HGV FAQs

As a government-approved training provider, you can trust Health & Safety Training to provide rigorous and well-priced HGV training schemes, no matter where you are in the North East. If you are considering taking on some HGV training, perhaps because you lost your job due to COVID-19, you probably have a lot of questions about HGVs and the training we provide. Hopefully the following FAQs should help clear things up.

What the difference between an HGV and an LGV?

HGV stands for “heavy goods vehicle” and LGV stands for “large good vehicle”, not “light goods vehicle” as some mistakenly believe. This means that, under UK and European law, an HGV license and an LGV license are fundamentally the same thing. They cover all commercial lorries featuring a gross combination mass of over 3500kg, which includes: fridge trucks, box vans, Lutons, flat beds, tippers and more.

How long is a CPC card valid for?

A CPC card is valid for 5 years, meaning that, once those five years are up, you will need to retrain to ensure that you can keep it.

What is the fine for driving without a CPC card?

If you are caught driving a commercial vehicle without a valid CPC card, you could face a fine of up to £1000. With this in mind, make sure you keep your eye on the renewal date so you are never caught without a valid CPC card.

What license do I need to drive an artic (over 7.5 tonnes with a detachable trailer)?

If you want to drive an arctic (the largest type of HGV, used heavily in logistics operations), you will need a Category C+E license.

How much can I expect to earn as a Category C+E driver?

Category C+E drivers who are doing long haul national and international routes can expect to earn a minimum £32,000, but can rise much higher. This is the highest paying type of HGV driving, so it’s something to aim for!

What license do I need to drive a rigid-based HGV weighing over 7.5 tonne?

To drive a rigid-based HGV, commonly used as skip handlers, fire engines or refuse collection vehicles, you will need a Category C license.

How much can a Category C driver earn?

Category C drivers can expect to earn a minimum of £26,000 a year.

How old do I have to be to undertake HGV training?

While you only need to be 17 to own a full driving license, you need to be at least 18 to undertake HGV training, so this is worth bearing in mind.

Health & Safety Training are the leading HGV training providers throughout the North East. We’ve trained 100s of drivers over the years, all of differing skill levels, so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands with us. What’s more, thanks to our new finance scheme that we offer in partnership with Payl8r, you can now pay for your training in manageable installments, taking the stress out of payment. Get in touch today for more information.