In 2024, seeking to acquire new knowledge? Whether aspiring to venture into a dynamic career shift or enhance your CV with additional skills, consider HGV driver training. With the current high demand for professional drivers and increasing flexibility in logistics positions, investing in driver training is a prudent choice. Explore the advantages of obtaining an HGV licence and the optimal approach to achieving it.
Which Positions Mandate Having an HGV Driver’s Licence?
For certain individuals, undergoing HGV driver training opens doors to numerous career opportunities in professional driving. Conversely, some individuals have a predetermined career path in mind. Here are several instances of potential job opportunities available upon obtaining HGV driving qualifications.
Local driving
The primary responsibilities revolve around operating within a limited geographic region, executing numerous deliveries throughout the day. Examples of such positions encompass drivers for food delivery trucks, courier services, large item consumer delivery, and waste collection.
Short haul driving
These positions typically encompass a wide geographic area, spanning across various counties in the United Kingdom. While night shifts are uncommon, they may occasionally be required. Examples of roles in this field encompass driver positions for home relocation services, retail deliveries, and livestock transportation, the latter of which mandates specialised training.
Long haul driving
These positions entail extensive travel throughout Europe, extending over multiple days or weeks. Duties may include transporting vehicles, machinery, or agricultural goods. Tanker drivers, who handle hazardous materials, would need specialised training for this role.
Advantages of a Career in Driving
Regardless of the specific driving position you aspire to, pursuing driving as a profession offers numerous advantageous perks.
Job security
The heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driving industry experiences a steady demand due to the necessity of transporting commodities like food and merchandise. Consequently, skilled drivers have a wide array of employment opportunities available to them.
Good Salary
The typical annual income for an experienced professional driver amounts to approximately £32,000. As one gains expertise and undergoes potentially specialised training, there is room for advancement with a commensurate pay rise.
Rapid learning
Within a short duration, it is feasible to attain the necessary qualifications to operate an HGV proficiently through an accelerated training program. A reputable training institution can facilitate a swift and efficient management of this process.
Varied days
In the role of a driver, your daily tasks will encompass a diverse range of activities. You will traverse various locations and interact with a wide array of individuals.
Skill set
Depending on the classification of your licence, you might consider expanding its scope to include the operation of larger vehicles. Additionally, there are specific driving proficiencies like handling a hydraulic arm and boom or transporting dangerous materials.
Future path
After gaining proficiency in heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driving, there are various avenues for advancing your career. Potential career paths include roles in logistics management or providing instruction to novice HGV drivers.
Selecting the Right Training Partner
Determining the most suitable training provider for guiding you on your learning path requires a leap of faith in their ability to assist you throughout the qualification process. Obtaining and retaining your HGV licence necessitates complying with The Driver CPC regulations. HGV Training Centre offers comprehensive support to facilitate your comprehension and advancement during the training period.
CPC Parts
- In the initial segment of the theory, it is possible to commence preparations even prior to obtaining the provisional licence. The validity period of Your pass certificate extends for a duration of 2 years.
- In the continuation of case studies (part 2), you will be granted an additional 2-year period to finalise the pending assessments following the completion of this supplementary theoretical test.
- Off-road drills (section 3a) typically span 30 minutes, and successful completion of part 2 is a prerequisite for undertaking this examination.
- Prior successful completion of part 3a is a prerequisite for undertaking the on-road driving test detailed in part 3b. This segment encompasses safety inquiries and encompasses approximately one hour of practical driving assessment.
- The fourth part of this practical demonstration is considered the most rigorous assessment, emphasising 5 key areas from the CPC syllabus. Comprehensive preparation and ample practice sessions will be provided to ensure readiness before undertaking this ultimate examination.
Facilities
At HGV Training Centre, we ensure that our training facilities and vehicles undergo regular inspections, our instructors meet the highest standards, and our procedures are thorough. Our commitment lies in keeping you well-informed and well-supported throughout your training journey and beyond.
Ongoing Support
Upon achieving certification as a skilled HGV driver, it is essential to undergo 35 hours of training every five years to maintain the validity of your CPC. We also oversee this training to prevent you from lagging behind.
The training process
Provisional licence
To process your driving licence application correctly, it is essential to fill out and submit section D2 of the form to the DVLA. This section indicates the specific categories of drivers you wish to include in your licence. Subsequently, along with your current photocard licence, you will dispatch the application and expect to obtain your provisional licence at no cost within a span of 21 days.
Driver medical
To be eligible as a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver, a medical assessment by a general practitioner or a private medical institution is necessary. The designated healthcare provider will complete section D4 of the initial driving licence form, which must be submitted alongside section D2 to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Licence categories
The fundamental concept is that as the category increases, the range of vehicles you can operate also increases. This summarises the various categories vehicles are grouped into.
- Obtaining a C1 licence enables you to drive a rigid-bodied automobile with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) ranging from 3,500kg to 7,500kg, which may also include a trailer weighing up to 750kg.
- C refers to any vehicle that is classified as a rigid body weighing over 3,500 kg with an accompanying trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
- The C1E category expands the permissible trailing load limit of C1 to loads exceeding 750kg, with the total maximum authorised mass (MAM) not to surpass 12000kg.
- Category CE is the most advanced level for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers preceding specialised certifications, allowing for towing capacities exceeding 750kg with a C category licence.
Given your enhanced understanding of licences and the anticipated outcomes, consider reaching out to a respected HGV training institution deeply committed to the educational journey. Seek a school that provides assistance throughout your training, aids in securing your CPC accreditation, and offers guidance in securing suitable employment post-qualification.
