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Large Goods Vehicle Driver

Do you want to become a Large Goods Vehicle Driver? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers collect, transport and deliver millions of tonnes of goods a year throughout the UK and beyond. The LGV category ranges from 7.5 tonnes up to the European maximum of 44 tonnes. It includes rigid trucks, articulated lorries and trucks pulling trailers.

LGV drivers could be:

• carrying cattle or other livestock from farms
• taking building materials or engineering equipment to and from factories
• delivering large loads of clothing or food to shops or supermarkets
• carrying hazardous or dangerous loads such as fuel or chemicals
• taking goods abroad or importing materials.

Strict laws control the amount of time spent at the wheel and the rest breaks drivers must take. Driving hours must not exceed an average of 48 hours a week. Modern lorries are usually comfortable and the larger ones have air-conditioning and even a small sleeping area in the cab. Drivers spend many hours alone.

Salaries vary, but typically range from about £16,000 to £35,000.

LGV drivers need:

• to enjoy driving and have excellent driving skills
• to concentrate for long periods of time
• to be able to complete record sheets and paperwork accurately.

There are currently around 410,000 LGV drivers in the UK. The industry is expanding and more drivers are needed. The North West and the Midlands have the most jobs. Some LGV drivers are self-employed, owning and driving their own lorries. Others work for road haulage firms or manufacturers and distributors that operate their own vehicles.

Younger entrants may be able to join the Young LGV Driver Training Scheme, managed by Skills for Logistics, which is open to candidates between 16 and 21.
It enables some young people to ‘fast track' and get a licence before they are 21.

However, most LGV drivers are over 25, and it is possible to move into the job from other work, such as warehouse and distribution or other road haulage jobs. Companies may train their own drivers, or potential new drivers could train and take an LGV licence privately at a driving school.

NVQs/SVQs are available in Transporting Goods by Road, Transporting Livestock by Road, Transporting Petroleum and Chemical Products by Road and Driving Goods Vehicles.

After some experience in the job, LGV drivers may decide to become self-employed and operate their own vehicle, perhaps ultimately owning their own fleet.

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