How To Become A HGV Driver

Becoming an HGV driver has many benefits, but it also includes some sacrifices that must be made in order to make a living within the industry. Read on to find out how to become a HGV driver, what it takes and the different steps to take to acquire your HGV licence.

Step 1: Review your qualifications

Before you become a HGV driver, you must ensure that you meet the minimum requirements, which consist of being over the age of 18, or in some cases 21 years of age. You must also have a full car driving licence before applying to be a HGV driver, and once you have this, you can begin practising your HGV driving theory test and practical.

Your additional qualifications can depend on your employer, as some businesses may require more qualifications compared to others, so make sure you understand what qualifications you require when becoming a HGV driver.

Step 2: Choose your HGV licence category

There are a wide range of different HGV licences which enables you to drive different vehicles, all with different sizes and capabilities. The different HGV licence categories include:

• Class 1 – This class enables HGV drivers to drive vehicles with detachable trailers with a weight of over 7.5 tonnes
• Class 2 – Drivers can drive HGVs with rigid body bases over 7.5 tonnes.
• Category C1 – Drivers who hold this licence can drive HGVs anywhere between 3.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes.

Once you have chosen your driving category, you can begin to take lessons driving vehicles for that category, helping you to prepare for when your driving test comes around.

Step 3: Ensure you have your provisional licence

Without a provisional HGV licence, you won’t be able to begin driving lessons for HGVs, as a provisional licence is required in order for you to drive under supervision. DVSA approved instructors can supervise whilst driving on motorways, however their vehicle must include dual controls.

Step 4: Complete your driving test

In order to become an HGV driver, you must pass your driving theory and practical tests. HGV practical driving tests are very similar to car driving tests, with an examiner assessing your skills as a driver and determining whether you pass or fail. The theory test is also very similar to the car theory test, with multiple choice questions you select to meet a pass criteria.

Step 5: Begin your HGV driving journey

Once you have passed both sections of the HGV driving test, you can begin your HGV driving journey. You can begin applying for jobs and researching the different career routes you can take with the licence/s that you now have. Prepare for job interviews and remember to update your CV with all your new qualifications and experiences, and also make sure that you understand the role you’re applying for, the hours and how the company operates.

Why become a HGV driver?

Working as a HGV driver can have long hours, and you can spend multiple days away from your loved ones, however there are numerous benefits to becoming a HGV driver. Working as a truck driver offers competitive pay that can see experienced HGV drivers be paid up to as much as £45,000 per year.

HGV drivers also receive a great deal of freedom and much more space to work independently. From travelling around the world and across the country, being a HGV driver gives you the freedom of mind to do your job without having to worry about constantly checking in with your boss on progress, while of course this is part of the job, there is much more independence.

Contact us today!

If you’re a newly qualified HGV driver and are looking for your first truck, browse our extensive stock online today to see what we have instore for you. If have any questions about our range of used vehicles, please contact us today and we will be happy to assist you!