HGV Driver Jobs

The role of a Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver is centred on the safe, legal and efficient transport of goods across local, regional or national networks. While individual duties vary depending on vehicle type, sector and employer, all HGV roles share a common focus on compliance, operational delivery and behavioural expectations. A well-structured job description usually highlights these areas, setting out both the legal requirements and the practical responsibilities that come with the position.

At its core, the job involves operating large vehicles to deliver goods from point A to point B, but a role as an HGV Driver covers much more than this. Daily duties almost always begin with vehicle checks, and Drivers are expected to carry out thorough walk-around inspections, ensuring that tyres, lights, brakes, couplings and safety equipment are in good working order. Reporting defects quickly and accurately is also part of this process. Once on the road, Drivers must adhere to speed limits, road safety regulations and specific rules governing HGV operations, such as restrictions on weight limits, height clearance and restricted routes.

Operational responsibilities extend beyond driving alone. Depending on the role, Drivers may load and unload their own vehicles, supervise warehouse staff or operate a tail-lift and lifting equipment. Documentation is another crucial element. Proof-of-delivery notes, customs declarations and electronic logging systems must be completed correctly to avoid delays or compliance issues.

Employers also set behavioural requirements. Reliability, punctuality and professionalism are essential traits, as operations depend on Drivers arriving and delivering on time. Physical fitness may be important in roles involving manual handling, while flexibility is valued for positions that require irregular hours, nights away or weekend shifts.

Find out more about the Class 1 HGV Driver job description.

Discover more in-depth information about Class 2 HGV Driver role requirements.

First and foremost, technical driving skills are essential. HGV Drivers must be able to handle a variety of vehicles, from rigid lorries to articulated trucks, potentially in challenging conditions. This includes manoeuvring in tight spaces, reversing with precision, and understanding vehicle dynamics under different loads. Knowledge of weight distribution and braking distances is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the Driver and other road users. Regular maintenance checks and understanding the mechanical aspects of the vehicle are also vital.

Another key skill is navigation and route planning. HGV Drivers need to be able to plan efficient routes that consider road restrictions, low bridges, congestion, and weather conditions. With modern logistics relying heavily on timely deliveries, understanding how to use digital mapping tools and GPS technology is increasingly important. However, relying solely on technology is not enough. Drivers must also be able to adapt if a route becomes blocked or if unexpected challenges arise, requiring quick decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Communication is also a fundamental skill. HGV Drivers interact with warehouse staff, clients, and traffic authorities regularly. Clear and professional communication ensures smooth deliveries and prevents misunderstandings that could lead to delays or safety issues. Additionally, being able to keep accurate records, complete paperwork, and log hours of service is essential for compliance with UK regulations and company policies.

Time management and self-discipline are equally crucial traits for long-distance Drivers. HGV Drivers often work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Staying organised, meeting deadlines, and managing rest periods in line with legal requirements help prevent fatigue and maintain consistent performance is key. Mental resilience is equally important, as drivers must cope with long hours, isolation, and the pressures of traffic and tight schedules without letting stress affect their decision-making or safety awareness.

The market for HGV Drivers in the UK has been turbulent in recent years, with well-publicised driver shortages, notably following Brexit and the pandemic, having a major impact. If anything, this underlined the critical role played by HGV Drivers in the UK, and while the market has stabilised somewhat, there are still entrenched resourcing problems and a limited pool of available drivers to meet the ever-rising demand. This has meant that advertised wages have risen over the past two years, but employers continue to report different vacancy intensities depending on region, sector and vehicle type.

However, beneath this recovery sits an ageing workforce, with a huge proportion approaching retirement age, creating a need to replace departing Drivers, and leading to continued competition for those with specialist skills or licences, such as artic experience, ADR or refrigerated haul qualifications. Partly for these reasons, demand for trained drivers is likely to remain strong for the foreseeable future.

Outside of challenges in the employment market, several other factors are leading to ongoing demand for HGV Drivers. The rise of e-commerce over the past two decades and the boom in home deliveries continue to increase the number of delivery legs that must be completed across retail and distribution networks, which ultimately means more multi-drop and regional driving roles are created.

Major customers, including supermarkets, parcel networks, manufacturers and construction firms, always require reliable, qualified Drivers on fixed rosters, and losing even a small percentage of staff to retirement or due to other factors creates immediate hiring pressures. There is also a need for drivers with alternative qualifications, such as the ability to manage updated hardware and new monitoring standards, for example, which are also contributing to heightened demand.

Salary levels for HGV Drivers in the UK vary significantly depending on licence category, type of role, level of experience, and geographical location. Entry-level Drivers, typically those holding a Category C licence for rigid vehicles, often start at rates that are close to the regional average for transport and logistics work. These positions, which include supermarket distribution, refuse collection and local delivery routes, usually pay an annual salary in the mid-to-low twenty-thousands, although hourly pay rates can differ considerably between employers and regions. While initial salaries may not appear substantially higher than those of other driving occupations, progression and overtime opportunities mean that total earnings can increase steadily within the first few years of work.

Regional differences remain a defining feature of HGV Driver salaries. London and the South East usually offer higher hourly rates than other parts of the country, reflecting the higher cost of living and increased demand for qualified Drivers in those areas. By contrast, salaries in rural regions or areas with lower logistics demand may be less competitive, unless roles involve specialist endorsements or unsocial hours. Seasonal variation is also common, with spikes in pay around peak retail periods, harvest and construction seasons. Agencies and large logistics firms frequently use temporary contracts with higher pay rates during these times to secure additional Drivers.

Average Salaries for HGV Drivers by Role Type

Category C (Class 2) Rigid Driver

£22,000 – £27,000

Category C+E (Class 1) Artic Driver

£28,000 – £36,000

ADR-Qualified Driver

£32,000 – £40,000+

Tanker Driver (fuel/chemicals)

£34,000 – £42,000+

Refrigerated Transport Driver

£30,000 – £38,000

HIAB / Crane Operator Driver

£32,000 – £39,000

Specialist / Abnormal load Driver

£35,000 – £45,000+

Driver Trainer/Assessor

£32,000 – £40,000

Transport Supervisor/Manager

£38,000 – £48,000+

There are several alternative progression routes into HGV Driving in the UK to suit different ambitions and life stages. Drivers who want to remain field-based but earn more tend to favour specialist work such as temperature-controlled or ADR, which often pays a premium. Those who prefer a more predictable lifestyle and office hours often move into planning, scheduling or operations roles where knowledge of Driver's hours, tachograph analysis and route optimisation is valuable. Similarly, Driver Trainer and Examiner roles combine on-road competence with communication and assessment skills and are natural steps for experienced, safety-focused Drivers who enjoy mentoring others.

Not all HGV roles involve long-distance driving. Many Drivers work in urban logistics, using 7.5tonne vehicles to deliver goods within towns and cities. These roles are particularly common in retail, catering and parcel delivery, where Drivers make frequent stops and interact directly with clients. Progression within urban logistics can take several forms. Drivers may move to larger vehicles, take on more complex delivery routes or transition into depot-based roles such as fleet coordination or route planning. Success in this space often depends on efficiency, attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. With the rise of e-commerce and same-day delivery services, demand for skilled urban Drivers continues to grow, making it a viable long-term career path.

For those with a taste for travel, international haulage presents a unique opportunity. Drivers in this category transport goods across borders, often working with freight forwarding firms or multinational logistics providers. The role involves navigating customs procedures, managing documentation and adhering to international driving regulations. It requires strong planning skills, cultural awareness and a willingness to spend extended periods away from home. While the lifestyle isn’t for everyone, it offers a sense of adventure and the chance to build a reputation on a global stage.

Find out more about becoming a Class 1 HGV Driver.

Learn what is needed to become a Class 2 HGV Driver.

Unlike many other jobs where skills can be picked up gradually on the job, Heavy Goods Vehicle Driving is a highly regulated profession, and every step, from the first provisional licence to advanced specialisations, is defined by legal requirements and strict safety standards.

The starting point for most Drivers is gaining the correct provisional entitlement on a UK driving licence. This begins with a medical assessment using the DVLA’s D4 form. A registered doctor must confirm fitness to drive a large vehicle, checking eyesight, general health and any other conditions that could affect safe driving. Once the provisional entitlement is approved, Drivers can begin the process of working towards a Category C licence, which allows them to drive rigid vehicles over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer up to 750kg.

At the same time, Drivers must also gain the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). This qualification is mandatory for anyone who wants to drive a lorry for work. The initial Driver CPC is made up of four parts: a theory test, a case study test, a practical driving test and a vehicle safety demonstration. Passing all four modules provides a Driver Qualification Card, often called the DQC. This card must be carried whenever a Driver is working and is valid for five years.

To remain qualified, every Driver must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. These training sessions are delivered by approved providers and can cover topics such as safe loading, fuel efficiency, customer service, tachograph rules and changes in road legislation. The aim is to not only refresh knowledge, but also make sure Drivers are kept up to date with industry developments. Many employers schedule these sessions during quieter times in the business to help Drivers maintain compliance without affecting workloads.

The most effective HGV Driver CVs begin with a short profile at the top of the document. This concise statement outlines driving entitlements, years of experience, and key strengths. For example, mentioning a clean Category C+E licence, a valid Driver CPC, and ADR certification immediately signals that you are ready for a wide range of roles. Your profile should avoid clichés and focus on facts that distinguish you as an individual.

Work experience should be presented in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent role. Each entry should include the job title, employer, dates of employment and a short list of responsibilities. Rather than writing long paragraphs, brief bullet points are more effective. Employers want to see the types of vehicles driven, the nature of the work carried out, and the environments operated in. For example, noting experience with articulated vehicles on long haul routes, multi-drop delivery experience in urban areas, or refrigerated transport highlights the breadth of practical skills you hold. Achievements such as excellent punctuality, zero accident records, or recognition for customer service should also be included to demonstrate professionalism.

Skills should form a separate section, focusing on both your technical and soft competencies. Technical attributes might include tachograph management, vehicle defect reporting, load securing, route planning and use of in-cab technology such as proof-of-delivery systems. Soft skills should also not be overlooked, as employers value qualities such as time management, reliability, teamwork and strong communication. When combined, these attributes show a balance between practical ability and personal qualities that make a Driver dependable.

Education can be kept brief, usually limited to school qualifications or vocational courses, unless further study has been undertaken in logistics or transport management. What matters most to employers is your compliance training and industry-specific qualifications rather than academic background.

Find more tips for creating an HGV CV template.

Depending on the role, employers will expect you to verify licence entitlements such as Category C, C+E or C1 as appropriate, the Driver Qualification Card and the current D4 medical. They will also check tachograph card status, digital driver card details and any specialist endorsements such as ADR, HIAB or tanker passports. Beyond paperwork, many employers will also ask about availability, preferred working patterns and the potential for early starts, nights or weekend work, so it’s important to be upfront and realistic about availability to avoid problems later on.

Practical ability matters when driving major vehicles. Many recruiters include a vehicle walk-around demonstration or will ask candidates to explain the pre-start checks they would complete, including lights, tyres, fluid levels, coupling security and load restraint. Being able to explain and, where required, demonstrate a proper walk-around check shows practical competence. For multi-drop roles, be ready to describe how to plan a day's route for efficiency and customer service. For long-haul roles, applicants may be asked how you manage rest periods, keep compliant with Drivers' hours rules and handle paperwork for cross-border routes.

All Drivers should expect questions on compliance and technology. You may be asked to explain digital tachograph use and how you would manage analogue and digital records, or how you complete driver and vehicle checks in line with operators' policies. Familiarity with Driver CPC obligations, particularly the 35 hours of periodic training every five years, is commonly assumed, so explain any recent modules that have been completed and how you keep qualifications current. If applying for specialist roles, you should also be prepared for questions and evidence requests about ADR certificates, refrigeration checks, HIAB operation or tanker passport status.

Blue Arrow operates across the UK and advertises a wide range of HGV roles, placing HGV Drivers in multiple positions and industries. Our website lists current vacancies with regional filters and details such as pay bands, shift patterns and required licences, and our local branches support candidates with practical advice about required documentation and training options.

Blue Arrow acts as the matchmaker between candidate entitlements and employer requirements and handles paperwork checks and, where appropriate, helps to coordinate training and endorsement acquisition.

For Drivers returning to the industry after a break, Blue Arrow’s local consultants can help with return-to-work checks, advice on refreshing skills such as CPC periodic training or a familiarisation ride and getting necessary documents, such as D4 medical and driver card downloads, in order . That hands-on administrative help is often decisive for Drivers who want  to get back on the road quickly but need to update paperwork. Overall, candidates who use agency support, like Blue Arrow, often move faster from application to first shift because the agency handles the compliance and logistical friction that can otherwise delay starts.