Heavy goods vehicle training

jonsyt

I am wanting to go for my hgv class 1 driving licenses as that is the type of work i want to do in the future and always have .

I have been searching the net for advice on how i would go about getting one but im getting mixed information .

What im wanting to know is am i already qualified to drive a 7.5tonne vehicle on my drivers license .

Do i have to work my way up for example get my 7.5t if im not already qualified then my class 2 then class 1 or can i go straight on to training for class 1 .

I only passed my driving test in early last year and im 25 years old . Is there a limit on the time you have been driving until you can start training

Thanks in Advance

steve1980

Yep, class 2, pass your test, then class 1 taking the theory exam as well.

Good luck, you'll need it to find a job after.

Jo_F

If you only got your full licence last year, then as I understand it, you don't have the entitlement for 7.5 tonnes as standard, so you would need to take that. And you do need to do class 2 before you can do class 1.

I also belive that you need to have held a full licence for a minimum of 3 years before you can progress up to LGV.

To get your LGV you will need the medical, take the theory and take the two tests (after lessons) and you are looking in the region ofr £5k to do both. Also, finding work with a shiny new licence is going to be hard work, as a lot of companies will insist on 2 years experience first. You will be competing with out of work drivers with years of experience. The wages are not that wonderful, the hours are long and if even Eddie Stobarts are getting rid of drivers, well that tells you something about the industry at the moment.

saintjammyswine

You could (if you can find one) do a Driving Goods Vehicles Apprenticeship which includes the licence. COntact local FE Colleges to see if they offer it or go to the Skills for Logistics or National Apprenticeship Service websites.

Notmyrealname

Once you've done your HGV test you will also need to take a Drivers CPC as well before you can be offered employment.

I also belive that you need to have held a full licence for a minimum of 3 years before you can progress up to LGV.

That is incorrect. You can now take a HGV test at age 18. Finding someone to insure you at that age is a different matter...

Jo_F

Notmyrealname wrote: »

That is incorrect. You can now take a HGV test at age 18. Finding someone to insure you at that age is a different matter...

Thanks, I wasn't all that sure, but when my other half took his two years ago, it was still 3 years of holding your licence at that point.

tight_scotsman

you will need to do C1(7.5 TONNE) license before you can do C(over 7.5 tonne rigid) or C+E (articulated vehicle) there is no such thing a s class 3,2,1, anymore or HGV Its now known as LGV

cany give much advice to get free training as there arepenty of quailified drivers around

google truck driver forum and go to the newbie driver section and ask a guru in there they wll give you sound advice and guidance if you wish to persue a career in the road transport industry


hope this helps:beer:

paddedjohn

OP if you do bite the bullet and shell out a small fortune for your LGV licence then invest another 5/6 hundred on getting your ADR licence, this will seriously widen your scope for getting work, you will probably be best trying for agency work for a while to build up your experience.

LudaMusser

Before you part with any money I strongly recommend you google Truck Net UK and then go on the Wannabe Drivers forum. You`ll see your questions asked by many other people..

Don`t part with £6k+ and expect to walk into a class one job paying £30k a year, it does`nt matter if you have the licence, you need experience. The best way to get that is to start small and work your way up i.e vans and 7.5T trucks. You may be lucky and get a break with some class 2 driving but just don`t think you`ll get a job straight away, I`ve been on the Truck Net forum for a few years and see numerous posts of ppl struggling to get a chance who have just passed

HTH