Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Driver

Heavy goods vehicle (HGV), large goods vehicle (LGV), or lorry drivers, transport goods using large trucks or lorries. This includes operating vehicles such as rigid trucks, articulated lorries, or tankers to transport goods from one location to another. Some HGV drivers might make their deliveries during the day and return home each evening, while others can be away for several days, making deliveries around the country or even overseas.

An HGV driver may be responsible for loading and unloading goods onto their vehicle. They may also be responsible for planning the most efficient route to reach their destination, considering factors such as traffic, road conditions, and delivery schedules, conducting routine checks and maintenance on their vehicle to ensure it is in good working condition, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, keeping accurate records of deliveries, and interacting with customers and suppliers during the delivery process.

The starting salary for an HGV driver is in the region of £20,000 to £25,000 per annum, with experience this is likely to increase to between £28,000 and £40,000 per annum. Drivers of fuel or chemical tankers need to take additional qualifications and can earn over £45,000 per annum.

There are no formal academic qualifications required to become an HGV driver, but basic ability in maths and English will be important.

To become a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver, you need a full car driving license and to complete a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). There are five separate tests which make up the full Driver CPC.

There are several different training courses and ways in which to gain the Driver CPC qualification. You could train through an apprenticeship, you could take a vocational qualification such as a Level 2 Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles, you could complete a Skills Bootcamp, or you could train through a private driving school.

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as an HGV driver, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Find training to become a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver

Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle driver

Generation Logistics

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport - Student Hub

National Careers Service - HGV Driver