How to Become HGV Driver

HGV driving can be a good career choice for individuals who enjoy travelling and various work opportunities. However, it is not for those who dislike working alone for long periods.

Aside from driving, lorry drivers also load and unload goods and carry out daily vehicle checks. They may also be responsible for delivering goods to their destination on time.

Training

Driving a large vehicle presents unique challenges, as it doesn’t offer the same manoeuvrability as smaller vehicles, and there are more prominent blind spots. As a result, drivers of HGVs need to be highly competent in their driving skills. They also need to have a strong problem-solving capability as they are likely to encounter issues whilst on the job, such as traffic jams or even mechanical problems with their vehicle.

Many companies provide training schemes, some even offering free courses for those wanting to become an HGV driver. The training can last anything from a few days to a few weeks, including safety, theory and practical driving. These courses are an excellent way for individuals to gain the experience and knowledge required to start this career.

Getting started as an HGV driver involves passing a standard driving licence and taking on further specialist training to drive a lorry. Depending on the individual and the course provider, becoming an HGV driver can take a few weeks to a few months.

While it might seem like a sedentary job, HGV driving is more physically demanding than some think, with loading and unloading, vehicle checks and customer service responsibilities to consider. As a result, drivers must take care of their health, staying healthy and fit to drive.

Licence

HGV drivers need a full driving licence (category B) to work as professional drivers. They must also have passed a medical exam, usually carried out by their GP or a company that specialises in arranging HGV medical for drivers. They must also submit annual medical reports.

In addition to driving, HGV drivers carry out many other tasks, including planning delivery routes, ensuring the load is secure and loading and unloading goods. They must also complete vehicle checks, delivery paperwork and logbooks.

This career often involves travelling to destinations across the UK, Europe and further afield. This means HGV drivers need to be flexible and adapt to changing conditions and traffic situations. They also need good hand-eye coordination and reaction time to control the lorry in challenging weather and road conditions.

The main job requirements are to have a valid driving licence and pass the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This requires completing several modules, including theory and hazard perception tests. Once you have completed all these steps, you can start working as an HGV driver. 

Experience

HGV drivers need to have experience in a variety of driving situations. This includes manoeuvring the vehicle in different weather and traffic situations and ensuring that cargo is safe and secure. They also need to know how to operate the systems in the vehicle, such as GPS or telematics. This requires good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Another thing that HGV drivers need to have is the ability to be self-sufficient on their own. This includes being able to keep themselves entertained, eat and sleep whilst they are on the road. It also means having the skills to prepare their vehicles for travel, such as checking oil and other fluids, tying down cargo and performing safety checks.

Many people assume that HGV driving is passive, but it’s quite physically demanding. A lot of standing and walking is involved, as well as loading and unloading cargo. HGV drivers also need to be able to cope with the stress of being away from home and family for extended periods.

Finally, HGV drivers need to be able to communicate effectively. This is important when working with customers and collaborating with other team members. They also need to be able to relay information, such as traffic updates and route changes, to other drivers on the road.

Safety

Lorry drivers are often required to take long-haul jobs, requiring them to spend long periods away from home. This can lead to stress which requires the driver to be able to deal with this effectively.

One of the critical things that HGV training teaches is safety. This isn’t just about standard road safety–no phone usage while driving, understanding braking distances etc. It’s also personal safety. For example, many lorry drivers are robbed or attacked at truck stops, and they need to pay attention to their security and be aware of the dangers they face.

Other issues that can arise include drivers having to sleep in their cab overnight if they’re driving long distances, so good sleeping habits are essential. It’s also common for lorry drivers to work unsociable hours, with many working over weekends and even bank holidays.