If you’re ready to break into the HGV Driving industry, then you need to get an HGV Licence and make sure you attain the right skills and qualifications. Read on below to understand the requirements to become an HGV driver and the type of HGV driver jobs that are available to you.
What Type of Vehicles do you Drive as an HGV Driver?
HGV stands for ‘heavy good vehicles’ which are vehicles with a gross weight of over 3,500kg. Depending on the products that the HGV drivers deliver, will depend on the size of the trailer behind the lorry. The size and weight of the product will impact the number of axles and maximum weight load. If you want more information on the size of lorries click here.
What’s the Difference between Class 1 and Class 2 HGV Drivers?
Class 1 HGV licences allow drivers to drive a category C+E lorry, an example of a category C+E lorry is an Artic Lorry. An Artic Lorry features a pivot joint which allows the vehicle to accommodate more storage space for the products, the pivot point allows the lorry to navigate tight corners. Class 2 HGV licences allow drivers to drive category C vehicles. An example of a category C vehicle is a Rigid Lorry, a Rigid Lorry is securely fixed onto the trailer or tractor, which means that the lorry does not have a pivot point. Many HGV drivers agree that driving this type of vehicle is important to gain experience early on in their careers. HGV drivers can get both Class 1 and Class 2 licences if they wanted to.
Is There Any Demand for HGV Drivers in 2022?
In 2019, there was a shortage of 59,000 HGV drivers but, is there a shortage in 2022? The director of Food and Sustainability at BRC (British Retail Consortium) said there is a lack of HGV drivers throughout the UK. To gain interest within this industry the UK has promoted higher salaries and more opportunities for people to be employed. The average HGV driver gets a salary of around £27,000 per year. If you are new to HGV driving, entry-level positions start at around £22,000 per year whereas, experienced HGV drivers make up to £55,000 per year. Looking for an HGV driving role in the UK, here at Pure Staff we have a range of HGV driving opportunities that may be suitable for you, find all of our HGV job openings here.
What Qualifications and Skills do Employers look for?
Depending on the job you’re applying for will hinge on the experience and skills needed. As a result, new HGV drivers can find jobs with no experience needed. Generally, employers that are hiring HGV drivers will look for at least 1 year of driving experience, heavy goods vehicle driving for 1 year, hold an HGV C+E or C licence and a Driver CPC.
How Do I Become an HGV Driver?
To become an HGV driver the person needs to be over 18 years old and hold a full UK driving licence. The person needs to obtain a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence qualification). To acquire this card, you’ll need to complete 35 hours of periodic training and pass your Driver CPC test to gain your professional licence.
A Recruitment Agency is the Ideal to Break into the HGV Sector
A great way to break into the HGV sector is by joining an HGV driving agency. Pure Staff is an experienced HGV driving agency that recruits thousands of drivers a year across the UK.
Contact our Team of Recruitment Experts at Pure Staff
Think you have the qualities to become an HGV Driver? If so, Get in touch with our team at Pure Staff to discuss your job-seeking needs using our contact form or by calling our offices Birmingham Office 0121 237 4840 Wolverhampton Office 01902 401 530 Worcester Office 01905 20547
