Guidance

LGV Driver and Urban Driver apprenticeships: off-the-job training

Published 19 December 2023

This guidance relates to the Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver Apprenticeship and the Urban Driver Apprenticeship. It explains:

• how many hours of off-the-job training are required
• which activities count towards off-the-job training and which do not

Off-the-job training

An apprenticeship is a job with a formal programme of off-the-job training.

Off-the-job training is training:

• received by the apprentice within their practical period during their normal working hours
• for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship they are undertaking

All off-the-job training must be agreed as part of the initial training plan, or as part of an updated plan agreed in a progress review.

Off-the-job training is a legal requirement for an apprenticeship.

Time spent on off-the-job-training

A full-time apprentice doing a 12-month apprenticeship must do at least 278 hours off-the-job training over the course of the apprenticeship.

That is an average of about 6 hours per week.

The apprentice must do some active training every calendar month. This can be either off-the-job training or studying maths and/or English.

Time spent studying maths and/or English does not count towards the required hours for off-the-job training.

Calculation of off-the-job training hours

An apprentice must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours on off-the-job training.

Full-time apprentices are classed as those who work at least 30 hours per week.

Apprentices can work for more than 30 hours per week, but for the purposes of calculating off-the-job training hours, a week is capped at 30 hours.

Statutory leave is 5.6 weeks for every 52 weeks.

Hours calculation for a full-time 12-month apprenticeship

(52 weeks - 5.6 weeks) = 46.4 weeks

x 30 hours (capped maximum for calculation) = 1,392 hours

x 20% = 278.4 hours

Longer apprenticeships

This minimum number of hours is extended for longer apprentice programmes.

For the 13-month LGV Driver programme, the minimum level of off-the-job training is 301 hours.

(278 hours / 12) x 13 = 301 hours

Part time apprentices

If someone works fewer than 30 hours per week, they are considered to be a part-time apprentice and their training programme must be extended.

At least 20% of their normal working hours, over this extended duration, must be spent on off-the-job training.

Where to do off-the-job training

Off-the-job training should take place in the best environment for the apprentice to learn the skills.

That could be in an office, a loading bay or the cab of a lorry.

It does not need to take place in a classroom.

Activities that count as off-the-job-training

To be considered as off-the-job training, an activity must:

• teach new knowledge, skills or behaviours
• be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard
• take place in the apprentice’s normal working hours

Off-the-job training must deliver new skills that are directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard. It can include the following:

• the teaching of theory – for example, lectures, role-playing, simulation exercises, online learning and manufacturer training
• practical training, shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions
• learning support and time spent writing assignments
• revision – where this is specifically required for achievement of the apprenticeship

All elements of the apprenticeship that involve the apprentice developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the standard count as off-the-job training.

Teaching an apprentice how to drive an LGV counts as off-the-job training. This is teaching new skills that are an integral part of the apprenticeship. This should include teaching for all the elements of the driving test including the theory and practical elements.

If an apprentice fails their LGV driving test, repeating training elements already given to prepare for a retake should not be counted.

Example

Lucy is an apprentice driver and currently only holds a category B car licence. To become a large goods vehicle (LGV) driver, she needs to learn to manoeuvre a lorry and is being taught by a qualified driving instructor.

This forms part of the knowledge, skills and behaviours requirements of his apprenticeship and, therefore, counts as off-the-job training.

If the apprentice already has a category C licence, they have some of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are needed for the apprenticeship standard. This must be recognised as prior learning and discounted from the apprentice’s training plan so that unnecessary training is not funded or delivered again.

Shadowing/mentoring example

Greg is an apprentice driver. To learn fuel-efficient driving techniques relating to driving a large goods vehicle (LGV), he shadows a more experienced driver on their route, covering a range of road types.

This forms part of the knowledge, skills and behaviours requirements of his apprenticeship and, therefore, counts as off-the-job training.

For more information, consult the recognition of prior learning section of the apprenticeship funding rules.

Read separate guidance for a full definition of off-the-job training.

Learning support

The apprenticeship programme is designed to be open to all individuals.  Learners may need a range of support. As well as physical adjustments, or access to accessibility software, some apprentices may benefit from additional time or personal one-to-one support from their provider to help them stay on track. It is appropriate that this extra time is recognised.

Funding is available to support learning disabilities and difficulties and is covered in the apprenticeship funding rules.

Activities that do not count as off-the-job training

The following activities do not count as off-the-job training:

• initial assessment and onboarding activities
• maths or English training
• training to acquire knowledge, skills and behaviours that are not required by the apprenticeship standard
• progress reviews
• examinations and other testing
• training which takes place outside the apprentice’s normal working hours (unless the apprentice has been paid for these additional hours or been given time off in lieu)
• applying for a provisional licence and undergoing the required medical off-the-job

Reasons why these activities do not count

Initial assessment and onboarding

These activities do not generally count towards off-the-job training as they are not delivering new skills.

An induction can count towards off-the-job training so long as it:

• takes place on or after the learning start date (the start of the practical period), in the apprentice’s normal working hours
• includes an educational aspect that might be relevant to the apprenticeship standard (for example, manual handling training)

The employer and provider must have agreed that the induction will be used as a vehicle to deliver new and relevant off-the-job training.

Maths and English

An apprenticeship is designed on the basis that an apprentice already has the required levels of English and maths so, where it is required, the time needed for this training is in addition to the time spent on occupational upskilling. It would be unfair if 2 learners received the same time away from their productive job role and one of these learners used a high proportion of this time studying English and maths to the detriment of any occupational upskilling they needed.

Time spent studying maths and/or English counts towards the monthly requirement to do some active learning. But it does not count towards the required hours for off-the-job training.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours not required in the apprenticeship standard

Off-the-job training must teach new and relevant content that will contribute to the successful achievement of the apprenticeship.

Other training (generally employer-specific), that is beyond the requirements of the apprenticeship standard, must not be included and apprenticeship funding must not be used for this additional delivery. This includes the delivery of skills at a higher level than that needed for the programme.

Examinations and the driving tests

Examinations and driving tests allow the apprentice to demonstrate what they have learnt at a particular point in time. This does not meet the definition of off-the-job training.

Applying for provisional and undertaking medical

This is not teaching new skills and could not be considered off-the-job training. This requirement should be considered similar to the human resources (HR) processes needed to employ the apprentice and is not part of the apprenticeship standard.

Summary of what counts as off-the-job training

Table 1: LGV driver (C+E) apprenticeship

This table:

• groups together similar knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) for the LGV driver apprenticeship
• summarises what counts as off-the-job training for those KSBs

Knowledge/skills/behaviours (KSBs)	Counts as off-the-job training	Does not count as off-the-job training
K1: The mechanisms of safe, controlled and fuel-efficient driving techniques relating to driving the large goods vehicle (LGV), considering fuel costs and other possible efficiencies, implications of differing vehicle configurations and associated safety issues, including matching the appropriate trailer to the tractor unit.  S1: Drive safely and efficiently on public and private roads, and manoeuvre the vehicle in restricted spaces; safely use and position vehicle-fitted equipment (such as mobile cranes)  S2: Proficiently control the vehicle taking into account the size and type of vehicle and trailer	- Training required to teach all the elements of the driving test including the theory and practical elements.  - Teaching fuel efficient Eco-driving.  Instruction on vehicle configurations.  - Instruction on vehicle safety.   - Shadowing experienced driver.  - New driver mentoring.	- Applying for a licence  - Undertaking driver medical  - Driving Test elements  - Repeated training for failed test elements.  - Prior learning.
S1: Drive safely and efficiently on public and private roads, and manoeuvre the vehicle in restricted spaces; safely use and position vehicle-fitted equipment (such as mobile cranes)  S2: Proficiently control the vehicle taking into account the size and type of vehicle and trailer	- Training required to teach all the elements of the safe use of manual handling systems.  - Training required to teach all the elements of vehicle and delivery systems.  - Training required to teach the safe opening of trailer and vehicle doors.	- Undertaking examinations or testing for safety systems.
K3: Vehicle preparation including safe coupling and uncoupling of trailers, vehicle safety checks/inspections, defect reporting, safety requirements, loading, securing and unloading processes, axle combinations.  S4: Carry out delivery and other relevant activities in a safe and efficient manner complying with relevant systems and processes, following instructions and organisational policy. S17: Use and connect to the correct type of trailer and its operating systems	- Training required to teach all the elements for the safe coupling and uncoupling of trailers.  - Training required to teach all the elements of vehicle safety checks.  - Training required to teach all the elements of safe and efficient deliveries.  - Teaching of organisational delivery policy.
K4: How to protect the vehicle and associated loads, including management of unlawful access to vehicles and loads.  S7: Ensure techniques are used to protect the vehicle and load from theft and damage.	- Training required to teach all the elements of vehicle and load security and understanding security on the road.
S5: Prepare the vehicle and the load for deliveries, including safely using and positioning vehicle-fitted equipment; carry out vehicle safety checks and deal with or report any defects or maintenance issues to the appropriate person; complete daily walk round check sheets.  S6: Ensure the vehicle is correctly loaded and is safely secured to minimize chances of damage or load shifting.  K11: Different types of cargo and their carriage requirements.	- Training required to teach all the elements of loading and unloading safely to ensure vehicle stability in transit.  - Training to understand vehicle safety checks, identify faults and report them in accordance with company procedures.
K5: Planning and preparing processes (such as weather or traffic changes, planning fastest/most efficient route) including vehicle selection and contingency planning when circumstances change.  S8: Effectively plan the most economical route to be used, minimising waste and loss; plan, prioritise and adapt accordingly when situations arise out of the normal routine.  K18: How to accommodate different traffic situations and weather conditions	- Training required to teach all the elements of route planning including selecting the correct vehicle, considering weather conditions and fuel economy.
K6: All role-related technology and systems including tachographs, adaptive braking, hand-held scanners, onboard telematics.  S9: Use relevant IT systems appropriately and in line with organisational requirements.	Training required to teach efficient use of IT systems, both in vehicle and outside vehicle.
K7: Relevant regulation and legislation relating to the role of a professional LGV driver governing the transport and warehousing industry and in specific relation to the role, including the working time directive and medical and license requirements. S10: Fully comply with appropriate legislation and regulation within the transport industry  S11: Work safely adhering to the health, safety guidelines, such as manual handling	- Training required to learn and understanding relevant regulation.  - Demonstrating compliance with regulations.
K8: How to communicate effectively and appropriately with customers and colleagues.  S12: Use appropriate methods to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues in line with organisational standards	- Training required to learn company-mandated internal and customer communication processes.
K9: Structure of the industry; the modes of transport and how these affect transport operations such as loading and unloading; issues facing the sector; the roles available within the sector in general and in relation to their own career aspirations. K16: Holistic view of the logistics industry and the role of the LGV driver within that, for example, multimodal transport procedures or reverse logistics  K17: The role of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Traffic Commissioners in compliance, fair competition and safety.	- Training required to better understand the industry, its structure and role within the wider economy.  - Training required to better understand the compliance regimes for the sector and their role.
K10: Importance of delivering excellent customer service to customers and colleagues, for example identifying customer/colleague needs and responding appropriately in line with situation and organisational style/culture; importance of organisation reputation and how their own performance can contribute to organisational success.	- Training required to understand and deliver excellent customer service.
K12: Environmental impact of the industry, sector and role and how this can be minimised, including their own responsibilities to use safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques including selecting the correct trailer design to reduce wind resistance.  K14: The implications of city restrictions, such as congestion charging, Low Emission Zones (LEZs), night restrictions for goods vehicles, route restrictions for goods vehicles and vehicle equipment requirements.	- Training required to understand the impact of the industry on the environment.  - Teaching fuel efficient Eco-driving.  - Training required to understand local environmental restrictions and mitigating actions.
K13: How their role can affect their health; the need to maintain a level of fitness appropriate to their role, awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet, the impact of shift working etc.	- Training required to learn and understand the requirements for HGV driver medical checks.  - Training required to learn health and wellbeing practices for HGV drivers and the impact of shift changes.
K15: How to drive alongside vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, taking into account the physical difference of larger articulated vehicles and the space required to safely manoeuvre.	- Training required to learn all aspects of road safety and the ability to drive safely alongside other road users.
S13: Work independently using own initiative.  S14: Work closely with suppliers and customers to ensure any problems, damages or anomalies are corrected.  S15: Work as part of a team, showing an ability to work under pressure and to agreed deadlines.  S16: Support colleagues and contribute to achieving objectives or goals.	- Training sessions required to understand these skills and behaviours.
B1: Demonstrates integrity, credibility, honesty and personal drive, and promotes organisational values and brand.  B2: Take responsibility for their own safety and that of others at all times, particularly when driving.  B3: Take ownership for their own performance and training committing to self- improvement. Keep up to date with industry developments.  B4: Work in a professional manner in relation to timekeeping, personal appearance and dress code.  B5: Interact positively and professionally with customers and wider team. Using their own initiative.  B6: Has a flexible approach to their work, for example, driving different vehicles, working different shifts or hours.  B7: Competent using information technology.  B8: Takes responsibility for the safety of the vehicle and load through effective vehicle checks.	Training sessions required to understand these skills and behaviours.

Table 2: Urban driver apprenticeship

This table:

• groups together similar knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) for the Urban driver apprenticeship
• summarises what counts as off-the-job training for those KSBs

Knowledge/skills/behaviours (KSBs)	Counts as off-the-job training	Does not count as off-the-job training
K1: Urban vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements, within limits of own role.  K2: Different types of goods transported by fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight.  S1: Prepare a fixed axle vehicle over 3,500kg in weight for the planned daily workload. This includes the cab, fluid levels and general inspection.  S2: Monitor charge or fuel level of the vehicle to meet the daily requirements of the urban schedule.  S3: Monitor the vehicle for defects.	- Training required to teach all the elements of vehicle preparation.  - Training to understand load types and relevant safety procedures.  - Training to understand vehicle safety checks, identify faults and report them in accordance with company procedures.  - Training required to understand and monitor vehicle fuel/power systems.
K3: Personal protective equipment selection and use.	- Training to understand personal health and safety and required equipment.
K4: The principles of load and weight distribution applicable to fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight.  S6: Prepare, position and secure goods appropriate for the goods type, the vehicle type and the urban conditions. S7: Manage goods in transit. For example, security, and checking seals for signs of damage and leaks.	- Training required to teach all the elements of loading and unloading safely to ensure vehicle stability in transit.
K5: Mechanical and manual handling techniques when using auxiliary equipment. For example, using a mechanical grab for waste collection.  S5: Apply protections, manual handling and mechanical aids to the situation, when loading or off-loading goods.	- Training required to safely handle goods or load and the efficient and safe operation of relevant equipment.
K6: The capability and limitations of fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight. This includes manoeuvrability, space requirements, access requirements, legal restrictions and physical constraints.  K7: The regulations and legislation that impact professional driving. For example, the drivers’ hours and working time directive.  K8: The highway code road laws and road restrictions applicable to category C and C1 licence holders.  K9: A range of driving techniques applicable to fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight.  S9: Drive fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight considering all relevant factors. This includes vehicle type, road surface, goods, environmental conditions, vulnerable road users and pedestrians.  S10: Use onboard electronic systems in line with operating procedures.  S11: Respond and adapt to urban driving incidents, accidents roadworks and hazards.  S12: Manoeuvre fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight on site. For example, a customer driveway, building site, or recycling centre.  K10: Methods to counteract road and weather conditions impacting fixed axle vehicles over 3,500kg in weight.	Training required to teach all the elements of the driving test including the theory and practical elements.  - Training on regulation relating to driver’s hours and working time.  - Teaching fuel efficient Eco-driving.  - Instruction on vehicle configurations.  - Instruction on vehicle safety.   - Shadowing experienced driver.  - New driver mentoring.	Applying for a licence  - Undertaking driver medical  - Driving test elements  - Repeated training for failed test elements.
K11: The features found in urban environments including congestion charging, street furniture, pedestrians and other road users.  K12: Map reading techniques relating to the UK road network and urban environments.  S8: Plan and/or adapt a driving route to meet contractual arrangements. For example single and multiple urban deliveries or collections.  S13: Perform dynamic risk assessment of a site and take remedial action. For example, adjusting or aborting a delivery or collection due to safety issues.	- Training required to teach all the elements of route planning including selecting the correct vehicle, considering weather conditions and fuel economy.  - Training in relevant urban restrictions for different vehicle types.  - Training in risk assessment or delivery sites.
K13: Hazard perception techniques when driving, including the different approaches used in urban areas and other UK road environments.  K14: Accident reporting and incident management.	Training required to learn all aspects of road safety and the ability to drive safely alongside other road users.
K15: Environmental and sustainability factors when driving in urban areas.	Training required to understand the impact of the industry on the environment.  - Teaching fuel/energy efficient Eco-driving.  - Training required to understand local environmental restrictions and mitigating actions.
K16: Techniques for protecting goods in urban areas, including both when in transit and when the vehicle is unattended.	- Training required to understand load security in a multi-drop urban environment.
K17: Uses and limitations of urban vehicle in-cab technology for safety, reporting and compliance. This includes driver aids, telematics, handheld terminals, and on-board weighing systems.  S16: Utilise available IT systems to manage data relating to the delivery/collection contract.	Training required to teach efficient use of IT systems, both in vehicle and outside vehicle.  - Training required to teach efficient use of IT systems for delivery/collection of goods.
K18: The importance of brand identity in the urban delivery sector.  K19: The role of customer services standards in urban delivery, including the impact that own service provision can have on both the customer and on the wider organisation.  K20: Different forms of communication. For example, electronic, written and in-person.  S14: Manage relationships that enable successful urban delivery, collection and on-site contracts.  S15: Adapt communication style to meet the needs of the audience.	Training to understand the impact of driving and delivery standards on the company brand.  - Training required to understand and deliver excellent customer service.  -Training to understand the most effective methods for communication with customers
S4: Coordinate own work with others to meet business priorities.	- Training required to understand cooperative and team working.
S17: Complete contractual obligations on site. For example, installing white goods in a home, or removing waste, leaving the site to the expected standard.  S18: Brief the customer on the technical specifications of the delivery, collection or installation, answering questions. This could mean, for instance, demonstrating how a product works.  S19: Adjust the services provided in response to customer requirements, within the limits of own role.	Training required for all aspects of delivery including installation of delivered goods. - Training required for customer instruction of product.
K21: A range of dynamic risk assessment methods and associated reporting.	- Training sessions required to understand risk assessment methods and reporting.
K22: The different regulations and legislation that apply when working on-site. For example, compliance and health and safety requirements in yards, businesses, and homes.  S20: Comply with relevant legislation and regulation, both when driving and on-site.  K23: Techniques for managing own wellbeing (physical and mental health) in an urban delivery environment.	Training for relevant health and safety requirements for different delivery sites.  - Training required to learn and understand the requirements for HGV driver medical checks.   - Training required to learn health and wellbeing practices for HGV drivers and the impact of shift changes.
K22: The different regulations and legislation that apply when working on-site. For example, compliance and health and safety requirements in yards, businesses and homes.  - S20: Comply with relevant legislation and regulation, both when driving and on-site.  - K23: Techniques for managing own wellbeing (physical and mental health) in an urban delivery environment.	Training for relevant health and safety requirements for different delivery sites.  - Training required to learn and understand the requirements for HGV driver medical checks.   - Training required to learn health and wellbeing practices for HGV drivers and the impact of shift changes.
K24: The different types of organisation that make up the urban delivery supply chain.	- Training required to better understand the industry, its structure and role within the wider economy.
K25: The range and applications of own organisations products and on-site services.	- Training required to better understand the role of the company and the services and goods supplied.
B1: Work flexibly (for example, working alone and in a team as required).  B2: Puts safety first for themselves and others.  B3: Respectful of others.  B4: Takes ownership of own work.  B5: Sources solutions.  B6: Committed to keeping continuous professional development up to date with industry best practice.  B7: Acts in a professional and ethical manner.	- Training sessions required to understand these skills and behaviours.

Additional support and guidance

If this guidance does not answer your question, you can read more:

• guidance on off-the-job training
• apprenticeship support guidance

You can also:

• email the Apprenticeship Support Desk at helpdesk@manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk
• call the Apprenticeship Support Desk on 08000 150 600

The support desk is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.

Find out about call charges.

Policy background

This guidance is intended to provide a clear description of the policy context and a better understanding of off-the-job training for the LGV Driver and Urban Driver Apprenticeships. This is intended to create certainty within the sector as to how best to meet the off-the-job training requirement and encourage wider use across the logistics sector.

This guide also supports the 2023/2024 apprenticeship funding rules.