What You Need To Be An HGV Driver
An HGV is an abbreviation for the term heavy goods vehicle.
It is any truck that has a gross weight of over 3,500 kilograms.
Anyone wishing to gain an opportunity to drive an HGV needs to be properly trained before obtaining a license to do so.
Opportunity as an HGV Driver Being an HGV driver is demanding, but it can earn you a steady, professional wage.
Typically, higher wages are given to those who hold higher levels of licenses.
Other factors that influence your wage are your age and experience.
Experienced drivers can earn up to £28,000 annually.
For beginners, this would be around £18,000 - £21,500.
Types of HGV Licenses In order to be eligible to drive an HGV, a license must first be issued.
There are three types of this depending on the make and model of the vehicle which you plan to drive around.
Category C1 - These vehicles are more than 3.
5 tons in weight but less than 7.
5 tons in terms of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
Towing a vehicle may be done as long as it does not exceed 7.
5 tons in GVW.
If you passed your test before 1997, you will have automatically gained a C1 license.
Because of this, you are exempted from the required Initial CPC Driver Qualification.
However, if you passed your test on or after 1997, you will have license to drive vehicles more than 3.
5 tons in weight, and trailers of not more than 750 kg.
Category C - Having this license allows you to drive an HGV with a gross weight in excess of 7.
5 tons, but not exceeding 32 tons.
The vehicle for this is the type where the cab and trailer are permanently fixed together.
If you don't have the category E license, any towed trailer must not be more than 750 kg in weight.
Category C + E - For you to be able to drive draw bar or articulated types of lorries, you must first obtain the Category C plus E license.
You will be allowed to virtually drive any HGV with this license.
All these licenses require the applicant to be at least 18 years old.
After appropriate training, heshe can then proceed to take the respective tests for each license category.
Truck Insurance Policies You cannot become a lorry driver without obtaining the right insurance policy.
If you work for a haulage company they are likely to obtain this for you under a fleet insurance policy.
However if you are wanting to start your own transportation business you will need to find your own HGV insurance policy.
There are many different companies that can be found on the internet that offer this type of policy, but always ensure that you check any reviews on each one before taking out a policy.
Training Courses You can still get further certifications and trainings if you want to enhance salary or develop your career.
Here are among the special training courses you can take
You may find various sites of these companies online.
Make sure you research and study the offerings of these companies.
Find out where they differ and where they are similar.
This will help you decide which driving training school you should select.
It is any truck that has a gross weight of over 3,500 kilograms.
Anyone wishing to gain an opportunity to drive an HGV needs to be properly trained before obtaining a license to do so.
Opportunity as an HGV Driver Being an HGV driver is demanding, but it can earn you a steady, professional wage.
Typically, higher wages are given to those who hold higher levels of licenses.
Other factors that influence your wage are your age and experience.
Experienced drivers can earn up to £28,000 annually.
For beginners, this would be around £18,000 - £21,500.
Types of HGV Licenses In order to be eligible to drive an HGV, a license must first be issued.
There are three types of this depending on the make and model of the vehicle which you plan to drive around.
Category C1 - These vehicles are more than 3.
5 tons in weight but less than 7.
5 tons in terms of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
Towing a vehicle may be done as long as it does not exceed 7.
5 tons in GVW.
If you passed your test before 1997, you will have automatically gained a C1 license.
Because of this, you are exempted from the required Initial CPC Driver Qualification.
However, if you passed your test on or after 1997, you will have license to drive vehicles more than 3.
5 tons in weight, and trailers of not more than 750 kg.
Category C - Having this license allows you to drive an HGV with a gross weight in excess of 7.
5 tons, but not exceeding 32 tons.
The vehicle for this is the type where the cab and trailer are permanently fixed together.
If you don't have the category E license, any towed trailer must not be more than 750 kg in weight.
Category C + E - For you to be able to drive draw bar or articulated types of lorries, you must first obtain the Category C plus E license.
You will be allowed to virtually drive any HGV with this license.
All these licenses require the applicant to be at least 18 years old.
After appropriate training, heshe can then proceed to take the respective tests for each license category.
Truck Insurance Policies You cannot become a lorry driver without obtaining the right insurance policy.
If you work for a haulage company they are likely to obtain this for you under a fleet insurance policy.
However if you are wanting to start your own transportation business you will need to find your own HGV insurance policy.
There are many different companies that can be found on the internet that offer this type of policy, but always ensure that you check any reviews on each one before taking out a policy.
Training Courses You can still get further certifications and trainings if you want to enhance salary or develop your career.
Here are among the special training courses you can take
- ADR Transporting dangerous goods by road.
- Operator CPC For starting your own truck delivery service.
- Lorry Loader (HIAB) For driving HGVs with cranes, shovel, or other grab facility.
You may find various sites of these companies online.
Make sure you research and study the offerings of these companies.
Find out where they differ and where they are similar.
This will help you decide which driving training school you should select.
