What does an HGV driver do?

Usually working from delivery companies, depots and warehouses, an HGV driver makes deliveries over long and short distances. These can be local, national or international deliveries, requiring a UK driver’s license and passport for international travel. HGV drivers deliver different goods like food, oil, beverages and other consumable goods. An HGV driver is often expected to work irregular hours, including having to work overnight during longer shifts.

Working independently and communicating remotely with management, HGV drivers often have to be self-sufficient, conducting safety checks on their vehicle or even an MOT. Using their timekeeping skills, HGV drivers usually keep a record of their delivery times, ensuring that goods are delivered correctly and on the date specified.

HGV driver skills and qualifications

Successful HGV driver candidates have skills and qualifications that help them to stand out from the rest of your applicants. Alongside the right driver qualifications, license, passport, time management and logistics skills, good HGV driver candidates often possess the following skills:

• Able to continuously concentrate on safe driving while in cramped conditions
• Able to drive safely during busy traffic periods, in adverse weather conditions or at night
• Has a Heavy Goods License for Category C1 and Category C vehicles
• Ideally has a clean UK driver’s license
• Is able to communicate with suppliers and customers regarding delivery times
• Mechanical knowledge and practical experience

HGV driver experience requirements

To be hired as an HGV driver, your candidates need at least two years’ experience of driving large vehicles, buses or other commercial vehicles. Employers might want to specify that they are looking for someone with a Heavy Goods License for Category C1 and C vehicles. Overall, HGV drivers with five years’ experience, with warehouse, logistics, timekeeping and mechanical skills are worth specifying in a job description.

Experienced HGV drivers will be more likely to handle long or night-time shifts, plan breaks and understand how to adapt to diversions or unexpected disruptions. An HGV driver therefore is ideally unflappable and is able to troubleshoot issues by themselves or know where to take their vehicle for repairs.

HGV driver education and training requirements

In the UK, HGV drivers require a Heavy Goods License as well as an up-to-date knowledge of the Highway Code. In order to apply for a Heavy Goods License, candidates must be over 18 and have a full car license. According to the UK government website, HGV drivers must complete 35 hours of provisional training every five years in order to stay qualified. HGV drivers also require GCSEs in both Maths and English.

HGV driver salary expectations

According to Indeed UK salaries, the average salary of an HGV driver is £38,167 per year. Salary may depend on the exact job duties and responsibilities, the employer, location and experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description doesn’t adequately describe the job opening you have, here are a few job description samples of similar positions to consider:

• Driver
• School Bus Driver
• Delivery Driver

HGV driver job description FAQs

How can I write a good HGV driver job description?

In order to narrow down the best candidates, you can specify that you are looking for drivers with a Heavy Goods License. It is useful to clearly state in the job title the type of driver you are looking for to stop irrelevant candidates from applying for the role. Another potentially useful tip is to state the hourly rate and information about the types of vehicle in your company’s fleet.

What should I look for in an HGV driver CV?

When looking through HGV driver CVs, it is worth looking for candidates who have previous experience in a similar role. Having a Heavy Goods License and up-to-date knowledge of the Highway Code are essential. They should have a clean driver’s license and be over 18.