HGV driver

Alternative titles for this job include LGV driver, lorry driver

HGV drivers transport and deliver products between suppliers and customers.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 52 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a hgv driver

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist training providers

Apprenticeship

You could do a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C and E Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

The armed forces offer some HGV driving apprenticeship roles.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you're already working for a transport operator, your employer might support you to get your HGV driving licence. 

Other Routes

Course

You'll need to get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Lots of organisations offer this course. You can find training to become a HGV driver or search for training providers through the National Vocational Driving Instructor Register (NVDIR)

You might find it useful to compare several providers before signing up to one.

The course will cover driving skills, basic mechanics and how to load items. At the end of your course you'll need to pass 4 parts of the CPC test which includes:

  • a driving theory test
  • online case studies
  • a test of your practical driving ability
  • a practical demonstration test

Refresher course

If you're returning to work, you might need to do refresher training. You can find out more about returning to be a HGV driver.

Skills Bootcamp

You might be able to apply for a place on a Skills Bootcamp in HGV driving

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses that last up to 16 weeks.

When you pass the course, you:

  • are guaranteed a job interview with an employer near where you live
  • can drive large vehicles
  • will have a category C or category CE driving licence

More Information

Career tips

Companies often need more HGV drivers at peak times. This demand for jobs can affect salaries.

You could look for seasonal opportunities on retail and delivery company websites or with driver recruitment agencies.

Further information

You can find out more about:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of vehicle and public safety and security
  • concentration skills for staying focused while driving
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a driving licence that includes HGV for lorries or PCV for buses

  • be over 18 years of age
  • have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - this is known as the Driver CPC

To stay qualified, every 5 years you'll need to take 35 hours of driver CPC training and renew your HGV driving licence.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a HGV driver, you could:

  • plan deliveries and the route you'll take
  • check your vehicle is safe and report any issues you find
  • help load and unload goods safely
  • keep records of the deliveries you make
  • regularly check traffic reports and change your route if needed

You'll always need to drive safely and follow the law. You'll need to keep your vehicle tidy and safe to drive.

Working environment

Your working environment may be physically active and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You can often increase your salary by working irregular shifts.

With experience, you could:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

HGV Driver Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £18,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Blackwater, Camberley

RAF Driver - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £21,091.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known

Courses In England

Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles

  • Provider: SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL
  • Start date: 08 April 2024
  • Location: North Shields

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