Whether you are looking to change your career or you are learning how to become an HGV driver then your first step should be to train yourself from a reputable driving coaching center.
An HGV driving Training helps you in loading or unloading the goods. HGV drivers are the most important people who ensure important deliveries and get you everywhere you need to go promptly. When becoming an HGV driver you need to transport the goods to and from manufacturing plants and retail locations.
With HGV drivers ever in demand, it is never too late to start a career in this industry. So, if you want to learn how to become a lorry driver then there are few requirements that you have to fulfill.
There is also training that you need to undertake before you begin. Once you have completed your training then you need to start looking for HGV driver campaigns.
In order to become an HGV driver, you must hold a full UK driving licence and you should be over the age of 18 years. So, if you have a driving licence, then you have to take an HGV driving theory and practical test to start the process of becoming a qualified lorry driver.
1: First, you must apply for provisional lorry drivers which involve sending in a D4 medical form.
2: You will also need to pass a theory test and your practical ability driving exam to obtain a full lorry driver licence.
3: In order to legally drive an HGV for your job, you will also need a professional driving qualification known as Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
4: It is important to differentiate different HGV licence types and the weight of the vehicle that you are driving. This licence ranges from a Cat C1 and its weight lies in between 3500 and 7500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg and Cat C+ E and a vehicle weighing over 3500 Kg with a trailer weighing over 750 Kg.
Once you have completed all these steps, then you need to be ready to become employed and as a fully qualified HGV driver.
Most companies will offer additional training but these steps are essential to take before you start job hunting.
Most of the companies will ask you about your experience as a part of their HGV interview questions so you should know your qualifications before giving an interview.
Key Characteristics and Skills you need:
Here is our advice to ensure the process of starting your new job is as smooth as possible. Skills that you will need are as follows:
1: Ability to focus for long periods.
2: Have patience driving at any time either day or night.
3: Able to complete paperwork when completing deliveries.
4: Good communication skills when delivering goods.
5: Excellent understanding of road safety and knowledge of HGV including loading and unloading safely.
6: You should be able to work independently in order to solve the problems.
The average salary of an HGV driver varies mainly depending on experience, vehicle driven, location, goods you are transporting, etc.
1: Newly qualified drivers can earn up to $18,000 up to $23,000.
2: Drivers with a few years of experience can earn from $23,000 up to $29,000.
3: Highly qualified HGV drivers can earn anywhere up to $40,000.
If you want to become an HGV driver, then you can expect to work irregular hours throughout the day and night. Also, there are some regulations in place that ensure that Lorry drivers aren’t overworked.
1: The working limit is 9 hours per day.
2: Drivers are allowed to drive only 10 hours a day or twice a week.
3: Drivers might work only for 56 hours in any week or 90 hours in a fortnight.
Some regulations rest during hours of work and you will need to take 45 hours of rest in any given week for at least 45 minutes in every 4 hours and half-hours of driving.
The HGV drivers drive vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and it helps in transporting goods to and from distribution centers. Like any other job, there are different types of roles and all are slightly different in their daily routine. Both local and regional driving jobs would be perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to work far away from home.
So, if you want to travel then there are a lot of opportunities for long-distance HGV drivers to work around.
In addition to driving you will also be responsible for the planning of your route and supervising both loading and unloading of your truck and also making sure that everything is stowed safely and completing paperwork.
Sometimes bad weather conditions like road traffic accidents and road closures and unpredictable nature of the job day-to-day
