t large enough can be dangerous for you and other road users – resulting in failure. 

1. Reverse left – control

With 6,233 recorded fails, incorrect control during the reversing exercise can easily result in a failure. 

Drivers often forget that there is no penalty for taking your time and remaining in control – and examiners would rather you take longer and complete the manoeuvre safely rather than rush and become dangerous. 

Get test ready with HGV Training Network

To ensure you face your HGV driving test with confidence, make sure you choose a reputable, welcoming, and trusted HGV training provider. Find your nearest location and get started today.

For more information, or to book HGV training or PCV training, call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

After you’ve finished celebrating earning your HGV licence, it’s time to start planning your next move as a newly qualified professional driver.

But before you make any decisions, there are several considerations to think about after finishing your HGV training and gaining your licence.

So, keep reading to find out what you should incorporate into your plans before plotting any future career moves.

Consider where you want to be based

Firstly, it’s wise to ensure that you’re looking for your first professional driver role in a suitable area – it’s pointless to apply for a permanent role in an area you’re moving away from.

If you know where you’ll be living and you’re leaving soon, it’s worthwhile applying for opportunities in that area – you can find localised roles on sites such as Indeed or LinkedIn.

If you have a few months before relocating, you could opt for a temporary role in the meantime so you’re still earning an income and increasing your experience behind the wheel.
Did you know that HGV Training Network ranks among the highest-rated HGV training providers in the nation? Click here to explore a selection of reviews from our delighted students.

Decide between  full-time or part-time roles

Just like any other career, you’ll need to consider whether you’re looking for a permanent full-time position or not.

You may desire a part-time role or a contract job depending on your circumstances – these roles are excellent if you share childcare with a partner and can’t commit to full-time work. 

Contract positions are also excellent if you wish to start work quickly if you’re in between places and require more flexibility with time off.

Full-time positions are better suited to…

Resolve on a specific role 

Within the HGV driving sector, there are many different companies that require your newly acquired skills and qualifications, meaning you can choose a role that best aligns with your needs.

There are financially rewarding commercial supply chains or private retailers that hire their own in-house HGV drivers, such as supermarkets and furniture stores.

However, some roles offer an additional intrinsic reward which may drive you, such as distribution positions that deliver essential supplies to hospitals. 

Want to speak with one of our helpful team members? If so, call us on 0800 254 5007

 Contemplate earning further licenses

If you currently only hold a Class 2 license, you may wish to consider adding another string to your bow by earning your Class 1.

The Class C1 qualification permits you to drive the largest HGVs, such as the lorries found on motorways weighing between 7.5 and 44 tonnes.

Driving the largest HGVs is incredibly lucrative, with drivers earning upwards of £40,000 per year – plus, additional licenses open the door to future instructing roles if you wish to switch up your career!

After taking some time to contemplate your next steps, you can start to apply for your dream positions in the HGV sector – whatever it may be!

Get in touch with HGV Training Network today

If you’re only just considering earning your first HGV license, we’re on hand to help jumpstart your new and well-paid life on the road.

Here at the HGV Training Network, our experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding a career in HGV driving and book you onto one of our programmes. Simply call our friendly team on 0800 254 5007 for further information –   we’ll be happy to help.

Considering there are so many different vehicle types and sizes on the roads, each with their own traits and necessary skills, it’s understandable that many of these vehicles require their own licence to operate legally. This is why it’s no surprise that many people who wish to drive a minibus – for personal reasons or professionally – wonder whether they need a special kind of licence before they get behind the wheel.

So what, if any, licence do you need to drive a minibus? And are there any other parameters around driving minibuses people should be aware of? At HGV Training Network, we’re expert providers of HGV training, as well as training for other types of vehicles, so we’re ideally positioned to shed some light on this topic for you.

*Did you know… HGV Training Network is home to training courses covering a variety of vehicles and licences, not just HGVs? Get in touch today to find out more!

Do you need a licence to drive a minibus?

The short answer is yes and no. The official rules say if you received your driver’s licence after the 1st of January 1997, you’ll need to undertake PCV training (Passenger Carrying Vehicle training) and earn a PCV licence, along with other documents, which we’ll discuss in a moment. If that’s you, and you’re interested in driving minibuses in any capacity, reach out to the HGVTN team today – we can definitely help you. If you received your licence before this date, this rule doesn’t apply to you.

Although, depending on how you’re planning to drive the minibus, and whether or not you’re planning to charge people to ride said minibus, you may or may not require a special kind of licence to drive it. Let us break it down for you…

The rules if you’re not charging people to ride your minibus

If you’re planning on driving a minibus with passengers, but are only doing so for social purposes and you aren’t planning on charging anyone as a passenger, you do not need a special licence to drive a minibus. You only need your standard car licence, assuming you already have one.

However, according to the UK Government, you must still meet several requirements to drive a minibus outside of a professional capacity:

• You must be over 21 years of age.
• You must have had a standard driving licence for at least 2 years.
• You must meet the Group 2 Medical Standards – click the link to learn more about what these are.
• You must be driving voluntarily and not, in any way, use the minibus for commercial purposes.
• The weight of the minibus (with all passengers aboard) must not exceed 3.5 tonnes – though you may also have up to 750kg of equipment to assist disabled users, like a wheelchair ramp.
• You can not tow a trailer.

These are the rules in place for the UK. However, people planning on travelling abroad sometimes plan on using a minibus to get around. In this case, the UK rules do not apply and you must follow the official rules set out by the government of the country you plan on visiting, so be sure to conduct thorough research and find out exactly what you need before travelling.

The rules if you ARE charging people to ride your minibus

If you plan on charging people to ride your minibus, you’ll need both of the following documents:

Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence

The PCV licence will allow you to drive a large vehicle with multiple paying passengers aboard. In this instance, a Category D1 licence obtained through PCV training will allow you to drive vehicles of up to 16 passengers – like minibuses. But larger vehicles with more passengers will require you to obtain a full Category D licence – the kind used if you wish to drive buses or coaches – and you’ll need to undertake further PCV bus training.

To pass PCV training, you’ll need a PCV entitlement (a form of provisional licence), which we can help you obtain. As part of the exam, you’ll need to take a theory test – including a hazard perception test and multiple choice test – as well as undertake practical training at an official training centre before taking a practical driving test.

This will also involve earning your CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), a qualification all drivers must earn to ensure they’re fit to drive professionally.

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence

The PSV licence is the licence that allows you to charge for your services if you plan on transporting passengers and accepting payment.

If you’re curious about either of these documents and would like more information on minibus driver training, get in touch with the HGV Training Network team today.

The rules if you are only charging people running costs to ride your minibus

Occasionally, you may only wish to charge people the cost of fuel so they can utilise your services. In this case, you only need to apply for a minibus permit, which can be done through the DVSA website.

However, the following standards must be met:

• You must be over 21 years old.
• The minibus must be able to carry between 9 and 16 passengers.
• You must be driving it for a voluntary organisation, such as a charity or for religious purposes etc.
• The minibus is only to be used by people involved in this organisation and no one else.
• You will not make any profits from collecting fuel costs from your passengers.

Join our PCV training course and earn the qualifications you need to drive minibuses at HGV Training Network

Whether it’s for professional or personal reasons, if you need to undergo PCV driver training to add a new licence to your collection to drive minibuses, HGV Training Network is here to help. Our training staff is made up of reliable drivers with experience of driving many vehicles, including minibuses, so you’ll be in excellent hands. Speak with a member of the HGVTN team today to book your PCV test and theory tests or to find out more.

Eager to enter the gratifying HGV industry? If so, driving 7.5-tonne trucks is an excellent start and a superb career choice in itself. But why learn to drive one, and can you currently learn to operate this type of vehicle?

Within this article, our specialists explain all you need to know about driving 7.5-tonne lorries and how to kickstart your new career.

Why learn to drive a 7.5-tonne lorry?

There’s an abundance of reasons to drive 7.5-tonne lorries for a living, from impressive wages to developing interchangeable skills:

Impressive salaries

On average, drivers delivering with 7.5-tonne trucks can earn on average around £30,000 per annum for a 40–45-hour working week. Of course, this may be subject to location, the employer, your level of experience and the distances travelled.

Plus, some employers may even offer incentives such as immediate starts, bonuses for meeting targets and company benefits and discounts.

Did you know
At the HGV Training Network, you can spread the cost of your learning over 36 months thanks to flexible financing from Snap Finance. Find out more

Independent working

With HGV driving, you’ll never want to go back to the office as you can work independently and break away from the stresses of office politics – which can be incredibly draining and tiresome!

This is excellent for those who appreciate their own company or have young families and desire a less stressful environment whilst not at home – it’s also superb for those who enjoy having freedom over the radio!

Transferable skills

By learning to drive smaller HGVs first, you’ll gain transferable skills that can be used to achieve other HGV licences, such as those to drive large lorries you see on the motorway.

Interchangeable skills include awareness of other road users whilst in a large vehicle, how to manoeuvre a truck correctly and performing safety checks.

Who knows? You could even decide to qualify as a dangerous goods driver (ADR) down the line, which you’ll be well equipped to do thanks to your existing experience.

A multitude of job openings

If you opt to become a 7.5-tonne lorry driver, your skills will certainly be in high demand by retailers and distribution companies. This is due to around 4,000 drivers retiring each year and the ongoing shortage of qualified HGV drivers, with the UK shortfall currently sitting at 50,000 drivers.

Thankfully for you, the shortfall has led to more fantastic driver job openings, meaning you’ll have the flexibility to pick the jobs that best align with your needs.

Pick between supermarket delivery, furniture collection, online retail delivery roles and much more!

Want to speak with one of our helpful team? Call us on 0800 254 5007

What do I need to drive a 7.5-tonne truck?

Firstly, if you’re interested in becoming a 7.5-tonne lorry driver, you’ll need to be:
· 18 years of age or over
· Have a standard car licence
· Be medically fit to drive

You’ll also need to earn your C1 licence, which permits you to operate vehicles weighing between 3.5t and 7.5t. You can’t legally drive these vehicles without the C1 qualification and won’t be able to apply for professional HGV driver roles without it.

To apply, you need to start HGV training with an experienced provider, such as ourselves. This specialist training will supply you with the skills you need to pass your theory and practical tests and gain your C1 licence.

Get in touch with HGV Training Network today

To get your new career on the road, it’s worth speaking with one of our experts who can advise you on your next step or book you onto one of our courses. Don’t hesitate to call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007 for further information, and they’ll be happy to help.