Becky Hinshelwood 1st May 2024

The Basics of Driving an HGV in Manchester

The significant shortage of lorry and HGV drivers throughout the UK is presenting significant
opportunities to anyone with an interest in changing their career path. If you have a passion for
driving, and you feel confident behind the wheel of a car, you might find that a life as an HGV driver
could be the perfect opportunity for you.

While there are countless places throughout the UK where you’re sure to find high-paying roles right
now, Manchester represents one of the most lucrative areas. Widely considered one of the central
areas for HGV companies, Manchester HGV drivers can find themselves delivering crucial goods all across
the UK, contributing to the growth of the British economy.

Of course, before you dive into your new HGV driving lifestyle, you might want to determine
whether there are any special rules and regulations you need to be aware of when you’re on the roads.
Here are some of the basic things you’ll need to know before you jump in.

The Requirements for HGV Drivers is Still the Same

The first thing you should know is requirements for HGV drivers are the same in Manchester as they
are elsewhere in the UK. This means you shouldn’t need any additional training, though it may help to
take some time getting used to the roads in Manchester if you’re new to the area. Driving around
regularly and planning your routes will help you be more efficient when you start driving an HGV.

Like all HGV drivers, Manchester locals will need a full UK driver’s licence, a strong knowledge of
the driving landscape, and you’ll have to be over the age of 18. If you’re the right age, and you have
your driver’s licence, you can request a provisional for your HGV training journey. You’ll need this
provisional to start training for your new career.

Applying for a provisional licence also means completing a D4 medical form, to ensure there aren’t
any medical issues which could hamper your driving. Once you have your provisional, you can start
preparing to get your CPC licence. This will require you to take both a theory and practical exam,
which you can do with the help of companies like Easy as HGV.

With your CPC certificate, you can start applying for HGV driving jobs with companies throughout
Manchester. Make sure you know exactly which kinds of vehicles your licence allows you to drive
before you begin your application, as this will save you some time when finding the right role.
Remember, you can also choose between long-haul and short-haul driving.

If you’re driving short-haul, you’re likely to spend more time on the roads around Manchester, while
long-haul drivers might need to be more aware of the rules of the road in areas like London too.

What will an HGV Driving Job Be Like in Manchester?

It’s difficult to know for certain what any job will entail. Mostly, the HGV driving jobs you take on in
Manchester will involve travelling to specific locations with certain kinds of cargo. You’ll need to
have a good level of organisational skills to manage the road, and be comfortable talking to customers
when you arrive with their orders, so keep this in mind.

It’s also worth noting that while some people assume driving an HGV means working long hours,
there are actually some specific restrictions around how long you can drive for. Because HGV drivers
are responsible for much larger vehicles, they need regular rest and recuperation to ensure they can
stay safe on the road. Generally, you won’t be behind the wheel for longer than 9 hours at a time.

Additionally, HGV drivers are required to take regular breaks – 45 minutes for every 4.5 hours of
driving. Plus, you’ll need a minimum of 11 hours of rest between each driving session, so it’s
important to make sure you get some rest and relaxation between your shifts.

It’s a good idea to make sure you’re aware of the health and safety rules connected to your job, and
how frequently you need to make sure you’re taking breaks when you’re out on the road.

Manchester, Congestion Charges, and Clean Air Zones

One of the specific things you may need to read up on before you start your HGV career in
Manchester, is the congestion charges and similar fines you may need to pay for driving in certain
areas. Congestion charges in Manchester are going through a period of change right now, so it’s
important to know exactly which fines you’ll be responsible for before starting a trip.

One of the most recent changes to happen on the Manchester roads, was the introduction of the Clean
Air Zones. These have been introduced as part of Manchester’s quest to create a cleaner, more
sustainable environment for locals. Like many regions throughout the UK, the “clean air zones” in
Manchester will require people to pay a fine when driving through certain areas in specific vehicles.

Around 10 areas of Manchester are currently classified as Clean Air Zones, and the rules have already
begun to roll out for people driving older cars, and larger vehicles. Many light vans and commercial
vehicles will also need to pay fines starting from June 2023, so it’s worth double-checking if you’ll
have any charges to pay before you start any journey.

The Clean Air Zone charges can cost around £10 per day if you’re driving through certain areas in
your HGV. Make sure you arrange with your employer what you’re going to do to manage these
payments during your working hours.

Driving HGVs in Manchester

Although the rules and restrictions around driving HGVs in Manchester aren’t as complex as they are
elsewhere in the UK (like in London), there are specific rules to keep in mind. Doing your research
while you’re initiating your training with a reputable HGV company is a good idea.

If you’re planning on starting your new HGV career soon, the team at Easy as HGV can help. Contact
our team today to find out how you can start your training.

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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