ADUK Archive

I had reason to clamber up and sit in an HGV the other day, and having done so I really got the taste of it, so I am planning on taking an HGV test to get a licence. If nothing else it is a tool in the box, and I would like a safety net with which I could earn if needs be. But mainly, I fancy it, seems like a challenge.

I take it I wont have any issues with age, (26), and also what could I expect to pay for tuition. Also how long could it take?

All advice welcome!

James,

as Rog says, there is nothing wrong with doing some research on the C+E license. Driving LGVs can be an enlightening experince for many drivers. In some respects they can be easier than a car and more comfortable. However the skill, judgement and responsibility of controlling a 44t, 16.5m long vehicle can be considerable. Advanced driving skills will be a huge advantage as anticipation (of the actions of others and how your vehicle will behave), good spacial awareness (lots of blind spots) and smooth progressive progress.

Although I seldom get the opportunity to drive trucks now, I do still enjoy it and it is always a fall-back for employment options. Course are usually about 1 week duration, but that will only give you a chance at passing the test in an unladen, simple vehicle. There is a huge amount of knowledge and experiance that needs to be gained in the operation of the many, varied types of vehicle, configurations, loads, ancillary equipment, drivers hours etc. Unfortunatly, there are very few courses covering these "specialisms", you just have to go about gaining the experience the old way...

If you fancy it why not? I must admit I fancy getting my PCV license at some point.

You talking C or C+E James ?

James do you already have C1 on your licence?

Thanks for all replies...

I am thinking about an HGV licence, thats it, not sure what I already have in terms of categories...

Passed test in 2000, anything since then is a bonus. I know I do not have D1 on my licence, but I am keen to pursue this so guess those sort of minor issues are irrelavant...

C1? Not sure will check...

C and C and E means noubt to me Von... sorry

If you passed your test in 2000 you have a long and costly journey to get a C+E licence, but good luck. It is good fun driving HGVs but it's even better if someone else pays for it.

James wrote:C1? Not sure will check...

C and C and E means noubt to me Von... sorry

C1 = 7.5tonner - You will not have this on your licence as you passed B after 97
C = LGV rigid (old HGV classes 2 & 3)- must be passed before going to CE - you do not have to do C1 before C.
CE = Artic (old HGV class 1) or rigid & trailer

*is waiting to turn 21 so he can give it a shot*

Best of luck James.

[quote="PeteG"]*is waiting to turn 21 so he can give it a shot*

Best of luck James. [/quote

Could be wrong but you can give it a shot at 18+ under new ruleings

zerocool wrote:

PeteG wrote:*is waiting to turn 21 so he can give it a shot*

Best of luck James. [/quote

Could be wrong but you can give it a shot at 18+ under new ruleings

Not till sept 2009 when you will also have to do the initial driver cpc

ROG wrote:

zerocool wrote:

PeteG wrote:*is waiting to turn 21 so he can give it a shot*

Best of luck James.

Could be wrong but you can give it a shot at 18+ under new ruleings

Not till sept 2009 when you will also have to do the initial driver cpc

Yeah... I looked at the young drivers scheme, but couldn't fit it into my working life, sadly. I've waited this long, six months is not much longer.

PeteG wrote:

ROG wrote:

zerocool wrote:

PeteG wrote:*is waiting to turn 21 so he can give it a shot*

Best of luck James.

Could be wrong but you can give it a shot at 18+ under new ruleings

Not till sept 2009 when you will also have to do the initial driver cpc

Yeah... I looked at the young drivers scheme, but couldn't fit it into my working life, sadly. I've waited this long, six months is not much longer.

we all get there in the end.
got my theory in two weeks then once that is out of the way get my course and test completed hopefully, i do have a bit of an advantage!! only just, a comany i used to work for let me shunt 17tonners around and reverse them on yard for loading so i have a slight idea of what is where etc.

The young driver scheme requires a person under 21 to work full time for the employer that is sponsoring them. It also restricts the person on that scheme as they can only drive LGVs for that employer.

ROG wrote:The young driver scheme requires a person under 21 to work full time for the employer that is sponsoring them. It also restricts the person on that scheme as they can only drive LGVs for that employer.

Yeah i think that person has to be with the company for about 4 years or you have to pay for the licence and training.