HGV Driver

A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver transports and delivers goods.

The Role

Driving
Planning delivery schedules
Planning routes with transport managers
Supervising or helping to load and unload goods
Lifting and carrying
Making sure loads are safely secured
Following traffic reports and adapting routes if necessary
Completing delivery paperwork
Keeping up to date log books
Basic routine maintenance, such as oil, tyre and brake checks
Operating commercial vehicles up to and over 7.5 tonnes, including rigid trucks, articulated lorries, tankers, transporters and trailer wagons
Most full time positions are between 37 and 44.5 hours a week
Overtime – including weekend shifts - is usually available but there are strict laws about the amount of hours you can spend driving between rest breaks

Salary

Newly trained HGV drivers can earn in the region of £17,000 and £20,000
Trained with experience HGV drivers can earn in the region of £20,000 and £40,000
Drivers of specialist fuel and chemical tankers can earn in excess of £40,000

Salaries depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

Qualifications and Training

To become an HGV driver you have to have a relevant driving licence. To get this you will need to be over 18 years of age although generally, for insurance purposes, you will need to be over 21. You will already hold a full car licence and have a good driving record. You will then need to take an additional theory test, have an eyesight test carried out and a medical assessment.

An LGV licence test is divided into two categories:

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

You can then take a further test to allow you to drive vehicles with trailers.

As well as an LGV licence you will need a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in the form of a digital tachograph driver smart card. You can apply for this from the DVLA.

If you are driving vehicles carrying dangerous goods such as chemicals, you will be legally required to have an ADR – and Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road Certificate. You will have to complete a five day course to obtain this and it is then valid for five years.

There are a number of training providers where you can take these qualifications. Sometimes employers are willing to pay for your training. You can also apply to become and apprentice in Driving Goods Vehicles if you want to pursue a career as an HGV driver.

Many employers will insist their drivers are accredited by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). This confirms you have the correct training and qualifications for the type of work you carry out.