Whether private or commercial, driving in inclement weather can never be entirely safe. However, to satisfy customer requirements, corporations have to meet delivery deadlines, for which commercial truck drivers may be exposed to inclement weather. Therefore, they should be prepared for inclement weather as per the latest CPC guidelines. Though the exact conditions cannot be predicted, having a rough idea and preparing for the worst scenario will help drivers negotiate difficult driving conditions.
Get This Equipment for Long Travel
In the past, several truckers have needed to spend entire nights inside their vehicles due to approaching landslides or avalanches. Before beginning a long cross-country journey, every truck must be properly inspected, as obtaining parts in brutal weather and unknown areas would be complicated. While instructors can share a certain amount of experience in inclement weather with drivers during an online CPC course in UK, the real test of the driver is in bad weather.
Commercial drivers must carry the following equipment:
- Water
- Vehicle Phone Chargers and Power Banks
- Jump Start Cables
- Hat and Gloves
- Mobile Phone Chargers
- Winter Boots
- Food
- Blankets and Pillows
- Torch
- Suitable Batteries
What is the Difference Between an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle)?
Commercial drivers get their licenses only after being trained at HGV training institutes that help them to handle HGVs and LGVs. The training helps them understand the nuances of driving, and after clearing the HGV exam, they become eligible to get a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
At present, HGV and LGV mean the same type of truck. At the time when road tax was brought in by the UK government, HGV was a system to categorize commercial automobiles based on factors such as weight, engine size, and emissions. Those lesser than 3500 kg in weight were called LGVs. Any vehicle having a gross weight of more than 3500kg was referred to as an HGV. However, when the license classifications of the UK and the EU were merged in the year 1992, there was no longer a difference between the two.
Obtaining a CPC Card
CPC is available as a card dispatched to the address listed on the driver’s license. Before dispatch, the driver may ask to modify the address in case of change. All CV drivers with Category C or Category D licenses are deemed eligible for CPC.
Drivers can complete the training course and receive their certification in a matter of weeks at high-quality training facilities. Expediting the training is easier if the need for a driver is critical to a logistics organization. After every five years, the CPC needs to be renewed. As commercial drivers get updated with the latest road guidelines, other vehicles drivers on the road also feel safe.
Situations as Exceptions to the CPC Rule
It is a legal requirement for every commercial driver in the UK and the EU to carry a CPC. However, drivers in the following situations are given exceptions to the rule:
1) The vehicle is being driven in an emergency situation.
2) Vehicle used for non-commercial or private freight
3) The purpose of the drive is to evaluate a brand-new automobile
4) The vehicle is being driven 50 km away from the driver’s base and does not have any items or passengers
5) The purpose of the drive is to prepare for a driving test or lessons.
6) A minibus on the roads with less than 19 seats
Although the demand for trained commercial drivers was high in the UK and the EU during the pandemic in the year 2020, adequate drivers were not available. The rapid growth of ecommerce has made it mandatory for manufacturers and logistics companies to employ several commercial drivers.
The Real World is the Real Test
In comparison to theoretical concepts being explained in classrooms, driving in unpredictable weather is a classic example of managing the vehicle in a real situation. While several schools supply skilled teachers to teach HGV and LGV driving, students will not understand the challenges they will face on roads unless they drive in the real world. A skilled instructor’s advice is crucial for guiding drivers across different challenging situations, thereby lowering their stress.
Placements into the Best Jobs
The best driving schools in the UK can show a track record of placing all its graduates into desirable jobs. Commercial drivers enrolling for HGV and LGV training benefit greatly from placements.
Driver education programs train drivers as students proficient in both theoretical understanding and vehicle operations. At the end of the program, they get a sufficient level of work, helping them earn a living as efficiently as possible.
Different types of commercial vehicles that drivers handle are as follows:
- Heavy Construction Equipment
- Coaches
- Bin Lorries
- Tipper Trucks
- Regional and Local Buses
- Articulated Lorries
Commercial drivers realize the importance of safety while driving their trucks and ensure that they always have valid CPC cards.
