If you’re looking to enter the rewarding HGV driving sector, you’ll need to enrol on an HGV training course to gain your all-important licence. However, training costs and fees need to be considered when deciding on your next steps.
So, how much is HGV training and are there any funding options available to help you pay for your new venture? Throughout this article, the HGV training specialists at HGV Training Network provide a rundown of the fees associated with professional training in the UK.
What’s included in the price of your HGV training?
Theory revision software and test
Included in your training package are a variety of theory revision tools such as bespoke apps designed to assist you in passing your theory test.
Practical training and test
You’ll embark on an intensive training program under the guidance of an experienced instructor before taking your practical test – this can last between 5-7 days.
Here, you’ll learn how to handle HGV-related hazards, adeptly navigate the vehicle, and maintain awareness of other road users.
The cost of your practical assessment is encompassed within your HGV training package.
Depending on the provider, your training may also include:
Medical tests
A medical professional will conduct essential and legally required assessments and tests, ensuring you’re fit to drive. Sight issues, narcolepsy and diabetes are examples of conditions that can affect your ability to drive competently.
CPC training
You must obtain your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) licence to legally operate an HGV. This requirement has been introduced by the DVLA to enhance road safety and uphold driving standards among professional drivers.
Are training costs standard across the UK?
It’s difficult to provide a definitive answer to how much HGV training packages cost in the UK as fees vary between providers and may increase if you require more tuition – which is rare given trainees already have a standard car licence.
Costs can also be determined by the intensity of the course and how fast you can pass.
On average, you can expect to spend between £1500 – £2000 for Class 1 training, which enables you to drive the largest vehicles on the road, such as the lorries with detachable trailers seen on the motorway.
Class 2 training is typically cheaper, ranging between £1200 – £1800 – this licence permits you to operate refuse trucks, fire engines, and similar vehicles.
Tips for making HGV training costs work for you
Although it may seem like a significant amount of money, there are options available to make paying for HGV training more affordable. Take a look at our tips below.
Look for financing options
Many HGV training companies offer flexible finance options to help you split the fees into more manageable chunks to be paid over a longer period of time. Before you apply, you should check that you’re eligible for financing – typically you’ll need the following to be accepted:
- Be 18 years of age and over
- Are a permanent UK resident and have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
- Have a UK bank account
- Have a good credit score
- Have no County Court Judgments (CCJs), active debt relief orders, Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVAs) or bankruptcies.
Some training providers may insist on additional qualifying terms as well as the above.
See if you’re eligible to apply for a government scheme
In response to the nationwide driver shortage over the last three years, the government set up specialised Skills Bootcamps – a free 16-week course for those looking for a career change – one such bootcamp includes HGV training.
You may be eligible to apply if you:
- Are 19 years of age or over
- Live in England
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Meet the set residency requirements
However, these boot camps are more competitive than training with a private company provider, so bear this in mind.
Shop around training providers
To ensure you’re getting the most affordable deal from an established provider, we highly recommend gathering a range of quotes from trusted training companies and comparing pricing.
Additionally, make sure you look at the training costs for the specific licence you need, as these can change between qualifications.
With this in mind, clarify that the providers are trustworthy and have a history of success – you can view reviews from past students on Trustpilot, Google Reviews or by looking at their onsite testimonials, which offer an insight into the experience they had training with the company.
We hope this guide has been helpful and provided you with useful insights into HGV training fees and how to fund training courses if you can’t afford to pay in bulk. As soon as you’ve chosen the best provider for your needs, you’ll be well on your way to embarking on your new career, brimming with opportunities and rewards.
