HGV Driver Jobs in the United Kingdom

HGV Jobs Overview

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a king or queen of the road and are looking for a stable and very in-demand career path, then HGV jobs are certainly worth your consideration. An HGV (heavy goods vehicle) driver is essentially a lorry driver. These workers take goods around the country and help keep shops, homes, and businesses nationwide stocked up.

A job of immense importance, HGV drivers are responsible for making sure the UK keeps up and running with all the supplies and goods required to do so. An HGV driver’s job may involve delivering goods from one local destination to another, or driving potentially hundreds of miles a day across the country to make deliveries. In fact, some lorry driver jobs involve driving abroad, such as across Europe.

An HGV job can be solitary but it does offer the opportunity to travel and can be lucrative. According to the Road Haulage Association, there is a shortage of lorry drivers in the UK as of 2021. The increased demand for HGV drivers in the UK has meant, in many cases, that salary packages have soared, making this a more enticing career option than perhaps ever before. Plus, it is a great option for keen drivers who are also introverts, as the job offers both solitude and a career on the road. As you explore your options, you may also want to consider:

• driving jobs
• train driver jobs
• delivery driver jobs

HGV Driver Qualifications and Skills

Secondary education qualifications are typically not required for HGV jobs. However, you must have a full driving licence (Category B) to qualify for HGV jobs. An HGV licence must then be obtained. Some companies will pay for this training, while others require self-funding. The training process usually takes around five days and will involve several tests.

The HGV driver test has two parts:

• Category C1 (qualified to drive rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes)
• Category C2 (allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes)

Each of these components will test:

• theory (written)
• practical (driving)
• road safety knowledge
• how to load and unload goods safely

In addition, you must complete eyesight and medical assessments to qualify. Once you’ve passed, you will need to apply for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (also known as a Driver CPC). This entire process can take several months.

Being a qualified and competent driver is just one part of the skills requirements. An HGV driver also must be able to stay alert throughout long driving shifts and be extremely self-disciplined. A lorry driver may spend days on the road with little human interaction, making self-organisation and motivation essential. You will also need basic computer knowledge, as you’ll likely be using equipment to register both pick-ups and deliveries of goods.

How Much Do HGV Drivers Earn?

An HGV driver salary can depend on your years of experience and if you have any specialisations. For example, lorry drivers that have experience in driving fuel and chemical tankers will often be paid higher. The salary range also depends on how in-demand the role is at the time of application. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, demand and, in turn, pay for HGV drivers have skyrocketed. However, there is no guarantee that it will always be this way.

According to government statistics, the average annual salary for an HGV driver is £31,200. But there are various reports that show lorry drivers’ earnings far surpass this since the pandemic, with some drivers earning well over £40,000 per year. To help you get your ideal salary, research wage offerings in advance and don’t be afraid to negotiate once an initial job offer is made.

Update Your CV

An HGV driver CV is your opportunity to list all your driving qualifications as well as your past work experience. Even if you are new to the industry, you can list relevant job skills. For example, if you previously worked in retail, you can explain how this helped you gain great time-management skills, which is of course vital for any HGV job. Fortunately, we have many CV templates available, as well as cover letter examples. A cover letter is yet another way to share your accomplishments and add a bit of your personality into the mix.

Preparing for Your HGV Job Interview

An HGV job interview will likely involve exploring both your relevant experience and your motives behind becoming a lorry driver. An interviewer will not only want a competent driver, but also someone who is highly organized, disciplined, and perhaps, above all, trustworthy. You may be responsible for transporting extremely valuable goods, so think in advance of how you can demonstrate your reliability in your answers. We have tons of interview advice available, including common interview questions and how best to answer them.

Research Companies That Interest You

As you explore your options for HGV jobs, make sure you research the companies that are hiring. This helps you get an idea of what to expect salary-wise and the company’s overall reputation. We’ve rounded up some of the UK’s top employers with our company profiles. Here you’ll find information on:

• company size and locations
• company history
• company culture and benefits

Ready to Get an HGV Driver Job?

If you’re ready to take the next step, then create a profile with Monster. Once you’re set up, you’ll have access to a huge number of HGV jobs across the UK. You’ll also get regular job updates and be able to connect with top recruiters and employers.