A Definitive Guide to HGV License Training

If you can perfect your driving skills in a heavy good vehicle (HGV), it is the start of a long and rewarding career. With a proper license, you will be able to drive a full range of large commercial vehicles - from tipper trucks to bin lorries. You will also have access to thousands of demanding jobs in the industry. Despite what others may think, being a truck driver is no easy job. It is not just something everyone can do. HGV drivers play a very significant role in the economy and help in the smooth functioning of our society.

Although there are many misconceptions regarding HGV drivers, the truth is far from that. Whether you are a man or women, it does not matter -- anyone can drive a truck with proper training and a valid license. The drivers in the HGV industry are immensely valued and if you follow the rules on road, you are bound to be safe and secure while operating a heavy goods vehicle. Most HGV drivers are considered to be good Samaritans and they drive safely to avoid any kind of accidents. The paycheck is also reasonable. With proper HGV license training, you would be able to build a great and fully satisfying career.

What Are Some of the Basics for Commercial License?

There are some of the basic things regarding HGV training that every potential driver should know. Firstly, you have to be aware of the differences between HGV and LGV designations. As aforementioned, the acronym HGV stands for ‘heavy goods vehicle’ while LGV stands for ‘large good vehicle.’ Technically, there is no difference between the two -- the former is a British term while the latter is a European term. Both of them refer to commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons.Secondly, there is a distinct categorization of commercial driving licenses. Primarily., there are four license classes or categories. They are as follows:

Cat C: This is required for vehicles over 7500 kg and trailers up to 750 kg.
Cat C+E: This is for vehicles over 7500 kg and trailers over 750 kg.
Cat C1: This is applicable for vehicles between 3500 kg and 7500 kg, with trailers up to 750 kg.
Cat C1+E: This is fit for vehicles between 3500 kg and 7500 kg, with trailers over 750 kg.

Having proper HGV training would prepare the students to do better during the exams held at an approved testing facility. Many schools offer training for HGV training. Although they do not conduct the examinations, they do send trainers to the testing centers with the students on the day of the examination. This would make the student calmer and they would be able to clear any doubts and questions before the test.

What Are the Requirements to Start Training?

If you wish to pass your HGV license test, make sure to get admitted to a school and take proper training lessons. In order to be eligible to drive an HGV, you have to fulfil certain criteria as prescribed by the law:

You should be at least 18 years old
You should have a full car license
You should get a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

Apart from that, you should also be aware of these simple terms:

Health: Even before you begin your HGV training, there are certain medical barriers that you need to pass. You need to take a routine medical exam. Although you do not need to be the perfect epitome of a healthy being, you should still be reasonably good in order to get a doctor’s clearance certificate. After you have passed the medical exam, your doctor would submit the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
Car License: You should have a full car license before you opt for your HGV training. The car license should be valid during your training months, right from the beginning to the end.
Provisional Entitlement: In order to have proper and organized training, you need to opt for provisional entitlement even before you start your practice lessons. The process might be complicated for many people and therefore, you can apply for the help of any training organization to get your entitlement.
Theory Test: You need to pass a 100-question theory and Hazard Perception Test in order to start your practical skills training. Most of the training schools provide preparation classes for theory tests. While attending those classes is not mandatory, it is normally better to take them anyway. You would be supervised by trained teachers, experienced in the industry. However, you can always skip the classes and just prepare for the theory test at home.

Final Take

While HGV training might seem intimidating at first, with proper guidance, you will be able to overcome it. By the time your last lesson is completed, you will be ready for the exam and looking forward to a brand-new future.