Starting a career in LGV / HGV Driving

Let's talk about a career in Driving
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When starting a new career, it's not always easy knowing where you should start. We've prepared this small guide to help people that already understand they want to get into LGV / HGV driving, but are unsure of how to begin. If you're an aspiring driver wanting to get your foot in the door, read on.

Let's start by looking at exactly what you need:

  • A driving licence
  • Be over 18 years of age
  • A Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - this is know as the Driver CPC
  • Good eyesight!

How do you get started?

1. Through an Apprenticeship

An LGV apprenticeship training programme is a great place to start if you want to be a driver but have no experience. You will be able to train for the job, obtain the correct licences, gain qualifications, as well as valuable work experience.

The training usually takes around 12 months, during which you will be shadowing an experienced driver, learning about the day to day duties, getting to know the vehicle, relevant regulations and completing LGV driving lessons.

After completing the LGV apprenticeship programme, you will have an LGV licence, be a fully qualified LGV driver and have the possibility to stay and develop within that company, even going on to train for further licences.

You can find many reliable LGV Driver apprenticeships via findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk.

2. Working towards the role

More and more companies are starting to look further than already licensed and experienced drivers, they are offering hard-working and reliable newcomers LGV training. Find companies in your area that offer LGV training and get in touch.

If you are already working for a transport provider check to see if they offer training to get a large goods vehicle licence, you will often find that companies are more than happy to offer part of full-time training alongside your work.

3. Through specialist LGV training providers

What they offer

LGV training courses range from a week to a month, during which you will learn the necessary driving skills, basic mechanics, loading and securing loads and much more. They are designed to get you prepared, qualified and on the road in a shorter amount of time.

Choosing an LGV training provider

It's a good idea to compare a few training providers to see what they offer and how it will fit your needs. Have a look for companies that have their own vehicles and instructors and try to get recommendations from someone who has already been with them.

Here's a good website for reviews of different HGV training providers: trainingmentor.co.uk.

Before you go ahead with a provider make sure you visit them. Have a look around the facilities, the vehicles and have a chat with the instructors, asking any questions you may have, face to face.

Here are a few recommended LGV training providers around the Essex area:

Full list available here.

Essex


Middlesex


Surrey


Oxfordshire


4. Looking towards the future

There are many directions you can take after gaining your LGV licence, it's up to you. In the long run you can move into different roles, for example, as an LGV instructor, transport planner and even management.

Understanding and choosing the right path for you is the first steps towards a successful career as a LGV / HGV driver. If you would like some help give us a call or have a look through our available driving roles. Good luck!