Getting your HGV licence is a gateway to a career with more freedom and enormous earning potential; how many jobs have you had where you could honestly say that?

Demand is high in the UK for drivers right now, and with our affordable, comprehensive and high-quality HGV training, you’ll have your licence in no time and be driving your way to success.

So, are you looking for a new career opportunity? Do you want to become an HGV driver? Good news, at HGVT we provide all the HGV training courses and fully support you as you begin your new career. Get started today and provide essential transport for goods that keep the world turning.

Even if you already have your HGV licence we have further opportunities for you. Take a look at our full range of courses that’ll take you from beginner to fully qualified or upgrade your skills, allowing you to widen your load and take on even more, boosting your income significantly.

The basics of HGV training

HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle in the UK and is referred to as Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) in EU countries.

To become an HGV driver you will need a professional driving qualification called a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

You can do an international or national CPC and courses are available nationwide. The courses are usually quite short and can be completed at your own pace.

If you already have your CPC, congratulations! You’re ready to continue on the road toward becoming an HGV driver. But which HGV training course is going to be right for you? How much is HGV training?

Type of HGV Licences

The HGV training you require will depend on which type of HGV licence you already hold or are working toward, as there are a few different options available.

As you can see below, there are other specialist categories that you can add to enhance your earning potential. The four HGV driver training courses we offer are:

NOVICE

Entry Level

HGV CAT C / CLASS 2

HGV class 2 training allows you to legally drive vehicles with weights over 3500 kg with trailers up to 750kg, there is no upper weight limit. Practical training is usually over 4-5 days. Average salary £30,000 per year.

Requirements
  • 18+ years of Age

  • Valid UK Car Licence

What's included in Training
  • Medical test

  • Theory training software & test

  • Practical training & test

  • CPC training

  • Pass Protection (optional)

Salary range
  • £22,000 - £30,000 per year

ADVANCE

Highest Salary

HGV CAT C+E / CLASS 1

HGV class 1 training gives you the standard licence for most HGV drivers. For vehicles in excess of 7500kg with trailers over 750kg. Practical training is usually over 4-5 days. With an average salary of £50,000 per year

Requirements
  • HGV CAT C/Class 2 Licence

What's included in Training
  • Class 1 Practical training & test

  • Pass Protection (optional)

Salary range
  • £30,000 - £55,000 per year

FASTEST
COMPLETION

Highest Salary

BACK TO BACK

For vehicles in excess of 7500kg with trailers over 750kg. Practical training is usually over 4-5 days. Has an average salary of £50,000 per year.

Requirements
  • 18+ years of Age

  • Valid UK Car Licence

What's included in Training
  • Medical test

  • Theory training software & test

  • Class 2 Practical training & test

  • Class 1 Practical training & test

  • CPC training

  • Pass Protection (optional)

Salary range
  • £30,000 - £55000 per year

NOVICE

Entry Level

HGV CAT C1

The initial level of HGV licence. For vehicles between 3500 kg and 7500 kg with trailers up to 750kg. Best suited for ambulance/paramedic drivers.
Most HGV drivers will have a C1 licence as it is the usual first step to upgrading your licence for further HGV training.

Requirements
  • 18+ years of Age

  • Hold a valid UK car licence

What's included in the training?
  • Medical test

  • Theory training software & test

  • C1 Practical training & test

  • CPC training

  • Pass Protection (optional)

Salary range
  • £22,000 - £32,000 per year

ENQUIRE NOW

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What do you need to become a HGV driver?

Getting your HGV licence and starting a career as an HGV driver will lead to a rewarding role in a growing industry. But it is important to know what is expected of you before you begin on this path. The most important, and most basic thing you need is a full UK car licence (CAT B); you must also be over 18 years of age.

If you have both of these under your belt then you can begin your journey on our HGV courses. Any further questions you have around the basics, or obtaining your CPC, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. We’re always happy to talk through your options with you.

include

HGV driver training in detail

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    Medical - We don’t expect you to be a world-class athlete as an HGV driver, but a full medical test is required as part of the training process. With HGV testing centres all around the country, we will arrange a medical test at a centre convenient for you.

  • Theory - Before you can get behind the wheel and show us your skills, you’ll need to complete a theory test. We give you all the resources you’ll need to pass this part of the training, with access to our HGVT app, free mock tests and CPC case study tests providing the necessary information to pass your theory and move on to the practical test.

  • Practical - Depending on availability, our HGV driver training centres are capable of providing both manual and automatic HGV training. Our DVLA approved instructors are experts at giving basic and advanced hands-on training giving you the skills to pass the test for the licence you are working toward. When you’re ready, we’ll book your test for you.

  • Driver CPC - When you’ve passed your test and obtained your HGV licence, we’ll book you in for CPC training. As mentioned above, a CPC is essential for becoming an HGV driver and you could be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without one.

Once you sign up, we do all the paperwork, arrange your medical, and help you prepare for your HGV theory and practical tests. Below is a 6-step process to help you understand what happens once you enrol to become an HGV driver.

6 steps to success 6 steps to success

MANPOWER DRIVER ACADEMY

Manpower is one of Britain’s leading recruitment providers that offers jobs at over 1100 of the UK’s top companies like Royal Mail, Tescos, Calor and Waitrose. With them as HGTV's exclusive recruitment partner, we have created the Driver Academy which comes with a dedicated team that focuses on getting HGV Driver Jobs for newly-qualified licence holders.

UK’s only HGV Training & Recruitment Programme

(Specially designed for newly qualified drivers)

No other HGV training provider offers this kind of service with 100% commitment to help you find work after training. It’s why anyone looking for HGV training should see us as a #1 choice for their training needs, as we offer support well beyond test day and into your driving career.

What happens after you’ve got your HGV driving licence?

Passing your HGV driving lessons and getting your HGV licence are only the first steps; what are you going to do after you have your licence? Your career as an HGV driver begins, but to do that you need a HGV to drive!

At HGVT we are committed to ensuring that everyone who carries out our training will have the opportunity to start work as an HGV driver immediately after passing their test. The UK is in an HGV driver drought and we want to do our part to help bolster the UK economy but also provide you with a lucrative and long lasting career that you can thrive in.

GET STARTED

Do you want to upgrade your HGV licence?

We aren’t just experts at getting people started in their careers as HGV drivers, we also want to give anyone who already has an HGV licence the ability to further improve their skills and increase their earning power. If you have a Class 2 licence and want to add CAT C+E/Class 1 for instance, HGVT has the course for you.

For these “upgrade” courses you won't need to go through a medical or perform the theory test again, instead book the practical test directly.

CPC training needs to be carried out every 5 years, and if this has lapsed you can easily book the required class through us to ensure you can continue driving HGVs legally.

GET STARTED

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to complete the HGV training?

Thanks to our extensive training network, you’re sure to have a training centre near you. If you can be flexible with your time and location you can complete your HGV course in as little as 4 days.
How quickly you receive your licence will depend on the DVLA to a certain extent, as they will have to process your application and test forms. This usually takes up to 3 weeks.

How difficult is it to pass the HGV test?

To carry out the HGV training you will have had to have passed your CAT B driving test, as such you will be familiar with the format that a driving test takes. With the right training, passing your HGV licence test is no more difficult than getting a car licence.
Your HGV training will take place in the same vehicle you’ll use on your test and we’ll even use the same routes where possible. The training takes place over 4 days with your test occurring on day five. By doing this we can ensure that the knowledge is still fresh in your mind, giving you the best chance of success.

How much does HGV training cost in the UK?

HGV training costs can vary but the average cost of training for your HGV licence ranges anywhere between £1,990 and £2,500. This includes both the 4 day practical training and getting you through the entire process. Covered within this is your medical, your theory practice, the theory test, your CPC and practical, pass protection and recruitment assistance from Manpower.

Can I fail my HGV medical test?

Yes, it is possible, however the pass criteria aren’t extremely stringent, although there are minimal physical standards required. The exam is aiming to discover if you are fit to drive an HGV, it isn’t a drug test and is concerned only with your physical ability to do the job.
In the event that you are deemed unfit, we will refund your training fees. Before trying again it is best to address any concerns with your GP.

Is there a difference between HGV and LGV training?

No. HGV and LGV only refer to the different nomenclature used in different places for the same thing. In the UK a heavy goods vehicle driver is an HGV driver, in Europe you will be referred to as an LGV driver but they are exactly the same thing.

Are there government funded HGV training courses?

Unfortunately not. The government backed training scheme for HGV drivers in the UK was discontinued though it may be possible to obtain backing until the end of 2025. The government’s position on this seems to be unclear so it is best to contact them to find out.
At HGVT we have worked hard to make our courses as affordable as possible. Get in contact to discuss your needs and your financial restrictions to see if we can find a solution for you.

Do I need to pass CAT 1 and Class 2 courses before getting my Class 1 licence?

Yes. Prior to taking your Class 1 licence (CE) practical test, you need to have already obtained your class 2 or Cat C licence. That said, new drivers going for their Cat C entitlement do not need to pass their C1 test beforehand.
If you want to qualify directly as a Class 1 driver, you must pass these other tests in addition to your Cat C and CPC training. Doing so adds Cat E to your driving licence and is an indication that you are a focused and committed professional. You can go directly to Class 1 without working up through the other levels as a driver but you will still have to pass the other tests beforehand.

How long does a HGV theory test last?

Just like with a car driving licence, your theory test is valid for 2 years. After that it expires and you will have to take the theory test again.

Are HGV drivers in demand in the UK?

You bet. The pressures of an unpredictable economic environment and Brexit have created a shortage in HGV drivers in the UK. It is estimated that there is a shortfall of approximately 50,000 drivers at the moment so now is the time to start your HGV journey. Get in touch today to learn more about our HGV training.

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