The role of a professional HGV driver can be rewarding in many ways. Being your own boss, professional recognition and good rates of pay are a few of the many benefits.
But it’s not all easy living, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Driving a truck professionally is demanding and hard work. The hours can be long, roads often congested and you will have deadlines to meet. You must be realistic about what will be required from you once you have achieved HGV entitlement.
So before you invest all your hard earned money in attaining HGV make sure it’s the kind of job for you.
For example some HGV Drivers elect to work long distance and as a result can be away from home for days at a time. Maybe not ideal for a family with young children.
How much can I expect to earn?
Rates of pay for an HGV driver can vary greatly depending on the job you do. If you are entering the industry for the 1st time you must be realistic about how much you will earn initially.
Overall however rates of pay have increased over the years and with Driver CPC the role of a HGV Driver is deemed more professional. As a result you should expect a higher wage.
But, as certain websites claim all drivers will earn up to £40K per year must be tread with a degree of scepticism.
The term “UP £40K” means just that. UP TO. In reality most people having just acquired HGV entitlement will earn much less than this.
Sure some Drivers can earn £35-£40K p.a. But the vast majority do not.
According to the O.N.S. (office of National Stastsics) the average salary of an HGV/ LGV driver is £23,500 a year.
Other factors that may also affect your salary expectations include
Category of HGV/LGV (C1, C and C+E)
Age (18 is now minimum age)
Experience (2 years can be required)
Driver CPC acquired (Initial (if needed) (and periodic)
Nightshift (night workers can earn more)
Multi drop / Trunker (pay rates may vary)
ADR (Carriage of dangerous goods, petrol tanker driver)
Security trained (level 4 etc.)
Overseas work
Before you can consider “Earning” you must first undertake “Learning” and pass your HGV licence and acquire Driver CPC entitlement.
For more advice check out the training providers found on www.hgvlgvtraining.co.uk
They can help with getting the licence you need to start the career you want.
