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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK?
The current driver shortage is now sitting at around the 100,000 mark. This is now reaching a real crisis point as the demand for distribution keeps on increasing year on year.
The industry is currently losing nearly 4000 drivers a year to retirement, as the average age of an existing lorry driver is 53yo.
The demand for drivers has also increased by nearly 40000 drivers during the Covid19 pandemic and Brexit.
Why is there a driver shortage?
The average age of a HGV driver is 53 years old and only 2% of drivers are under the age of 25.
That means with the amount of people retiring, there isn’t enough drivers to fully sustain the industry and to continue delivering high quality services. If something isn’t done to try and attract more drivers, the industry shortage will have a huge and long-lasting impact on the goods that are being delivered up and down the UK.
The haulage industry has also blamed the driver shortfall on a post-Brexit exodus of European drivers. The Road Haulage Association estimates that up to 20,000 HGV drivers from the EU left during the Brexit process.
It is also estimated that the extra demand for more drivers during the Covid19 pandemic has increased the demand for HGV drivers by an extra 20,000 as more and more products are being delivered to residential addresses.
How long does it take to learn to drive a HGV?
Once you have the correct provisional entitlement on you licence and you have passed your theory tests, we deliver our training courses in only 5 days. Typically, it is done all in one week, the training would start on the Monday morning and finish on the Friday afternoon. The test with the DVSA is done as soon as you finish your training.
So you sit your test while the training is still fresh in your mind. Giving you the best chance of passing first time.
How much does a HGV driver earn?
A typical class 2 driver earns between £25,000 – £38,000 per year
A typical class 1 driver earns between £30,000 – £55,000 per year
A typical tanker Truck driver (ADR) earns between £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Where will I do my training?
We currently have 50 centres across the UK,
click here to find your closest location
What the difference between HGV and LGV?
HGV stands for “heavy goods vehicle” and LGV stands for “large good vehicle”, not “light goods vehicle” as some mistakenly believe. This means that, under UK and European law, an HGV license and an LGV license are fundamentally the same thing. They cover all commercial lorries featuring a gross combination mass of over 3500kg, which includes fridge trucks, box vans, Luton vans, flat beds, tippers and more.
Why choose the HGV Training Network?
We arrange everything for you: from your first medical and the provisional application stage, to arranging the theory and practical parts of your test. If you require the licence as part of your career, we will even help you obtain your driver’s CPC qualification. Once you are qualified, we can even help you arrange interviews so you can get your first job as a professional driver.
We handle everything. You can even start the driving lessons now and pay for it later.
How much does HGV training cost?
All of our courses are tailored to each student’s needs. We are even able to pick up from whatever stage you are currently at with your training.
Finance is also available through us, so “Train Now and Pay Later” and spread the costs of the course for up to 36 months.
How does the HGV theory test work?
The HGV Theory Test is broken down into two parts just like a car licence;
1.Hazard Perception Test (identifying developing hazards in video clips)
2.Multiple Choice Test (multiple choice questions).
Both parts of the test are computer-based, and we will provide you with Industry Standard online revision material which mirrors your tests at the Theory Test Centre.
Will the HGV Training Network help me get a job as a HGV driver?
Once you have passed your test, we will help you get in to work by putting you on to our partners at Blue Arrow. Just tell them what sort of jobs you’re looking for and how far you’re prepared to travel, and they will do the rest!
We also get your applications underway by sorting out your CV and Cover Letter to Industry standard.