Learn to drive an HGV – FAQs!

When you’re looking into HGV driver training, there are often a lot of questions that come up! With our lengthy experience within the logistics industry, we dive into our most commonly asked questions. If there is anything that we haven’t covered here or any more information you would like to learn to drive an HGV, please feel free to reach out to us at any time!

How long does it take to learn to drive an HGV?

This can vary from person to person, but as a general rule, to learn to drive an HGV you’d be looking at around 4 months. This includes getting your provisional licence, passing your medical, taking your theory, practical training and passing your final test!

The first step to gaining an HGV licence is obtaining your provisional entitlement by completing a D2 & D4 form and sending it to the DVSA. You are then required to complete Module 1 Theory & Hazard Perception prior to being able to undertake practical driver training. If you are going to be driving for hire or reward you may be required to undertake Modules 2 & 4.

Find out all the steps involved here.

How much does it cost?

The costs of learning to drive an HGV will vary depending on your needs. As a general idea, it could cost anywhere from £1,835 to £4,000. Find out our pricing breakdown for all training below:

Acquiring Cat C (Rigid) Licence

Acquiring Cat C+E (Artic) Licence

Alternatively, you may be able to complete your training via the government funded HGV Bootcamps, which are free! Find out more about the Bootcamps here to see when we are accepting applications.

An Apprenticeship may also be a viable route for you! This will take much longer than the standard training but will allow you to integrate fully with a company and their standards over the course of 12 – 14 months. With an Apprenticeship you will be able to start earning immediately while you learn.

How old do I have to be to learn to drive an HGV?

As soon as you are 18 or over, you are eligible to start your HGV training! For training via Bootcamp, you will need to be 19 or over.

Which HGV licence do I need?

The exact HGV licences you need will depend on what kind of HGV you want to drive and what kind of job you are looking for. The main two that you will have heard of will either be the Cat C/Class 2/Rigid licence – this will allow you to drive Rigid HGVs up to 32 tonnes. The second is the Cat C+E/Class 1/Artic licence. With this licence, you can drive and handle a drawbar or articulated vehicle (artic). This means you can drive vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer over 750kg.

There is, however, one basic qualification you will need, and that is Driver CPC. This is the basic certificate of professional competence. It shows that you are fully trained and qualified to be driving an HGV. Without the Driver CPC, you cannot get a job as an HGV driver.

Find out more about the driving requirements here!

How much could I earn as an HGV Driver?

Being an HGV driver is an incredibly difficult job, but one that can be quite lucrative. The necessity and importance of HGV drivers has become much more visible over the last decade, thanks in part to lockdown showing us just how essential drivers are in this country! A newly qualified driver with a C+E licence could earn up to £32k a year, but this will vary depending on the company.

Make sure you do your research and understand the demands of the job outside of driving an HGV!

If you are looking to take a step into the HGV driving world, please reach out to us at any time to find out more information or to book yourself onto the driver training courses! We also provide a huge range of Driver CPC courses that will allow you to keep your licence up to date, meaning you can keep on driving.

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✉ info@sptraininguk.com