Distribution

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist training providers

Apprenticeship

You could do a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C and E Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

The armed forces also offer some HGV driving apprenticeship roles.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• Army apprenticeships|https://jobs.army.mod.uk/regular-army/what-you-get/apprenticeships-skills/
• RAF apprenticeships|https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/apprenticeships

Work

If you're already working for a transport operator, your employer might support you to get your HGV driving licence.

You might also be able to accompany a qualified driver whilst you train to get your licence.

Other routes

Course

You'll need to get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Lots of organisations offer this course. You can find training to become a HGV driver or search for training providers through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

You might find it useful to compare several providers before signing up to one.

The course will cover driving skills, basic mechanics and how to load items. At the end of your course you'll need to pass 4 parts of the CPC test which includes:

• a driving theory test
• online case studies
• a test of your practical driving ability
• a practical demonstration test

If you're going to work with hazardous goods, for example fuel oil, you'll also need an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) certificate.

Refresher course

If you're returning to work, you might need to do refresher training. Find out more about returning to be a HGV driver.

Skills Bootcamp

You might be able to apply for a place on a Skills Bootcamp for HGV driving.

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses that last up to 16 weeks.

When you pass the course, you:

• are guaranteed a job interview with an employer near where you live
• can drive large vehicles
• will have a category C or category CE driving licence

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• 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.
• 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

More information

Career tips

You may be able to increase your income by working irregular shifts.

Companies often need more HGV drivers at peak times. You could look for seasonal opportunities on retail and delivery company websites or with driver recruitment agencies.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a qualified HGV driver from GOV.UK.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Generation Logistics also have details about careers in HGV driving.

View all vacancies in this region

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; become a road transport manager; become self employed and work for different companies or set up your own transport company