How to Become an HGV Driver: 7 Essential Steps for a Great New Career
To become an HGV driver you need a full car licence, a provisional lorry licence and the Driver CPC. Here are the steps, the costs to ask about and the routes into work.
Wondering how to become an HGV driver? It is one of the clearest routes into a skilled, well-paid job without a degree. Using GOV.UK and National Careers Service guidance, this guide sets out how to become an HGV driver step by step, explains trainee HGV driver jobs and HGV jobs with training, and shows what to expect once you qualify.
1. Check You Meet the Basics
GOV.UK says that to become an HGV driver you need a full car licence and to be over 18, with some exceptions (GOV.UK). You will also need to meet the medical standards for professional drivers.
2. Apply for a Provisional HGV Licence
Your first formal step is to apply for a provisional HGV licence. This lets you start training and take your tests. Most people start with Class 2 (category C) for rigid lorries and then move on to Class 1 (category C+E) for articulated lorries.
3. Pass the Five Driver CPC Tests
GOV.UK says the full Driver CPC is made up of five tests (GOV.UK):
- Part 1: theory
- Part 2: case studies
- Part 3a: off-road exercises
- Part 3b: on-road driving
- Part 4: practical demonstration
If you take an approved National Vocational Training course, you can drive professionally for up to 12 months without taking parts 2 and 4.
4. Choose a Training Route
There are several ways to train. The National Careers Service describes an LGV Driver C and E Level 2 apprenticeship, which takes about a year, and Skills Bootcamps of up to 16 weeks for people aged 19 or over with a full car licence (National Careers Service). Some employers also offer HGV jobs with training, paying for your licence in return for a commitment to stay.
5. Look for Trainee HGV Driver Jobs
Trainee HGV driver jobs are roles where an employer takes on newly qualified or training drivers and gives them support, such as accompanied runs or local routes at first. Ask about mentoring, guaranteed hours and whether you will need to repay training costs if you leave early.
6. Keep Your Qualification Up to Date
Once qualified, you must complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every five years (GOV.UK). Your HGV licence must be renewed every five years, and every year from age 65.
7. What You Can Earn
The National Careers Service puts typical pay for a large goods vehicle driver at £27,000 for a starter rising to £47,000 for an experienced person. Read our lorry driver salary guide for more, and see our HGV driver jobs page for the roles we recruit for.
Our View
Knowing how to become an HGV driver is the easy part. The hard part is choosing training you trust and a first employer who supports you. Compare costs and conditions carefully. When you are ready, check your CV with our free CV checker and browse our live vacancies.
How to Become an HGV Driver: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an HGV driver?
You need a full car licence, to be over 18 (with some exceptions), a provisional HGV licence and the five tests that make up the full Driver CPC.
How long does it take to become an HGV driver?
It varies. Skills Bootcamps last up to 16 weeks, while an LGV driver apprenticeship takes about a year.
What are trainee HGV driver jobs?
Trainee HGV driver jobs are roles for new or training drivers, where the employer gives extra support while you build experience.
Are there HGV jobs with training?
Yes. Some employers pay for HGV training in return for a commitment to stay, and apprenticeships combine training with paid work.
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