HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) drivers are responsible for transporting goods across the UK and sometimes to other countries in Europe. The role involves driving large vehicles such as lorries or articulated trucks, making sure goods are delivered safely and on time. HGV drivers must have a special licence, known as a Category C or C+E licence, and need to follow strict safety and driving regulations, including keeping accurate records of driving hours. The job can involve long periods on the road, loading and unloading cargo, and sometimes dealing directly with customers. It is a vital role for the UK economy, ensuring that products reach shops, warehouses, and factories efficiently.
The typical salary for an HGV driver in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £40,000 per year, with experienced drivers sometimes earning more, especially with overtime and bonuses.
There were over 60,000 vacancies for HGV drivers reported in 2023, highlighting a significant demand for qualified drivers.
HGV drivers often work up to 48 hours per week, with shifts that can include nights, weekends, and bank holidays, depending on the employer and contracts.
Drive heavy goods vehicles across the UK or Europe, often transporting goods over long distances and managing schedules for deliveries.
Operate HGVs designed for carrying liquids, such as fuel or chemicals, ensuring safe transport and handling of hazardous materials.
Transport perishable items like food or medicine in temperature-controlled lorries, ensuring products remain fresh and safe during transit.
Research what being an HGV driver involves, including daily duties and working conditions.
Typical duties of an HGV driver include inspecting vehicles, loading and unloading goods, planning routes, and maintaining delivery schedules. Consider the physical demands, long hours, and time spent away from home. Speak to practising drivers or watch online videos about a typical day on the job.
Ensure you meet the legal and medical requirements to become an HGV driver in the UK.
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a full UK car driving licence. You will also need to pass a medical exam to prove you are fit to drive large vehicles. This involves an eyesight test and a health check from a doctor, which is required for your application to drive HGVs.
Obtain a provisional HGV (Category C or C plus E) licence from the DVLA.
You will need to complete the D2 application form and the D4 medical form, which must be signed by a doctor. Once submitted to the DVLA, you will receive your provisional licence, allowing you to begin HGV driver training.
Take training with an approved provider to learn how to drive large lorries safely and confidently.
HGV driver training covers vehicle handling, road safety, loading and unloading, and legal requirements. Training courses usually last a few weeks, depending on your prior experience, and prepare you for the practical driving tests.
Pass the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and the practical HGV driving tests.
You must pass four modules to obtain your CPC: a theory test, case studies, practical driving, and vehicle safety demonstration. Passing these tests allows you to legally drive HGVs for work. The CPC must be renewed every five years with periodic training.
Apply for entry-level HGV driver positions with logistics companies, hauliers, or agencies.
Look for job postings online, through recruitment agencies, or by contacting local transport firms directly. Entry-level roles may involve shorter routes or working as a driver’s mate until you gain more experience. Some companies offer on-the-job training or support for newly qualified drivers.
Gain experience to access higher-paying or specialist roles, such as long-haul, hazardous goods, or international driving.
As you gain experience, you may choose to specialise in transporting certain goods or work towards more advanced driving categories, like Category C plus E for articulated lorries. Additional training and certifications can open up further career opportunities within logistics and transport management.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in HGV Driver. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A bus or coach driver shares similar qualifications and skills with an HGV driver, as both require specialised driving licences, safety awareness, and experience operating large vehicles. They also involve similar duties related to transporting passengers safely over various distances.
You can get into this job through:
You can apply to do a Passenger Transport Driver Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a bus or coach company.
You will need to hold at least a Category B (car driving licence) to start training.
The apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete and combines workplace training with off-the-job study.
You'll usually need:
You can apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job.
Most companies will expect you to have a at least 6 months' car driving experience.
You would be put through Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver training that normally lasts between 1 and 6 weeks.
Your employer will also give you training for the Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC.
Some travel companies offer contracts where you receive a daily rate until the job is complete. For example, it might be driving passengers on a coaching holiday. In cases like these, the rates can be from £120 a day upwards.
You can find out how to become a qualified bus driver on GOV.UK.
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