HGV Driver

Also known as - Large goods vehicle (LGV) driver, lorry driver, haulage driver.

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers transport goods between locations. They move items for suppliers and customers, locally, nationally and internationally. As a lorry driver, you will spend a lot of time on the road and could be away from home frequently. You’ll plan delivery schedules and ensure that loads are delivered on time to the correct locations.

Vehicles-Machinery
Mechanical-Electrical
Very organised
Outdoors

What does a HGV driver do?

As an HGV driver you will be responsible for the safe transportation of goods around the country, or even overseas.

The job role of an HGV driver includes the following duties:

Operating commercial vehicles up to and over 7.5 tonnes, including rigid trucks, articulated lorries, tankers, transporters and trailer wagons
Driving long or short distances
Planning delivery schedules and routes with transport managers
Supervising or helping to load and unload goods
Lifting and carrying goods
Making sure loads are safely secured
Following traffic reports and adapting routes if necessary
Completing delivery paperwork
Keeping up-to-date logbooks
Carrying out basic routine maintenance, such as oil, tyre and brake checks
Working from a vehicle and driving long distances in a cramped space
Spending nights away from home during long haul deliveries.

How to become a HGV driver

To become an HGV driver you’ll need to be over 18 years old (for many companies this may rise to over 21, for insurance purposes) and hold a full UK driving licence.

You can gain the additional qualifications you need by doing specified training courses. Some companies may offer HGV driver training as part of an apprenticeship.

If you already have some experience, you may be able to apply directly to an employer for work.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

Training courses

You will have to attend a specialist training provider to gain the correct qualifications and experience to gain your HGV licence.

Apprenticeship

There is no direct apprenticeship to become an HGV driver but some employers may offer HGV training to enhance your apprenticeship, i.e. in HGV maintenance.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience as a light goods driver you may find an employer who will help you get your HGV licence.

If you have previously worked as an HGV driver, you will need to do a refresher training to return to the role.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an HGV driver include:

Customer service and administration skills
Be thorough and pay attention to detail
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Able to operate and control equipment

Qualifications

England

The HGV driving licence has two parts:

Category C1 allows you to drive rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes
Category C allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

For each of these you’ll need to sit a theory test, a practical test, show a good understanding of road safety and demonstrate how to load and unload your HGV safely.

You’ll need to have eyesight and medical assessments to get your licence. You won’t always need formal qualifications.

Once you’re newly qualified you’ll need to apply for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (also known as a Driver CPC) in order to work.

Scotland

The HGV driving licence has two parts:

Category C1 allows you to drive rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes
Category C allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

For each of these you’ll need to sit a theory test, a practical test, show a good understanding of road safety and demonstrate how to load and unload your HGV safely.

You’ll need to have eyesight and medical assessments to get your licence. You won’t always need formal qualifications.

Once you’re newly qualified you’ll need to apply for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (also known as a Driver CPC) in order to work.

Wales

The HGV driving licence has two parts:

Category C1 allows you to drive rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes
Category C allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

For each of these you’ll need to sit a theory test, a practical test, show a good understanding of road safety and demonstrate how to load and unload your HGV safely.

You’ll need to have eyesight and medical assessments to get your licence. You won’t always need formal qualifications.

Once you’re newly qualified you’ll need to apply for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (also known as a Driver CPC) in order to work.

How much could you earn as a HGV driver?

The expected salary for a HGV driver varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained HGV drivers can start at £19,000

• Trained with experience HGV drivers can earn up to £55,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

You could gain more licences to pull trailers or transport hazardous substances.

Some HGV drivers become transport managers, planners, freight operators or logistics and plant manager. You could earn a higher salary in a more senior position.

You could move into teaching and become an HGV instructor.