How to Become a HGV Driver in 3 Steps…
With the cost of living rising and putting pressure on incomes nationwide, many are wondering how they can increase their earnings but few consider the benefits of becoming a qualified HGV driver.
You may have seen the short-lived coverage of the driver shortage on the news most recently, but as the news cycle moves on to the next story, the problem for the logistics industry still remains. The Road Haulage Association estimate that there is a shortage of up to 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK as of 2023.
Joining the ranks of the professional HGV drivers nationwide can provide a great lifestyle. Salaries are increasing, there are plenty of vacancies (it takes on average 8 weeks for a company to fill their driver vacancies), there is a wide variety of different work available, and there is even government funded schemes that can cover the costs of your training.
The basic salary for HGV1 drivers in the UK ranges from £32,760.00 to £49,150.00 per year depending on location and company, and it can be more with overtime and different cargos. So, what do you have to do to become a qualified HGV driver?
First of all, it takes 6-8 weeks to get qualified. There are four official stages of the process once you have received your provisional licence from the DVLA and received a medical check from a doctor. Your training school will guide you through all of this from start to finish:
Part 1 - Theory Test
Part 2 - Case Studies
Part 3a - Off Road Exercises
Part 3b - On Road Driving
Part 4 - Practical Test
The course in total usually costs between £1,500.00 to £2,000.00 but it will vary from provider to provider, with “car to lorry” courses being more towards the top end of that price scale. There is also government funded training schemes available which you may be eligible for.
Obtaining a HGV licence is a worthwhile investment, it’s a skill for life and it may just be the career change that you are looking for… in charge of a 44 ton vehicle, driving the open roads, seeing new sights every day. If so, speak to some local training schools, there are plenty around and they’d be happy to take all of your questions. It may set you on a rewarding new path!
Thanks for reading. If you found this article interesting please share it with your friends! FTS Group are a nationwide providers of recruitment agency services and logistics services. Haulage, warehouse storage, pallet storage, pallet distribution, HGV and warehouse recruitment… we’ve got you covered.