HGV DriverIn case you want a life on the road, or If you have just dreamed of being a lorry driver since you had been a boy or girl, a career as a large Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver may be for you. HGV drivers used by a haulage provider get to go all around the UK and Europe, and the pay isn’t to be sniffed at either. Newly qualified HGV owners start at about £14,000, and seasoned drivers can get up to £35,000.

And so, in case you are currently enthusiastic about education as an HGV driver in the UK, the following are a number of the points you have to understand.

LGV or even HGV?

HGV is, strictly speaking, an older term, as the more recent and more official expression is LGV, or perhaps Large Goods Vehicle. The 2 phrases are used interchangeably, though virtually all men and women in the UK haulage sector (myself included!) still prefer the phrase HGV. So don’t be confused by LGV and HGV – they mean exactly the same.

Demands for HGV Driver Training

HGV licences for the biggest vehicles are split into two main classes, C+E and C. A class C HGV is any strict vehicle which is more than 7.5 tonnes, while a C+E license will let you to ride a bigger articulated car with a trailer.

You have to support a class C license before you are able to train for your class C+E license, as well as you must possess a standard UK driving license before you are able to train for either of these. There are a few age limitations, as you’ve to remain a minimum of eighteen to train for a class C license and over 21 for the group C+E. You have to to undergo a medical examination, that will include an eye test, to make certain that you are in good enough health to become a lorry driver.

HGV Driver Training – Theory Test

The technique of training as an HGV driver in the UK is simply like learning to drive an automobile, in that there is both a practical and theory test. In the concept test, you’ll answer a series of several choice questions that test your understanding of the legal and practical aspects of simply being an HGV driver.

This is adhered to by a hazard perception test, wherever you’ll be shown many video clips and have to just click a button if you notice a hazard. There is a maximum score of 75 for the HGV theory test, and have a pass mark of 50.

HGV Driver Training – Practical Test

For the useful test, you will be assessed on your skill to push an HGV vehicle in an assortment of problems. This would include a variety of transforming as well as reverse manoeuvres in a confined space and some road driving. The entire test ordinarily lasts 90 minutes. After you’ve passed the practical and the principle test, you will have your license and you will be willing to begin work with a haulage company.

Cost of HGV Driver Training

The cost of training as an HGV driver differs. If you already work for a haulage provider, they could be in a position to instruct you with their own staff at a reduced price. Independent training at a number of HGV training centres ordinarily costs around £1000, full and half-day day lessons available. A rigorous course of four or five full days is often sufficient to get someone ready for the sensible test.

Extra HGV Driver Training

From this September, you’ll also have to go for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in order to train as an HGV driver. This is a three part test, with two sets of several choice questions and a couple of case study questions.

If you would like to get an HGV that’s transporting hazardous materials, you will need to get an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) certificate, that is valid for 5 years after what you have to carry a refresher course. The first course takes 5 days, along with the refresher course 3. This particular qualification also boosts your earning power, as lorry drivers who transport dangerous goods could possibly earn higher wages.