Time might be ripe for a career change if you have started getting those new year blues after going back to work only to feel a bit unhappy, unfulfilled, or simply out of sorts. However, instead of hopping around in your industry doing the same thing over and over again, you need to consider a complete change in pace and become an HGV driver, by way of starting you can get your lorry driver training.
Step outside the usual 9-to-5 and start experiencing a totally different lifestyle, travelling around the country, and perhaps even overseas, seeing new places and enjoying time without a boss breathing down your neck. If you are still not convinced, we have several reasons why you should consider HGV driving as your new career.
The world is your oyster as an HGV driver. Once you have the Driver CPC licence, you will be allowed to drive a wide range of HGVs on a professional level. The CPC is the basic licence, and once you achieve that, you can work up to a full licence in many different ways.
The vast majority of drivers prefer doing this in phases, taking a test to pass each prevailing phase and then working to the preferred licence level. Here are some of the most popular steps you may consider taking, and their implications on your future career.
Cat C1
The Cat C1 licence category is for the smallest haulage vehicle on the road. It is what the vast majority of professional van drivers typically have.
This allows you to drive vehicles ranging between 3,500kg and 7,500kg in weight, with or without a trailer (which can weigh up to 750kg). And it also includes things such as trailers and horseboxes. To get a Cat C1 licence, you will be required to take a theory and practical exam on a vehicle of this type, which is why you need to read up and get some practice driving.
Cat C1+E
After getting the Cat C1 licence, you can decide to upgrade it to the Cat C1+E. The first part of the licence is covered already by the Cat C1. The second part expands the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive.
With the Cat C1+E licence, you are allowed to drive any vehicle that weighs between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, with a trailer weighing 750+ kg. You will also be required to take a theory and practical exam to achieve this licence.
Cat C
To get a Cat C licence, you have the option of either upgrading from a Cat C1 or Cat C1+E. Alternatively, you can upgrade directly from a standard Cat B licence. The Cat C drivers’ licence will allow you to drive vehicles of over 3,500kg with a trailer of up to 750kg. To get this licence, you will be required to take a theory exam and practical test that you may need support to achieve.
Cat C+E
The Cat C+E is the highest-level licence that you can get, which gives you access to the widest possible range of vehicles. It also means that you will have your pick of any HGV driving jobs since you will have the highest qualifications possible. It is one of the reasons why many drivers prefer upgrading to this licence. This won’t limit your job opportunities and you will often find yourself commanding higher wages if you do have it.
With the Cat C+E licence, you are allowed to drive category C vehicles with a trailer over 750kg. To prepare for this category of licence, you must first have the proper base licences, undergo driver training, and take a theory and practical test.