Anyone who has driven a commercial vehicle will be familiar with two terms- HGV and LGV. While HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicles, LGV denotes Large Goods Vehicles. LGV was earlier used to denote Light Goods Vehicle in the UK, whereby it represented commercial vehicles below 3500 kg in weight. Anything more than 3500 kg was counted as an HGV, but the distinction does not hold anymore. This is because the Light Goods Vehicle is now called a Large Goods Vehicle. In either case, drivers must undergo requisite training from reputable institutes to be permitted to drive these vehicles.
Getting Placements from Institutes
LGV and HGV licenses are the same in both Europe and the UK. They cover commercial vehicles such as refrigerator trucks, Lutons, flatbeds, drop sides, tippers and ADR. To get licenses, it is necessary to participate in an HGV training course. Although numerous institutes offer this course, drivers must choose a reputable institute. Many candidates can be selected by companies that come to these institutes for job placements. At the same time, those already working at jobs can receive sponsored training from their companies.
Handling Difficult Weather Conditions
Whether in a business or personal car, driving in severe weather is never a good idea. Unfortunately, transport delays will harm a wide range of businesses. It is critical for items to arrive on schedule across Europe in the present digital age, after the expectations set by leading e-commerce companies. Drivers of commercial trucks must contend with more than just inclement weather. They must be equipped with the following items on every journey:
- Mobile Phone Chargers
- Power Banks
- Extra Set of Warm Clothes, if it is Winter
- Jumper Cables
- Food
- Torches
- Blankets and Pillow Cases
- Clubs
- Water
- Small Blades
Driving is the Real Thing
Irrespective of how good a teacher is, drivers cannot fully understand theoretical concepts unless they drive actual trucks. Much of the training course comprises handling the truck and knowing about it. At the start of the journey, every driver must be aware of how to check the vehicle for general maintenance. Basic maintenance knowledge is necessary for every trucker, whether on a short or long journey.
Practical knowledge at a reputable institute is provided by highly experienced instructors, many of whom have spent years negotiating the roads and terrains. Although they know how to handle many situations, there can always be a completely new situation at any time. Some of the best instructors are available at institutes in Glasgow.
Ensuring Safety on European and British Roads
A commercial driver must have a CPC to be able to drive a truck, lorry, bus, or coach in Europe and the UK. By law, commercial drivers must get a Certificate of Professional Competence to state that they are fully knowledgeable and fit to drive trucks. Drivers with Category C and Category D licenses need to get the CPC, ensuring safety for other road users. European governments use its implementation to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety throughout Europe.
Much emphasis is given to road safety, which makes it necessary to get the CPC. This certificate has to be renewed every five years, with drivers being required to clear an exam each time. The CPC ensures that the driver has been adequately trained to handle all kinds of road situations and has the necessary driving experience. CPC is available in the form of a CPC card and is sent to the same address as on the license.
Advantages of Getting CPC Cards
Commercial drivers who have received CPC cards would have undergone rigorous training. The motivation to get the cards teaches them the following aspects about trucks and driving:
- Drivers learn the importance of remaining aware and healthy at all times.
- Lorry Drivers Have a Better Chance of Finding Work
- A greater understanding of vehicle fitness helps decrease toxic emissions
- Lower Vehicle Maintenance Costs
- Drivers Have a Stronger and More Complete Feeling.
- Drivers who clear the CPC exam show that they are concerned about the safety of other road users
The driver must contact the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) if the CPC card does not arrive 20 days after the due date.
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High Need for Drivers
Not only did drivers lose jobs, but a lot of them quit their jobs due to COVID-19 in the year 2020. This resulted in a tremendous shortfall across the EU and the UK. Several opportunities are still available for drivers to get jobs at reputable companies. Commercial drivers are integral cogs in the success of any logistics company, whether in the UK or anywhere in the world. With driver hirings gradually picking up, industrial professionals are heaving sighs of relief.
Commercial drivers are valuable for every economy and must be looked after. The HGV training course helps them and also helps companies.