There has never been a better time to pursue your Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) or Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence.
It’s no secret that the UK has a shortfall of about 75,000 lorry drivers due to the coronavirus and Brexit. The shortage has affected different industries, including food, logistics, and medical industries.
However, some aspirant HGV drivers have still found it challenging to become accredited and licensed HGV drivers. Luckily, the UK government’s recent announcement has made becoming an HGV or LGV driver simpler and more attractive than ever before.
So, what are the benefits of becoming an HGV driver? Below we consider what the new HGV licensing requirements are and where you can complete your HGV training.
How Has the HGV Licensing Process Changed in 2021?
HGV drivers are required to complete a series of HGV driving tests, depending on their chosen vehicle class and industry. There are a limited number of testing slots available each year, which impacts the amount of HGV and LGV drivers on UK roads.
To overcome the shortfall, the UK government has introduced three significant changes to the HGV testing process. The changes affect:
1. Car and Trailer Driving Tests
As of 20 September 2021, car and trailer driving tests will no longer be available in the UK. Car drivers are no longer required to take another driving test to tow a caravan or trailer. However, that obviously doesn’t mean that it is suddenly impossible to drive a trailer or caravan illegally.
The DVLA will automatically update all driving licenses and add a category B+E to all photocard driving licences when you have them renewed.
The government estimates that the removal of car and trailer testing will allow for about 30,000 more HGV tests to be completed every year.
2. Third-Party Training
Before 2021, the HGV driving test consisted of two separate tests completed over at least three weeks. Now, the government has streamlined the tests into a single test and have reduced the testing outcomes too.
The most notable change to the single HGV test is that drivers will no longer have to complete the ‘reversing exercise’ or ‘uncoupling and recoupling’ elements of the HGV test. Those elements can now be tested through training by third parties, such as TL Training or employers who require drivers to have those skills.
3. First Time HGV Licensing
Until this year, HGV drivers could only apply for an articulated vehicle test if they had successfully acquired a driving licence for a smaller vehicle. Now, drivers will only need to complete their HGV driving test to start their HGV accreditation process.
Why Choose TL Training for HGV/LGV Training Courses?
To operate an HGV or LGV vehicle safely, you will need more than a valid driving licence. Various categories of vehicles are operated differently, so having a licence will not be enough.
Completing an HGV/LGV training course will give you and your future employer the peace of mind that you have the necessary skills to transport precious cargo safely.
TL Training provides quality HGV and LGV driver training to new and experienced drivers in Wirral, Chester, Liverpool, and right across the UK. Our training courses are comprehensive and aim to prepare all our participants with expert skills.
We offer a wide range of training courses, including the:
- Category C training course
- Category C1 training course
- Category C+E training course
- Driver CPC – MOD 4 (Initial) training course
- Driver CPC – Periodic (35-hour) training course
- Yard Shunter training course
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Please be aware that we are currently experiencing very high volumes of calls and emails, following the Government’s announcement regarding a number of proposed changes to the LGV & HGV driver training structure.
Please click here for more information.
