If you are keen on starting your job as a HGV driver, well, congratulations! This can be quite a rewarding career, and these times when we face the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crystal-clear that HGV drivers are vital workers that keep the country going. However, you may be itching to ask some questions – regarding the whole career, training, or what your life will become when you take on this new career. We felt that it would help if we provided answers to some of the questions you may have, and help light up your path ahead of training.
What Age Must I Attain to Drive a HGV?
Any person who is 18 years and above qualifies to take HGV driver training. All you’d need is an unrestricted driver’s license.
Where Will My Training Be Conducted?
Where you get your training will depend on the chosen training school. Other factors will also determine this, and a part of the training can be conducted online, via video calls, or by completing practice tests on your computer. In-person training is normally conducted at the training school’s site, with the driving practice conducted in the surrounding areas. Driving practice will involve a mix of driving on ordinary roads and learning the art of reversing and manoeuvring on suitable off-road locations.
How Many Tests Must I Complete?
Basically, there are four. Two of these will test your theoretical knowledge (they are multiple-choice plus hazard perception questions). The other two are practical tests. Don’t worry about these, we will carefully guide you through the process of tackling the tests.
How Long Before I Get Qualified?
The time you will take before getting your HGV license is majorly dependent on the training school you choose. At Easy as HGV, it would take you 4 days, given that our intensive courses are meant to fast-track your qualification and get you on the road in the shortest time possible. Before that, however, you’ll need to do a couple of things before commencing the 4-day course, and one of our staff members will guide you through it. Alternatively, you can go through this helpful video.
How Much Does Training Cost?
Top quality HGV training costs doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, though some schools will make you believe otherwise! We have gotten really good at delivering our training courses in as little as four days (and still maintaining an impressive first-time pass rate) and can therefore get you driving a HGV at a lower cost. The exact cost will depend on the course of choice, and you will need to contact us to know how much your training will cost.
Which CPC Will I Need?
The Driver CPC is an important part of becoming a HGV driver – you must have it to drive a HGV. Therefore, if you’re without a Driver Qualification Card, it is imperative that you qualify for the initial Driver CPC training. This normally includes a theory and practical test. After getting this qualification, you are required to complete 35 hours of period training in 5 years. That amounts to 7 hours a year, and because periodic training is basically ‘attendance only,’ you can’t fail it.