Latest News & Articles From The HGV Driver Training Industry
HGV Practical Test to Change 20/08/2010
The HGV Practical test (Driver CPC module) 3 is changing. From October 4th 2010 the practical HGV driving test will include a 10 minute section where trainees must drive independently (*unaided by the examiner). The Driving Standards Agency DSA want to ascertain the trainees ability to think and judge traffic situations independently and make correct decisions based on the circumstances as they appear on route. According to the DSA it is not a test on navigation or route planning (although you cannot use a SatNav to help you).
So during your test you'll have to drive independently by either following a series of directions, traffic signs or a combination of both. To help you understand where you're going, the examiner may show the trainee a diagram
(click here to see an example).
If, for example you take a wrong turn you will not be penalised for this as long as it does not constitute a minor, major or serious fault (enter a no entry road, mount a kerb etc.)
* If the trainee asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to the trainee.
* If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give the trainee directions until he or she can see the next traffic sign - The trainee wont need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.
HGV Jobs Market Sees Rise in Vacancies 26/07/2010
Compared to last year's figures the number of HGV driver job vacancies has increased by 180% (13,299 driving positions.) This is the largest reported growth for over 4 years. This is seen as a huge increase and signs the industry is finally beginning to pull out of recession. These figures look very encouraging especially if you are looking for a career as an HGV Driver within the transport industry.
RHA calls for more secure truck park facilities 05/07/2010
Truck parking facilities do not have to be as secure as Fort Knox – but they could and should be much safer places to park than they currently are. That is the message from the (RHA)Road Haulage Association, in its formal written response to the Department for Transport’s consultation on roadside facilities. The RHA says that the government should require higher standards of motorway service area operators (MSAs). Government should take steps to make it more attractive for MSAs and other providers of truck parking to invest in security measures. For example by holding or reducing ratable values. At present, firms are discouraged from making sites more secure because ratable values increase. “Improved security would deter crime against the transport industry and reduce the demands on police resources,” says RHA security and infrastructure manager Chrys Rampley.
MT Driver CPC Training Campaign 16/06/2010
Motor Transport, the authoritative trade journal for the HGV transport industry has launched a campaign to highlight the current failures in the Driver CPC training system and what can be done to improve the situation. Currently over 1,000 companies are approved to deliver periodic Driver CPC Training and it is estimated that 500,000 drivers must complete 35 hours mandatory training by September 10th 2014. That's a lot of training hours (approximately 17 million). MT (and others) are advising those looking to complete there 35 hours should invest in good quality training, as opposed to "just ticking the boxes" to comply with the new regulation. click here to read
DSA Website to Close 11/06/2010
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is set to close later this year. www.dsa.gov.uk is the current website of the DSA and facilitates online test bookings, as well as providing relevant information on attaining and maintaining your driving licence. When the website closes the following services will be moved to the following government agency websites: Learner drivers and riders will use www.Directgov.uk. Driver trainers and businesses will use the Business Link website and corporate information about how DSA is run will be moved to the Department for Transport website. Most of these services are already available via these websites.
HGV Test Results Latest 26/05/2010
HGV test results (Module 3 of Driver CPC) for 2009 are listed below. This information was obtained though the freedom of information act.
Category C1 (3.5 + tonnes - 7.5 tonnes GVW) total tests taken: 3,193. Total passes 1,997. Total fails 1,196. Category C (7.5 + tonnes - 32 tonnes GVW, class 2) total tests taken: 32,659. Total passes 16,072. Total fails 16,587. Category C+E (articulated / draw bar vehicle) total tests taken: 14,413. Total passes 7,371. Total fails 7,042.
The figures above show a steep decline in 7.5 tonnes HGV test being taken. A reason for this may be the lowering of the age to 18 for category C and C+E. Class 2, (rigid) still proves to be the most common HGV test taken in the UK in 2009. The pass and fail rates above are based on national statistics and not by region. Pass rates will vary between HGV training schools. To be in the best possible position to pass your test it makes sense to go direct to an approved HGV training provider in your area.
Proposed New HGV Speed Limits
A proposal to simplify motorway speed limits for buses, coaches and HGV's have been published by the DfT. Confusion appears to have arisen over the different speed regulations for the same category of vehicle C1, (7.5 tonnes) New C1 vehicles are fitted with speed limiters and are restricted to 56 mph. Older C1 vehicles are not and can travel up to 70 mph. Also new C1 HGV's are not allowed to use the right hand lane of a three lane motorway but unlimited vehicles (older) are. All this can cause confusion for drivers and it provides no incentive to companies to invest in modern, safer and more fuel efficient vehicles. The proposals put forward in the consultation document include: Setting the motorway speed limit at 60 mph for all HGVs over 3.5 tonnes regardless of whether or not they are fitted with a speed limiting device. Prohibiting all HGVs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes and all buses, minibuses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats from using the right hand lane of motorways with three or more lanes.
Motor Transport Magazine Writes Article on DSA HGV Training Providers
If you are considering undergoing HGV training then read the attached article. Motor Transport recently invited members of HGVLGVTraining to a "round table" to discuss current issues within the HGV training industry. It may come as a surprise to some that you need no recognised qualification to set yourself up as an "HGV training school". The only mandatory requirement is that you/your instructors have held the relevant category (C, C+E) etc. on your licence for at least three years. It looks at why you should go direct to a DSA approved HGV Training Provider.
Click here to read the full story
Change of Government Means Change of Transport Minister
The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government have appointed Philip Hammond as the Secretary of State for Transport. Mr Hammond (Conservative) was an unexpected appointment. The role was expected to be filled by Theresa Villiers, the former Shadow Minister for Transport for 3 years. Mr Hammond and his team certainly have there work cut out for them. From a road transport industry perspective: fuel prices, carbon emissions and infrastructure investment are just some of the issues Mr Hammond will need to address in the coming months. An emergency budget is due to take place before 1st July.
Fall in Love With Logistics
The freight transport industry can often be taken for granted and not recognised for the contribution it makes to UK plc. So this week the FTA (Freight Transport Association) launched "Love Logistics". A campaign aimed at identifying the challenges within industry, as well as promoting the success's within it. Part of the campaign is aimed at making the general public aware of what role the logistics industry plays. The FTA has developed 4 shorts films to help illustrate this click here to view
New Operator Licence Fees Come into Force 15/4/2010
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has abolished operator licensing vehicle fees (as of 1st April 2010). To make up for the loss VOSA has increased the annual vehicle test fee (MOT). Previously the operator licensing fees paid by the operator were used to fund VOSA's Operator licence inspections and compliance programs. Raising the annual test fee should be a good thing for the operator as the financial burden is now shared more equally among all goods vehicle operators. It should also minimise the number of payments the operator makes to VOSA.
What is an Operator Licence?
If you operate a vehicle over 3.5 tonne's G.V.W. (gross vehicle weight) on the public highway for hire or reward you will need an Operators Licence. If you are transporting your own goods then you will require a restricted operator licence (no CPC required). If you are transporting other peoples goods then you will require a standard operator licence (CPC required)
6 Months Old and Growing Fast 01/01/2010
www.hgvlgvtraining.co.uk went live 1st October 2009. That makes us 6 months old today. Over 80 quality independent HGV and Driver CPC training companies can now be found on www.hgvlgvtraining.co.uk. We continue to link you with training companies that employ DSA Approved Instructors. Sourcing LGV training via the internet can be fraught with dangers. That's why we created www.hgvlgvtraining.co.uk. To assist those looking for training find a proper HGV training company in there area. Thanks for your support over the last 6 months and here's to the next 6.
DfT wants fuel efficient training made compulsory 29/03/2010
The Department for Transport is wanting to make fuel efficient training compulsory when undergoing Driver CPC periodic training. This is in part an attempt to reduce CO2 emissions and make Drivers more fuel efficient. Currently how you complete you 35 hours is entirely up to you as long as your course is Driver CPC approved and you complete at least 7 hours. Most Drivers are completing there hours in the classroom as this is the most cost effective option. However when you consider fuel savings of over £700 per year per vehicle can be achieved through proper training then the benefits are obvious. Speak to your local provider about Driver CPC training.
Initial Driver CPC Confusion 13/03/2010
Do not be confused or mislead on whether you need the Initial Driver CPC qualification. Acquiring LGV entitlement means attaining Initial Driver CPC. The Initial Driver CPC is split into 4 modules. Whether you need to complete all 4 modules depends on the following factors:
When you passed your car test.(Passing you car test before 1.1.97 means you only need to complete modules 1&3.)
What entitlement you currently hold. (If you currently have cat C1 entitlement you only need to complete modules 1&3.)
You will not drive professionally after you pass you HGV LGV test or you are exempt from Driver CPC. (Then you only need complete modules 1&3.)
If you do not meet any one of the above criteria you will need to complete all 4 modules of the initial Driver CPC (3 theory tests and 2 practical tests.) See our training info page for further details Click here, or better still contact a professional provider in your area via our homepage Click here.
DSA Driver Tests Canceled Nationwide 07/03/2010
The PCS (Public and Commercial Services) union announced strikes will take place on the 8th and 9th March effecting many parts of the UK. Union members are striking over a final pay disagreement. As a result of this a number of DSA practical driving tests have been canceled. No theory tests have been effected. Those whose driving tests have been canceled should contact the DSA on 0300 200 11 22.
Zenith Training achieves 100% success rate 16/02/2010
Congratulations to Zenith Training based in Hampshire on maintaining a 100% 1st time pass rate on all Module 4 tests. Module 4 is the practical associated knowledge exam of the Initial Driver CPC qualification. Mandatory for all new entrants. Zenith Training also boasts a 75% 1st time pass on C and C+E and 80% 1st time success on B+E. Well above the national average. Keep up the good work!
Lancing Training adds New Vehicle to fleet 03/02/2010
Lancing Driver Training has invested in the purchase of a new truck for its training fleet. The new purchase is an 18 tonnes rigid Volvo FM7 4*4 box high roofed cab. This bring the total fleet to 4 vehicles, including a Volvo FM Drawbar Combination, a Volvo rigid (18 tonnes)a Mercedes Sprinter (C1) and a Land Rover Discovery with horsebox trailer (B+E)
Three Major HGV Training Brokers Go Into Administration 15/1/2010
It has been reported that Qualitas, Pathway and Sterling HGV training brokers have all gone into administration within recent weeks. This further enforces the need to book driver training directly with independent Training Providers and NOT with the large training brokers who advertise heavily in the national press and online.
Got any news? Please email info@hgvlgvtraining.co.uk