Posted At: Dec 21, 2022 - 50,483 Views
If you want to make your career as a Lorry Driver, getting an HGV licence is the first step. Once you possess this licence, you can drive HGV and LGV vehicles. HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, whereas LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle.
After you get an HGV licence, you will be eligible to drive trucks and lorries that are more than 3.5 tonnes. There are various categories of HGV licences, which are as follows:
- C
- C + E
- C1
- C1 + E
These licences are valid for five years and are issued by DVSA, which stands for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
How do I get an HGV licence in UK?
To acquire the HGV Licence, you are required to complete special training and pass a theory test. HGV Licence holders typically work for logistics companies as well as professional drivers.
Many universities and institutes in the UK offer HGV Training programs. You can join any of these institutes and get trained to become an HGV driver.
Some people find their interest in HGV driving and want to become a professional HGV driver for any category in the UK. But people need to know about the provisional licence, a medical exam, a theory test, driver CPC certification, and a practical test. All these modules are necessary to clear and periodic HGV driving training every five years. You need to register your form for HGV driving training, and once your application is accepted, you can start your HGV training.
Once your training is complete, you can apply for a heavy goods licence. Here are the steps for getting an HGV licence:
DVLA
HGV Medical
An HGV driving aspirant must compulsorily pass a medical exam as a part of the training program. The medical exam is conducted to make sure that the driver does not have any previous medical condition that will prevent him from driving any vehicle safely. A doctor will have a brief conversation with the driver to enquire about the medical history of the driver, and after that, he will complete the DVLA form.
HGV Theory
After the medical exam, you have to give a theory test. This test, consisting of multiple-choice questions, is conducted at a test centre. Before delivering the actual test, it is advised to practice mock tests. Practising mock tests will make you confident in clearing the actual test. You will get all the preparatory and exam training resources from your driver training centre.
Practical HGV Training
Once the theory test results are out, you can start with practical HGV training with a DVSA-certified instructor. The duration of this practical training depends upon your requirements.
HGV Licence Cost
So, how much does it cost to get a HGV licence? As mentioned earlier, you have to pass several theoretical and practical tests before getting a HGV licence. The cost depends upon certain factors, including the licence category, medical exam, theoretical exam, and other such exams. The total HGV licence cost is estimated to be between £250 - £300. This excludes HGV training costs. Can I get a HGV licence for free? If you join the military or defence forces, you can get a HGV licence for free.
HGV training cost
HGV training can be an expensive undertaking, but the cost could be a great investment when it comes to launching your career. Depending on the sort of licence you are looking for, HGV training can range from £1,400 to £7,000 and can involve a variety of classroom-based and practical training. However, there are options available to help you spread the cost of your training and make it more manageable.
You may be able to access loans, grants, and other financial assistance, so it’s worth doing your research and talking to an informed advisor. It’s important to ensure that the company you are dealing with is regulated and offers a high-quality service, as this will ensure you get the very best training and the right qualifications you need to get the job you want. https://www.gsdrivertraining.com/training-courses click the link to see our latest prices.
HGV Training Courses
Surrey is the perfect place to find the right HGV training course. Need to get your HGV licence quickly? You don't have to travel far; quality training courses are available in the South East region at centres approved by DSA. Experienced experts will guide you in the right direction as you work towards achieving your LGV driver qualification. Different HGV courses are available for different requirements, ensuring you get the right training plan for your career prospects. With such an array of courses, getting your HGV licence requirement will be straightforward.
HGV Licence Renewal
The renewal of the HGV licence depends upon your age, i.e. whether you are under 45 or above 45 years of age. You can find detailed information on the renewal procedure of the licence here: https://www.gov.uk/renew-lorry-bus-coach-licence
HGV Bootcamp Training
The UK government funds the HGV skills Bootcamp training to address the lorry driver shortage. The Department for Education (DfE) has set aside £17 million to fund HGV Bootcamp for new drivers. The camp usually lasts for 16 weeks. If you want to learn more, check the https://www.gov.uk/training-hgv/skills-bootcamps for additional information.
What Are The Different Classes Of The HGV Licence?
There are four different classes of this driving Licence:
Category C+E
Some people want to drive vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes in weighing and trailers weighing more than 750 kg. Then, they need a Category C+E driving licence.
Category C
A category C licence enables drivers to drive all vehicles, from Lorries to trucks. You must be over 18 to get a Category C driving licence.
Category C1+E
If some want to drive vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes, they need to get a category C1+E driving licence.
Category C1
A vehicle above 3.5t and below 7.5t in weight requires a category C1 driving licence.
Bus Driver
https://www.gsdrivertraining.com/cat-d
PCV training is essential for all bus drivers. Bus drivers must have the practical skills and knowledge necessary to deliver the highest safety, service and performance standards. PCV training delivers essential instruction to ensure bus drivers possess the qualifications to be safe and competent in their roles.
The training covers all aspects of driver responsibilities, including vehicle maintenance, operational regulations, passenger service, and emergency management. Drivers must undergo this training to qualify for their PCV licence and undertake the position of a bus driver.
Age requirement for every type of licence
Every person wants to know the answer to this question of how old they need for every licence category. You need to be 18 for these kinds of HGV driving licences.
Do I Need A Car Licence First?
A valid car driving license is essential for all kinds of driver training.
When Do I Need To Renew My Licence?
In case you are over 45 years of age, then it is required for you to renew your driving licence every five years, and over 65 years of age, at that point, your renewal is necessary to be annual.
What Times Can I Work As An HGV Driver?
HGV driver working hours depend on various factors like where your location is and how much your experience is.
How much does it cost to get an HGV licence in the UK?
You need to follow specific criteria to get the HGV licence in the UK: getting the HGV driver training and clearing the theory and the practical test. The cost is generally based on various factors like licence type, medical exam, theory exam, etc. and is £250 – £300 approx.
How do you get your HGV licence?
To get the particular HGV licence of your choice, firstly, you need to be at least 18 years of age and should have a provisional car licence, and you need to work through some of the criteria. That is, you need to get accurate HGV driver training followed by the HGV driving tests: the medical exam, theory exam, practical exam, etc. You can get your HGV licence easily once you pass the test with at least the minimum requirements.
Can I go straight to Class 1 HGV?
Firstly you need to get a Class 2 driving licence. Once you qualify for the Class 2 HGV driver's licence, you can go straight for the Class 1 HGV driver's by taking the category E-based driving practical test.
Class 1 HGV Licence Cost
Several elements, including the licence category, medical exam, theoretical exam, and other similar exams determine HGV Class 1 Licence cost. In general, the cost of an HGV licence is between £250 and £300. You must pass theoretical and practical tests before earning a Class 1 HGV licence.
What is an HGV and LGV licence?
An HGV or LGV lorry licence is a different term for the Class 2 lorry licence, as it allows you to drive a lorry over the weight of 7.5 tonnes and a maximum of up to 32 tonnes. For this, you need to apply for the DVLA for the entitlement to drive an HGV and further meet higher medical standards to get the HGV Driving licence.
Q: What is an HGV licence?
A: A HGV licence stands for a Heavy Goods Vehicle licence. It is a driving licence needed to operate large or heavy goods vehicles (i.e. Lorries or Trucks) on public roads in the UK.
Q: How can I obtain a HGV licence in the UK?
A: Obtaining an HGV licence is a process that usually involves completing a combination of theory and practical tests, as well as complying with the requirements in terms of paperwork, medical checkups, etc.
Q: Where can I look for HGV lessons and training?
A: Various HGV training companies offer lessons and courses. Look online for the top-rated course companies, such as those based in and around Surrey, UK. These companies can suit different budgets and provide different HGV/LGV training courses to help you achieve your goal.
Q: What does the HGV training course involve?
A: The HGV training course will involve a combination of both theoretical and practical elements. This may include lessons such as health and safety, correct loading and transportation of goods, vehicle maintenance, fuel efficiency, motorway driving, lane changing, speed limits, right of way, reversing the vehicle and more.
Q: What is Driver CPC?
A: Driver CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence. This training and qualification is for professional lorry, bus and coach drivers. It involves completing a series of training courses within a 5-year cycle.
Q: Do I need a bus licence and a HGV licence?
A: Not necessarily. Depending on your vehicle type, such as a lorry or heavy goods vehicle, a bus licence is not always required. However, if you are planning to drive a bus, minibus or coach, you will need a bus licence and a HGV licence.
Q: Are there any additional HGV licence requirements?
A: Yes. You must be over 18 years of age and hold a full valid driving licence. You must also have applied for a provisional licence and have passed the necessary eyesight and medical tests.
Q: What steps must I take to apply for a HGV licence?
A: You must complete the necessary paperwork and submit it to your local driving authority. You will then need to book a Theory Test and a Driving Ability Test. Finally, you will need to obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
Q: Are there any assistance schemes or funds available?
A: Yes. There are several assistance schemes available, depending on your circumstances. You may also be eligible for either grants or loans to help cover the cost of a HGV licence.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a HGV licence?
A: The exact time it takes to obtain an HGV licence will depend on the individual, but typically, it can take up to 12 weeks. This includes the time for paperwork, theory exams and the driving ability test.