FAQ
Have questions about our training courses? You're in the right place! Browse through our knowledge bank of frequently asked questions (FAQ), From understanding our offers to getting you started on your training journey, we're here to help with all your training needs. Can't find what you're looking for? Don't hesitate to reach out to us!
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HGV TRAINING
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FORKLIFT TRAINING
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HIAB TRAINING
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FIRST AID TRAINING
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GANTRY TRAINING
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OTHER ENQUIRIES
HGV training, or Heavy Goods Vehicle training, is the process of learning to drive and operate large commercial trucks, typically weighing over 3.5 tonnes. It involves both theoretical and practical instruction on vehicle operation, road safety regulations, route planning, loading procedures, maintenance, and emergency procedures. By completing your HGV training, you can pass a professional driving qualification called a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which allows drivers to obtain licenses for driving heavy goods vehicles professionally/commercially.
The length of time to train as a HGV driver depends on a few factors. Typically, practical training takes around 5 days – however, the whole process from the very start to finish can vary anywhere from 8-10 weeks, up to a handful of months. If a person has prior experience driving larger vehicles or possesses certain types of driving licenses, they may be able to complete the training quicker.
There are various different types of HGV license, but the most common licenses are:
C1: This allows you to drive vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes (with a trailer up to 750KG).
C (Class 2): This allows you to drive vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer up to 750KG, most commonly known as an ‘Rigid’.
C+E (Class 1): This allows you to drive articulated vehicles, with a trailer weighing over 750KG, most commonly known as an ‘Artic’.
* If you pass the class 1 license, you automatically obtain a class C & class 2 entitlement.
Find out more information on our HGV training courses.
Driver CPC stands for ‘Driver Certificate of Professional Competence’, also known as a ‘Driver Qualification Card (DQC)’. It is a qualification for professional bus, coach and HGV drivers. It was introduced in 2008 across Europe, serving the purpose of ensuring road safety, whilst upholding a high standard of driving. You must have this present with you at all times whilst driving.
The type of HGV license you will need first will depend on the type of truck you intend to drive. However, if you hold a Full UK driving license, you can start training in any size truck ranging from C, C1 & C+E.
Absolutely. Obtaining your HGV license is invaluable, especially with the rise in driver shortages. As of now, the demand for HGV drivers is skyrocketing across the UK.
None. You don’t need any GCSE’s, academic or vocational qualifications to become a HGV driver.
There is no such thing as a ‘forklift license’ or an ‘FLT license’. Once you pass your forklift training, you will receive an RTITB certification of basic training alongside an ID card that specifies which type of forklift you can safely and legally operate.
You don’t need to a UK driving license to operate or drive a forklift. There is no legal requirement for you to have one to begin forklift training. However, you must undergo the required training and you must receive an accredited certification and ID card to state which forklifts you can safely use.
Typically, for complete beginners, forklift training spans across 3-5 days. If you already have experience, a 1-2 day refresher course can be taken to help keep you up with regulations and industry standards.
Find out more information on our Forklift training courses.
No. The training undertaken at the previous place of work falls under ‘In-house’ training. As long as a certification can be provided when required, only an experienced course is needed. This shortens the duration of training by 1 day compared to a full 5 day novice course.
No. We provide non-accredited ‘In-house’ training for your staff, accompanied by a certification upon completion.
FLT stands for ‘Forklift truck’. It’s an abbreviation referring to industrial trucks, lift trucks, jitneys, hi-los, fork trucks, fork hoists and more.
The type of forklift certification you need will depend on which type of truck you wish to operate. The most common are:
Counterbalance: This type of forklift features a weight positioned at the back of the truck, balancing out the load that needs to be lifted at the front. It’s widely used across storage facilities and warehouses. They’re mainly used for loading, stacking and transportation.
Reach: This type of forklift is specialized for narrow isle settings such as warehouses. It features 2 outer legs for distributing loads as well as a single set of rear wheels. These are positioned underneath the operator to allow for a tighter turning circle.
Telehandler: Also known as a telescopic handler, this type of forklift is very versatile, commonly used in construction, agriculture and many other industries as its capable of lifting heavy loads to significant heights. It comes equipped with a boom that can extend in all directions, allowing it to reach higher and further than traditional forklifts. Other attachments can be fitted to suit the jobs requirements.
Bendi: Also known as a Flexi truck, or Pivot steer truck, this type of forklift has incredible maneuverability compared to other forklifts, allowing operation in tighter isles. It features joints in the middle of the truck, providing a unique operational experience.
Moffett: This type of forklift is affixed to the rear of a truck. It has the required capacity and features to perform the same functions as traditional forklifts, yet remains lightweight, allowing it to be transported in the back of a lorry or truck.
Find out more information on which Forklifts you can train on during our courses.
Not at all. If you have a Counterbalance basic training certification, you will have access to conversion training, allowing you to train on different types of forklifts. Conversion training is shorter than novice training in that it lasts only 1-2 days compared to the traditional 3-5 days.
To maintain an RTITB registration, you must engage in refresher training which requires no longer than 1 day.
If your RTITB registration has lapsed, you have the option to let it expire for up to 1 year and still be eligible for refresher training. However, if your registration has been expired for more than 1 year, you must undergo experienced training to re-register with RTITB.
A CSCS card or ‘Construction Skills Certification Scheme’ card will only be required if you wish to operate a forklift at work, on a construction site. You do not need a CSCS card to operate a forklift normally.
RTITB stands for ‘Road Transport Industry Training Board’. It is the leading accrediting body for workplace transport training. RTITB provides training, materials, courses, and accreditations for various types of workplace transport equipment , including forklifts, reach trucks, and more. They work to promote safety and proficiency in the workplace across the UK.
Find out more information on RTITB
HIAB stands for ‘Hydrauliska Industri AB’, which translates to Hydraulic Industries in English. It’s a Swedish brand name and manufacturer of hydraulic truck-mounted cranes, container handling equipment, forestry and recycling cranes and tail lifts.
A HIAB training course can take anywhere between 1-2 days, depending on the level of experience you possess. A complete novice course has a total duration of 2 days, whereas a refresher course will only take 1 day to complete.
Find out more information on our HIAB training courses.
No. When using a HIAB within your employer’s premises, ‘In-house’ training and certifications are suitable. However, if you switch employers or operate a HIAB off-site, while not mandatory, obtaining your ALLMI license is highly recommended. This showcases your formal training and can boost your credentials.
There are many different types of HIAB attachments, but the 4 most common are:
Remote: This advanced remote control system ensures swift and precise crane operations, allowing you to execute intricate tasks with ease. Its features allow operating a HIAB with better safety and efficiency.
Hook: The hydraulic hook streamlines operations and reduces injury risk. It allows an operator to have access to various lifting needs without requiring them to climb onto the truck.
Brick Grab: A brick grab is highly versatile and durable, designed for frequent daily use. It excels at handling non-palletized loads from confined spaces, great for speedy load handling. There are 2 types of brick grabs. One with parallel arm movement and the other with a scissor movement.
Clamshell / Bucket: Designed for handling loose or bulk materials, such as gravel, sand, or debris. It consists of 2 hinged buckets or clamshells that open/close, allowing an operator to scoop materials with precision. It’s useful in applications where precise material placement is required, such as in construction, landscaping or waste management.
ALLMI stands for the ‘Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers’. It is the UK’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to the lorry loader industry. ALLMI works to promote the safe use of lorry loaders through training and lobbying, setting industry standards.
Find out more information on ALLMI
After finishing the training, you’ll receive an ALLMI license, which is valid for up to 5 years. To maintain your license, you must attend a 1-day refresher training course. If you miss the training before your license expires, you will need to undergo a experienced HIAB training course.
No. If you have documented evidence showing prior experience operating a HIAB, you’ll only need to attend an experienced training course.