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Driver Advice • 4 min read

How to become an HGV driver

Created: 16.08.2024

Updated: 10.10.2024

An HGV driver job can be an attractive career, but it requires a certain skill set – both on the road itself, and when looking for offers. How does one become an HGV driver? What documents are needed, and how long does it take to get an HGV licence? Keep reading to learn all about HGV driver jobs for newly qualified drivers, as well as for seasoned motorists.

HGV jobs – driver shortage still affecting the transport sector

Before learning how to become an HGV driver, it’s important to take a look at the market as a whole. The last few years were a difficult time for the transport industry in the United Kingdom – especially 2021, when the effects of Brexit and COVID heavily affected job availability. Since then, wages have been rising steadily, currently being 30% higher on average than in 2021. This change is considered a major part of the effort to fight the driver shortage and make HGV jobs more attractive for interested drivers.

At present, the total number of lorry drivers in the UK is just above 300,000, returning to the pre-pandemic levels. However, the driver shortage is still visible – despite new hires slowly filling the market again, over 40% of fleet-based companies are still affected. While being a difficult situation for businesses, this also creates new job opportunities for prospective drivers, experienced and newly qualified alike.

Why are HGV jobs important?

Despite alternative modes of transport becoming more popular among companies, road freight still holds the number one spot in transporting goods across the United Kingdom and Europe. In the UK itself, over 65% of freight is transported by road. This is especially visible in certain sectors requiring flexibility and getting to places unreachable via air or sea, such as transporting food and agricultural products. In this area, the share of road transport is as high as 98% – similar statistics are visible in transporting machinery. What’s more, HGV jobs certainly aren’t going away any time soon; even with autonomous driving being quite far along in the testing phases, good drivers will continue to be an important asset in all sectors.

What makes HGV jobs attractive?

HGV jobs come with many challenges, but at the same time, they can be very exciting and attractive. Because drivers are needed in many areas, workers with the required skills can easily find stable, well-paying jobs. It’s a career that offers a great deal of flexibility and allows you to visit many interesting places. Moreover, it’s very much a self-supervised job, which makes it perfect for people who like to work mostly alone. It’s also a career when you can truly feel a sense of purpose – without truck drivers, it would be much more difficult to obtain everything we eat, drink, wear and use daily. Experienced drivers can earn more than £45,000 per year, while the starting rate is usually around £25,000. What’s also worth pointing out is that there are usually no educational requirements in the HGV industry, which makes it easy to get your foot in the door even at a young age.

How do I become an HGV driver?

If you’re looking for a stable, exciting career with very good compensation, you’re probably wondering how you can become a HGV driver. Unless you’re already qualified, you will need to obtain the correct licence before you start working. Some companies might offer support programs to help prospective drivers earn the necessary attestations. How does one become an HGV driver? First off, you’ll need to fulfil these three requirements:

  • Be over 18 years old.
  • Have a full car licence.
  • Pass the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competency) exam and obtain your certificate.

Moreover, truck driving licences come in various classes, dictating which kind of vehicle you can drive. Here is the basic breakdown:

  • C1 (class 3 or 7.5-tonne) – the smallest vehicles used in road transport, weighing between 3,500 and 7,500 kg.
  • C1+E (7.5-tonne plus trailer) – vehicles belonging to category C1 along with trailers weighing more than 750 kg.
  • C (class 2 or ‘rigid’) – vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, with rigid body bases.
  • C+E (class 1 or ‘artic’) – any HGV plus trailer combination, up to a weight of 44 tonnes.

Because the higher licence classes have more requirements, they also pay more – the best-paying jobs can be found for drivers with C+E certification.

How to become a class 1 driver?

Getting your qualifications confirmed requires going through a few days of training and taking a test. Firstly, though, you’ll need to learn how to become a class 2 driver, as the C+E licence is available only for drivers holding permits for vehicles belonging to category C. The process is roughly the same, but the requirements are much lower: class 2 training is available for anybody holding a regular driving licence over 18 years old.

How to become an HGV driver – step by step

Summing up the information about the licences, if you want to become a HGV driver, you’ll need to:

  1. Obtain your regular driving licence.
  2. Decide which category interests you the most – it’s worth pointing out that holding a C+E licence gives you the most opportunities, and the process of getting from C to C+E is fairly straightforward.
  3. Sign up for C1, C1+E or C training.
  4. Finish the training and complete the test required to obtain the C1, C1+E or C licence.
  5. If you want to grow your career further, sign up for the C+E licence. The training process is fairly short and allows you to quickly obtain the necessary permits.

How long does it take to become a HGV driver?

Without considering any possible delays, the whole process usually doesn’t take longer than six to eight weeks. The practical training part takes only five days. You might also be wondering how much it costs to become a HGV driver – the total cost, excluding training, is usually in the £250 to £300 range (counting the medical examination costs). Training is much more expensive and comes out to between £1000 and £2000 depending on available offers. In recent years, there was a government programme for funding HGV truck driver training, but it ended in 2023 – however, you can still find similar offers in some companies looking for drivers.

How to become an HGV driver. Preparing a good CV

Apart from the licence requirements, you’ll also need to market yourself to the companies looking to hire drivers. Remember to make the document clear, readable and include as much information about your skills and certificates as possible. Keep the information concise and relevant, focusing on the aspects that are important for a truck driving job. Include contact information, your personal profile, professional experience and HGV qualifications if you’ve already passed the certifications.

Where and how to apply for HGV jobs

You can look for HGV jobs in many places, including local listings, online job portals, and even social media groups. Companies can use various application methods, but the usual process consists of sending your CV to the recruiter and waiting for the return call to discuss the position. Remember that even the best candidates experience setbacks – it’s important to keep your head up and keep trying, as well as to ask for any input that can improve your chances in the future.

SNAP Account – professional support for truck operators

Many fleet operators use various kinds of TMS (Transport Management System) software to make day-to-day operations more efficient. One such solution is SNAP, with support for finding truck parks and dedicated depot parking sites, as well as facilitating truck wash and road toll payments. As a driver, you’ll probably use such software daily – it’s worth learning about the possibilities before you begin working.

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понеделник 02 декември 2024 • Driver Advice

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DRIVER CPC CHANGES

Susie Jones

On the 3rd of December 2024, changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) will come into full effect. The new CPC aims to offer better flexibility to drivers returning to the profession and those undertaking mandatory training. We delve into the upcoming changes and how they will impact drivers. Introduced in 2007, the CPC is a mandatory qualification for professional drivers in the UK and EU wanting to drive a range of heavy vehicles, such as HGVs, LGVs, buses, and coaches. Drivers must pass four tests: • Theory• Case study• Practical• Vehicle safety demonstration. Once passed, the CPC lasts for five years and must be renewed by taking 35 hours of periodic training within the five years.The UK government wanted to understand the effectiveness of the Driver CPC. They did this by asking drivers, trainers, and other parties to take a poll. The government focused on two main areas: improving driver choice and attracting more drivers into the industry for example, making it easier for drivers with foreign qualifications to obtain a licence in the UK. The changes to the Driver CPC are categorised into the following:The international Driver CPC is the new name for how the previous Driver CPC worked. The following applies:• Drivers must take 35 hours of CPC training every five years.• The courses must be at least seven hours long. • If splitting a course over a day, a driver must complete it on two consecutive days.• Drivers are allowed to do a total of 12 hours of e-learning.The National Driver CPC provides more flexibility for those wanting to drive in the UK. Drivers can take either:• 35 hours of training every five years.• A combination of 35 hours of National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC training every five years.The flexibility means that:• Training must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long training providers can offer longer courses. • It does not need to be completed on two consecutive days if it's a split course course providers can set their time limits.• Training can be e-learning.• Drivers can do 12 hours of e-learning towards their overall 35 hours.From the 3rd of December, 2024, drivers will be able to stay qualified by choosing either:1. International Driver CPC National Driver CPCDrivers wanting to return to the profession must take 35 hours of training before returning. However, this will change from the 1st of February, 2025.Drivers with an expired CPC will have new pathways to make returning to driving easier.Drivers have four options:• Undertake 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.• Regain qualification to drive in the UK and EU.• Complete 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.• Regain qualification to drive in the UK only.• Take a seven-hour "return to driving" module.• Regain UK driving qualification instantly.• To drive in the EU, complete 28 additional hours of training within 12 months.• As part of the National Driver CPC training, complete a seven-hour "return to driving" module.• Regain UK driving qualification instantly.• Take 28 additional hours of training (National or International Driver CPC) within 12 months.Drivers must take 35 hours of training (International or National).The rules surrounding Driver CPC cards remain the same drivers must carry their cards when operating vehicles professionally. However, the type of card differs based on qualification:• Identical to the current design.• The design will include "Domestic UK use only."If a driver is qualified for both categories, they may hold two cards.Fleet managers can prepare for the changes by ensuring the following:• Find out whether their drivers need an International or National CPC.• Training deadlines aren't missed to avoid fines.You are exempt from needing a Driver CPC if you're using the vehicle for:• Non-commercial carriage• Carrying materials you use for your job driving must be less than 30% of your rolling monthly work.• Driving for someone you work for or your own agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming, or fisheries business driving must be less than 30% of your rolling monthly work. • Driving within 62 miles of your base driving a HGV, bus, or coach must not be your main job.• Driving to or from pre-booked appointments to test centres.• Lessons for anyone wanting to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC.• Maintain public order.Full guidance is on the website.Drivers with grandfather rights don't need to hold the actual qualification as part of their licence. However, they must complete 35 hours of training every five years.

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сряда 18 септември 2024 • Driver Advice

CLEAR VISION AHEAD: THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE CARE FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

Susie Jones

takes place from the 23rd to the 29th of September, and as a truck driver, maintaining good vision is crucial to your job. Optical Express reported that road crashes involving drivers with poor vision accounted for roughly yearly casualties.Truck driving is a physically demanding role, but it is just as demanding visually requiring constant vigilance and the ability to quickly identify or react to changing road conditions. Poor vision can affect a driver's ability to judge distances, read signs, and detect other vehicles, reducing safety for the driver and other road users.Drivers must complete a t when applying for an HGV licence this occurs every five years after 45 and every year after the age of 65. As part of the medical, truck drivers must have a vision examination by a doctor, optician, or optometrist.To pass the examination, drivers require visual acuity of at least 0.8 (6/7.5) on the Snellen scale in their best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) in the other.Group 2 HGV drivers need a horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.After 45 years old, drivers must complete their D4 Medical Assessment every five years and every year after 65. However, opticians recommend that every road user has an eye test at least every two years.If a driver experiences the following, they should get their eyes tested immediately:• Headaches• Eyestrain• Pressure behind the eyes• Double vision• Difficulty seeing during the night• Halos around lights.Under the law, employers must ensure their employees are fit to drive this could cover several things, but eyesight is one of them. Employers should test their driver's eyesight every six months by carrying out a number plate sight check 20 metres away.If an HGV driver requires glasses or contact lenses to reach the minimum vision requirement, they can't have a spectacle power greater than eightdioptres. For contact lenses, there is no restriction on contact lens power.The recommends the following to maintain good eye health:• Eat a well-balanced diet with foods that help your vision.• Exercise regularly to prevent diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision problems.• Inform an optician if you notice any changes.• Wash your hands before putting them near your eyes or if you're handling contact lenses.• Protect your eyes when performing tasks that could damage them.• Wear sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.• Follow the 20-20-20 rule every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.• Try not to smoke smoking is just as harmful to your eyes as it is to your body.The visual standards HGV drivers must meet are higher than those of other road users. In the UK, drivers must have a visual acuity of at least 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale. In addition, drivers must be able to read a car number plate made after the 1st of September 2001 from 20 metres.The UK law on vision and driving falls below many European countries.By a number plate self-test from 20 metres. A visual acuity/visual field test is mandatory in other European countries.A driving test examiner performs the test in the UK, Cyprus, The Netherlands, and Norway. Several European countries require an Optometrist/Ophthalmologist/Doctor to carry out the test.• The UK, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Sweden require no further visual tests.• Algeria, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Spain, and Turkey require a visual assessment every ten years.• Algeria, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey require visual tests from 65 or younger.It's vital to inform the DVLA if you have any of the following eye conditions:• Blepharospasm• Cataracts• Diabetic retinopathy• Glaucoma• Eye loss• Macular degeneration• Monocular vision• Nyctalopia• Retinitis pigmentosa• Visual field defect.Drivers need to meet the following standards:• Can read a number plate 20 metres away• No double vision• Have a regular field of vision in at least one eye.If a driver is unsure whether they meet the visual standards for driving, they must get advice from a GP, optician, or eye specialist. of the information a driver receives comes from vision with most maneuvers made based on a sense of sight. Vision cannot be substituted or supplemented and is the most important physical factor behind the wheel.

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четвъртък 29 август 2024 • Driver Advice

A TRUCK DRIVER’S GUIDE TO BUDGETING

Susie Jones

As a truck driver, you are used to travelling long distances and working anti-social hours which can often mean added expenses. But how do you save money as a truck driver? Tracking your expenses and managing your money can be difficult, but we’ve put together some handy tips to help you budget. Taking the time to prepare for the journey can save you money and give you peace of mind. • Supplies: Work out what items you will need to ensure you don’t have to fork out on expensive items whilst on the road. • Food: Preparing your food may be a simple trick but an effective one when it comes to saving the pennies. Eating out is often expensive and sometimes unhealthy, try making your meals in your cab. Having a microwave and fridge in your cab will make meal-prepping that much easier. Check out our tips for staying . • Journey planning: Planning the most efficient route can save you money on fuel and unexpected toll charges. Knowing where you will be stationed for the night and booking in advance can make your journey more cost-effective. Download our to find truck parking near your transit route. The hardest but the most effective tip. Create a monthly or weekly budget that you can stick to and keep track of your expenses. There are many ways to set out your budget, you could write your expenses in a monthly calendar, jot them down in a notebook, or use an app to assist you. has an extensive list of apps that can help. Investing in an inverter will give you the ability to run small appliances. Having a fridge to keep items fresh, an electric griddle for cooking, and a coffee machine to make your cup of joe just how you like it will stop you from spending a fortune. Say goodbye to expensive fast food and hello to home-cooked meals for half the price. A cost that you can’t avoid. However, there are many ways that you can save on it: • Tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres will reduce your fuel economy, so it’s important to regularly check them. • Reduce idling: Stop the engine if you know you’re going to be stationary for a while. An hour of idling can burn roughly a gallon of fuel. • Use cruise control: Cruise control can reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. • Drive in a higher gear: This will maximise fuel efficiency as travelling at high speeds in lower gears can consume 45% more fuel. • Air conditioning: It can increase your fuel consumption by up to 0.4 miles per gallon. If possible, travel with the window open before resorting to air con. In addition to these tips, offers a sustainable, transparent pricing structure and discounted rates at our partner company, Certas Energy’s refuelling locations. Some employers will offer their drivers reward programmes to assist them with saving money. Items such as a discount on food, drink, showers, and cleaning facilities can all help with saving. Additionally, if you are a SNAP customer, we’re able to offer you food vouchers at participating truck stops. Whether it’s getting in touch with family via video call or streaming your favourite shows, having the option to hook up to the WiFi can save you a substantial amount. Solely using your phone’s data can get expensive and can leave you with an unexpectedly high bill. Most truck stops will offer WiFi for drivers, and you can always find out which truck stops offer this on our page. This is often down to the individual, as with any job you will have aspects you find difficult that others wouldn’t. Long hours, time spent away from loved ones, and a sedentary lifestyle can make the job tough. On top of this, you will have to deal with external difficulties such as road congestion, tight scheduling and sometimes working overtime. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, many truck drivers have a lot of work opportunities, independence, flexibility, and the chance to travel abroad. As stated above, there can certainly be some downsides to life on the road. Truck driving is certainly not for everyone, but those who do end up in the role benefit from a few perks: • Job stability – The current shortage of drivers means that you will have no trouble finding and keeping a job. • Pay – A career in truck driving can offer good pay and additional benefits. • Travel – If you don’t like to be confined to a single place every day then getting to travel around parts of the UK and Europe is a huge benefit. In addition to some of these perks, you will find a lot of truck drivers wouldn’t trade their life behind the wheel for a 9-5 office job. There are quite a few steps to become an HGV driver and the cost can vary depending on who you take your tests with. We’ve broken it down for you in a few easy steps. Before you can obtain your Class 2, you will need to have a full car licence, be over 18, and have a provisional HGV licence. Your provisional HGV licence will consist of two forms, a D2 (This is free) and a D4. A D4 form is your medical and the cost can vary between £50-£120. There are four parts to obtaining your HGV licence, and the cost of each can vary. According to the website, gaining your HGV licence will cost roughly £304. However, this cost may fluctuate if you book using an unofficial website. On top these fees, you need to pay for lessons which can cost up to £1,390. Once passed, you will have your HGV Class 2 (C Class) licence and can drive a rigid. To drive commercially you will need to get your tacho card which will set you back £32. This will need to be renewed every five years and will cost £15. To become a Class 1 driver you need to take one more test. A Class 1 licence will qualify you to drive a truck over 3,500kg with a trailer of over 750kg. This will cost £115. Overall, qualifying as a Class 1 HGV driver can set you back just under £2,000. However, it’s important to state that once you have obtained your licence, you will be on a decent salary, have job stability, get to travel and gain a sense of community within the trucking world. Budgeting as a truck driver can be challenging but is essential if you want to manage your finances. Keeping track of your expenses, setting a budget, and sticking to it will help you save money. The above tips will give you a great starting point in encouraging you to get into healthier financial habits. How do you save money when you’re out on the road? Share your tips and tricks with us at SNAP.