Becoming an HGV driver is a great career, with good pay, job security and the chance to travel the UK and beyond. There is an increasing demand for more HGV drivers, particularly during peak times, making it a high-demand sector. With a big demand for professional drivers this step by step guide will tell you everything you need to know to start your HGV journey.
What is an HGV Driver?
HGV drivers are key to the logistics and transport industry. Their main tasks are:
- Driving large goods vehicles (LGVs): Transporting goods safely over long distances.
- Loading and unloading goods: Securing cargo.
- Planning routes: Meeting delivery deadlines.
- Paperwork: Delivery notes, invoices and compliance documents.
- Customer interaction: Building relationships at pick ups or deliveries.
HGV drivers are in high demand in the UK as they are key to keeping supply chains running and the economy moving.
Eligibility and Requirements
To become an HGV driver, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and requirements. First and foremost, you need to be at least 18 years old and hold a full UK driving licence. A good understanding of the English language is also essential, as you’ll need to follow instructions and complete necessary paperwork accurately.
Additionally, you must pass a medical examination to ensure you meet the health standards required for professional driving. This is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
For those aiming to drive larger vehicles, such as Category C+E vehicles, there are additional requirements. You must be at least 21 years old and have held a Category C licence for at least 12 months. Meeting these criteria ensures that you are well-prepared and qualified to handle the responsibilities of an HGV driver.
What You Need to Become an HGV Driver
To get started you will need:
- Basic Requirements:
- A full UK driving licence.
- A valid UK car licence.
- 18 years old or over.
- Clean driving record.
- Good understanding of English to follow instructions and complete paperwork.
- Medical Examination:
- Pass a medical to prove you meet the health standards for professional driving.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC):
- Complete a CPC to prove your skills and knowledge as a professional driver.
What HGV Licence Do I Need
HGV licences come in different categories depending on the type and weight of the vehicle you want to drive:
- Category C1 Licence: Allows you to drive vehicles up to 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes.
- Category C Licence: For vehicles over 7.5 tonnes up to 32 tonnes (rigid lorries).
- C+E Licence: For articulated lorries (vehicles with trailers) up to 44 tonnes.
Choose the licence type depending on your career goals and the vehicles you want to drive. Becoming an HGV lorry driver depends on the type of licence you choose.
How to Apply for a Provisional HGV Licence
Before you start your training apply for a provisional HGV licence:
- Complete the Application (Form D2): Get this from the DVLA website or request it by post.
- Medical Examination Report (Form D4): Get your doctor to complete this form after your medical.
- Proof of Identity and Residency: Include a valid ID (e.g. your passport) and proof of address.
- Pay the Application Fee: Fees can be paid online or by post.
Once your provisional licence is approved you can start your training.
Medical Test
As part of the HGV driver application process, you will need to undergo a medical examination. This is to ensure that you are fit to drive a large goods vehicle and to identify any potential health risks that could affect your ability to drive safely.
The medical examination typically includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination, a vision test, a hearing test, and a blood pressure test. These tests are designed to assess your overall health and ensure that you meet the necessary standards for professional driving.
You will need to provide a medical certificate from a qualified doctor, which will be valid for a period of 5 years. This certificate is a crucial part of your application and must be kept up to date to maintain your HGV licence.
HGV Driver Training and Testing
Training takes 8-10 weeks and includes:
- Provisional Licence and Medical:
- Make sure your paperwork is in order before you start.
- Pass two theory tests: multiple-choice and hazard perception.
- Practical Training:
- Five days of driving lessons to prepare for the practical test.
- Driver CPC Module 4:
- Safety practices, vehicle checks and load handling.
Obtaining a professional driving qualification like the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is essential to become a qualified HGV driver.
Cost of HGV training varies from £1,000 to £3,000 depending on the training provider.
Theory Test
The theory test is made up of two parts:
- Multiple-Choice Questions: Testing your knowledge of road safety, vehicle operation and driving laws.
- Hazard Perception Test: Testing your ability to spot hazards on the road.
Take mock tests provided by your training company to get familiar with the format and content.
HGV Practical Driving Test
The practical test is made up of two modules:
- Module 3a: Off-Road Exercises
- Reversing and parking.
- Module 3b: On-Road Driving
- Testing your ability to drive the vehicle safely in live traffic.
Practice as much as you can during training to build up your confidence and pass rate.
Driver CPC
A professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is required for professional H G V drivers. It includes:
- Part 1: Theory test (above).
- Part 2: Case studies on real life scenarios.
- Part 3: Practical test (Module 3a and 3b).
- Part 4: Practical demonstration test on safety checks and equipment handling.
To renew your CPC you need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Driver CPC Modules
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification that all professional HGV drivers must hold. The CPC consists of four modules, each designed to test your knowledge and skills in different areas of HGV driving.
- Module 1: Theory Test: This module tests your understanding of road safety, vehicle operation, and driving laws through multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
- Module 2: Case Studies: This module presents real-life scenarios to assess your ability to apply your knowledge in practical situations.
- Module 3: Practical Test: This module includes both off-road exercises (Module 3a) and on-road driving (Module 3b) to evaluate your driving skills.
- Module 4: Practical Demonstration Test: This module tests your ability to conduct safety checks and handle equipment properly.
Completing all four modules is essential to prove your professional competence and become a qualified HGV driver.
Career Opportunities for HGV Drivers
HGV driving offers many career paths and benefits:
- High demand:
- The UK is short of around 50,000 drivers so there’s plenty of work.
- Competitive Pay:
- Entry level drivers earn around £25,000 per year, experienced drivers up to £55,000 or more.
- Variety of Employment:
- Work for small logistics companies or multinational firms, moving all sorts of goods.
Specialised roles such as hazardous materials or oversized cargo can earn higher pay and career progression. Becoming a professional HGV driver opens up numerous career paths and benefits, including opportunities for advancement and specialized roles.
Benefits of HGV Driving
HGV driving is a great career with many perks:
- Independence: You’ll be working on the road with minimal supervision.
- Variety: See new places and new challenges with every delivery.
- Flexibility: Choose long-haul or local routes to fit your lifestyle.
- Job Security: The logistics industry is a stable employment sector due to high demand.
- Travel: See the UK and Europe while getting paid.
Gaining Experience and Finding a Job
Once you have obtained your H G V licence and completed your Driver CPC training, you can start looking for a job as an HGV driver. There are several ways to gain experience and find employment in this field.
Consider applying for trainee driver positions with transport companies, as these roles often provide valuable on-the-job training. Joining a driving agency or recruitment company can also help you find job opportunities and gain experience.
Networking with other HGV drivers and industry professionals can open doors to job opportunities and provide insights into the industry. Additionally, creating a professional CV and online profile can help you stand out to potential employers.
It’s important to consider the type of HGV driving job you want to pursue, whether it’s long-haul driving, local deliveries, or specialized cargo transport. Each type of job offers different experiences and opportunities for career growth.
Job Prospects for HGV Drivers
HGV drivers have good prospects:
- Government Support: Faster qualification process introduced in 2021 to address the driver shortage.
- Career Progression: Opportunities to move into transport manager or fleet supervisor roles.
- Constant demand: With the rise of online shopping, the need for goods transportation will only continue to grow. The UK is experiencing a high demand for HGV lorry drivers, who play a critical role in transporting goods efficiently.
Maintaining Your Qualification
As an HGV driver, maintaining your qualification is crucial to ensure you remain compliant with industry standards and regulations. This involves completing periodic training and assessments.
You must complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every 5 years to keep your qualification up to date. Additionally, you need to pass a medical examination every 5 years to ensure you continue to meet the health standards required for professional driving.
Keeping your HGV licence valid and up to date is essential for your career. Staying informed about changes in HGV driving regulations and industry best practices is also important. You can achieve this by attending training courses, workshops, and conferences, and by joining industry associations and networking groups.
By staying proactive in maintaining your qualification, you can ensure a long and successful career as an HGV driver.
Summary
HGV driving requires dedication, training and a commitment to continuous professional development. With high demand, good pay and many opportunities, now’s the time to get started. Follow this step by step guide, invest in good training and you’ll be on your way to a career in the logistics and transport industry.
