Tips & advice
HGV/LGV training is an investment in your future. Like any investment it's wise to do your research before committing. Asking some basic questions can you save a lot of time and money so we have compiled some basic guidance notes below to help you find the right Training Provider.
Company history and background
If you can, visit the Providers training centre. It's great to get an idea of what the company is all about. Any training company with nothing to hide would welcome your visit. Most people do not want to travel much further than 20-40 miles for HGV/LGV training so it's important to find your nearest Provider.
Ask the following questions:
- How long has company has been operating?
- What is their average pass rate?
- Where are they located (vehicles and centre)?
- Are the Instructors DSA (Driving Standards Agency) or RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) approved?
- Do they deliver the training themselves or outsource it?
- The test centres they use and for how long?
- Can you have a look at the vehicle you will be trained and tested in?
Training hours
Different training companies operate different training times and Student ratios. Most tend to deliver HGV/LGV training at a ratio of 2:1:1 (two Students, one Instructor and one vehicle). In this instance you should be out in the vehicle all day driving alternately. Others companies deliver the training at a ratio of 1:1:1 (one Student, one Instructor and one vehicle). Normally in this instance you drive for 4 hours at a time (this may differ between companies).
Which option you choose is up to you. Speak to your local Training Provider who will give you further advice.
Vehicles
A well maintained training vehicle is an essential tool in licence acquisition so you should ask any perspective Training Company the following questions:
- How modern is the vehicle you will learn on?
- How often it is serviced and if it is maintained regularly>
Bear in mind. HGV/LGV training vehicles are Operator Licence exempt. This means the vehicle is legally only required to pass an MOT once a year (same as a car). There is no legal obligation to service and maintain HGV/LGV training vehicles. Training companies that subject there training vehicles to regular maintenance, inspection and service demonstrate investment in vehicle safety and reliability. Would you want to train in a vehicle that is mechanically unsound or likely to break-down?
Costs
Training fees can vary from Provider to Provider and area to area. To minimise your training costs it is always advisable to go direct to your Provider rather than a third party such as a Broker. Getting HGV entitlement is a serious investment in both time and money so look around and invest wisely. This website only promotes Training Companies that deliver the training themselves and employ DSA/RTITB approved instructors. Find your nearest Training Provider by completing the search form on our Home Page.