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Becky Hinshelwood 23rd January 2023

How to Start My HGV Career: A Step by Step Guide

Have you been thinking about starting a new career lately? Maybe you’re looking for a change of scenery after being stuck behind a desk for too long. Perhaps you’re searching for better job security in the face of a looming recession, or want a higher wage to handle the cost of living crisis.

Starting a role as an HGV driver could be the perfect solution. The HGV driver shortage has been a chronic problem in the UK for a few years now, even with new initiatives in place to accelerate learning opportunities. The Road Haulage Association predicts the country is missing out on around 70,000 to 100,000 certified professionals at present.

This means there are plenty of amazing job opportunities available to those with the right skills and traits to manage driving a larger vehicle. At the same time, the average salary for the HGV driver is increasing. Even an entry-level driver can earn more than £32,000 per year!

The question is, where do you get started?

Here’s your step-by-step guide to starting your HGV career.

Step 1: Know What to Expect

First, it’s worth getting a good idea of what you can expect from a career as an HGV driver. Ultimately, there are a lot of myths around this job title, with some people believing it’s a role reserved only for men, or people who don’t mind working long hours. The reality is HGV driving is a unique and engaging job, with a lot of benefits.

As an HGV driver, you’ll be spending most of your time on the road, as well as interacting with clients and other team members. You’ll be responsible for hauling crucial equipment across the UK, and contributing to the growth of the economy. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy a significant degree of independence in your role. HGV drivers can benefit from:

A great salary (with opportunities for promotions)
Plenty of chances to travel both nationally and internationally
Good job security and high demand for your skills
Variable hours and working schedules
On-the-job training and growth opportunities

However, HGV driving isn’t right for everyone. If you’re not a fan of being behind the wheel, and you don’t like travelling long distances, this might not be the role for you.

Step 2: Know What Kind of Job You Want

While you probably won’t start actually applying for your HGV job until you’ve acquired the right credentials, it’s worth taking some time to check out the landscape before you begin. The life of a Class 1 HGV driver might be very different to the life of someone hauling the heaviest materials.

Take some time to research the opportunities available in your area, and ask yourself:

How far do I want to drive? If you’re willing to be away from home for longer periods of time, you could become an international driver and transport vehicles overseas. Alternatively, you can stick to driving around a more local area.
How long should my hours be? There are various rules and restrictions on how long an HGV drivers can be on the road without a break. However, different roles will give you different shifts, so it’s worth checking out the options from different employers.
What level do I want to work at? If you want to take on a more high-octane job, like training other HGV drivers, you may need to invest in additional experience. Most professionals need to start out with entry-level jobs and work their way up.

It’s also worth thinking about what kind of HGV you want to be responsible for. Larger vehicles require different kinds of licensing.

Step 3: Get the Right Training and Qualifications

Once you’ve defined whether life as an HGV driver is right for you, you’ll need to start working on your qualifications. The good news is there’s no need for any lengthy degree or coursework to become an HGV driver. You just need to be over the age of 18 and hold a full driving license.

However, you will need to develop some specific skills. First, you’ll have to apply for a provisional HGV driver’s license, and send in a D4 medical form. This ensures you’re safe to be on the road. There can be a fee associated with your form, depending on whether you get it from the NHS or privately.

Next, you’ll need to pass a theory and practical driving ability exam to obtain your full HGV license. You’ll also need to gain a professional driving qualification known as the CPC. The easiest way to get through the training process quickly is to work with an HGV training expert who can handle the whole process on your behalf, and offer support every step of the way.

Keep in mind, there are different types of licenses available for HGV drivers too. The license you get will dictate the weight of the vehicle you can drive. Depending on the kind of job you want, you may need to apply for a different kind of licence.

Step 4: Apply for HGV Driver Roles

Once you’ve successfully completed your education, you’ll be ready to get on the road. Some HGV driving training companies can assist with helping you to find a job with CV support, and access to an exclusive recruitment network. This means you might be ready to start your new role as soon as you’re done training.

If you’re looking for roles yourself, make sure you take the time to research the best HGV employers in your location. It’s important to think about not just the salary you can earn, but also the benefits available, like on-the-job training, health insurance, and even extra paid time off.

When applying for HGV driver roles, make sure you’re prepared to showcase the skills and qualities employers are going to be looking for. Aside from a good knowledge of the roads in your area, and the right qualifications, you’ll also need to demonstrate excellent focus and organisation skills, fantastic safety skills, good communication capabilities, and independence.

Step 5: Plan Your Future

Finally, you can start thinking about your career plan for the future. Look into the progression opportunities offered by your employer, and whether there are chances to apply for promotions and new roles down the line. You could even consider becoming an HGV instructor yourself after you have the right level of experience.

As you grow and develop your skills, more job opportunities should become available to you. You might even be able to apply for different licenses, so you can work in vehicles hauling more dangerous goods. Or you could get involved with planning and management, as a Freight
transportation or logistics leader.

With help from Easy As HGV, you’ll have everything you need to not only qualify for your new HGV career, but also apply for your first job, and start planning your future. Get in touch today to start your new career.

Becky Hinshelwood

Becky is a writer for Easy as HGV, specialising in creating engaging content for the HGV industry and covering a variety of topics relevant to small businesses.

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