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Charlotte Haye 18th March 2019

A 101 Guide to HGV Training

So you’ve decided to become an HGV driver. That’s great news! Congratulations on taking the first step towards your new career. But there’s just one problem. You’ve looked at all the different options available, which choices would mean what and all the consequences to each decision, and you’ve decided that it’s an absolute minefield trying to get certified. And you’d be right. Working out which route you want to take to get your HGV qualification isn’t the easiest thing in the world but with a little help, it can seem a lot more straightforward. So today we’re going to talk you through the process of HGV training, and hopefully get you ready to get started!

For the purposes of clarity, we’re basing this article on the Cat C licence (the most common), but the other licence categories will follow the same process, just with slightly different details.

The Preliminary Bits

Before you do anything else, you need to do some prep work. The first part of which is to work out if you need an additional qualification to get your provisional training licence. If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, or if you want to drive professionally, then you will need to complete an Initial Driver CPC qualification as a starting point. The CPC is broken down into 4 modules: 1 & 3 are about getting the licence entitlement, and 2 & 4 relate to getting the professional driver qualification itself. Drivers who are aged 18-21 and all drivers who drive professionally need to have completed all 4 modules to begin their training. If you’re over 18 and just want your licence so that you can drive an HGV for personal use, then you only need modules 1 and 3.

On top of all that (which is confusing enough in itself), you will also need to fill in the provisional licence application form, including a health section. This means you will need to arrange a medical check-up to ensure you are fit to drive and make sure you take DVLA Form D4 with you to the check to be signed by the doctor. Once that’s done, just fill in Form D2 (it wouldn’t be the DVLA without a lot of forms) and send both the D2 and D4 to the DVLA in Swansea. This process usually takes between 10-14 days, so it’s a good time to take a look at the theory you’ll need for Modules 1 and 2 of your Cat C licence.

Module 1

Module 1 of the licence is taken up by good old-fashioned hazard perception and theory. You can only book for these tests once your provisional licence has been issued, so it’s worth brushing up while you’re waiting. You’ll also go through some training and practice tests with your instructor, so you’re fully prepared to take the exams.

Theory: The theory section is made up of 100 questions about driving HGV’s, safety and general HGV knowledge. You will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the theory test, and you need to get a score of 85 or higher to pass.

Hazard Perception: The hazard perception test is made up of 20 clips, and works in the same way as the standard car hazard perception. Watch the clips and spot the hazards as they occur. You’ll need to get a minimum of 67 out of 100 to pass.

Module 2

Module 2 is sometimes also put under the ‘theory’ heading, as it is another theory element to the training. But the difference is that Module 1 is part of the basic Driver CPC, whereas Module 2 is needed if you want to drive professionally. In this section, you will be given 7 case studies to look at which will include video, audio, text or diagrams. You will then be asked between 6-8 questions on each case studies, and all you need to do is answer correctly.

Module 3

After all that theory, this is the part where you get behind the wheel and do some actual driving! In this section, you will prove that you have the basic skills to drive an HGV safely. The test will vary depending on geography, deals, duration etc, and will last around 90 minutes. During that time you will need to carry out at least one reversing exercise and prove what you can do on a number of different road types. The majority of your training investment will be geared towards this part of the qualification, as this is the most important element.

Module 4

This is the final part of the CPC qualification, and of the licence as a whole. Module 4 is also a practical exam, but it’s not a driving test. Instead, it’s called a ‘practical assessment of knowledge’, and here you will need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of certain vehicle-related issues. This will include how to perform daily inspection and what to look for, safety protocols, load restraints and so on. In this section, the examiner wants to see as much demonstration of skills as possible, not just talking about how to do them. To pass module 4, you will need to score 80% overall and at least 75% in each section.

You’re Qualified!

That’s it. You’re all done, and officially a qualified HGV driver. Now all that’s left to do is find a job with your new qualification. Luckily, we can help there. If you train through Easy as HGV, our experts are on hand to help guide you through the job hunting and recruitment process as well. Plus, we have connections within many of the major haulage firms in the UK, and often provide drivers jobs direct from training. So don’t fret about the job market, with Easy as HGV you’ll find finding-a-job a piece of cake.

If you want to know more about our training options, just get in touch with the team today.

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