How Long is The Training?

One of the most commonly asked questions regarding the training is the length of the course itself. So how long is the duration of training?

Basic Length

Currently, the typical length of a course is just five days. You receive driving instruction, learn about rules regarding large vehicle operation and review safety issues during the first four days, and testing usually occurs on the fifth day.

If you are looking to obtain both your Category C and E licenses at the same time, you can take your classes back to back. If you schedule things properly (talk with your instructor first) you can arrange to take your tests for both licenses on the same day.

What is Covered

At first, many are surprised at the short length of HGV training. Once you begin, however, you’ll realize that a great deal of information is crammed into a relatively short period of time. There are a few reasons for this. One is that the basics are relatively easy to learn. Like so many other jobs, HGV driving is really learned while out on the job, driving a vehicle. This is precisely why so much of your training is hands-on education. Once you understand the relatively simple basic operations of a large vehicle, the rest of your education will be obtained through real-world experience.

Safety is a main focus during your training, with good reason. Driving a large vehicle, especially one carrying hazardous materials, takes specialized skills. A small mistake could have disastrous consequences, so play close attention to any and all safety regulations.

Rules of the road are slightly different for drivers of large or hazardous vehicles. These rules will be covered during your training. Carrying a handbook with you is also advised, at least when you’re first starting out. How long is HGV training? For the safety-conscious, training never really ends; you must keep educating yourself on new rules and regulations.

The Test

Your knowledge and driving test is the last portion of your training, and it’s the part which worries most students. However, try not to worry ? it only makes you nervous and more likely to make an unnecessary mistake. Relax as much as possible and spend the time before the test quietly reviewing everything you’ve learned.

Once you’ve passed your test, all that’s left to do is send off for your physical license. Once you’ve passed, you can legally apply to drive any vehicle which is covered by your license, depending of course on which category you’ve trained for.

Finding Work

Naturally, the first concern after graduation is finding a job. For those who’ve found work training, this is not an issue. Work training typically involves signing an agreement to work for the company who trains you for a specified period of years after you graduate. This is a highly recommend method of training, especially considering today’s economy.

If you did not complete work training, your job hunt should begin as soon as you’ve enrolled in training. Since the training period is only a week long, it’s fine to apply before you’ve actually completed training. Be aware that many companies are wary of hiring inexperienced drivers, so be prepared to do a bit of searching. You’ll probably also make less than more experienced drivers for the first few years, but your pay will rise as you gain experience. How long is HGV training? When you consider the on-the-job learning that occurs during the first few years, you’ll find that your education extends long after those first five days.

Useful Tools For HGV Drivers

After you find work as a HGV driver, it would be wise to optimise your driving in order to limit the costs involved with driving and to ensure that you improve efficiency whilst working. Tools such as this mpg calculator and also this petrol price website are some of the tools many HGV drivers calculate the costs of their routes prior to setting our. Investing in a HGV sat-nav is also another tool that is useful for all HGV drivers. We will be writing an article in the coming weeks which compares all of the HGV sat-navs that are currently on the market.