Things to remember for HGV Driver Training in the UK

If you have been longing to spend a life on the road, or if you have recently dreamt of driving a truck for a living, you can surely make this happen and the haulage industry is the one for you. In the UK and the entire Europe, HGV drivers are being employed by the thousands and the salary cannot be sniffed at either. While the newer drivers in this field tend to start from £14,000, the experienced and qualified can earn up to £35,000. So if you still wish to make a career as an HGV driver in the UK, the following points should help you pursue it further.

What is meant by HGV and LGV?
The two terms HGV and LGV mean pretty much the same. HGV (or Heavy Goods Vehicle) is nothing but a traditional term that has been used for a long time now, while LGV (or Large Goods Vehicle) is more an official term. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but many people in the UK prefer to use the term HGV when asked.

Prerequisites for HGV driving
Basically, HGV licences are segregated into two key classes, namely, C and C+E. With a class C HGV licence, you can’t drive a vehicle that weighs more than 7.5 tons, whereas, with a class C+E HGV licence, you can drive a large articulated vehicle accompanied with a trailer. However, obtaining a class C licence is a prerequisite to obtaining the class C+E HGV licence. Besides the above, you also need to have a standard UK driving licence alongside before you attempt to undergo the HGV training. To obtain a class C licence, you must be of at least 18 years of age and in the case of a class C+E licence, it is over 21 years of age. A medical examination, including an eye test, is another stage to be undergone to ensure that you keep a good health necessary for an HGV driver.

Expense involved in HGV training
The cost of HGV driver training may vary, depending upon your contacts in the haulage industry, where some places can provide you with the training at a reduced cost. For independent training the costs will vary on the basis of type and number of classes taken.