How To: Become a HGV Driver
Are you looking for a career change? Why not try driving!
As a HGV driver you will not only need to be able to drive the vehicle, you will also be responsible for potentially planning your route (adjusting the route if necessary), supervising the loading and unloading of your truck, making sure everything is stored/strapped down safely and completing any required paperwork.
What are some required skills?
- You will need to be confident working alone for long periods of time
- Good concentration skills
- Understanding of road safety and road signs
- Good customer services skills as you may be dealing with customers and clients
How do I get qualified?
You will need different training and qualifications to drive different loads. You will need to ensure that you hold a full car licence and are over the age of 18.
The LGV/HGV licence is split into two categories (Category C1 and Category C). There is also an additional test for Category C+E.
During your test you will be covering:
- Driving skills
- Vehicle safety
- Manoeuvres
- How to load and secure loads
- Basic mechanics
- Theory test
You will also be required to also get a CPC. This is made up of fours tests. These fours tests include: a theory test, a case study test, a driving ability test and a practical demonstration. Once you have passed this you will need to update it every five years.
To transport hazardous goods, you will need your ADR licence (Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road Certificate). You can gain your ADR licence online.
After gaining my qualifications, what are my next steps?
Update your CV!
Ensure that you have updated your CV and include your new qualifications. To see our tips on how to write a good CV please CLICK HERE.
Landed your first interview? Congratulations! For our interview tips CLICK HERE.
Interview Tips
Interviews can be a daunting situation for some people. However, with our top interview tips this experience should be more calming for you.
Take a look at our top interview tips below:
- Be prepared – Do your research!
- Dress appropriately – Keep your shorts and flip flops for the beach!
- Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time – If it’s over the phone, then sit by your phone ready (and make sure it has enough battery)
- Make a good first impression – A good first impression can open doors to many great opportunities
- If you do not understand the question, make sure that you ask the interviewer to repeat or explain in more detail
- Ask questions! – The more questions you ask, the more information you get about the company and the job role!
- It’s your time to shine so make sure to sell yourself
- Do follow up after the interview
- RELAX!
An interview is not as bad as it may seem!
CLICK HERE for tips on how to prepare for your job interview.
