HGV Driving Test Changes

The way you get your HGV Class 1 HGV licence has changed.
If you want C+E artic entitlement then there is no longer the need to pass the Cat C driving test first.
Go straight from car to class 1!
This short video explains what the changes will mean.
For more information please visit
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[jeremybaker]

Just did a couple of days C1 work for a well known supermarket. I walked out. I was treated like a donkey. They cant get drivers coz they treat people like dirt. A company I know advertised a job a couple of weeks ago, good pay, good conditions & had over 100 applications. There is no driver shortage & there never has been. However there is a shortage of people willing to work 55-60 hours a week for peanuts. The people who are having problems recruiting drivers are the people who pay low wages & treat their people like dirt.

[spiderman]

Let me tell you as a HGV driver, the shortage is all a load BS. There are plenty of drivers out there, but because of companies like Sainsburys and DPD that love to unfairly dismiss drivers for silly company policies and only mainly employ through agencies so you have no rights. That no one wants to do the job. I was rejected 3 times last week, twice by DHL and once by XPO. And am working for XPO at the moment through an agency. All the decent jobs with companies that truly look after their drivers are taken, and all that is left is the crap. Long unsociable hours, disrespect, and no job security. So now the government thinks that by changing the way you aquire your licence that it is going to change anything. And what if it doesn't work, what will the next plan be. You can not drive an artic in this day and age expecially through London if you haven't had any experience in a rigid. I think it's a bad idea and it will definitely not solve the problem.

[broadsworddannyboy]

Madness.
If they’re going to scrap anything. It should be the cpc, not practical qualifications.

[gabbymagyar]

Hi Sean,
I’d like to congratulate you for the videos. They are all well presented and the most informative ones, well done!

Now the news, it’s a joke.

I’m on the road since 91 and it’s like a cleaner want to tell me how to drive my truck.

Personally, I wouldn’t give a 44 t vehicle into a car driver’s hands especially right after 4 days of practice, because the the 5th day is the test.

In Hungary, it took 3 months to pass 5 tests before to get only car license, and 7 tests to be a qualified C+E driver.

And I’m proud as I passed all the U.K. tests first time after my Hungarian license expired in 2009.

Government should have MPs with common sense not to skip important safety parts to get more drivers.

[kevinsmith-dnpx]

When will the rules change regarding the Hgv tests?

Tbh I think for safety reasons I'd prefer to still go C first, I wouldn't fancy jumping in an artic with no experience that's for sure! Definately something you need to work up too in my opinion.

[ayrtongenova]

I'm going straight to class 1, however I have been driving double decker buses for 3 years and had a drive in an 18T rigid and although the driving position was new the vehicle itself felt much easier to drive than a bus.

[colinroystinton]

I was what you referred to as a double L driver,
I had a full motorcycle licence, and went and passed my class one or C+E as it is now, I did a weeks course spending most of the Monday in a class room, took my test at 8am on the Friday and passed, so in effect had just 3 days tuition, will say my instructor was top class. So it can be done

[thomasfromswindon]

I am enjoying this driver shortage. just got a big pay raise.

[TRUCKERJOES]

I'm In, let's do it go big or go bigger!

[RossScarred]

Well said Sean I will be coming to you some time in February maybe March to to my class 1 did my class 2 with you and I can not fault you guys go above and beyond for any of your customers

[rallyman]

Hi Sean, good explanation and I believe you will be proved correct. I have had a ‘Class 1’ for 50 years now and been all over Uk, Europe and the Middle East so have seen all this at the wheel of a truck. Here comes the but anyone taking on the truck driver job in 2021 will be a brave man. Too much regulation and pressure although I an still trucking in The UK at 70 years old. Recently had licence renewed so old age has not got me yet, but I have decided that will be my last renewal, not because of health because I have loved my time on the road. The reason being the job is no longer worth the hassle. To change the subject I have know EPTRAINING for many years and I wish you and your company every success in the future and you can make the necessary changes to prove Shapps wrong. Good luck and Thanks

[davidanderson]

When all these new drivers realise how strict the hours are, how they will be maxing out their hours, the lack of facilities, the rubbish treatment of drivers at RDCs etc, we will be back to square one

[MountainGoat]

Happy days best news I've heard this week. 😊👍

[Rickymebs]

I have my HGV Class 2 booked up with EP, I haven't got my category C provisional back yet from DVLA. When I do, there is no way on earth I would want to skip the rigid and go straight for Class 1, that's just madness.

[dannyshearer]

They wax lyrical about health and safety, over regulate the industry then drop this bombshell 🙈

[ryanflood]

Also financial training grants for current class c drivers to move onto artics would get a decent amount of ex drivers back in the seat

[scootyman]

Thanks Sean,
It’s been four years since I did my bus license with you. Best move I ever made ditching the taxis and moving to buses. Still with Lothian in Edinburgh running around in 130 passenger Tri-axles, loving the life.
Glad to see your still thriving and doing well.
Best regards

[bluemoon]

It’s brilliant that there is a shortage in the shops, now all the smart ass car car drivers will now realise how important truck drivers are

[MetalWill]

Took me years of gaining experience to be a competent Class 1 driver.
New drivers going straight to Class 1, in an automatic with no proper reversing test is madness!!
Wait for the carnage on the roads!!

[ALegAndAnArm]

I think better will be Swedish style long truck for experienced drivers operating from big depot to other big depot only at night. You can take 2 times more. Only on selected roads.