HGV Training
04 October 2010, 08:53 PM
#1
HGV Training
Hey guys, seriously looking at a career change and am looking to possibly go into driving HGVs proffesionally.
I've been looking online but not sure what to make of these companys that offer training.
Has anyone had experience of being trained to drive HGVs and gaining the relevant licence and the costs involved?
Can anyone recommend a training company or a company sponsoring drivers to pass the test...........
Any help/advice/pointing in the right dirction would be great.
I'm based near Chester/Wrexham in North Wales btw
Cheers
I've been looking online but not sure what to make of these companys that offer training.
Has anyone had experience of being trained to drive HGVs and gaining the relevant licence and the costs involved?
Can anyone recommend a training company or a company sponsoring drivers to pass the test...........
Any help/advice/pointing in the right dirction would be great.
I'm based near Chester/Wrexham in North Wales btw
Cheers
Last edited by BLU; 04 October 2010 at 08:56 PM.
04 October 2010, 09:11 PM
#3
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My brother has just got his class 2 HGV
he did it as a bit of a hobby as he works as an IT consultant for IBM -- just wanted to add it to his licence
I will ask him what it cost him
he did it as a bit of a hobby as he works as an IT consultant for IBM -- just wanted to add it to his licence
I will ask him what it cost him
04 October 2010, 09:15 PM
#4
I know you have to pass the theory then cat C (rigid over 7.5 tonnes under 36(?)tonnes) before you can move on to C+E (artics)
04 October 2010, 09:18 PM
#6
your looking at around £800 for your class 2, however there isnt as much work as there was a couple of years ago, id suggest doing your class 1 shortly after if its your intention to drive for a living!
also worth noting is that most companys are not keen on employing new drivers, most expect at least 2 years experience, so try and get some 7.5 tonne work first or lie and say you did 7.5 tonne work for a whilst.
I dont know of any your way but if your willing to travel I can give you a number for a guy in derby, hes brilliant.
p.s. I worked in a bank for 6 years before I started driving HGV's
also worth noting is that most companys are not keen on employing new drivers, most expect at least 2 years experience, so try and get some 7.5 tonne work first or lie and say you did 7.5 tonne work for a whilst.
I dont know of any your way but if your willing to travel I can give you a number for a guy in derby, hes brilliant.
p.s. I worked in a bank for 6 years before I started driving HGV's
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05 October 2010, 10:34 AM
#8
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My brother has his class 2 and 1
it is now called C and C + E btw
he said the Class 2 is harder, because if you can pass the Class 2 (C) - then the additional test -- to get the Class 1 (C+E) is fairly straight forward -- just a bit more on reversing a trailer
it cost him £1200, his instructor thinks the average is about 2k to get both
it took him a total of 12 hrs -- (he is quite a good driver btw)
his trick was to drive his cars (when he was training) in exactly the same way as he would if he was in a truck.
as I said he is not a professional driver, he has a pretty good job at IBM, but just like getting qualifications
he did mention that for 7k you can go to Miami and get a pilots licence
(only 4k if you don’t need to learn to land)
it is now called C and C + E btw
he said the Class 2 is harder, because if you can pass the Class 2 (C) - then the additional test -- to get the Class 1 (C+E) is fairly straight forward -- just a bit more on reversing a trailer
it cost him £1200, his instructor thinks the average is about 2k to get both
it took him a total of 12 hrs -- (he is quite a good driver btw)
his trick was to drive his cars (when he was training) in exactly the same way as he would if he was in a truck.
as I said he is not a professional driver, he has a pretty good job at IBM, but just like getting qualifications
he did mention that for 7k you can go to Miami and get a pilots licence
(only 4k if you don’t need to learn to land)
Last edited by hodgy0_2; 05 October 2010 at 01:10 PM.
05 October 2010, 12:30 PM
#9
I passed my class 1 HGV with Northwest HGV Training, i can recommend them highly.
Ask for Mark, say Rob in Warrington recommended you.
0151 724 2320
I disagree with that, class 2 is a glorified 7 half tonner. Most training schools will have a standard 6 or 5 speed gearbox. When you move onto class one its a 4 over 4 box with a splitter for low and high range, when your a learner it will take a bit of getting used too but its fine after a few lessons. You also have the trailor to think about when turning corners as its easy to clip a kerb when your not used too it, reversing is fun and games when you first start off as its opposite lock to the way you want to go.
You will enjoy it and you will soon pick it up.
Ask for Mark, say Rob in Warrington recommended you.
0151 724 2320
You will enjoy it and you will soon pick it up.
Last edited by Rob_Impreza99; 05 October 2010 at 12:40 PM.
05 October 2010, 01:47 PM
#11
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If you do take it up dont go with someone who uses the minimum size wagon for "C" with a straight 6 box.
You want a good size wagon, 26,000 GVW as a min. I would also advise a 4 over 4 gearbox. If you can pass a test in that, then you will be fine on the road.
I passed (2 years back now) in an 6 wheel FM12 4 over 4 and I think it was a 30 tonner IIRC. Was massive.
Similar to this http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...o_FM12_001.JPG
Just a lot, lot older!!!
After the test the examiner said I was not the best drivier he had ever seen in a truck (true!) but for a novice in quite an old, and very big wagon, he was very happy with the standard as he gets lots of people turning up in the smallest wagon possible, with 300bhp and are easy to drive. He fails them for fun.
As above, I was doing it mostly for "fun" as I dont drive for a living, but it sometimes comes in handy to have. Got to do the CPC now...
HTH!
You want a good size wagon, 26,000 GVW as a min. I would also advise a 4 over 4 gearbox. If you can pass a test in that, then you will be fine on the road.
I passed (2 years back now) in an 6 wheel FM12 4 over 4 and I think it was a 30 tonner IIRC. Was massive.
Similar to this http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...o_FM12_001.JPG
Just a lot, lot older!!!
After the test the examiner said I was not the best drivier he had ever seen in a truck (true!) but for a novice in quite an old, and very big wagon, he was very happy with the standard as he gets lots of people turning up in the smallest wagon possible, with 300bhp and are easy to drive. He fails them for fun.
As above, I was doing it mostly for "fun" as I dont drive for a living, but it sometimes comes in handy to have. Got to do the CPC now...
HTH!
05 October 2010, 03:11 PM
#12
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the best way imo to do it (same as me) is get your class 2 under your belt first. as has been said loads of employers are reluctant to take on without experience so,
1, pass class 2 (£800-£1100)
2. register with agencies
3. take anything thats offered for "experience"
4. be paitent, register with a few agencies, the righr sort of work will come along (eventually)
5. get a trial period via agency with a company
6. get taken on full time
7. after a while with the company ask about "in house training" and if it is available
8. they will either offer you the training and test "in house" and expect some sort of committal period to recoup their costs, or offer to pay yourself making sure first that they WILL put you straight into class 1 work.
this way will take longer but should see you "on the road" throughout, so , earning while real world learning. remember though drivers are 2 a penny, so dont fall for any sales patter off the training companies saying we will help you to get work cos its not always entirely true! these people are SALESMEN on the end of the phone and intrested in their COMMISSION. good luck.
1, pass class 2 (£800-£1100)
2. register with agencies
3. take anything thats offered for "experience"
4. be paitent, register with a few agencies, the righr sort of work will come along (eventually)
5. get a trial period via agency with a company
6. get taken on full time
7. after a while with the company ask about "in house training" and if it is available
8. they will either offer you the training and test "in house" and expect some sort of committal period to recoup their costs, or offer to pay yourself making sure first that they WILL put you straight into class 1 work.
this way will take longer but should see you "on the road" throughout, so , earning while real world learning. remember though drivers are 2 a penny, so dont fall for any sales patter off the training companies saying we will help you to get work cos its not always entirely true! these people are SALESMEN on the end of the phone and intrested in their COMMISSION. good luck.
05 October 2010, 03:15 PM
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05 October 2010, 03:55 PM
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My brother has his class 2 and 1
it is now called C and C + E btw
he said the Class 2 is harder, because if you can pass the Class 2 (C) - then the additional test -- to get the Class 1 (C+E) is fairly straight forward -- just a bit more on reversing a trailer
it cost him £1200, his instructor thinks the average is about 2k to get both
it took him a total of 12 hrs -- (he is quite a good driver btw)
his trick was to drive his cars (when he was training) in exactly the same way as he would if he was in a truck.
as I said he is not a professional driver, he has a pretty good job at IBM, but just like getting qualifications
he did mention that for 7k you can go to Miami and get a pilots licence
(only 4k if you don’t need to learn to land)
it is now called C and C + E btw
he said the Class 2 is harder, because if you can pass the Class 2 (C) - then the additional test -- to get the Class 1 (C+E) is fairly straight forward -- just a bit more on reversing a trailer
it cost him £1200, his instructor thinks the average is about 2k to get both
it took him a total of 12 hrs -- (he is quite a good driver btw)
his trick was to drive his cars (when he was training) in exactly the same way as he would if he was in a truck.
as I said he is not a professional driver, he has a pretty good job at IBM, but just like getting qualifications
he did mention that for 7k you can go to Miami and get a pilots licence
(only 4k if you don’t need to learn to land)
What he said
05 October 2010, 04:12 PM
#16
Scooby Regular
05 October 2010, 04:28 PM
#18
Got my "C" license about 5 years back, best part of £1000. Took me one week of half days and the test. Dead easy if you are a reasonable driver anyway, and it makes you a BETTER car driver, ..............no, really.
Problems start when trying to get a job, as insurance companies don't like new drivers so haulage firms won't take e'm on. Best thing is to go with an agency like Driver Hire. You WILL get work, and it'll be varied. Then after 2 years look for permanent work.
The problem with agency stuff is they sometimes ring you at 10pm and want you to work the next morning at 4am, so drinks in an evening are out
And they have rung me at 8am and wanted me in Grimsby by 9. But hey, it's a job.
The license costs too, as does the theory test which is also easy, I got 100%, plus budget for £100 or so for a medical. A tip here is to ask some local taxi companies if they know any retired doctors who do medicals for some extra income. I got mine for £25.
Problems start when trying to get a job, as insurance companies don't like new drivers so haulage firms won't take e'm on. Best thing is to go with an agency like Driver Hire. You WILL get work, and it'll be varied. Then after 2 years look for permanent work.
The problem with agency stuff is they sometimes ring you at 10pm and want you to work the next morning at 4am, so drinks in an evening are out
And they have rung me at 8am and wanted me in Grimsby by 9. But hey, it's a job.The license costs too, as does the theory test which is also easy, I got 100%, plus budget for £100 or so for a medical. A tip here is to ask some local taxi companies if they know any retired doctors who do medicals for some extra income. I got mine for £25.
05 October 2010, 04:28 PM
#19
Got my "C" license about 5 years back, best part of £1000. Took me one week of half days and the test. Dead easy if you are a reasonable driver anyway, and it makes you a BETTER car driver, ..............no, really.
Problems start when trying to get a job, as insurance companies don't like new drivers so haulage firms won't take e'm on. Best thing is to go with an agency like Driver Hire. You WILL get work, and it'll be varied. Then after 2 years look for permanent work.
The problem with agency stuff is they sometimes ring you at 10pm and want you to work the next morning at 4am, so drinks in an evening are out And they have rung me at 8am and wanted me in Grimsby by 9. But hey, it's a job.
The license costs too, as does the theory test which is also easy, I got 100%, plus budget for £100 or so for a medical. A tip here is to ask some local taxi companies if they know any retired doctors who do medicals for some extra income. I got mine for £25.
Problems start when trying to get a job, as insurance companies don't like new drivers so haulage firms won't take e'm on. Best thing is to go with an agency like Driver Hire. You WILL get work, and it'll be varied. Then after 2 years look for permanent work.
The problem with agency stuff is they sometimes ring you at 10pm and want you to work the next morning at 4am, so drinks in an evening are out
And they have rung me at 8am and wanted me in Grimsby by 9. But hey, it's a job.The license costs too, as does the theory test which is also easy, I got 100%, plus budget for £100 or so for a medical. A tip here is to ask some local taxi companies if they know any retired doctors who do medicals for some extra income. I got mine for £25.
05 October 2010, 07:37 PM
#20
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ive been driving artics for twenty years now worked like a dog 12 years off workin away all week pays the bills etc but no life i work just days now and the least hours as possible if id have known what i do know id have gone in a different direction good luck to you btw
05 October 2010, 09:21 PM
#21
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passed my hgv yrs ago before you had to take the class 2 first but mate done his last yrs for both tests it cost him around 2k
he then got a job pulling containers out the docks very easy as said above if you going to do it get it done before they bring in the new cpc law
i have since lost my lisence due to being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
its a job you will either love or hate,for me its like loseing my life i really loved it but it is a way of life not just a job
you,ve really got to want to do it if your looking at it as just a job with resonable money then its not for you
be honest i was into specialised haulage not sure if i could have done general haulage every day
i done marine transport (boats) and was a roadie for yrs so i supose i saw the better side to the transport game
but i did used to go out for 6-9 mths at the time and not get home at all in that time
as said just make sure you REALLY want to do it before spending out the cash as its very hard on wifes and familys
some pics of my old trucks
he then got a job pulling containers out the docks very easy as said above if you going to do it get it done before they bring in the new cpc law
i have since lost my lisence due to being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
its a job you will either love or hate,for me its like loseing my life i really loved it but it is a way of life not just a job
you,ve really got to want to do it if your looking at it as just a job with resonable money then its not for you
be honest i was into specialised haulage not sure if i could have done general haulage every day
i done marine transport (boats) and was a roadie for yrs so i supose i saw the better side to the transport game
but i did used to go out for 6-9 mths at the time and not get home at all in that time
as said just make sure you REALLY want to do it before spending out the cash as its very hard on wifes and familys
some pics of my old trucks
05 October 2010, 09:24 PM
#22
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passed my hgv yrs ago before you had to take the class 2 first but mate done his last yrs for both tests it cost him around 2k
he then got a job pulling containers out the docks very easy as said above if you going to do it get it done before they bring in the new cpc law
i have since lost my lisence due to being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
its a job you will either love or hate,for me its like loseing my life i really loved it but it is a way of life not just a job
you,ve really got to want to do it if your looking at it as just a job with resonable money then its not for you
be honest i was into specialised haulage not sure if i could have done general haulage every day
i done marine transport (boats) and was a roadie for yrs so i supose i saw the better side to the transport game
but i did used to go out for 6-9 mths at the time and not get home at all in that time
as said just make sure you REALLY want to do it before spending out the cash as its very hard on wifes and familys
some pics of my old trucks
he then got a job pulling containers out the docks very easy as said above if you going to do it get it done before they bring in the new cpc law
i have since lost my lisence due to being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
its a job you will either love or hate,for me its like loseing my life i really loved it but it is a way of life not just a job
you,ve really got to want to do it if your looking at it as just a job with resonable money then its not for you
be honest i was into specialised haulage not sure if i could have done general haulage every day
i done marine transport (boats) and was a roadie for yrs so i supose i saw the better side to the transport game
but i did used to go out for 6-9 mths at the time and not get home at all in that time
as said just make sure you REALLY want to do it before spending out the cash as its very hard on wifes and familys
some pics of my old trucks
feckin hell thats big remember them dafs lol
05 October 2010, 09:45 PM
#23
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36 foot wide and 79 long yeah it was one of the first 95 space cabs had a old 3600 ati space cab before that
used to move alot of catamrans the man i worked for at the time had the contract to move all the factory prout,solrus,and catalac catamrans about, was a everyday job to move 16 foot +about
them ones were built in bristol(portishead) they only ever made 3 of them and moved them all
used to move alot of catamrans the man i worked for at the time had the contract to move all the factory prout,solrus,and catalac catamrans about, was a everyday job to move 16 foot +about
them ones were built in bristol(portishead) they only ever made 3 of them and moved them all
05 October 2010, 10:03 PM
#24
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the cpc is already here! you'll need to have 35 hours extra training (not driving) before you can drive for a living, which lasts for 5 years. if you had you licence before the cut off date in 09 then you have grandfather rights untill 2014.
stevie
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06 October 2010, 07:11 PM
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new to all this but what are the classes and what does c,b etc mean?
When I was made redundant I walked away with just under £4000 so what could I have trained for and what kind of salary would I be taking home as a HGV Class X X X ?
just incase I get made redundant again
When I was made redundant I walked away with just under £4000 so what could I have trained for and what kind of salary would I be taking home as a HGV Class X X X ?
just incase I get made redundant again
06 October 2010, 07:25 PM
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Simon
06 October 2010, 07:37 PM
#27
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new to all this but what are the classes and what does c,b etc mean?
When I was made redundant I walked away with just under £4000 so what could I have trained for and what kind of salary would I be taking home as a HGV Class X X X ?
just incase I get made redundant again
When I was made redundant I walked away with just under £4000 so what could I have trained for and what kind of salary would I be taking home as a HGV Class X X X ?
just incase I get made redundant again
Simon
06 October 2010, 07:41 PM
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06 October 2010, 08:14 PM
#29
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I did my C and then C+E when I got put on garden leave back in summer 2008. Really enjoyed it, but have not driven a lorry since passing my test due to not having any experience, and not being able to get any *sigh*. All I wanted (and still want) to do was an odd bit of weekend work, which firms or agencies are looking for around here, but I can't get through the door.
Anyway - having never driven a lorry in my life, I did my 'C' in 5 days, driving for four hours a day. Started on Monday morning, and passed my test on Friday morning. I then had a break of 2 weeks before doing my C+E in an artic unit over 4 days, again driving for four hours a day. Started on Tuesday morning and passed my test on Friday morning.
Cost wise, it was ~£1300. I managed to pass my test before this CPC lark kicked in, but it will catch up on my in a few years, at which point my licence will become void
I was never actually sure if I would get any driving work or not to be honest, but it was something I'd always wanted to do, and I REALLY enjoyed doing it. If nothing else, it will give you an appreciation of how difficult it can be to drive a lorry, and put up with all the other idiots on the road.
And as a side note - if anyone in the East Yorkshire area wants to give me any driving to do, or can let me drive whilst your sat besides me, I'll gladly do it for free to get some experience. Hell man, I'll even take some days off work to do it
(if I do manage to start picking up weekend work, then I'll do my CPC)
(P.S, My PPL(A) cost me £5.5K 6 years ago in in the UK)
Anyway - having never driven a lorry in my life, I did my 'C' in 5 days, driving for four hours a day. Started on Monday morning, and passed my test on Friday morning. I then had a break of 2 weeks before doing my C+E in an artic unit over 4 days, again driving for four hours a day. Started on Tuesday morning and passed my test on Friday morning.
Cost wise, it was ~£1300. I managed to pass my test before this CPC lark kicked in, but it will catch up on my in a few years, at which point my licence will become void
I was never actually sure if I would get any driving work or not to be honest, but it was something I'd always wanted to do, and I REALLY enjoyed doing it. If nothing else, it will give you an appreciation of how difficult it can be to drive a lorry, and put up with all the other idiots on the road.
And as a side note - if anyone in the East Yorkshire area wants to give me any driving to do, or can let me drive whilst your sat besides me, I'll gladly do it for free to get some experience. Hell man, I'll even take some days off work to do it
(if I do manage to start picking up weekend work, then I'll do my CPC)
(P.S, My PPL(A) cost me £5.5K 6 years ago in in the UK)
06 October 2010, 09:25 PM
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Rigid HGV was formerly 'Class 2', now group C entitlement. Unlimted weight above 7.5 tonnes, but rigid vehicles only. Articulated 'Class 1' entitlement is now group C+E, which covers articulated vehicles, or combinations with heavy trailers over 7.5 tonnes. Group C1 is a new entitlement for people who took their car test after 1997 and so dont have grandfathered rights to drive an up to 7.5 tonne van - it covers 3.5 tonne to 7.5 tonne vehicles and youll get this entitlement automatically if you pass an HGV test (and perhaps a PSV test too - theyre all connected, as passing an HGV2 test in a manual lorry will upgrade an automatic bus licence to manual...).
Simon
Simon
I dont have rights to drive 7.5 tonne
to young