Things You Need to Become a HGV Driver

HGV drivers have been in the news a lot in recent years due to the chronic shortage in the industry. The combination of Brexit and the COVID-19 lockdowns created a perfect storm that left many lorries without a driver.

However, more and more people are now becoming aware of what a fantastic career being an HGV driver can be.

In this article, the team here at FleetEx have put together a list of everything you'll need to become a HGV driver. So, if you are considering training as an HGV driver, then read on.

HGV licence

As you might imagine, you will need a specialist driving licence in order to be in charge of an HGV. There are different categories of licence available depending on the weight of the vehicle itself and the additional weight that your truck will tow. It is therefore important to think about where you want to work and what type of truck you want to drive before you apply for any kind of licence.

A category C1 licence covers light goods vehicles which weigh between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, whilst a Category C licence is designed for heavy goods vehicles of between 7.5 and 32 tonnes. This Category C licence will allow you to drive any rigid truck regardless of the axles that it has or the weight, as long as it is within the maximum range.

There is also a Category C + E licence which is available for all draw bar and articulated vehicles. It used to be the case that you needed to obtain a category C licence before you could move onto the C + E category, but this is not now necessary and you can go straight to C + E from a car licence, which means you only need to take one test.

However, if you do hold a category C licence then it is still possible to upgrade to a C + E without the need for another theory test.

Organisational skills

To be a good HGV driver, you need to be someone who is organised. It is not a case of simply turning up to work in the morning, being told where to go and driving there. You will be given a schedule that outlines where you need to be and what time you need to be there, and it is up to you to plan an effective route that ensures this can be achieved.

That means taking into account traffic conditions, road works, or changing weather that might all impact on how you get there. It also means that whilst out on the road, you are able to react calmly and sensibly to anything that might affect your plans and be able to work out a new solution.

HGV medicals

When you drive an HGV, you are in charge of a huge vehicle which is capable of killing people in the wrong hands. This is why it is a requirement to undergo a medical as part of your provisional licence. This needs to be included with your licence application and sent to the DVLA for approval. This can ensure that you are fit and healthy, and able to be behind the wheel safely.

Mechanical knowledge

You do not need to be a qualified mechanic in order to be an HGV driver, but having some mechanical knowledge can stand you in good stead. You will be required to undertake a number of checks before you set off on any journey to make sure that your vehicle is safe and in good working order. You may also be required to take action if there is a problem with the truck while you are out on the road. You may not be in a position to be able to fix the problem, but it can help if you are able to identify what the issue is.

Theory test

When you learn to drive a car, you need to undergo a theory test to check that you understand the laws of the road, and this is the same when it comes to applying to become an HGV driver. There are two special theory tests: Multiple Choice and Hazard Perception and Module Two case studies. The tests are booked separately but can be taken on the same day if you wish, and you need to pass both within two years of each other in order to get your theory test certificate.

Communication skills

It is easy to think that being an HGV driver is a lonely job and one that doesn't require much communication, but this is not the case. Communication skills can be very important as an HGV driver, as you will need to be in regular contact with your manager to keep them posted on how you are progressing with your jobs.

You may also be required to communicate with other members of your team to ensure that everyone is meeting their targets and feedback information about the roads.

In addition to this, you may be responsible for dealing with customers and building a relationship with them over time, ensuring you can answer their questions, communicate the best ways in which to unload or store equipment, and be able to liaise with them if you are not able to meet your required deadline for any reason.

Stress Management

Being an HGV driver can be extremely stressful. You will have to undertake long journeys that can be physically exhausting as well as undergoing the stress of working to deadlines. That means you will need to combine stamina with the ability to work alone and concentrate for long periods of time.

Things like traffic, irresponsible drivers and difficult routes can all add to your stress levels during the day, and it is important that you are able to manage these in order to maintain your focus behind the wheel.

Taking on a role as an HGV driver can be incredibly rewarding and many people find that it is a career for life. It is therefore important to make sure that you have the necessary skills and paperwork to be able to fulfil the role and look forward to the long career that lies ahead of you.