How to become an HGV driver for free in the UK- Let’s find out!

Living in the UK, if you love open roads and like driving, you might have thought about how to become an HGV driver. Well, you are on the right page. This place is the home of learning. This guide is for people who want to know- how to become an HGV driver for free.

To become an HGV driver, you need to fulfil some requirements. All you need is a valid car driving licence in the UK, and you should be at least 18 years of age. Also, if you have a non-UK driving licence, you need to get it transferred and get ready to work hard. This job is not an alternate option for people who like doing desk or office work.

Unless you live in a cave, you might know that the UK is currently facing a shortage of HGV drivers. So if you want to enter the logistics industry as an HGV driver, this is a golden opportunity. You might stay in demand for a long time after you qualify for your training. Due to the shortage, the government of the UK had decided to offer free HGV driver training to individuals keenly interested in becoming truck drivers.

Get your Driver CPC first

To qualify as an HGV (heavy goods vehicle) driver, you will need a driving qualification known as Driver CPC (Certificate of professional competence).

You will find that numerous training courses can help you to get your CPC.

You will get your Driver CPC card after you complete your 35 hours of periodic training. This card is also called a DQC (Driver qualification card). You will have to carry this card while you drive your heavy goods vehicle professionally.

You can get your CPC card immediately if you finish your training 12 months before the deadline.

You will receive the card at the address you have mentioned in your driving licence. If there are any changes, you need to change the address in your driving licence before you do the training for the CPC card.

Once you get your CPC, your HGV driver training depends on the place you live.

Options to become an HGV driver for free.

Depending on the course you opt for, you can get some help to manage your costs.

Skill Bootcamps

These Skill Bootcamps are government-funded free training courses. Due to the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, the government initiated skill Bootcamps. These Bootcamps last for 16 weeks.

This free HGV driver training is only available in England.

Apprenticeships

This type of HGV driver training is best for people who need an income side by side. If you train through apprenticeships, you will get a salary while you complete your training.

Apprenticeships are only available in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Vocational Qualifications

If you opt for a vocational qualification, you might get your training paid in full or half.

Vocational qualifications are only available in England

Driving schools

You can also get your HGV driver training at any private driving school.

Driving schools are only available in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Start your training now.

So we think that your question has a correct answer. – How to become an HGV driver for free? You can get your training for free but cannot run from the hard work it will take to become a professional HGV driver. There are many options available. You can choose according to the place or your convenience.