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How to Get HGV Training for Free in the UK

How to Get HGV Training for Free in the UK

How to Get HGV Training for Free in the UK

The Road Haulage Association announced a shortage of more than 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK.

One of the factors cited for the shortage is COVID-19. However, further studies indicate that a shortage of more than 60,000 HGV drivers existed before the pandemic.

There is some good news. Hauliers and logistics companies are looking for HGV drivers to deliver goods across the UK and even to Europe. Interested in becoming an HGV driver in the UK? Well, the first step is training.

Wondering how to get HGV training for free in the UK? Keep reading!

How to Get HGV Training For Free

The following are ways to get HGV training for free in the UK.

Skills Bootcamps

In August 2022, the UK government extended the training of HGV drivers for another year aimed at tackling the shortage of HGV drivers. The government intends to train 4000 new HGV drivers.

Of these, 3000 drivers will get trained through Skills Bootcamps, while 1000 will be through the adult education budget. Under this scheme, candidates taking level 2 qualifications to become a driver will have their medical costs covered. That includes the first attempt costs for an HGV licence. This also includes candidates who are upgrading from a category C licence to a C&E licence.

The government-funded Skills Bootcamps are free training courses that last up to 16 weeks. Suitable for people who are new to heavy goods vehicle driving or those returning to driving, the Skills Bootcamps are free.

Everything you need to become an HGV driver is part of the package. That includes getting a provisional licence, including your medical exam. It also includes taking each of the four Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests and one resit per CPC test.

To be eligible for Skills Bootcamps, you must be:

  • 19 years or older
  • Have a Category B driving licence

To apply for Skills Bootcamps, you can do so directly through training providers.

Apprenticeships

Did you know that you can combine practical training in a job with your HGV training? Well, there are different apprenticeship options for heavy goods vehicle training in:

  • England
  • Wales
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland.

In fact, if you get an apprenticeship in England, you can start driving professionally before you even pass your CPC tests. You can apply to drive an HGV for up to 12 months before taking all qualifying tests.

Apply to start driving professionally after passing these tests::

  • Driver CPC part 1 (theory)
  • Driver CPC part 3a (off-road exercises)
  • Driver CPC part 3b (on-road driving)

Once you pass the tests above, you can drive professionally for up to 12 months before taking these tests:

  • Driver CPC part 2
  • Driver CPC part 4

However, you can defer taking Driver CPC parts 2 and 4. To do so, you must have:

  • Passes Driver CPC parts 1 and 3
  • Registered for an apprenticeship or eligible training course
  • Not used an NVT concession

You must be:

  • 18 years and over
  • Living in the country you’re applying in
  • Not on full-time education

While training, you’ll get paid, and you will not have to pay for the training. However, how much you’ll get paid depends on your employer. To apply for an apprenticeship, check out the HGV apprenticeship opportunities below:

What to Consider Before Accepting Free Hgv Training From an Employer?

There are several factors to consider before accepting free HGV training from an employer.

Penalties

Before you start your HGV training, you’ll sign a contract agreeing to stay with the company for several years. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have to leave the company before the end of your contract.

So, before you sign the contract, always read the small print. By doing so, you can be aware of an early release penalty. Some companies will require you to pay back a portion of the costs of the HGV training before leaving.

Length of Contract

Besides checking the small print for early release penalties, we recommend checking the length of your contract. Some companies will require you to work for them for two years, while for others it may be longer.

Each company has set out their own criteria, and if you complete the training, you may get a job with the company. However, you must consider where to be after the length of your contract ends.

Some companies usually include a cooling-off period in the contract. Basically, when you leave, the company prohibits you from approaching another to seek employment.

What Happens if I Lose My Job?

If you’re unfortunate to lose your job before you complete your training, the company will probably penalise you. So, it’s important to check the small print before you sign. By doing so, you’ll be aware of any penalties just in case the company fires you.

Some companies may ask you to pay part or the whole cost of your HGV training after they fire you. So, it’s wise to be aware of such a clause in your contract before you start your HGV training at the company.

FAQs

What are the different categories of the HGV licence?

There are six classes of HGV licences. They include classes C, C+E, C1, C1+E, Cat D1 and Car to Artic. The licences are all valid for 5 years and are usually issued by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

How long does it take to train for HGV?

HGV licence training takes only five days. However, the whole process, including acquiring a licence, takes 8 to 16 weeks. If you train with the right team, the process is faster.

How much does it cost to become an HGV driver in the UK?

The cost of HGV licence training is between £1000 and £2000. However, it depends on a candidate’s exact requirements.

Is it worth becoming an HGV driver?

The average salary for an HGV driver in 2022 in the UK is £2,110 net per month or £32,100 gross per year. The typical starting salary is around £21,300 but with more training and experience, you can earn more money.

Can I get an HGV licence for free if I join the military or defence forces?

The simple answer is yes, you can get your HGV training and licence for free if you join the military or defence forces.

What is the difference between LGV and HGV?

LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle, while HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle. Both terms refer to the same vehicles that are vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. They include lorries and trucks.

What kind of work can I do with an HGV licence?

If you have an HGV licence, you can operate heavy-duty vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more such as trucks and lorries. Typical work includes working in logistics as a driver where you’ll deliver goods across the UK and even Europe.

Final Words

Free HGV training in the UK is underway as part of measures to ease driver shortages and supply chains before the holidays and beyond. To get your free HGV training, you can do so from Skills Bootcamps, and Apprenticeships. The training makes you road ready and allows you to gain confidence to drive trucks and lorries.

Once you complete your training, you’re guaranteed a job interview with an employer. In fact, if you start your training today, you’ll be on the road in 16 weeks or less.

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