HGV Class 1 Courses – What to know
With many industries in the UK requiring HGV truck drivers for deliveries, you can earn a great living driving heavy goods vehicles. However, you must first receive a heavy commercial licence to drive a heavy commercial vehicle in the UK. A HGV class 1 vehicle is one of the heaviest available, with the ability to carry loads over 3500 kg and a trailer over 750 kg – otherwise known as an articulated lorry. The process of obtaining a class 1 HGV license and completing HGV Class 1 driver training can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Therefore, this guide focuses on how to prepare for a successful HGV Class 1 driver training session.
Getting a Provisional HGV Class 1 Vehicle Licence
Obtaining a provisional licence is the first step toward driving a Class 1 LGV. To apply for a Class 1 HGV provisional licence, you must be at least 18 years old and have a full Category B driving license. You will need a medical examination by your local doctor, your eligibility for a provisional LGV licence will be evaluated on the D2 form, while your medical fitness will be determined on the D4 form. Once the D2 and D4 forms are filled out, return them to the DVLA. Your provisional licence should be provided to you within three weeks after the DVLA has completed both forms.
What’s a CPC?
A CPC is broken down into 4 different modules, depending on the desired outcome of your HGV training depends on which parts of the CPC are relevant for you to take. Our team of experts will be able to guide you with which parts you will need.
1A + 1B = Theory Tests (Multiple Choice + Hazard Perception)
2 = Theory (CPC Case Studies)
3A + 3B = On & Off-Road Practical Test
4 = CPC Mod 4 Practical Test
* Parts 1A + 1B and 3A + 3B are required for anyone wanting to gain a HGV licence.
*Parts 2 + 4 are required for anyone wishing to use the licence for work.
Part One: Theory Tests (Multiple Choice + Hazard Perception)
The theory exam is divided into multiple choice and hazard perception. The first part of the test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that will take just under two hours to complete. A variety of issues will be covered, including road signs, freight movement, heavy vehicle safety, and emergency response. You must correctly answer 85 multiple-choice questions to pass. Hazard perception is the next component of the test. As part of the assignment, you must watch 19 films and identify 20 developing dangers in each one. To pass the test, you must identify 67% of the developing threats in the videos in a reasonable amount of time. After passing both tests, you will receive a two-year certificate.
Part Two: Theory (CPC Case Studies)
This part is necessary for individuals wishing to use their licence for work.
The test is made up of 7 case studies that you will work through, the case studies are short stories based on situations that you are likely to encounter during your work as a HGV driver. You will then be asked between 6-8 multiple choice questions per case study. The test duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, the pass mark is at least 40/50 marks.
Part Three: On + Off-Road Practical Test
This practical exam is also divided into two sections, one of which will test your driving ability and the other is a practical demonstration of how to operate a class 1 vehicle. The first section is an off-road practical examination. You will be asked to perform off-road exercises so that your manoeuvrability is put to the test. A few of the exercises will include an S shape reverse into a bay and showing the coupling and uncoupling procedure of a trailer. The second part is the on-road driving test, this will include ‘show me tell me’ questions and 1 hour of on-road practical driving. You will need to answer a series of questions to demonstrate your understanding of hazards associated with HGV vehicles.
The examiner will see how you:
- Use the vehicle controls
- Move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
- Do a controlled stop
- Use the mirrors
- Give appropriate signals
- Show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions
- Manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
- Deal with hazards
- Select a safe place to stop
Part Four: CPC Mod 4 Practical Test
You must of passed the Mod 2 part of the CPC before being able to take the Mod 4 Practical Test. You are tested in this practical demonstration on being able to A few examples include loading the truck correctly, analysing the risk factors. You will be assessed on the following:
- Load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure
- Stop trafficking in illegal immigrants and drugs
- Assess emergency situations
- Reduce physical risks to yourself or others
- Do a walkaround vehicle safety check
The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic. To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.
How can we help you prepare?
Here at NxtGen we offer our clients access to a theory revision test app, downloadable on your mobile phone allowing you to gain access to all theory test practise materials so you’re able to revise for your upcoming theory tests.
NxtGen Driving School
Get started on your path to earning a Class 1 HGV driving license. Contact us today to schedule your first lesson.
