LGV or HGV and at what cost?

R

Racing_Gal

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 June 2008
Messages
1,352
Visit site
I have to take my LGV, as I need to be able to drive a 7.5t lorry for work. But if I am going to take that course and all the tests, would it be best to go for the HGV? Is the HGV much harder? Does it cost allot more than the LGV?

Have any of you taken either? What should I expect? Will the instructor be a greasey trucker type?! :D The place closest to me offer a 4 day training course with the practical test on the 5th day, is that about par for the course or do some places do short courses?

I will call around for some prices tomorrow but was just wondering if any of you could give me an idea. My boss will pay for me to do the LGV but I would have to pay the extra if I was going for the HGV.

Oh lord, Im sick of it already and I havent even started yet!
 
I discussed this with the instructors at the centre where I did my trailer test - they said got for the full catC (HGV) straight away. The level of driving is the same, it's just more theory (so those who are........less academically inclined sometimes struggle) and you need a medical. Price is roughly the same too - about #1200 all in.
 
Great thanks, it makes sense to go for the HGV then if there cost isnt much differnent. I may struggle with the theory though, I'm not the brightest button! :D
 
You can get extra help with the theory side of it if you need. If you're in scotland I highly recommend you CTTS Driving training- I did my trailer test with them and would love to do my full CatC soon. Their website tells you everything you need to know regarding licences etc too.

ETA - i tell a lie - the full CatC is slightly more expensive (#620 for CatC1 v's #875 for catC) but it would be well worth the extra cost - you can then drive any ridged body lorry you want! Also it's the driving part which is hard (trying to stop all those bad habits!) and 5 days of practise would be so much easier than just 3 days.
 
HGV/LGV are one and the same....used to be Heavy Goods Vehicle, now changed to Large Goods Vehicle, my OH is a lorry driver.
 
The theory is really not that bad - most is common sense, but there are some parts that are a bit more specialised, and you just need to LEARN it, but honestly, it's not hard! All questions are multi-choice, and you also get a hazard perception test. If you are relatively young, you probably had to do this for your car test. There was a government scheme to get young drivers, and particularly women under 25 into driving. If someone stated you would have a job which was dependant on you having LGV licence, it was pretty much government-funded. LGV training agencies should be able to tell you more. Good Luck, it's worth it!
 
I would personally do the HGV as the cost is not an awful lot different and then you are more flexible in what you will be able to drive. If you get you LGV then you can only drive up to 7.5T which is fine if that's all you're ever going to drive BUT if you did for any reason need or want to drive anything bigger you'd have to do an additional HGV test so that ultimately will cost more in the long run.

I took my test before they changed the rules so can drive a 7.5T on my normal car licence but I would be tempted to take my HGV down the line in case I had to drive a larger lorry/bought a larger lorry to transport the horses any time in the future. I certainly think it's worth having.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top