By passing the Category E practical test after becoming a Class 2 HGV driver, you can advance directly to get a Class 1 licence. To evolve as a Class 2 driver, you must first finish the following steps:
- Obtain a driver’s licence for cars.
- Request a temporary truck licence.
Complete the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) exam. A theoretical and driving examination are both included in this four-part exam.
Take the Category E practical test and qualify as a Class 1 HGV driver after completing the above requirements.
A Class 1 Licence
Driving vehicles that weigh at least seven and a half tonnes and have a detachable trailer is permitted with a class 1 licence, commonly known as a category C + E licence. These are often huge trucks that travel extensive distances.
What Age Is the HGV Class 1 Minimum?
If you are between 18 and 20, you may drive Class C + E cars as long as you possess a CPC qualification. The minimum age is otherwise 21.
What Distinguishes a Class 1 Driver from a Class 2 Driver?
Category C+E vehicles are articulated lorries, and class 1 drivers can drive them. However, Class 2 drivers are permitted to operate rigid-body Category C vehicles. These include garbage collecting trucks and fire trucks. Class 1 drivers typically earn more money and drive vast distances, whereas Class 2 drivers operate in urban areas.
What If I Don’t Pass the Category C Exam?
You must then choose a choice and by this time, you will have realised how difficult the DVSA driving test is.
To conclude the HGV Class 1 training with an HGV licence and apply for your desired driving profession, you can use some of the leftover course funds to pay for a retest and additional training (if necessary). After that, if you’d want to and our instructor thinks you have what it takes, you can move on to the C+E course.
How Can I Obtain a Free HGV Licence?
The government offers incentives to people who want to begin a career as an HGV driver. Some employers will cover the cost of your HGV class 1 training, and the job centre can provide financing for unemployed people.
Calling All Hgv Drivers: Upskilling Programmes Subsidised by the Government Are Available
HGV driving is a crucial job that supports the country’s economy and society on all levels. Do you want to improve your skills, boost your earning potential, or regain your confidence so you can get back behind the wheel as an experienced HGV driver? There are currently government-funded HGV class 1 training programmes called Skills Bootcamps. The Skills Bootcamps are a terrific approach to support people who wish to upgrade their skills or refresh themselves to get back behind the wheel and help new drivers break into the business.
Existing HGV drivers can choose from three different types of boot camps:
- ADR & Petroleum Passport for those who want to transport hazardous materials and operate fuel tankers,
- licence upgrades for those with a category C licence (rigid HGV) looking to upgrade to a category C+E licence (an articulated lorry)
- Refresher courses for anyone looking to regain their confidence behind the wheel.
For those with no prior driving experience who want to begin a career as an HGV driver, free courses are also offered.
Businesses that want to upgrade their current drivers can apply for government financing covering 70% of the program’s costs. The Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which supports everyone in acquiring skills for life, includes the Skills Bootcamps.
The Sum Up
If you have a UK driver’s licence as of November 15, 2021, you can proceed directly to a Class 1 or C+E course.
The C+E provisional entitlement must first be added to your licence. You must mail your driver’s licence, a D2 application, and a doctor-completed D4 medical form to do that.
You can start HGV class 1 training as soon as they return your licence with the C+E provisional entitlement digitally on your licence!
Also Read: Tips Before Choosing an HGV Course And Training Centre in UK