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The cost of HGV driver training will always be one of the primary considerations when signing up for HGV training.
Of course, choosing the right training providers shouldn’t just be based on price – it has to be about the value you’ll be getting from the HGV training cost.
With this in mind, here are some of the most important things you should look at when looking for a proven HGV training provider.
1. Experience, certification and accreditation
The quality of training you’ll be receiving has a huge impact on your career, so make sure you get exceptional training from experienced instructors, employed by established HGV training centres with a proven record of success.
Established training centres are most likely to have instructors who will hold any necessary HGV certifications and will have built up years of valuable road experience and knowledge, which will aid your learning further.
The HGV industry is also governed by different bodies. So, make sure you choose accredited centres with tests that meet the highest standards in the UK.
2. Passing rates
Be sure to find a training centre that sets their students up for success – one way to do this is to find a training provider with high pass rates.
This means that they are teaching their trainees the right things in the right way, which paves the way towards achieving their HGV driving licence at the end of their training.
If this information isn’t readily available on the training centre’s website, make sure you ask their team directly whilst exploring different companies – you want to see a high percentage of passes coming from the HGV training centre to determine if they will help you pass your theory and practical tests.
3. Payment options for HGV Training Cost
If you have financial concerns or are working with a limited budget, but don’t want to miss out on exceptional HGV training courses, you need to check for training centres that offer flexible payment terms that allow you to spread out your HGV training cost.
This will help you work within a certain budget as you complete your HGV courses.
Remember, these training costs will be an investment towards your future, and funding your training will help you get closer to that lucrative career you’ve always wanted.
4. Accessibility to training centres
You need your full energy, concentration and focus the moment you start training, so make sure you select a training centre that is easily accessible to you.
Otherwise, you’d be spending so much time commuting or driving, wasting a lot of time and energy in the process that could hinder your ability to retain information!
Training centres like HGV Training Network has numerous centres spread across the UK, to make sure that lorry driver training opportunities are accessible to all, no matter where you’re located. Having multiple locations allows you to choose the most accessible centre and maximises the time you spend in training.
5. Possibility of employment after practical training
The end goal of HGV driver training is getting the best long-term employment opportunities afterwards, but wouldn’t it be even better if employment was part of the package?
This industry has continued to thrive in the past couple of years, which means there’s an array of employment opportunities available. However, finding a job takes a lot of time and can be difficult for new drivers entering the industry.
So, it’s best to not only consider HGV training costs but to also look for a training centre that provides employment opportunities after you gain your HGV licence.
This means that you get to practice everything you learned right after passing your practical test and can see your return on investment faster.
Did you know – here at HGV Training Network, our recruitment partner Blue Arrow can help you find your first professional driving job after passing the DVSA test!
What are the benefits of being an HGV driver?
Here are some of the reasons why you should switch up your career and enter the professional driving industry:
1. Plenty of job opportunities
HGV drivers are a vital element of the UK’s logistics network that transports products and materials across the nation – the past few years have demonstrated this sector’s critical role in the UK economy.
This is why many companies are frequently looking for fully-trained drivers, resulting in the scarcity of HGV drivers. Therefore, holding an HGV class licence puts you in high demand.
Plus, there are a large number of HGV drivers under the age of 25, suggesting drivers have a good chance of finding employment from an early age.
3. Job security
Similarly, the security of a driving job is one of the most appealing aspects of becoming an HGV driver.
People are eager to employ qualified HGV operatives due to the shortage of drivers, and given the current cost of living crisis, it’s comforting to know that your job is secure.
2. More freedom
With HGV driving, there’s an added element of freedom which is unrivalled by many other roles – this professional path would especially be ideal for those tired of working a tedious 9-5 job.
You’ll no longer be micro-managed, won’t have to deal with office politics or uninteresting chores, and will have plenty more time for things that interest you.
Instead, you can get behind the wheel, turn Smooth radio on or whatever you’d prefer, and hit the road, leaving your mundane office job behind.
4. Travel opportunities
Job opportunities are abundant within the professional driving sector that can take you across the UK – it allows you to go to places you wouldn’t have been able to visit otherwise due to your job.
What’s more, it can even take you across Europe and beyond depending on your role!
So, what do you need to do to get out on the UK roads as an HGV driver?
How do I start my HGV training?
If you already have a standard car licence and are looking to enter a new career in professional driving, then you need to know the following – here’s a step-by-step guide to the whole HGV training course process:
- Choose a training company you trust that offers affordable HGV training
- Apply for the right HGV licence
- Take a medical examination
- Complete your theory exam
- Start your hands-on training
- Get your HGV licence
Types of HGV Licences
Every motor vehicle has a different capacity, determining which licence category it falls into.
This means you need to apply for the correct licence, be trained to drive the right sized vehicles and pass all tests to earn the corresponding licence type.
The following are the most common licences:
The 7.5 Ton Cat C1 licence
Cat C1 vehicles are the smallest trucks used for transportation, weighing between 3,500 and 7,500 kg – however, a trailer weighing up to 340 kg can also be added to this type of truck.
This licence category enables you to drive horseboxes, delivery vans, and ambulances.
Class 2 – Cat C licence
A Cat C1+E license allows you to drive lorries or trucks weighing over 7,500 kg, with a rigid base that doesn’t exceed 32,000 kg.
These vehicles include tractors with long trailers, refuse trucks, and fire engines.
Class 1 – Cat C1+E licence
A Cat C1+E, also known as the HGV Class 1 licence allows you to drive the largest vehicles on the road that weigh between 7,500 – 44,000 kg, and a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
This includes the articulated distribution lorries you see on motorways.
With this licence, you can drive any of the HGVs or LGVs listed above too. Just looking to use a trailer? At HGV Training Network we also offer trailer training for those just looking to get a trailer license.
What you need to know about the HGV Practical Driving Test
After choosing your training provider and passing your HGV theory test with flying colours, you’ll next have to pass your practical driving test to gain your licence.
During your practical driving test, the examiner rates you on how well you:
- Make use of the vehicle controls
- Take a step back and away at an angle, both uphill and downhill
- Make a safe stop
- Look in your mirrors
- Indicate with the correct signals
- Are aware of and anticipate the intentions of other road users
- Manage your progress and control the speed of your car
- Respond to dangers
- Select a safe stopping place
There’s a 10-minute period of independent operation at the end – this is to simply see whether you can drive safely while making autonomous judgments.
If you are now ready to take on your HGV training, then it’s time you get in touch with us. can accommodate you at any time that’s convenient for you! Feel free to explore our website for more information.
How much does HGV training cost?
As HGV training courses are often tailored to the needs of each trainee driver, it’s difficult to put a price on the exact costs of HGV professional training.
For example, if you’ve had previous training before but didn’t complete the full course, you’ll likely require less training in comparison to a student with no previous experience – which would reduce the cost of your driver training.
For an accurate HGV training prices estimate, it’s always best to request a quote from a reputable training provider, such as The HGV Training Network.
Can I do HGV training on finance?
Eager to enter the fulfilling industry of HGV driving and earn your HGV licence, but can’t afford to pay for your training course in one bulk sum?
Well, with flexible financing, you can now pay for your HGV training courses month by month instead, depending on your provider.
This is great as you can wave goodbye to your office job without worrying about paying for training in full initially – making HGV courses accessible to all.
Is HGV training free?
Some HGV and LGV training courses are Government or company-funded, meaning you won’t have to pay for training. However, this funding is very competitive, and the HGV skills bootcamps created by the Government end on the 31st of March 2024.
However, some companies do offer free driver training with the promise of employment with the company after passing your practical and theory tests.
To read more about free HGV training and how to apply for free HGV training in the UK, take a look at our Funding for HGV Training blog.
How much does it cost to renew an HGV licence in the UK?
HGV drivers across the UK need to renew their licence every five years – this is to keep their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) valid. Additionally, they must also renew their photocard licence every 10 years, the same as you would a car licence.
The HGV licence cost for renewals are as follows:
- £34 online
- £43 by post
- £23 for photocard renewal
Contact HGV Training Network today
Here at HGV Training Network, we are an established provider of professional HGV training courses across the UK.
We’re also proud to offer finance packages which will allow you to pay for your HGV training in smaller, more convenient chunks, rather than a single lump sum.
If you’d like to know more about financing your training, feel free to get in touch with our team today, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
