HGV Driving

About HGV Driving

Even with advances in flight and shipping the most widely used mode of transportation for goods in by heavy goods vehicle (HGV). You will find Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) being used sometimes, this is the European terminology. Both HGV and LGV refer to commercial vehicles above 3.5 tonnes.

HGV drivers will always be required and will only increase in demand due to the growing population and the increased demand of product and materials.

Type of Course

You will have to study the theory and learn the practical driving skills, which will both be tested at the end.

Entry Requirements

You must be at least 18, hold a valid UK car driving license and pass a simple medical exam (blood pressure, eyesight test etc…)

GCSEs that suit this Course

Regardless of what GCSEs you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain GCSEs will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of GCSEs which will help you with HGV driver course:

• English Language and Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (double or triple)
• IT
• Electronics
• Geography

A-levels that suit this Course

You will most likely not need A-levels to enter any course, but you will need to future proof your career, so it is still good to have A-levels. Regardless of what A-levels you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain A-levels will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of A-levels which will help you with HGV driver course:

• Mathematics
• Physics

Duration of Course

The whole course takes between 8 - 10 weeks, including theory, practical and document application.

Course cost

Cost vary from location to location, but generally it is around £2000. Some HGV training providers offer payment plans.

Who This Course Suits?

Every course will be enjoyable and suit different personalities, below is a list of characteristics and personalities which will enjoy a HGV driving course:

• Enjoy being out and about instead of in a office or one location
• Enjoy driving and operating big equipment or machinery

Module /Topics

HGV driving course has many topics that need to be covered, below is a list of the topics that will be in the curriculums.

Theory:

• Rules and regulations;
• Operating vehicle correctly;
• Health and safety;
• How to load and offload;
• Documentation and procedures;
• Maintaining the vehicle.

Practical:

• Turning on vehicle;
• Operating vehicle safely;
• Driving and maneuvering vehicle safely;
• Parking vehicle in bay;
• Parallel parking;
• Following signs.

Industry Sectors

HGV driving course allows you too apply to different industries, below is a list of them:

• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs)
• Oil and Gas
• Delivery companies
• Commercial goods
• Specialized large goods (e.g. wind turbine blades, outdoor cabins, construction equipment etc...)

Types of Jobs

HGV driving course allows you to apply to a wide variety of roles, below is a list of them:

• Delivery driver (national/international);
• Private transport.

Work hours and Salary

The maximum weekly legal limit a company can make you work is set to 56 hours. The number of hours you will work depends on the type of vehicle you will be driving, demand and your personal choice.

The salary you can expect can be seen below:

• Cat C: £25,000 - £35,000;
• Cat C+E: £40,000 - £55,000;
• Cat C1: £20,000 - £25,000;
• Cat C1+E: £20,000 - £30,000;