Lorry driver

Lorry drivers are responsible for the delivery and collection of goods throughout the UK and on the Continent. Duties include loading the lorry, unloading at the point of delivery and basic maintenance of their vehicles.

Also known as:

• HGV driver
• LGV driver
• Truck driver

Work activities

Lorry or large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers transport and deliver goods around the UK and on the Continent. They load the lorry and make sure that the load is securely fastened. When drivers arrive at the point of delivery, they unload the goods and deal with invoices and delivery notes. In some cases, other people will do the loading and unloading of the lorry. Once all the paperwork is completed, they might clean and refuel the lorry, before moving on. Drivers usually have a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance. LGV drivers are responsible for planning the quickest route and keeping records of mileage and deliveries. They must comply with the various regulations that exist relating to their vehicles, such as speed and load limits, or hours of driving. Some drivers specialise in delivering potentially dangerous loads, such as hazardous chemicals or extremely large loads.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need to be:

• A skilled driver.
• Able to work alone and concentrate for long periods of time.
• Security conscious, as the loads are often valuable and sometimes dangerous.
• A reliable person, as you’ll be working to tight deadlines.
• Reasonably fit and have the stamina for carrying and lifting loads.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for lorry drivers vary depending on the type of licence they hold and the region of the country they work from. Lorry drivers start on around £22,000 per year, rising to £40,000 with experience.

Lorry drivers usually work a 38-52-hour week, but they often have to work shifts, involving unsocial hours and nights away from home. For safety reasons, the total hours worked on any one day, and in total in any one week, is limited by law. Hours driven are recorded on the something called a tachograph, which is fitted to the vehicle. Travel depends on the type of operation. It can range from local deliveries to national distribution or continental work.

Demand for lorry drivers is steady. However, employment can fluctuate depending on economic conditions.

Employers are haulage companies, which operate locally, nationally and internationally. Some run a few vehicles, others run 50 plus, while the largest run up to 250. Some of these also deal with warehousing, and stock control and distribution. A number of large wholesale and retail organisations run their own transport fleets. Opportunities for lorry drivers occur in transport depots in towns and cities throughout the UK. There are opportunities for UK-based lorry drivers to work throughout Europe on Continental deliveries.

Some experienced lorry drivers become self-employed, owning and driving their own vehicle.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Entrants are required to pass a test to obtain a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence. The test covers things like manoeuvring in limited space, 25 miles of road driving and questions on the Highway Code. You are also tested on LGV regulations and vehicle safety. To apply for an LGV licence, you must also pass a strict medical test. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) provides more information on licences. When applying for a licence, you must tell the DVLA if, within the last four years, you have any convictions for breaking rules about:

• Driver’s hours
• Driver’s records
• The roadworthiness of your vehicle
• Overloading of the vehicle.

One way into this profession is through a level 2 (intermediate) LGV driver apprenticeship. This qualifies you to drive C and E class vehicles. Whether or not you do an apprenticeship, training takes place on the job.

It is possible for drivers to train in driving hazardous chemical vehicles or long-haul journeys. It may be possible to progress to supervisory positions or to a training role.

Qualifications

No formal academic qualifications are needed for entry to this job. A Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence and an excellent driving record are required. LGV drivers need to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence, known as a Driver CPC. Further details are available from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website.

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. The lower age limit for lorry drivers is 18. Entrants must possess an LGV licence and have an excellent driving record.

LGV drivers need to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence, known as a Driver CPC. Further details are available from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Drivers also need to complete 35 hours of “periodic training” every five years to retain the Driver CPC.

Previous work experience in the road transport business, for example, as a van driver is helpful.

Skills shortages in this industry have been identified. They include a lack of suitably experienced people entering the industry, and also a lack of people with a basic understanding of commercial business. People possessing these skills may be at an advantage.

Related careers

• Bus/coach driver
• Chauffeur
• Forklift driver
• Furniture remover
• Road transport manager
• Train driver
• Tram driver
• Transport planner
• Van driver