If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes on the UK motorways, it’s likely you will have seen a lorry and its driver. The backbone of the goods transportation industry, HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) are driven all over the world, 24 hours a day, delivering cargo ranging from food to building materials.
A HGV (LGV) drivers’ responsibility extends further than simply driving from A to B…
… so what does a day in the life of a HGV driver look like?
Walkaround Vehicle Checks
By law, before beginning their journey, lorry drivers must conduct a range of vehicle checks to ensure their LGV is safe to drive.
These checks include:
- Mirrors & glass
- Windscreen wipers & washers
- Warning lamps
- Steering
- Horn
- Brakes
- Engine checks
- Tyre and wheel fixing
- General vehicle health check
After the checks are complete and the vehicle is deemed in good working order, the cargo is then loaded into the HGV (LGV).
Loading of Cargo
Drivers will either supervise or conduct the loading of goods. It is important this is done in a safe manner to avoid injury. Therefore, full training is provided to ensure safe loading and unloading of HGV cargo.
HGVs come in a number of shapes and sizes, all suitable for different loads. Smaller HGVs may typically carry dry goods such as food, while larger specialised HGVs may carry larger items like concrete pipes or even other vehicles.
Driving – Transportation of your Cargo
Now it’s time to hit the road!
The majority of LGV driving takes place on motorways, meaning drivers can sometimes travel the length of the country in a single day. The beauty of this means you’ll see miles of stunning landscape, that the UK has to offer. Other times, drivers may choose to work in their local region to suit more sociable hours. All of this depends on the job you decide to take.
One of the most attractive aspects of working as a HGV driver is the freedom to manage your own working hours. Typically, as long as the cargo is delivered on time in a safe manner, drivers can schedule their working hours to suit themselves. (Subject to EU driving rules)
Why is HGV driving so important and why should I become a driver?
The UK goods industry relies heavily on high quality and reliable HGV drivers. Not only will you meet new people and travel to exciting destinations, you will also receive huge job satisfaction knowing your driving is helping UK businesses to grow.
Whether you like alone time to think whilst you drive, or to listen to your favourite music playlist, a career in driving can be highly rewarding. Break times can be a great time to meet other drivers taking a pit stop before travelling to their own destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions about HGV Driving
What does a lorry (HGV) driver do?
An HGV driver is responsible for safely transporting goods to a specific destination. They are also typically responsible for loading and unloading their vehicles.
How much money do lorry (HGV) drivers earn?
New HGV drivers typically earn between £18,000 - £24,000 per year. Senior drivers and management positions will earn more.
What are the HGV walk around vehicle checks?
By law, HGV drivers are required to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive. They must perform the 'HGV walk around vehicle checks' to inspect the mirrors/glass, windscreen wipers/washers, warning lamps, steering, horn, brakes, engine, tyres/wheel fixings and general vehicle health check.
Should I become a lorry (HGV) driver?
There is currently a huge demand for HGV drivers. If you love driving and travelling to new destinations, then HGV driving can be highly rewarding.
Leicester Driver Training Ltd
At Leicester Driver Training, we’re dedicated to offering high quality HGV training at an affordable price. Our head instructor, Carl Browett, has over 12 years experience as a HGV driving instructor.
Contact us today for an informal chat about HGV driving, all questions are welcome.
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