Large/Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver

You can get into this job through:

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

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a large goods vehicle driver.

Entry Requirements

You’ll usually need:

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

If you’re already working for a transport operator, for example as a clerk, your employer may be willing to put you through training to get your large goods vehicle licence.

You can find training providers in your region by searching online. You can also check providers through the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training. It lists providers of refresher training for qualified large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers but many of these also offer initial LGV training.

LGV courses last from 1 to 3 weeks and cover driving skills, basic mechanics, and loading and securing loads. The test includes vehicle safety questions, manoeuvres like reversing into a loading bay, 25 miles of road driving and a theory test based on the Highway Code and LGV regulations.

It’s recommended that you compare several providers before signing up to see what they offer and to make sure it fits your needs.

You’ll need the following skills:

• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You’ll need to:

• have a driving licence that includes LGV for lorries, or PCV for buses, if you work with these vehicles
• be over 18 years of age
• have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – this is known as the Driver CPC

The LGV licence test is divided into two categories:

• Category C1 allows you to drive rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes
• Category C allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes

You would then take a further test to allow you to drive vehicles with trailers (category C+E).