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A Career in LGV Driving

Large good vehicles (LGV) drivers are employed to drive goods in commercial vehicles from one destination to another, usually from a supplier to a customer.  They drive all kinds all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, including rigid trucks, articulated lorries and trucks pulling trailers.  This occupational area usually has plenty of vacancies and offers lots of travel opportunities both in the UK and across Europe.


The work

LGV entitlement is divided into three categories:

  • Category C1 – vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
  • Category C – rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes
  • Category C+E – articulated lorries and lorries pulling trailers

LGV workers can work anywhere in the country, especially experienced drivers with C or C+E licences.  Job trends vary from region to region and there may be more opportunities near major manufacturing or warehousing/distribution areas.


The skills

The following general skills will normally be required:

  • Familiarity with the rules of the road
  • Good time-keeping and planning skills
  • Good communication and customer care – the driver is often the main point of contact between an organisation and its customers
  • IT literacy – there’s usually in-cab technology
  • Flexibility - hours are often anti-social and overnight stays may be required

Entry requirements

No formal academic qualifications are required, but you should have basic ability in English and maths.  You are required to hold an LGV licence and have a good driving record, as well as good eye sight and colour vision.  The LGV test includes a medical. 

The Driver CPC superseded the Young LGV Driver Scheme in September 2009 and the new regulations reduced the standard minimum age for LGV drivers from 21 to 18 years.

There are also LGV apprenticeship opportunities and Advanced Apprenticeships, so it is worth visiting the Apprenticeship websites to see what is available (there are separate sites for each of the four nations):

Please note that although apprenticeships are open to those aged 16, often employers prefer applicants to be 18 years old.

Salary and career development

LGV Drivers can earn from £15,000 to £35,000 and upwards.  Drivers of fuel and chemical tankers need special training and certification and can earn up to £35,000.  Overtime can increase earnings and there is a tax-free allowance to pay for overnight expenses.

Experienced LGV drivers can go on to take the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and move into managing a fleet of vehicles, if they want to broaden their knowledge or move into transport management, an ADR course in transporting dangerous or hazardous goods by road.


Employers

Many LGV drivers are self-employed. LGV Drivers working for a haulier or distributor could progress into self-employment, operating their own vehicles, perhaps eventually owning a fleet.

Self-employment is not the only route, and there are opportunities with:

  • Transport/distribution companies
  • Third part logistics companies
  • Specialist driving agencies
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Retailers and supermarkets

Related Links

For more information on LGV driving careers visit the following websites:

 


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