Unravelling the Different Licence Categories in the UK
Do you wish to drive a heavy vehicle in the UK? While it sounds like a fantastic plan, you can’t drive professionally without a specific licence. That’s right! You need a heavy goods vehicle licence, but the different categories may confuse you.
Starting your heavy goods vehicle driver career can be a lucrative proposition. Still, you must undergo the required training and pass the theory and practical tests to qualify and start applying for jobs. While you are here, let us share the different categories, the c1 licence training cost, and much more.
Dive right in to find out everything about the different licence categories and how you can get started with a career as an HGV driver in the UK.
The Job Description of an HGV Driver in the UK
Before shedding light on the different categories of licences, we will tell you what an HGV driver does in the UK.
Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers are responsible for transporting goods between different locations. They move heavy items for customers and suppliers both internationally and nationally.
As a responsible lorry driver, you spend a lot of time on an open road. This way, you will be away from your home quite often. Delivery schedules are planned, and you have to deliver the items timely to the designated location.
HGV drivers need to be above 18 years of age. Some companies might have criteria for choosing a driver who is above 21 years. You need to hold a UK driving licence besides the special category licence for driving heavy vehicles.
Additional qualifications can be gained during the courses you take. Some companies will also offer HGV training as a part of the package. If you already have experience, it will be easier to apply to different companies. Most big logistics companies need lorry drivers, and there is always a need in the transport industry.
Training Courses for HGV Driving: Special training providers offer courses to gain the correct qualifications for an HGV licence. There will be a test with two parts – Category C1 and Category C. Category C1 allows drivers to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. Category C allows drivers to drive vehicles that are over 7.5 tonnes.
Nonetheless, you need to sit for each of the theory tests and practical tests. Moreover, the driver has to showcase a proper understanding of road safety. They also need to show how to unload and load an HGV securely.
Besides this, there are medical tests in which you need to show that you have perfect eyesight, and the medical assessments should not showcase your serious health condition.
Driver CPC is required for you to join this profession and start working. Once these prerequisites are complete, you can start driving professionally and apply for jobs in the UK. The annual payout of lorry drivers is quite lucrative, but you will have to dedicate yourself to this career path. It’s long hours and unknown routes. You will have to face extreme weather conditions and spend long hours on the road. 8-9 hours on the road are basic in which you can take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving.
Categories of Licences in the UK for Medium and Heavy Vehicles
We will not get into the small-size or two-wheeler categories here. Let’s talk about heavy or medium size vehicles here.
With category C1, you can drive vehicles with a trailer up to 750 kilograms. Category C1E allows you to drive vehicles with a trailer over the weight of 750 kilograms.
Larger vehicles have Category C and Category CE licences. In Category C, you can drive vehicles that weigh over 3,500 kilograms. In Category CE, you can drive vehicles with a trailer of over 750 kilograms. For mini-size buses, you can get a D1 licence. It can carry not more than sixteen passenger seats. Trailer can be up to 750 kilograms. Category D1E is with a trailer above 750 kilograms MAM
Concluding Thoughts
Now that you know about the different categories, it will be easier for you to apply for the relevant one.
Lorry driving is not easy, so be sure that this is the career path you want to choose. It will require you to travel long distances and transport heavy and expensive goods. You have to be vigilant and alert all the time.
So, apply for the licence, get the necessary training, and be prepared for all the challenges and perks you get with this job. Once you get the licence, it will be easier to apply for jobs and get the right kind.