HGV driver

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• do extra training to get an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Certificate to carry hazardous loads like flammable liquids
• specialise in transporting particular loads, like foodstuffs
• train to become a HGV driving instructor or heavy vehicle technician
• become a road transport manager
• become self employed and work for different companies or set up your own haulage company

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of vehicle and public safety and security
• concentration skills for staying focused while driving
• customer service skills
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• have a driving licence that includes HGV for lorries or PCV for buses
• have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) known as a driver CPC

To stay qualified, every 5 years you'll need to take 35 hours of driver CPC training and renew your HGV driving licence.

If you're working with hazardous goods, like chemicals, you'll also need an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Certificate.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - HGV drivers use maths daily to calculate load weights, fuel consumption, delivery times, and distances. They need to ensure their vehicle stays within legal weight limits and plan efficient routes that account for driving hour regulations.
• Geography - HGV drivers plan routes across the country, navigating road networks and adapting to traffic conditions, weather, and road closures. Understanding maps, spatial awareness, and how geography affects transport – such as hilly terrain increasing fuel use – is a real part of the job.

Also relevant

• Physics - HGV drivers benefit from understanding how forces like braking distance, momentum, and friction affect a heavy vehicle. Knowing basic mechanics also helps when carrying out vehicle checks and understanding how loads need to be distributed for safe handling.
• Business - HGV drivers often become self-employed or set up their own haulage companies. Understanding how to manage costs, price jobs, handle invoicing, and build client relationships is important for those who want to run their own operation.
• Design and Technology - HGV drivers carry out daily vehicle checks and need to understand how mechanical systems work, from engines and brakes to hydraulic loading equipment. Practical knowledge of how things are built and maintained helps them spot faults and keep their vehicle roadworthy.
• English Language - HGV drivers keep written records of deliveries and driving hours, and communicate with customers, warehouse staff, and transport managers. Being able to read delivery instructions accurately and communicate clearly – especially when reporting problems – is an important part of the role.