Job Overview
Large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers are responsible for distributing millions of tonnes of goods each year.
LGVs carry many varieties of cargo. Some examples include:
- delivering materials or equipment to or from factories, suppliers or construction sites;
- transporting livestock;
- delivering clothing or food to retailers;
- transporting hazardous or dangerous materials
An LGV driver:
- works with transport managers to plan delivery schedules;
- ensures the lorry is safely and securely loaded and unloaded;
- accurately completes all required paperwork;
- assists with loading and unloading, when necessary;
- must follow the driving regulations and laws that apply to their lorry and load, including speed, load limits and required rest breaks, regardless of whether they are driving around UK or abroad;
- maintains load security;
- cleans lorry and refuels when necessary;
- follows Customs rules and regulations when arriving and departing the UK
Hours and environment
An LGV driver performs an average of 48 hours of driving time per week with a legal maximum limit being 60 hours. Night work is usually limited to 10 hours in each 24-hour period, unless agreed otherwise. The majority of a driver's time is spent alone in the lorry cab. Physical demands on drivers vary. Some drivers just transport cargo, while others help load and unload.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary.
- Newly-qualified LGV drivers may start around £14,000 a year.
- Experienced LGV drivers with additional responsibilities may earn up to £30,000.
- Drivers of fuel, chemical or other specialist tankers may earn around £35,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities LGV drivers need:
- safe and fuel-efficient driving skills;
- knowledge of driving laws;
- the ability to concentrate and stay alert for long periods;
- health and safety awareness;
- good eyesight and normal colour vision;
- Ability to work with minimal supervision;
- Polite mannerisms;
- Ability to complete all records and paperwork accurately
Interests
It is important for LGV drivers to enjoy:
- driving long distances;
- working independently
Getting in
In the UK there are around 300,000 LGV drivers. This includes:
- self-employed drivers who drive their own lorry;
- freelance drivers who work for different companies;
- hired drivers who work for manufacturers, major retailers or distributors with fleet vehicles;
- transport drivers who work for firms that move loads for other companies
Entry routes
There are no special requirements needed to become a LGV driver.
The LGV licence is divided into two categories:
- A category C licence is required to drive a rigid tuck over 3.5 tonnes up to 32 tonnes. C1 is restricted up to 7.5 tonnes.
- A category C + E licence is required to drive any LGV vehicle usually up to the legal maximum weight of 44 tonnes (including articulated lorries or drawbar combinations).
Drivers must:
- have a clean driving record;
- normally be over 18;
- hold a LGV licence category C1, C or C + E;
- pass a medical examination;
- follow new EU laws (from September 2009) that requires new LGV drivers to train for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) and LGV licence at the same time. The introduction of the Driver CPC means that the minimum age for a person to obtain a Category C licence is reduced to 18, if they pass the Initial Driver CPC.
There are Apprentice training programs that may be available. These programs provide structured paid training with an employer. Entry to Employment (e2e) can help to prepare those who are not yet ready for an Apprenticeship.
Training
LGV training courses cover driving skills, basic mechanics, and loading and securing loads.
LGV drivers who transport dangerous goods are legally required to hold an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) certificate. Initial training takes five days. Certificates must be renewed every 5 years with completion of a three day refresher course.
From September 2009, all existing LGV drivers are required to complete 35 hours of training every five years as part of the Driver CPC regulations.
Drivers can also train for the Operator's Certificate of Professional Competence (Operator's CPC) which shows that the individual has reached the required level of knowledge in the major areas of their profession.
Getting on
Career progression to supervisory positions are possible, in such areas as distribution or haulage management, transport and logistics planning, LGV instruction or in a specialised area of driving such as hazardous goods.
By achieving an Operator’s CPC, drivers can progress into management roles and have the opportunity to own and operate their own vehicles. If desired, they can start their own company.
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