How to Become a HGV Driver
Updated: 8 May, 2024
How to Become a HGV Driver
Updated: 23 February, 2024
The UK needs more HGV drivers to keep the wheels of the economy moving. With great salaries and benefits, it’s never been a better time to consider a career change!
HGV drivers are paid up to £35K at JJ Foodservice with no evenings or weekends – that’s even more than other conventional jobs like teaching or nursing.
What’s more, only 1% of HGV drivers in the UK are female and employers are actively looking for more diversity.
So, if you can stay calm in traffic and are fantastic with people – this could be the career for you.
We’ve outlined the basic steps to retraining and other frequently asked questions.
Why is there a HGV Driver shortage?
A combination of workers returning home due to Brexit and thousands of new drivers not qualifying due to COVID has led to a serious shortage of up to 100,000 drivers.
You may have even seen coverage in the national press about the Government recruiting the army to help.
Basic requirements
First of all, you must have a full UK driving licence and be over the age of 18. If you have a full car license, you can take a HGV driving theory and practical test to get things started.
  1. Apply for a provisional lorry driver’s licence. Download the forms here.
  2. When you have your licence, you will need to pass your part 1 and part 2 theory tests
  3. You’ll then need to pass the practical ability driving exam. Apply here.
  4. Once you have passed all tests, you will be sent a CPC card, sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’
More information here.
How much does it cost?
Cost of testing:
  1. Theory Test Part 1 – £26
  2. Theory Test Part 2 – £11
  3. CPC Certification – £23
  4. Driving Ability Test – £115 (weekdays) £141 (weekends)
  5. Practical Test – £55 (weekdays) £63 (weekends)
The cost of training will range from £1200-1400 depending on the location, training provider and number of hours required).
Read more.
What are the hours like?
It can be common in transport to work evenings or weekends – each HGV driver role will vary.
At JJ Foodservice, HGV roles are designed to be family friendly.
Transport Manager for JJ, Ali Kefil, says “We are pleased to offer a good work-life balance which means no evening or weekend work.
“Most of our drivers finish between 4-6pm, which means they can go home and spend time with their families.”
Legally, all drivers must rest for a minimum of nine hours within a 24-hour period up to three times a week, which allows them to work three 15-hour days in the same week.
The maximum number of hours a HGV driver can work in any given week is 56 hours.
The transport sector is looking for more diversity to fill the gap, so everyone is welcome!
Legally, all drivers must rest for a minimum of nine hours within a 24-hour period up to three times a week, which allows them to work three 15-hour days in the same week.
The maximum number of hours a HGV driver can work in any given week is 56 hours.
Read more.
What are the different types of HGV license?
All lorry driving licences are not quite the same, because different vehicles have different weights.
The differences between licence categories are all about how much different vehicles weigh. Here’s a breakdown.
At JJ’s we have a mixture of 3.5ton, 7.5ton and 13.5ton.
How do I know if I’ll be any good?
  1. You need to be able to focus for long periods of time
  2. Be a patient and considerate driver
  3. Have great communication skills when delivering goods
  4. Have an excellent understanding of road safety
  5. Be fit and healthy (jobs at JJ require multiple deliveries)
  6. Always look smart and professional
What should a ‘good’ HGV Driver CV look like?
So, what are you waiting for? At JJ Foodservice, we have a wide range of positions available for HGV drivers across the UK. Learn more.
https://go.jjfoodservice.com/JJCareers
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