Thursday, June 4, 2009

Safety Tips for New HGV Drivers


The HGV industry is one of the most challenging environments to work in. Not only will you be away from your family for long periods of time, but you will also end up having to spend all this time alone. One of the most dangerous things about this job is that since you are driving for long periods of time, sometimes with not enough sleep, there is a danger of falling asleep and getting into an accident. Whether you just got your HGV licence or you're a seasoned HGV driver, here are some safety tips for you:

1.     While it may be tempting to work longer hours than you can healthily manage, you have to realize that you need to sleep at least six to eight hours every night or you will find yourself falling asleep at the wheel.

2.     Regardless of what the HGV company says, you need to make sure you take care of yourself and sleep and take other stops when needed. Should you get into an accident, you will be the one in danger of losing your life, not the company.

3.     While automotive loads pay very well, most companies will just make you sit and wait so you can pick it up. While they get paid for holding a truck for you, you just have to wait till it’s ready to go, with no extra pay, and then drive all night. So just say no in circumstances like these.

4.     For some reason, it has become a habit of HGV drivers to flash their lights at another driver after they have safely passed. Doing so can blind that driver temporarily and cause them to run off the road. It is better to not flash the light, or if you have to, then not use the bright lights to do so.

5.     It is really important to pull over to your line when you are passing another driver or when someone is passing you. This is because turbulence is created when two heavy goods trucks pass each other, and it can be enough to suck in the trucks into each other and cause an accident. You can reduce this by making sure both of you stay in your lines, or at least, that you do so.

6.     Reversing a truck is one of the most difficult things to do in this business. Everyone has to learn to do it, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some tips:

a.     Always get out of your cab and walk back to understand how much space you have to reverse and the angles you will need

b.     Calm down, and take your time. It is ok to take longer to do it right, then try and hurry and end up causing damage

c.     Instead of just looking at your box, also follow the tracks of your trailer tires

d.     If there are lines on the pavement, use them to help you judge your distance

7.     When you get into your first cab, you need to have some essentials with you. Consider making a small bag of these so you never forget them, or put them in the cab permanently. These include: radio, truckers map, duct tape, log book ruler, scissors, regular tape, calculator, wrenches, flat head, screwdriver, jumper cables.

Staying Focused on Long HGV Drives


One of the most difficult things about being a long distance HGV driver is the long drives you have to make alone with no one for company. This is also the biggest reason why people think twice about joining this otherwise great industry. Another problem with long drives also is that if you get too bored and you are tired, as most truckers are, you could fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident.

When you are driving for long distances, the first thing you need to do is make sure you get enough sleep. By getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, you can make sure that you are awake and able to pay attention. Boredom and sleepiness together are deadly.

If it is possible, try and have someone with you. A lot of HGV drivers get a dog or another pet that can easily travel with them in the cab and keep them company. Think about getting a dog or cat as these are the two animals you can safely keep in the cab with you. This way you will always have company on the road.

Many truckers also pick up hitchhikers. This is something you should do with some caution, as hitchhikers by definition are strangers, and you could potentially get into trouble if you pick up someone who is dangerous.

Instead of thinking of the trip as one long drive, break it down. Think of it as a trip from stop to stop. By thinking of it as five or six smaller strips, you will feel more motivated as you will always be “almost there”.

Take breaks. It is a good idea to take breaks for meals, bathroom stops and anytime you feel tired or bored. By stretching your legs and possibly talking to a petrol pump clerk, you will feel more energized and ready to complete the journey.

Make sure you have plenty of music. Bring along a lot of CDs, or an MP3 player. Make sure you keep changing the music. You can also divide the music according to the leg of the journey, for instance, only rock from point A to point B; only rap the next hundred miles, etc. This will keep you thinking.

While this may sound crazy, you can drive away boredom by talking to yourself. You can argue about whatever you want without getting anyone angry, and maybe even get into those thoughts you have not had time to had, like what you are doing in life or where you want to be in ten years.

Finally, a CB radio is a friend to all HGV drivers. Not only is it useful, since you can use it to find out the best routes, weather conditions etc, but you can also use it to talk to other truckers on the road like you and make some long distance friends. This will keep you from getting too bored on the road, just like all the tips mentioned above.

Tips on Passing your HGV Theory Test


The theory test for HGV is one of the tests you will need to take before you can get your HGV license. This is taken before the practical test, but for this you need to have a provisional license.

The test is a lot like the test for standard driving. There are two parts, with a multiple choice section and a hazard perception section. You need to get a minimum number of marks in each before you can pass. The test is conducted on computers with touch screen.

The multiple choice section:

This section gives you questions with multiple answers that you need to choose one from. You will be given more instructions when you sit on the computer screen about how to attempt this. It is a good idea to ask questions of the examiner before you start. You will also be given with the opportunity to take a practice test to familiarize yourself. Do take the opportunity.

When you start, you will be able to see the question, with a number of possible answers. You will have to choose one or more as the correct answer. The tip in this is to first figure out which answers it cannot be, and remove them from the list and then choose. This gives you a higher probability of scoring correctly even if you have to guess, since guessing from two is more likely to be accurate than guessing from four.

There are one hundred questions in this part; you will have just about under an hour for this. This means you have a little over one minutes per question so you need to be quick. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just highlight it and come back to it at the end if you have time left. You need to get eighty five questions right to pass.

The Hazard Perception Section:

This section includes watching videos and looking out for potential hazards on the road, as if you were driving the HGV on it yourself. Ask any questions in the beginning. Sometimes, there will be more than one hazard on the road, so make sure you look at the video correctly.

This test will mark you based on your response time. The earlier you respond to a hazard, the more points you will score, so make sure you are attentive. You can score up to five points on each video, with a total of twenty videos making 100 points. You need to get 67 to pass, but you can’t come back to any videos at the end so make sure you answer all the questions.

Just like for any other test, make sure you read up on your materials before you come in for the test and make sure you get enough sleep the night before. Once you pass this test, you can apply for your practical test and get your HGV license; therefore it is important that you pass this test first so you can get your license quickly.

HGV Industry Misconceptions & Challenges

The HGV industry is an industry that is at the backbone of any economy. The transport of goods from one place to another can never be stopped, or done in a different manner, which is why the HGV industry is relevant to every economic time, and every country.

However, there are plenty of misconceptions about this industry. For instance, people believe that joining this industry means that they will be in a low-paid job which will keep them away from family. That is not true. The haulage industry pays a salary that is over the national average salary. That means that if you work in this industry, you are earning more than half the people in the country. Also, since the hours are flexible, which means you can choose to work when you want for as long as you want, you can be as close to, or as far away from you family as possible.

The industry and HGV drivers do, however, have its challenges. The recent economic downturn has changed consumer patterns, which means that there are now lower amounts of goods being transported and companies have changed over to cheaper means to transport goods. This means that express delivery is being shunned and normal delivery methods are being used now. Also, the changing price of fuel means that there is uncertainty in the environment, since the costs of delivery keep changing every tie the fuel prices go up or down.

The industry is also prone to revenue leakage since the recording and collecting of all revenues it not always done right. This is because of the decentralized nature of delivery, as well as high volume of transactions. Revenue can be lost at any point, which makes it important to have billing and shipping terms that are customized for customers. It is also needed to properly and accurately carry out billing and shipping procedures, and have a process that is followed for each delivery. Employee training must also be carried out to make sure all the employees know the procedures.

Another challenge that is faced with HGV driving is the tracking of vehicles, especially in companies where there are large fleets. For this, however, technology has stepped through and provided a brilliant answer, which is GPS. GPS devices can now be attached to a vehicle, and they will send their location the main office every few minutes. This way, the company can know where all the vehicles are at any point, find out how much time the drivers are taking for breaks, track the delivery and inform the customer of the expected arrival time, and also plan routes that are shorter and save money and time. Finally, by using GPS, it is possible to plan deliveries and pickups in advance so that the driver does not have to drive long distances for a pickup after a delivery. You can also track the maintenance of the vehicle through the GPS system, which gives alerts when the vehicle is due for a tune up.

All these misconceptions and challenges make the HGV industry one of the toughest to work in, and start a business in.

Fuel Efficiency Tips for HGV Drivers


With the prices of fuel going up and down sporadically, it is important to try and maximize fuel efficiency so that you can reduce your costs during both low and high price times. Also, since fuel is a finite resource, it is environmentally friendly to try and reduce wastage. Here are some tips:

  • It is better to drive your HGV at a steady pace then to jack-rabbit between high and low speeds. You can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 40% if you reduce hard braking. The correct way to accelerate is to do it slowly and smoothly and get into a high gear quickly.
  • It is important that HGV drivers go under the posted speed limit for legality’s sake but also because you will save fuel if you go slower. For instance, going from 55mph to 75mph can make your fuel consumption go up by 20%.
  • If you are in the habit of letting your engine idle while you wait for it to warm up, you are wasting fuel. In the winters, you need to idle the engine for no longer than thirty seconds.
  • If you tires are not fully inflated you will end up wasting fuel. Under-inflated tires increase consumption by 6%. Check the pressure every month, on cold tires. If the tires need to be inflated, get it done before you start your drive.
  • When you are driving, make sure you are driving in the highest gear you can. HGV driving in lower gears wastes fuel. At the same time, letting an engine run in a high gear on hills and corners also wastes fuels.
  • You can also reduce costs by using your air conditioner sparingly. If you think its cold enough outside, open the windows. This will also help you stay awake on long drives. Depending on the speed though, using an air conditioner can be efficient. So the faster you are, the more efficient it might be to turn the air conditioner on due to wind resistance on the windows. 
  • Choose the fuel that best suits your HGV vehicle. You can check with the owner’s manual to find out which one to use.
  • Make sure you vehicle is serviced regularly. Poorly tuned engines can increase fuel consumption by as much as 50%. Dirty air filters can increase your fuel consumption by 10%. Even using the wrong oil can cause you to use more fuel. 
  • Before you turn the ignition off, make sure you shut down any power accessories. This way, next time to start the vehicle, these won’t pull unnecessary power.
  • When you get fuel, make sure you the gas cap is on tight and properly.
  • Whenever possible, make sure the engine is under a shade. This will keep the engine cool and reduce the need for air conditioning in the cab, as well as reduce fuel evaporation.

Hopefully, these tips will help you increase your fuel efficiency for HGV drivers out on the road, and increase the profits they can make. 

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Is your HGV Driving Job safe from the recession?


With the recession affecting almost every household across the country, youngsters are wondering about the safest careers to go into considering the current economic climate. Many professional jobs and office jobs are no longer guaranteed to last since companies are going under and consumers are cutting back spending. There are, however, a few options. There are some jobs that are recession proof, and one of them is HGV driving.

HGV driving is a recession proof job for a few reasons. Firstly, no matter what happens, people will always need goods. Be this vegetables and fruits, or clothes and home items. There is always going to be the requirement to move these around which means that there will always be the requirement for trucks and heavy goods vehicles. Therefore, there is no need for HGV drivers to worry since their jobs are safe, even in this economy.

Another reason for the job safety is the new stimulus packages that all governments are rolling out to help the economy get back on its feet. As a result of these, many new buildings and houses are being built, which means that construction material needs to be taken from Point A to Point B. This means that the construction sites need HGV drivers.

Becoming an HGV driver also has its benefits. Firstly, the job pays much more than the average job you can find. Over the last few years, it has been recorded that HGV driving pays more than the national annual average wage. This is great news, especially in a slowing economy, since not only are you guaranteed job safety, but you’re also earning more than the average worker.

HGV driving also comes with flexible work hours. You can work as much, or as little, as you want. You can take on jobs that will take you far away from your city, or stay in the city. The flexibility in this job is especially great for people with young children who do not want to be away from them for too long.

Finally, HGV drivers also get good health and insurance packages. This means that besides having a recession proof job, you also get health and insurance benefits, as well as get to choose your own hours. Why would anyone not want to be a HGV driver?

Well, there are some reasons why people shy away from this career. Firstly, it can take you far away from family if you choose jobs that are far away. Of course, that is dependent on you and the jobs you choose to take on. However, many people do not take up a job in the HGV industry for this reason.

Overall, in this economy, this is one of the few recession proof jobs, so if you are thinking about a career, this may be the right step for you to take. You will need to pass an HGV driving test before you can drive a heavy goods vehicle, but once you have that you can start earning money and travelling the country. 

Tips for your HGV Theory Test


Examinations and tests are guaranteed to make anyone nervous. Even if you have been doing everything right before the exam, just the thought that you are being judged on your performance at one point can make the best of people get an attack of the nerves.

Haulage vehicles require a lot more knowledge to operate than a regular car, which is why the test for becoming an HGV driver is much more complicated and strict. When you are giving your HGV theory test, keep the following, important tips in mind:

Brakes: Since you are driving a heavier vehicle, you will need longer to come to a complete stop after you press the brakes. Make sure you give yourself enough distance whenever you need to stop. As the loads you will carry will also increase your lorry’s weight, make sure you adjust the distance to reflect that.

Turns: Since you have a trailer behind you, your turns need to be wider to avoid clipping the curb.

Acceleration: Since your acceleration is much slower than in a car, you need to be extra careful when switching lanes as you won’t be able to speed up to pull away from the traffic behind you.

Indicators: You are driving an extremely heavy vehicle that is going to be slow to respond so make sure you indicate your intentions to turn to other motorists long before you actually need to turn so that they don’t end up pull over on your inside.

Height and Weight: It is necessary for you to know how tall your vehicle is and how much it weighs since you will need to go through bridges and over bridges which will have limitations.

These few tips should help you make sure you do well in your test. Besides driving, these are the basics that you will be tested on.

Sometimes the nerves that you have before an exam have nothing to do with knowledge and more to do with being anxious. Here are some ways to reduce your stress levels before the HGV exam:

Music: Listening to your favourite music on an MP3 player can calm you down. Try music that makes you feel confident.

Sleep: Make sure you sleep well the night before your test. Being nervous is normal, but staying up all night will only slow your reflexes for the test. Try taking a hot bath, drinking green tea and reading if you find it difficult to sleep.

Caffeine: If you are a coffee addict, make sure you don’t overdo it or you might get caffeine jitters during the test. Too much caffeine can make you jittery and that’s the last thing you want during a test.

Revision: If there are any reading materials, make sure you review tem once the morning of the test, but don’t overdo it or you might psyche yourself out.

Relax: This is by far the most important thing to do. If you can relax and just view the test as another day of you driving, you will be able to sail through without any problems.

Managing your time: Tips for HGV Drivers


Time management is one of the biggest challenges most people face. Everyone works differently, and everyone has a different method of getting the most out of every day, but what everyone does have in common is the fact that they wish they could get more out of every day.

One of the advantages of technological advancements is that they make it possible for us to do more every day. For HGV drivers, one of the most useful inventions is the Global Positioning System. The GPS device fits onto the truck and then records where it goes, where it is, and when it needs to get maintenance work done. There are several advantages of having this as far as productivity goes.

Firstly, you can pre-plan your routes. You will always know where you are and there will be no lost time because of asking for directions or getting lost. This will save innumerable hours every day, making it possible for you to do more every day.

The second advantage is that you can kill two birds with one stone by picking up new orders that are in the area of your delivery. You won’t have to make two trips this way, and thus save time and money. Thirdly, you will always know when your HGV truck is due for maintenance, making it possible for you to save money as well as plan your assignments out in advance.

There are also some other basic things you need to keep in mind as an HGV driver. There are twenty four hours in every day, which is a limitation you will need to understand. You cannot work more than this limit, obviously. Another important thing to remember is that you can’t work twenty four hours every day. You will need about eight hours of sleep, and another four to five hours for eating, relaxing and general activities. That leaves you with about eleven to twelve hours every day for work.

When you are deciding how to spend the rest of these twelve hours, you need to remember one thing. Fitting big things into your schedule first allows you to fit in the smaller things in the gaps. For example, if you have a big assignment that will take you a few days to deliver on, then you need to plan that in first or the smaller things you will schedule for every day will never allow it to happen.

Another great way to manage your time effectively is to give yourself vacations. While that may sound counterproductive, think of these vacations as rewards to meeting goals. Since you will know that you will get a reward for hitting a goal, like delivering on eight big jobs, you will motivate yourself to do more every day.

There are plenty of time management tips that HGV drivers can use, but the simplest thing to know is that if you plan your days in advance, and are aware of why you are putting in the work, you can motivate yourself to do more every day.

Career Options for HGV Professionals


When young people start thinking about the careers they would like to have, some wonder about the possibility of a career in the haulage industry. HGV drivers may not have a very glamorous life, but they get to make good money by working hard and there is the potential to progress further in this career if you are good enough.

Another common misperception is that this is a career only males should consider. While there are fewer female lorry drivers out there, the number is growing and should keep growing if the younger generation moves past the gender issues and allows this shift to take place.

The best thing about driving an HGV is that there is a lot of freedom. The hours are very flexible and you get to decide when you work, and how much you work. If you want to work long hours because you don’t have a family, you can do so and earn enough to live comfortably and save. However, if you do have a family, you can make sure you’re home most nights for dinner.

An additional benefit is the advances in technology that have taken place. Modern trucks are very comfortable, with air-conditioning and your favourite music. You will be able to pick the best routes with the result of your GPS system. In the past few years, this has become a profession that pays more than the national average (with wages being between 26,000 and 34,000 pounds per year). Also, there has been a decrease in the number of hours you must work in a week, down to 48 from 65.

There are also opportunities for career growth in the HGV industry. After you have had significant experience in haulage, you can move on to become an instructor for future drivers. You will be required to teach students how to drive safely and help them develop the skills they will need to pass their HGV tests.

You will be required to assess each student’s skills and knowledge and plan customized lessons for them based on this research. At the end of the lessons, the student must be able to control the vehicle with confidence, understand road safety, know the driving law and Highway Code as well as know how to deal with emergencies and be able to check the vehicle for basic maintenance.

After you had had several years of experience as an instructor, you will be able to get further qualifications to become a specialist instructor. Sometimes, companies will hire or train one of their drivers to become a specialist instructor so that the training of other employees can take place on site.

There are plenty of opportunities to advance your career should you choose to become an HGV driver. By no means is this a dead end career, and you can earn plenty of money in each of the stages, while retaining control over the number of hours you work and with a flexible workday. Furthermore, with the advances in technology, this career is going to become more and more profitable as the years go on.

New Advances in HGV Driving Technology


The HGV driving industry has benefited a great deal as a result of technological advancements. The leaps that technology has taken over the last decade or so, have translated into increased productivity and efficiency for HGV drivers.

Many road haulage business owners will agree that they no longer have to worry about productivity, since they are now able to track their drivers throughout their assignment which has led to an increase in profits. Previously, business owners would never know if their workers were on the job, or actually just sitting in a pub. They wouldn’t know whether the HGV vehicle was being properly taken care of and they would also not be able to track the vehicle throughout the assignment.

However, this has all changed. Global Positioning Systems is a major technological advance that has improved the efficiency of the road haulage industry in just a few short years.

The global positioning system is able to track the workers and the vehicles throughout the assignment and the owners can know exactly where their drivers are at any time. The GPS device can be easily purchased and placed on the vehicle. This is then connected to a central server which tracks its location through a satellite. Every few minutes, the GPS device emits a signal that is used to track it. All the manager needs is an account on the online server and they can know where their vehicles are at any point in time.

GPS provides a lot of advantages. Firstly, you always know where your HGV vehicles are, so the workers can no longer take unnecessarily long breaks. This is especially important if you are short on vehicles and need each job to complete in the fastest manner possible.

You can also track the vehicle in case it gets stolen, which means that your insurance costs will also fall, sometimes by as much as one-third. This is because a GPS enabled vehicle is much more likely to be recovered than one without GPS.

You can also use the GPS to navigate through the most efficient routes to the destination, saving money and time. By planning your routes in advance, you can make sure that the drivers are actually using the same routes as marked, and thus cut down of fuel costs.

If you know where all of your fleet is at any given point in time, you can quickly assign new jobs to the drivers closest to the location. This is particularly useful if your vehicles are going to go long distances, and you would rather they not come back all the way to the headquarters to get new assignments. This is also great if you need to get an assignment done urgently for a customer.

The GPS software sometimes will also come with a reminder service for when the vehicles need to go in for maintenance. Instead of having to remember when each vehicle is due for a tune-up, you will now receive reminders in your inbox through the software. This allows for easy maintenance of the entire fleet.

Advances in road haulage technology have completely changed the way business is done, and the speed with which deliveries are made.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Finding Security in an Uncertain World


Although the world economy is still in crisis, it’s still possible to find a stable, well-paying job.  Yes, with the right training, you could be earning between £420 and £600 weekly.  Training to become an HGV driver could be the perfect career move for you – because there is a shortage of HGV drivers in the United Kingdom, it’s easy to get this well-paid and stable job.

The job security you get by becoming an HGV driver will certainly give you piece of mind, but there are many other perks to becoming an HGV driver.  Most companies offer many annual holidays, an attractive pension plan, medical benefits, and other incentives.  Also, HGV driving can offer you a flexible schedule.  If you want to take control of your life and boost your income, HGV driving may be the answer for you.  And don’t be fooled – HGV driving isn’t a “dead end job” – there’s room to move forward into more senior positions, better routes, and better cargo as an HGV driver.

Does a career as an HGV Driver sound good to you?  Wondering what the next step is?

You may be thinking, How hard could it be to drive HGVs?  I’ll just go, take my test, and get my license.  While it’s possible to prepare on your own for the HGV license test, you are much less likely to pass than if you prepare with an HGV training program.  HGV training courses offer comprehensive instruction for both the HGV theory and HGV practical tests.  Trainers should be top-notch and prepare you with the insights, tips and tricks you’ll need to pass your HGV licensing exam on the first try.  The structure and help of professional trainers will help make sure you’re as prepared as you can possibly be for your HGV exam – there really is no substitute.

And most training programs don’t leave you on your own when you’ve finished their courses.  The better training programs will offer CV help, interviewing practice, and job search/job matching services to help ensure you find your first HGV job quickly and easily.  Completing the training and passing your HGV test are just the first parts of getting your career off the ground – a worthwhile training program will be there with you until you’ve got your first HGV driving job. 

Once I’m trained, how difficult is it to find an HGV Driving Job?

If you like what you’ve heard and think a career as an HGV driver sounds pretty good, keep reading.  According to labor statistics, there are nearly 80,000 unfilled jobs for qualified HGV drivers in the United Kingdom.  Furthermore, 72 of the top 100 companies in the UK reported that they had a shortage of trained HGV drivers.  So, with your HGV license in hand and the help of a knowledgeable HGV trainer, it shouldn’t be too difficult to land a position and be driving in no time.  The shortage of HGV drivers in the UK should ensure that you get a fair compensation package and that your job is secure.  So what are you waiting for!  Find an HGV training program near you, and get your career as an HGV driver started now.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

An Introduction to HGV & LGV Driving


If you're looking to start your working days or make a career change, working as a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver could be for you. HGV drivers are employed by haulage companies to transport goods all over the United Kingdom and throughout the EU.  Pay for HGV drivers isn't bad either; new HGV drivers start at about £14,000, and more experienced drivers can earn up to £35,000.

HGV or LGV -- What's the Difference?

HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) is an older term, and the newer and more official term is LGV (Large Goods Vehicle).  That said, the two terms are often used interchangeably, and many drivers and people in the industry continue to prefer the term HGV.  Don't get confused -- the two terms refer to the same license and the same career.

Requirements for HGV Licenses

HGV licenses for the largest vehicles are divided into two main types: C and C + E. A class C HGV is any rigid vehicle that weighs over 7.5 tonnes; a C + E license will allow you to drive a larger articulated vehicle that has a trailer. You have to get your HGV C license before you can train and earn your class C + E license. Before earning either license, you must already have a regular UK driver's license. You also must be at least 18 years of age to train for a class C license and 21 years of age or over to train for the class C + E. You also have to successfully pass a medical examination, which includes an eye exam, to ensure you're health enough to be a truck driver.

Testing for your HGV License: Theory Test

The process of training to become a lorry driver is similar to the process to obtain a regular driver's license; you must pass both a theory test and a hands-on, practical test. In the theory test, you will answer a series of multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of the practical aspects and legal considerations for HGV driving. You'll also need to pass a hazard perception test. In this test, you'll be shown video clips, and you have to indicate when you spot a hazard. There is a max score of 75 for the HGV theory test; you must score at least 50 to pass.

Testing for your HGV License: Practical Test

For the practical test portion of your HGV licensing examination, you will be assessed on your ability to drive an HGV vehicle in a variety of different conditions. This includes different kinds of turning and reverse manoeuvres as well as an amount of time spent road driving. The entire test usually lasts around an hour and a half. When you've completed both tests and passed, you will have obtained your HGV license and can begin working as an HGV driver.


Beginning in September of 2009, you will have to take the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in order to begin training as an HGV driver. This is a three part test that has two sets of multiple choice questions and a set of case study questions.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Blog for the Aspiring HGV Driver

This blog is primarily targeted for the aspiring HGV driver.  It will be updated frequently with HGV news, training information, licensing information, test tips, info on HGV theory, anecdotes, testimonials, and so on.  The field of HGV driving is an expanding one, and there is projected to be a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK for the foreseeable future.  So if you're interested in becoming an HGV driver or considering a career change, bookmark this blog and check back often -- you're bound to learn something new about HGV driving.  Check back soon!