If you want to become an HGV Driver, you need to know a few things before
To work as an HGV driver, one need first:
- Possess a valid driver’s permit or license.
- You must be at least 18 years old, though exceptions are still there
- Obtain a competency certificate, CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
What Qualifications do You Need to be an HGV Driver?
If this is your first time applying, you must first qualify for a valid license of HGV. And for this HGV license, you must clear 4 steps test for CPC Driver i-e theory, case studies, Practical training and driving skill. In mentioned training session, medical test must be cleared by you, which will show that you don’t have any medical problem to drive.
After you’ve earned your certification, you’ll do one and half day training session in duration of 5 years. But with previous experience of HGV driver you just need to pass one of these, one and half day training or two of the case studies or four practical presentation without going in 4 steps complete training.
- Theory test
HGV driver theory exam consists of various short questions that you must solve on computers in an authorized testing center. You must have completed numerous practice test under your own time before taking final test, by using materials supplied by training business. Normally experienced training teams help you to go through this theory test.
- Practical training
After you complete theory course and you get your results of your given test, this is the time to begin a practical education. You will be trained on heavy Lorries like truck by full trained and experienced teacher throughout this period, providing you the best opportunity to clear this practical exam. Whenever you are ready to appear for the test, you’ll be scheduled and should be able to clear this in your first attempt.
- Medical test
Every competent driver should undergo a medical checkup as a part of this training session, to guarantee that you do not have any medical problem and now you are ready to drive safely after clearing the exam. It is comprise detailed examine including a talk to your physician. Test can be performed by any trained doctor, and he is supposed to complete a DVLA documentation as important step of the procedure.
How much does it cost to become an HGV driver?
There is about 2 six weeks intense sessions which have to be finished. It costs is about £1,500 to £3000 to qualify a license of Class C or Class C+E. There are several opportunities available just because of shortage of heavy vehicle drivers in UK.
How much an HGV driver can earn?
Depending on type of vehicle you’re driving, where you’re driving, what kind of goods you’re hauling, and also who you drive for, you may hope to earn roughly £30,000 a year operating category C cars and in upwards of £40,000 after you graduate to category C+E.
What type of HGV license should I get?
Since different vehicles have different weights, so licenses are also not same for all the Lorries. The distinctions in license classifications depends on the weight they can tow in trailer.
The following is a list of the primary HGV categories from which to choose:
Cat C
With your Cat C license, heavier vehicles carrying about 3,500kg and tow a lorry weight about 750kg can be driven.
Cat C+E
A biggest truck whose weights is over 3,500kg and can tow weight over 750kg, can be drive with Cat C+E license.
HGV Driver Hours
HGV drivers are permitted about nine hours work in a day on average, divided into two four-and-half-hour sessions with rest of 45 minute. To address this problem, the government announced last summer that everyday driving limitations can be increased from 9 to 10 hours or adjust the rest breaks patterns beginning Monday.
- The maximum amount of time you can work per day is 9 hours.
- Drivers are permitted to drive for ten hours twice a week.
- Drivers are only allowed to work 56 hours per week or 90 hours per fortnight.
Jobs for HGV Drivers in UK
If you’ve always wanted to be a truck driver, maybe now is the best moment to make the switch. There are plenty of HGV drivers employment openings in the service sector, which is experiencing a shortfall of over 100,000 truckers in the UK, compared to a pre-pandemic total of around 600,000. Maximum businesses having issues with pick-up and distribution, with customers throughout the country discovering that their local stores experience inadequate stock on some days. There was concern about a lack of drivers for the past 5 years, and now Covid (Corona) have worsened the problem.
Extra Skills Required for an HGV Driver
This is how to make the transition to a new career go as smoothly as possible. Here are some other talents you’ll need from your first day to joining the new team:
- The tendency to focus over extended durations
- During any hour of day or night, calm drive is required.
- When making deliveries, you must be capable of completing documentation.
- When it comes to distributing goods, effective communication skills are essential.
- Strong knowledge of road safety and HGVs, particularly how to load and unload properly.
- Must be capable of solving difficulties on the fly while working individually.
Check also: How to Become an HGV Driver in UK
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