How to Become an HGV Driver - Telegraph Jobs Advice

<!DOCTYPE html> <html data-placeholder-focus="false" lang="en-GB"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/","20201001233140","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1601595100"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />   <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <title>How to Become an HGV Driver - Telegraph Jobs Advice</title> <link rel="stylesheet" href="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140cs_/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/css/package.css;p=master,branding;v=f59e7db39a27f75b088c72ebfa4769a3" type="text/css">    <meta name="keywords" content="HGV Driver "> <meta name="description" content="Read the latest Telegraph Jobs article on How To Become an HGV Driver. Explore the job role, skills needed and career prospects."> <meta name="templatename" content="Articles/ArticleDetailsPage.mango"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <script src="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140js_/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/js/lazyad-loader.min.js;v=f5a7aafa23777d272b00d97fbe8967f1" async></script> <script> if ('querySelector' in document && 'localStorage' in window && 'addEventListener' in window) { document.documentElement.className = ' js'; var mdgx = {}; mdgx.locationSearchPath = '/location-lookup/'; mdgx.rsLink = 'https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://recruiters.jobs.telegraph.co.uk/'; mdgx.recruiterSearchPath = '/recruiter-lookup/'; mdgx.shortlistPath = '/your-jobs?ActiveSection=ShortList'; mdgx.clickStatTrackingPath = 'https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/click-stat/'; mdgx.systemSiteName = 'Telegraph'; mdgx.targetedJobUpsellEnabled = 'False'; !function(e,t,r){function n(){for(;d[0]&&"loaded"==d[0][f];)c=d.shift(),c[o]=!i.parentNode.insertBefore(c,i)}for(var s,a,c,d=[],i=e.scripts[0],o="onreadystatechange",f="readyState";s=r.shift();)a=e.createElement(t),"async"in i?(a.async=!1,e.head.appendChild(a)):i[f]?(d.push(a),a[o]=n):e.write("<"+t+' src="'+s+'" defer></'+t+">"),a.src=s}(document,"script", [ "//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/js/jquery.min.js;v=6cb5e34b81ec88266dc9e15293c3fccc", "//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/js/jquery-patches.min.js;v=b2d0c8c216a705b1cc2ee5e826afe234", "//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/_js/dict.js;v=d9a956a2849cedeb12c6a778ff57def8", "//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/js/bundle.min.js;v=cdc26f4dfae67be9d0cfbb1e736f961d" ,"//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/js/custom-recommended-jobs.js;v=a625055850623549bef8602d1d04bd9d" ]); } </script> <link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/x-icon" href="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140im_/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/images/favicon.ico;v=76d5931ddeb2dec68c667dab75320895"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="114x114" href="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140im_/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/images/appIcon-114x114.png;v=da9abdc7f879070c298431c040f7e0bb"> <meta name="robots" content="max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:standard"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/"> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-GB" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/"> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en-US" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/en-us/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/"> <link rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/opensearch/" title="Telegraph Jobs"/> <meta name="lang" content="en-GB"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/"/> <meta property="og:title" content="How to Become an HGV Driver - Telegraph Jobs Advice"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Read the latest Telegraph Jobs article on How To Become an HGV Driver. Explore the job role, skills needed and career prospects."/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_GB"/> <meta property="og:locale:alternate" content="en_US"/> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Telegraph Jobs"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140im_/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/getasset/2f5fa704-6357-45c7-810b-7fc66e657f39/;w=625;h=350"/> <meta property="og:image:height" content="350"/> <meta property="og:image:width" content="625"/> <meta property="og:article:section" content="Career guidance"/> <meta property="og:article:published_time" value="2018-01-24T08:32:16"/> <meta property="og:article:modified_time" value="2018-01-24T08:47:59"/>  <meta name="tmgads.zone" content="jobs.article"/> <meta name="tmgads.section" content="jobs.article"/> <meta name="tmgads.channel" content="jobs"/> <meta name="tmgads.articleid" content="11399630"/> <meta name="tmgads.pagetype" content="article"/> <meta name="tmgads.level" content="2"/> <meta name="tmgads.otherdata" content="null"/> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140js_/https://d3c3cq33003psk.cloudfront.net/opentag-35657-jobsproduction1.js" async></script>   <meta name="google-site-verification" content="ifD-t4PmXB7a8XAfyqB27sdej5jijD-qHd_59xYCo40"/>  <script type="text/javascript">(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');</script>  <script> var ClientGoogleTagManagerDataLayer = [{ 'IsLoggedOn': 'False', 'UserId': '', 'UserThirdPartyId': '', 'Culture': 'en\x2dGB', 'absolute\x2durl': 'https\x3a\x2f\x2fjobs.telegraph.co.uk\x2farticle\x2fhow\x2dto\x2dbecome\x2dan\x2dhgv\x2ddriver\x2f', 'SiteName': 'Telegraph\x20Jobs', 'page\x2dtitle': 'Article\x20Details', 'article\x2dtitle': 'How\x20to\x20Become\x20an\x20HGV\x20Driver', 'level': '2', 'path\x2dparts': 'article,how\x2dto\x2dbecome\x2dan\x2dhgv\x2ddriver,' }]; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= '//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','ClientGoogleTagManagerDataLayer','GTM-KTZ3K4P');</script>   <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-9578547-1']); _gaq.push(['_gat._anonymizeIp']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); var gaJsHost = (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://ssl' : 'https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); return ga; })(); </script> <script src="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140js_/https://assets.adobedtm.com/71dcbb11123ce6b2e1ce4d47fd79a130aad3fc95/satelliteLib-16da6c48e1c0674fe4ab529302c31c2140a01ba4.js"> </script> <script> var AdobeDynamicTagManagementDataLayer = { 'IsLoggedOn': 'False', 'UserId': '', 'UserThirdPartyId': '', 'Culture': 'en\x2dGB', 'absoluteUrl': 'https\x3a\x2f\x2fjobs.telegraph.co.uk\x2farticle\x2fhow\x2dto\x2dbecome\x2dan\x2dhgv\x2ddriver\x2f', 'SiteName': 'Telegraph\x20Jobs', 'pageTitle': 'Article\x20Details', 'articleTitle': 'How\x20to\x20Become\x20an\x20HGV\x20Driver', 'level': '2', 'pathParts': 'article,how\x2dto\x2dbecome\x2dan\x2dhgv\x2ddriver,' }; </script>  <script type="text/javascript">try { ga('create', 'UA-30374864-1', 'auto', {'name': 'MadgexTracking','cookieName': '_MadgexTracking'}); ga('MadgexTracking.set', 'anonymizeIp', true); ga('MadgexTracking.send', 'pageview', '\x2fcareersadvice\x2farticle\x2f\x3farticleid\x3d11399630'); } catch(err) { if(console && 'log' in console) { console.log(err); } }</script>   <script> var gaProperty = 'UA-30374864-1'; // Disable tracking if the optout cookie exists var disableStr = 'ga-disable-' + gaProperty; if (document.cookie.indexOf(disableStr + '=true') > -1) { window[disableStr] = true; } // Opt-out function function gaOptout() { document.cookie = disableStr + '=true; expires=Thu, 31 Dec 2099 23:59:59 UTC; path=/'; window[disableStr] = true; } </script>   <script type="text/javascript"> function runMadgexConfirmSession() { document.getElementById("madgex_confirm_session").innerHTML='<img src="/session-img/0c42d18a-e41c-4f4b-a8b2-25410bcd479c/" alt="SessionImg" rel="nofollow" />'; } </script>   <script> (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){ h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)}; h._hjSettings={hjid:570756,hjsv:5}; a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1; r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv; a.appendChild(r); })(window,document,'//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv='); </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _vwo_code=(function(){ var account_id=380099, settings_tolerance=2000, library_tolerance=2500, use_existing_jquery=false, /* DO NOT EDIT BELOW THIS LINE */ f=false,d=document;return{use_existing_jquery:function(){return use_existing_jquery;},library_tolerance:function(){return library_tolerance;},finish:function(){if(!f){f=true;var a=d.getElementById('_vis_opt_path_hides');if(a)a.parentNode.removeChild(a);}},finished:function(){return f;},load:function(a){var b=d.createElement('script');b.src=a;b.type='text/javascript';b.innerText;b.onerror=function(){_vwo_code.finish();};d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(b);},init:function(){settings_timer=setTimeout('_vwo_code.finish()',settings_tolerance);var a=d.createElement('style'),b='body{opacity:0 !important;filter:alpha(opacity=0) !important;background:none !important;}',h=d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];a.setAttribute('id','_vis_opt_path_hides');a.setAttribute('type','text/css');if(a.styleSheet)a.styleSheet.cssText=b;else a.appendChild(d.createTextNode(b));h.appendChild(a);this.load('//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/j.php?a='+account_id+'&u='+encodeURIComponent(d.URL)+'&r='+Math.random());return settings_timer;}};}());_vwo_settings_timer=_vwo_code.init(); </script>  </head> <body class=" not-home logon article-details jobseeker-page__articledetails has-leaderboard" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WebPage">  <noscript><iframe src="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140if_/https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KTZ3K4P" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <div class="container js-container"> <p class="skip-to-content"><a accesskey="S" title="Access key: S" href="#main">Skip to main content</a></p> <div data-block="header-top" class="position-static"> </div> <div class="ad ad--leaderboard"> <div class="ad ad--leaderboard__wrapper" data-lazyad data-matchmedia="only screen and (min-width: 750px)"> <div class="ad__notice"> </div> <script type="text/lazyad">  </script> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper"> <div class="ad ad--wallpaper ad--wallpaper--left"> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper"> <div class="ad ad--wallpaper ad--wallpaper--right"> </div> </div> <div data-block="header-main" class="position-static"> <header role="banner" class="banner"> <div id="top-bar" class="top-bar"> <div class="wrapper cf"> <ul class="nav-toggles cf js-togglable-nav-triggers"> <li class="nav-toggles__item nav-toggles__item--primary"> <a href="#primary-nav" title="Main menu" class="js-togglable-nav-trigger"> <i class="burger" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span class="hidden">Skip to main menu</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav-toggles__item nav-toggles__item--secondary"> <a href="#secondary-nav" title="User menu" class="js-togglable-nav-trigger"> <i class="icon-after" data-icon="☺" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span class="hidden">Skip to user menu</span> </a> </li> </ul> <nav aria-label="User" id="secondary-nav" class="secondary-nav togglable-nav cf js-togglable-nav"> <ul class="secondary-nav__items togglable-nav__items cf"> <li class="togglable-nav__item secondary-nav__item secondary-nav--jobseekers jobseekers jobseekers-nav"> <ul class="jobseekers__items cf"> <li class="additional-nav__item primary-nav__item primary-nav__item--custom--two"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/profile/" class="primary-nav__link">Upload CV</a> </li> <li class="togglable-nav__item jobseekers__item jobseekers__item--sign-in"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/logon/">Sign in</a><span class="text or">or</span> </li> <li class="togglable-nav__item togglable-nav__item--last jobseekers__item jobseekers__item--create-account "> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/register/">Create account</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="togglable-nav__item secondary-nav__item secondary-nav--recruiters recruiters recruiters-nav"> <ul class="recruiters__items cf"> <li class="togglable-nav__item recruiters__item recruiters__item--button"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://recruiters.jobs.telegraph.co.uk/" data-icon="▶" class="button button--brand icon-after icon-white js-recruiter-link recruiters__item--link">Recruiting? Post a Job</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="ad ad--mobileleaderboard--empty"> </div> <div class="wrapper cf"> <div class="primary-logo"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/"><img src="//web.archive.org/web/20201001233140im_/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/images/logo.svg;v=90609dbe1fb0c25dbb796560ed6dc8f1" title="Telegraph Jobs" alt="Telegraph Jobs logo"></a> </div> </div> <nav aria-label="Main" id="primary-nav" class="primary-nav togglable-nav js-togglable-nav"> <div class="wrapper"> <ul class="primary-nav__items togglable-nav__items cf"> <li class="togglable-nav__item primary-nav__item primary-nav__item--first primary-nav__item--home"><a class="primary-nav__link" href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/">Home</a></li> <li class="togglable-nav__item primary-nav__item primary-nav__item--find-a-job"><a class="primary-nav__link" href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/jobs/">Find a job</a></li> <li class="togglable-nav__item primary-nav__item primary-nav__item--careers-advice"><a class="primary-nav__link" href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/">Career advice</a></li> <li class="togglable-nav__item primary-nav__item primary-nav__item--jbe"><a class="primary-nav__link" href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/newalert/">Job alerts</a></li> <li class="togglable-nav__item primary-nav__item primary-nav__item--custom togglable-nav__item--last primary-nav__item--last"><a class="primary-nav__link" href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/profile/">Upload CV</a></li> </ul> <div class="sector-nav--smallscreen" data-set="sector-nav"></div> </div> </nav> </header> </div> <div data-block="header-bottom" class="position-static"> </div> <div role="main" class="main" id="main"> <div class="wrapper"> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": "True", "headline": "How to Become an HGV Driver", "author": "Telegraph Jobs", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Telegraph Jobs", "logo": { "@type": "imageObject", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/assets/dist/images/logo.png;v=c116e808526c25569ab77f3d3c0769f2" } }, "datePublished": "2018-01-24T08:26:00", "description": "If you are considering entering the profession of a HGV Driver, you need to be well informed about the demands of the job. Explore How to Become an HGV Driver.", "image": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/getasset/2f5fa704-6357-45c7-810b-7fc66e657f39/" } </script> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid-item three-twelfths lap-five-twelfths palm-one-whole"> <div class="block"> <h2 class="palm-hidden">Sections</h2> <ul class="list-nav no-margin js-tinynav palm-hide" data-tinynav-header="View sections"> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item--active list-nav__item__section--all"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> All <small>(375)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--brain-training-games"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/brain-training-games/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Brain Training games <small>(7)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--professional-courses"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/professional-courses/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Professional courses <small>(12)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--work-legal-advice"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/work-legal-advice/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Work Legal advice <small>(13)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--apprenticeships"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Apprenticeships <small>(10)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--interview-tips"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/interview-tips/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Interview tips <small>(57)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--executive-careers"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/executive-careers/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Executive careers <small>(46)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--cv-writing-advice"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/cv-writing-advice/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> CV writing advice <small>(35)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--about:-engineering"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/about-engineering/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> About: Engineering <small>(41)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--career-guidance"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/career-guidance/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Career guidance <small>(135)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--about:-it/computing"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/about-it-computing/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> About: IT/Computing <small>(8)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--about:-oil-and-gas"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/about-oil-and-gas/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> About: Oil and Gas <small>(8)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--networking"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/networking/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Networking <small>(19)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--redundancy"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/redundancy/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Redundancy <small>(4)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--top-10-tips"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/top-10-tips/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Top 10 tips <small>(35)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--career-development"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/career-development/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Career Development <small>(69)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--women"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/women/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Women <small>(15)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--defence"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/defence/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Defence <small>(7)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--location"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/location/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Location <small>(11)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--business"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/business/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Business <small>(38)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--salary"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/salary/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Salary <small>(31)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--postgraduate-study"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/postgraduate-study/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Postgraduate Study <small>(11)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--cv-valuation"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/cv-valuation/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> CV Valuation <small>(2)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--career-planning"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/career-planning/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Career Planning <small>(38)</small> </a> </li> <li class="list-nav__item list-nav__item__section--job-descriptions"> <a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/job-descriptions/" class="list-nav__link icon-before"> Job Descriptions <small>(28)</small> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <article class="grid-item seven-twelfths palm-one-whole"> <h1>How to Become an HGV Driver</h1> <div class="block article-meta"> <p> <span class="palm-block-level">Published: 24 Jan 2018</span> <span class="palm-block-level"></span> </p> </div> <div class="block fix-text js-fitvid"> <p>While thousands of people pass them every day on the motorway, not many stops to consider what it takes to become an HGV Driver. Simply put, Heavy Good Vehicle (HGV) Drivers are responsible for the transportation of goods between suppliers and customers.</p> <p>Before becoming an official HGV Driver, employees must prove that they are over 18 years old, have a full car driving license, and have a Certificate of Professional Competence. Many companies also require that potential drivers go through a training course or apprenticeship. While these are only a handful of requirements, they are necessary to maintain the safety of both HGV Drivers and other motorists.</p> <p>If you are considering entering the profession, you need to be well informed about the demands of the job. Those who are considering becoming an HGV Driver should weigh the positive aspects of HGV driving against the negative aspects before making their informed decision.</p> <p>The benefits of becoming an HGV Driver include:</p> <ul> <li>The ability to climb the career ladder after gaining experience</li> <li>Becoming acquainted with different parts of the country and travelling</li> <li>Competitive pay and job stability</li> </ul> <p>While there are many upsides to the job, there are also a few negative aspects that should be considered before committing to a position. These include:</p> <ul> <li>Having to deal with animosity from other drivers on the road</li> <li>The unsocial nature of the job</li> <li>Driving in hazardous weather conditions</li> </ul> <p>With these aspects of the job in mind, the position of HGV Driver is ideal for individuals who love driving, enjoy alone time but also crave adventure, motivated individuals who seek job stability and those with the passion for climbing the career ladder.</p> <h2>Skills of an HGV Driver</h2> <p><img alt="HGV Driver | Heavy Goods Vehicle | HGV" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Truck-o-Saurus_passing_on_the_inside%2C_M1_Pacific_Motorway_NSW_-_Australia%2C_April_22_2014._%2814670160565%29.jpg/640px-Truck-o-Saurus_passing_on_the_inside%2C_M1_Pacific_Motorway_NSW_-_Australia%2C_April_22_2014._%2814670160565%29.jpg" width="300"/></p> <p><a rel="nofollow">image source</a></p> <p>To become an HGV Driver, you should possess a few essential skills…</p> <ul> <li><strong>Driving Abilities</strong>: All HGV Drivers must have extensive knowledge about road safety and be able to practice safe driving effectively.</li> <li><strong>Self Motivation</strong>: Because of the extensive driving and loneliness of the job, the profession requires drivers who are self-motivated and willing to work without a boss looking over their shoulder.</li> <li><strong>Patience</strong>: Since other drivers on the road are not always patient with HGV Drivers, it is crucial for the HGV Driver to exercise patience with other vehicles to ensure everyone’s safety.</li> <li><strong>Concentration</strong>: During adverse weather and heavy traffic, HGV Drivers need to be able to focus and concentrate on the road to avoid accidents.</li> <li><strong>Paperwork</strong>: When not driving, drivers are responsible for logging information about trip details and deliveries. </li> </ul> <h2>Daily Responsibilities of an HGV Driver</h2> <p>While driving is the primary responsibility for HGV Drivers, many other tasks fall in their wheelhouse. 10 of these include:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Delivery Routes</strong>: Drivers must plan delivery routes and ensure that routes maximise productivity.</li> <li><strong>Coordinating Deliveries</strong>: For goods to be delivered, drivers must communicate with customers to coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups.</li> <li><strong>Supervising the Loading of Goods</strong>: Drivers supervise the loading and unloading of goods.</li> <li><strong>Securing Goods</strong>: To ensure the safety of the product, drivers check that all products are safely secured for transport.</li> <li><strong>Checking Routes</strong>: Sometimes, routes must be altered if there are accidents or large amounts of traffic.</li> <li><strong>Safety Regulations</strong>: Drivers inspect their lorry to be sure that it complies with national safety regulations and legal requirements.</li> <li><strong>Filing Paperwork</strong>: Logging hours and filing delivery forms are the responsibility of the driver.</li> <li><strong>Vehicle Maintenance</strong>: If a driver notices an issue with the lorry, it is the driver’s responsibility to see that it gets the proper maintenance.</li> <li><strong>Communicate with Dispatchers</strong>: Drivers must report any accident or issue to the company dispatcher.</li> <li><strong>Interact with Customers</strong>: To ensure customer satisfaction, drivers must interact with customers politely and address any concerns a customer may have.</li> </ol> <h2>HGV Driver Salary</h2> <p>One of the great benefits of entering this industry is that experience gives you a higher salary. The following is a guide for salary expectations:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Starter</strong>: £18,000-£22,000 per annum</li> <li><strong>Experienced</strong>: £23,000-£28,000 per annum</li> <li><strong>Highly Experienced</strong>: £29,000-£35,000 per annum</li> </ul> <p>Extra income can sometimes occur through un-social hours pay and shift covers.</p> <p>The government heavily regulates the HGV driving industry. Drivers can expect to work around 48 hours a week, but daily driving times and legally required breaks typically determine a driver’s working hours.</p> <h2>HGV Driver Career Path</h2> <p>There are many opportunities for HGV Drivers to climb the career ladder.</p> <p>Additional training allows HGV Drivers to obtain an <strong>Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Certificate</strong>, meaning that drivers could move hazardous materials and drive a tanker.</p> <p>Experience also allows drivers to move to higher paying positions, such as a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) instructor, freight transport planner, or even a manager for an HGV company.</p> <p>There’s no doubt that the profession of HGV driving is hugely underrated. HGV Driving is not only lucrative, but it is also a lot of responsibility, so begin the process today to become an HGV Driver, and you are sure to embark on a journey that is both satisfying and professionally fulfilling.</p> <p>Here at Telegraph Jobs, we do specialise in providing these types of jobs. Our <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/jobs/driving/">Telegraph Driving Jobs</a> covers the latest position available. Alternatively, if you are looking for a different career opportunity within the industry do browse the latest <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/jobs/logistics/">Telegraph Logistics Jobs</a>.</p> </div> <div class="block"> <h3 class="underlined">Related links</h3> <ul class="disc-bullet"> <li itemprop="mentions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WebPage"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/logistics-management/" itemprop="url" target="_blank"><span itemprop="headline">Logistics management<span class="hidden"> This will open in a new window</span></span></a></li> <li itemprop="mentions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WebPage"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://ht/" itemprop="url" target="_blank"><span itemprop="headline">Warehouse Operative Job Description<span class="hidden"> This will open in a new window</span></span></a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="block"> <ul class="share-buttons cf"> <li class="share-buttons__item share-buttons__item--email"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/mailto:/?subject=How%20to%20Become%20an%20HGV%20Driver&body=https%3A%2F%2Fjobs.telegraph.co.uk%2Farticle%2Fhow-to-become-an-hgv-driver%2F%3FTrackID%3D686002" data-icon="✉" class="share-buttons__link icon-before" data-click-tracking="{ "Action": "ArticleEmail", "ArticleId": 11399630 }"> <span class="hidden">Email this</span></a> </li> <li class="share-buttons__item share-buttons__item--fb"> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/?TrackID=2&t=Article+Details+%7c+Telegraph+Jobs" class="share-buttons__link icon-before js-popup" data-width="626" data-height="436" data-icon="F" data-click-tracking="{ "Action": "ArticleShare", "ArticleId": 11399630, "SocialMediaNetwork": "facebook" }" target="_blank"><span class="hidden">Facebook</span></a> </li> <li class="share-buttons__item share-buttons__item--tw"> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/?TrackID=3&text=Article+Details+%7c+Telegraph+Jobs&hashtags=jobs" class="share-buttons__link icon-before js-popup" data-width="500" data-height="300" data-icon="T" data-click-tracking="{ "Action": "ArticleShare", "ArticleId": 11399630, "SocialMediaNetwork": "twitter" }" target="_blank"><span class="hidden">Twitter</span></a> </li> <li class="share-buttons__item share-buttons__item--in"> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/?TrackID=4&ro=false&summary=Article+Details+%7c+Telegraph+Jobs" class="share-buttons__link icon-before js-popup" data-width="860" data-height="470" data-icon="L" data-click-tracking="{ "Action": "ArticleShare", "ArticleId": 11399630, "SocialMediaNetwork": "linkedin" }" target="_blank"><span class="hidden">LinkedIn</span></a> </li> <li class="share-buttons__item share-buttons__item--pin"> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/?TrackID=702353&media=//jobs.telegraph.co.uk/getasset/2f5fa704-6357-45c7-810b-7fc66e657f39/&description=How+to+Become+an+HGV+Driver" class="share-buttons__link icon-before js-popup" data-width="500" data-height="400" data-icon="𝓟" data-click-tracking="{ "Action": "ArticleShare", "ArticleId": 11399630, "SocialMediaNetwork": "pinterest" }" target="_blank"><span class="hidden">Pinterest</span></a> </li> <li class="share-buttons__item share-buttons__item--reddit"> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/http://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/how-to-become-an-hgv-driver/?TrackID=702354" class="share-buttons__link icon-before js-popup" data-width="750" data-height="500" data-icon="r" data-click-tracking="{ "Action": "ArticleShare", "ArticleId": 11399630, "SocialMediaNetwork": "reddit" }" target="_blank"><span class="hidden">Reddit</span></a> </li> </ul> </div> <p><a class="icon-before" data-icon="◄" href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/">Back to listing</a></p> </article> <div class="grid-item two-twelfths lap-hidden palm-hidden"> <div class="buttons block"> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__first"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__second"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__third"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__forth"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__fifth"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__sixth"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__seventh"> </div> <div class="ad ad--button ad--button__eighth"> </div> </div> <div class="ad ad--skyscraper block" data-lazyad data-matchmedia="only screen and (min-width: 1024px)"> <div class="ad__notice"> </div> <script type="text/lazyad">  </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block="footer-main" class="position-static"> <footer role="contentinfo" class="contentinfo"> <div class="back-to-top"> <div class="wrapper cf"> <p class="right-text no-margin"><a href="#top-bar" class="js-smooth-scrollto block-level">Back to top</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper content"> <nav aria-label="Footer" class="tertiary-nav block"> <ul class="tertiary-nav__items cf"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid-item one-whole"> <div class="grid"> <div class="footer-links grid-item one-whole palm-one-whole"> <div class="grid"> <div class="tertiary-nav-block__1 grid-item one-third palm-one-whole lap-one-third portable-one-half"> <h3 class="footer-link__header footer-link__header--first">Jobseeker</h3> <ul> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/jobs/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Browse jobs</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/newalert/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Job alerts</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Career advice</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/logon/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Log in</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="#" class="tertiary-nav__link tertiary-nav__link--show">Help</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/staticpages/12002/site-map/" class="tertiary-nav__link tertiary-nav__link--show">Site map</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tertiary-nav-block__2 grid-item one-third palm-one-whole lap-one-third portable-one-half"> <h3 class="footer-link__header">Recruiter</h3> <ul> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://recruiters.jobs.telegraph.co.uk/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Advertise a job</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://recruiters.jobs.telegraph.co.uk/cv-search" class="tertiary-nav__link">CV search</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="#" class="tertiary-nav__link">Recruiter advice</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tertiary-nav-block__3 grid-item one-third palm-one-whole lap-one-third portable-one-whole"> <h3 class="footer-link__header">About us</h3> <ul> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/about-us/" class="tertiary-nav__link">About Telegraph Jobs</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/about-us/work-at-the-telegraph" class="tertiary-nav__link" target="_blank">Work for The Telegraph</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/staticpages/30/terms-and-conditions/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Terms and conditions</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/privacy-policy/" class="tertiary-nav__link">Privacy policy</a></li> <li class="tertiary-nav__item"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/" class="tertiary-nav__link" target="_blank">telegraph.co.uk</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </ul> </nav> <nav aria-label="Culture" class="culture-nav block"> <ul class="palm-hide culture-nav__items cf js-tinynav" data-tinynav-header="Choose language"> <li class="culture-nav__item culture-nav__item--active">English (United Kingdom) </li> <li class="culture-nav__item"><a class="culture-nav__link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233140/https://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/en-us/?CulturePreference=en-US">English (United States) </a></li> </ul> </nav> <p class="copyright no-margin">© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2019 Powered by Madgex Job Board Software</p> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <div class="ad ad--wallpaper"> </div> <div class="ad ad--anchored-footer"> </div> <script type="text/javascript">_satellite.pageBottom();</script> <div id="madgex_confirm_session"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> if (typeof runMadgexConfirmSession == 'function') { runMadgexConfirmSession(); } </script>  </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

How to Become an HGV Driver - Telegraph Jobs Advice