When it comes to working as an LGV driver, it is important to wear professional but practical clothing. This can include trousers and a shirt that are comfortable to sit and drive in for long periods of time. Jeans, full-length skirts, and some shorts are typically allowed.
As an LGV driver, you will need to ensure that you’re licensed for transporting the goods where they need to go. This includes caring for your 3.5kg tonne truck or lorry, following the highway code, and ensuring that you have the right license and documentation if transporting goods across borders.
Aspiring LGV Drivers will need to build up the stamina and attention span needed to complete long drives. Often, 3.5kg tonne trucks and lorries will have tight deadlines at long distances so making sure that you’re able to comfortably drive for these long periods of time, without a lapse in concentration, is a crucial skill for these drivers. Gaining your license is a must for these roles, so ahead of applying, make sure that you’re qualified for the position.
When it comes to becoming an LGV driver, you need to be qualified and licensed for the vehicle you will be driving. This takes some preparation and testing, as well as a comprehensive safety training course to ensure that you’re safe on the job.
An LGV license is a Class 2 HGV driving license. This qualifies you to drive vehicles, including LGV or HGV lorries and trucks, over 7.5t or 32 tonnes. You must apply for this through the DVLA for a provisional licence and pass all tests needed to drive these vehicles. Due to the nature of the vehicle, you will need to pass higher medical standards to drive an LGV truck or lorry. Once obtained, a full Class 2 driving licence can allow you to drive a wide variety of vehicles, including the LGV lorries, as well as tipper trucks and bin lorries.
LGV Drivers must be capable of operating their vehicle efficiently and safely. Mandatory safety training can ensure that whether you’re on the road or at your destination, you can operate the relevant safety equipment and act during emergencies. All fleets are required to have mandatory safety training to ensure the safety of drivers and the wider public. This can include refreshing road safety rules, specific safety instructions for the handling, transportation, and management of goods, as well as first aid training.
Outside of qualifications and licences, there are some skills that are essential to the role. Some key skills you’ll need if you’re considering becoming an LGV Driver include:
As with any driving role, concentration and attention to detail are crucial skills to have. Long travel times means having a method of maintaining focus is important. Finding your own method of keeping your concentration can help you excel within an LGV driving role. Attention to detail is also important both for the roads and for transporting your goods. You will be required to check your vehicle so being able to spot any faults, damage, or loose items is important.
With tight travel deadlines and often unknown roads, being able to plan and renavigate a route is important for meeting delivery times and transporting your goods. Whether there are diversions on your normal route, a new drop-off, or you’re driving somewhere new, being able to navigate comfortably can help you excel within an LGV driving role. It is also important to know any road restrictions your vehicle might have, including which roads your vehicle can and cannot use, to accurately plan your route and avoid delays.
Communication is important in various ways for LGV drivers. Not only do you need to accurately communicate arrival times, but being able to use interpersonal skills with other drivers can be helpful. By communicating with other drivers, you can be aware of upcoming issues and ensure that your goods are safely transported as efficiently as possible. This is important if you need to change course or direction while transporting your goods, as well as help others do the same.
Outside of qualifications and licences, there are some skills that are essential to the role. Some key skills you’ll need if you’re considering becoming an LGV Driver include:
As with any driving role, concentration and attention to detail are crucial skills to have. Long travel times means having a method of maintaining focus is important. Finding your own method of keeping your concentration can help you excel within an LGV driving role. Attention to detail is also important both for the roads and for transporting your goods. You will be required to check your vehicle so being able to spot any faults, damage, or loose items is important.
With tight travel deadlines and often unknown roads, being able to plan and renavigate a route is important for meeting delivery times and transporting your goods. Whether there are diversions on your normal route, a new drop-off, or you’re driving somewhere new, being able to navigate comfortably can help you excel within an LGV driving role. It is also important to know any road restrictions your vehicle might have, including which roads your vehicle can and cannot use, to accurately plan your route and avoid delays.
Communication is important in various ways for LGV drivers. Not only do you need to accurately communicate arrival times, but being able to use interpersonal skills with other drivers can be helpful. By communicating with other drivers, you can be aware of upcoming issues and ensure that your goods are safely transported as efficiently as possible. This is important if you need to change course or direction while transporting your goods, as well as help others do the same.
When it comes to becoming an LGV driver, you need to be qualified and licensed for the vehicle you will be driving. This takes some preparation and testing, as well as a comprehensive safety training course to ensure that you’re safe on the job.
An LGV license is a Class 2 HGV driving license. This qualifies you to drive vehicles, including LGV or HGV lorries and trucks, over 7.5t or 32 tonnes. You must apply for this through the DVLA for a provisional licence and pass all tests needed to drive these vehicles. Due to the nature of the vehicle, you will need to pass higher medical standards to drive an LGV truck or lorry. Once obtained, a full Class 2 driving licence can allow you to drive a wide variety of vehicles, including the LGV lorries, as well as tipper trucks and bin lorries.
LGV Drivers must be capable of operating their vehicle efficiently and safely. Mandatory safety training can ensure that whether you’re on the road or at your destination, you can operate the relevant safety equipment and act during emergencies. All fleets are required to have mandatory safety training to ensure the safety of drivers and the wider public. This can include refreshing road safety rules, specific safety instructions for the handling, transportation, and management of goods, as well as first aid training.
Finding an LGV driving role that suits you, including going where you want, at the times you want, then the next step could be to move into a more permanent driving position. Exceptional LGV driving can lead to a full-time career in this, providing you with the stability and familiarity of your regular driving experience. If you’re looking to become a full-time LGV driver, starting with a temporary position can offer excellent permanent opportunities that you know you’re comfortable with.
Yes, you do need a driver’s licence to drive an LGV. To drive trucks and lorries that carry between 3.5t and 7.5t, you’ll need a Level C1 category driving licence. For trucks and lorries with over 7.5t capacity, you’ll need to have a LGV C category driving licence.
LGV training doesn’t take long to complete with most people needing only 1 week, or 5 days, to complete the practical training. However, the process of getting your licence can take much longer, with an average waiting period of 6 to 10 weeks.
LGV drivers can work in temporary or full-time positions with an average salary of £30,000+ a year. Starting salaries can be below this, starting at around £25,000, with some of the most experienced LGV drivers earning £40,000+ a year.
LGV drivers can have multiple career progression routes including diversifying your schedule with temporary or full-time work. Many LGV drivers can also become specialists in sectors with common orders including foodstuff being a popular career progression. Some LGV drivers can also gain additional training in Advisory Dangerous Goods by Roads (ADR) which allows you to transport hazardous goods, including flammable liquids.
