Hiab training is essential for drivers who operate lorry-mounted cranes used to load and unload heavy goods. These cranes are common in construction, utilities and logistics, where safe handling of equipment and materials is a daily requirement. Our courses prepare drivers to use Hiab vehicles safely and to meet industry accreditation standards.
HIAB is a brand name that has become the everyday term for a lorry-mounted crane, used to load and unload heavy goods on site. If your job involves operating one, you need recognised HIAB training on top of the HGV licence for the vehicle you drive.
HIAB training at a glance
- Entry requirement: the HGV licence for the vehicle you will drive (usually Cat C1, C or C+E), plus a reasonable level of fitness
- Course length: around 2 days for a novice operator, 1 day for an experienced operator moving to a new site or crane type
- Card validity: the industry-standard ALLMI operator card is valid for 5 years
- Typical roles: builders’ merchant deliveries, construction site work, waste and recycling, plant hire
There is no separate DVLA licence category for operating a HIAB crane. What you need is the HGV licence for the vehicle itself, then recognised operator training on the crane fitted to it. Most drivers add HIAB training once they already hold a Cat C1, C or C+E licence, since it is the combination that employers ask for, not a HIAB qualification on its own.
Training is built around your experience level and the crane you will be using. Click each section below for what it covers.
A 2-day course for drivers who have not operated a lorry loader before, covering legislation, pre-operational checks, lifting attachments, site assessment, stabiliser deployment, control operation and safe stowage, finishing with a practical assessment.
A shorter, 1-day course for drivers who already operate a HIAB but need training on a different crane, attachment or site type, or who need their skills formally assessed and certified.
On completion you receive a certificate, an ALLMI identity card and an operator manual. The card is valid for 5 years. While holding an ALLMI card is not a legal requirement, most sites will not let you operate a crane without one, so in practice it is essential for regular work.
Cost depends on whether you need the full novice course or a shorter experienced-operator assessment, and how many days of practical training you need to reach a safe standard. Contact us for a quote based on your experience and the crane you will be using.
HIAB-qualified drivers are in demand across builders’ merchants, construction, waste and recycling, and plant hire, since the ability to self-load and unload makes you far more useful on site than a standard delivery driver. See our guide on what licence you need to drive a HIAB truck, or read more about HIAB career pathways.
No separate DVLA licence exists for HIAB work. You need the HGV licence for the vehicle itself, plus recognised operator training on the crane.
Not strictly, but most sites will refuse access without one, so it is essential for practical purposes.
Around 2 days for a novice operator, or 1 day if you are already experienced and moving to a new crane or site.
5 years, after which you will need refresher training to keep your card current.
We provide part payment options or up to 12 months payment plan, with the option to pay sooner if you wish.
16/10/2026
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HGV Learning is a leading provider of Hiab training courses, offering comprehensive and high-quality training to individuals working in the crane truck industry. The use of HGV Learning for Hiab training provides a number of advantages that support individuals in obtaining the knowledge and skills needed to operate Hiab cranes safely and efficiently.
Hiab training is essential for drivers who operate lorry-mounted cranes used to load and unload heavy goods. These cranes are common in construction, utilities and logistics, where safe handling of equipment and materials is a daily requirement. Our courses prepare drivers to use Hiab vehicles safely and to meet industry accreditation standards.
A C1 licence allows drivers to operate vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, such as ambulances, delivery trucks and removal vans. Training with HGV Learning covers both the theory and practical tests, ensuring you are ready to drive these vehicles safely and professionally.
A C+E licence, also known as a Class 1 HGV licence, allows drivers to operate the largest and most complex commercial vehicles. This includes articulated lorries and other combinations where the trailer exceeds 750kg. It is the next step up from a Cat C licence and is essential for long-distance and international haulage roles.
A cat C licence allows an individual to drive medium-sized lorries, also known as rigid vehicles, with a maximum weight of around 32 tonnes.
This type of commercial driver’s licence is a requirement for operating vehicles that are commonly used for transporting goods and materials over medium distances.
Drivers must hold an ADR licence to transport hazardous goods such as fuel, chemicals, gases and flammable liquids. Carrying these loads without the correct licence is illegal. As a result, ADR training with HGV Learning is essential for anyone entering this area of work.
Our courses prepare drivers to pass the official exams and to manage dangerous substances safely in real-world situations. In addition, training gives learners the confidence to deal with emergencies and meet all regulatory standards.
A telescopic handler, often called a telehandler, is one of the most widely used machines in construction, agriculture and logistics. It combines the features of a forklift and a crane, making it versatile for lifting, moving and placing loads. Our telescopic handler training prepares learners to operate this equipment safely and to gain recognised certification for employment in these industries.
