If you have always had the feeling that your working life would be easier as a lorry driver, then now is the time to follow those feelings. With the number of new jobs requiring full HGV driving licences rising quickly, now could be your chance to enter this in-demand profession. So, what are the requirements of becoming an HGV driver?
Joining The Industry
You will need to take a few basic steps to qualify for a job as an HGV driver. The most important of these is to gain your full HGV driving licence. You can complete the relevant training and take your HGV driving test.
You may also need to fulfil other requirements, such as having a Category C+E lorry driving licence and being medically fit to drive the vehicles. If you know what these requirements are before applying for jobs, you will save yourself time later on down the line.
Getting Employment
If you are hoping to gain employment as an HGV driver, you will find that there will be specific skills you need to have. These can include working on your initiative and having excellent time management skills. It is also helpful to have the ability to read maps and good observational skills for following directions.
When applying for jobs as an HGV driver, it is often a good idea to look at the different companies that you may be interested in working for and find out which one would suit you best. Some companies might need their drivers to work unsociable hours, so your personal life and commitments will need to allow this.
Others might provide better pay or benefits packages than others. Do your research, and then make sure that you tailor your CV and job applications to each company.
When searching for a new challenge in your career, becoming an HGV driver could be the perfect option. With HGV jobs on the rise, now is the time to take the first steps in getting your HGV training in UK. With the appropriate skills and a positive attitude, you could be on your way to a new and exciting career.
Skills To Make You Stand Out As An Hgv Driver
Be Independent
Working on your initiative is among the critical skills you will need as an HGV driver. This means planning your working day effectively and knowing when to take breaks. It also means a willingness to take on additional tasks, such as filling up the lorry with fuel, without being asked.
Be Organised
As an HGV driver, you will often work to tight deadlines. This means organising your time well and completing tasks quickly and efficiently. This can also include planning your route to know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there.
Be Safety-Conscious
Drivers of heavy goods vehicles must always put safety first. This means awareness about your surroundings at all times and ensuring that you are following the correct driving procedures. It can also mean alertness to any potential hazards on the road and taking the necessary steps to avoid them.
Be Aware of Surroundings
Awareness about your surroundings is one of the critical skills you will need as an HGV driver. This means spotting any potential hazards on the road ahead and taking appropriate steps to avoid them. It can also mean being focused enough to know what is going on around you at all times so that you are always driving safely.
Be Alert to Potential Hazards
HGV drivers need to be alert and always think ahead about what is happening around them. For example, you might need to anticipate other vehicles changing lanes or turning from side roads onto your route. You will need to look out for pedestrians, mainly on a crossing.
Be Prepared for Any Situation
As an HGV driver, you might need to deal with several different situations that come your way. This can include working at short notice and never knowing where you go next or what equipment you may need to carry in the back of your lorry. It can also include dealing with emergencies that may arise while on the road.
Be Responsible
As an HGV driver, you are responsible for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users. This means driving in a safe and accountable manner at all times and ensuring that you are always following the correct procedures. It can also mean being aware of your surroundings and taking appropriate steps to avoid potential hazards.
Be Cool-Headed in Emergencies
If something does go wrong while driving, you must stay calm and take the necessary steps to deal with the situation. This can include dealing with traffic congestion, avoiding accidents or ensuring that your passengers are safe.
The world of HGV driving is a challenging but rewarding one. With appropriate skills and a positive attitude, you could be on your way to a successful career as an HGV driver.
HGV drivers need to be highly skilled in several different areas. To achieve success in your career, you will need to have the right skills and a positive attitude. This includes working on your initiative, being organised, safety-conscious and alert at all times. You may also need to handle any situation that comes your way. By following these tips, becoming a successful HGV driver becomes a walk in the park.