The Pros & Cons Of Driving An HGV For A Living

Driving an LGV for a living can be rewarding and satisfying but it's certainly not for everyone. We are not trying to put you off, but you have to realise it's not all about being your own boss, the open road and earning (up to) £40K per year. Far from it! Its damn hard work and anyone who tells or advertises otherwise is being economical with the truth.

We at www.hgvlgvtraining.co.uk like to give it to you how it is. We don't make false claims or promises. We prefer to give you accurate truthful information and let you decide if driving an LGV for a living is for you. Taking feedback from actual HGV Drivers, we have a list of the main pros and cons to being a Professional HGV Driver.

The Pros

Not stuck in an office all day: For those who don't like being chained to a desk or stuck indoors, then driving a truck may be the answer.
Not Just a 9-5 - Trucks are driven pretty much 24/7. Deliveries never stop and this is reflected in the hours some Drivers work. Being an HGV Driver lets you decide if you want to work the early or late shift or even weekends.
Good earning potential - The average salary of an HGV Driver is £23,500 (according to ONS) This means that some drivers earn more and some less than this. A good example of HGV high earners are ADR petrol tank Drivers who can earn in excess of £40K p.a.
Natural Career Prospects - Some Drivers choose to remain drivers throughout their driving careers. Others decide to progress through the ranks. Most, if not all Transport Managers and Directors would have started as drivers then acquired the Operator CPC qualification and moved into Management.
Recognised Professional - with the implementation of the Driver CPC qualification driving an LGV is finally being recognised as a professional occupation. The skills and knowledge required to drive an LGV have changed. It's not just about driving. Drivers hours, new technologies, customer care and environmental concerns are just a few of the many skills required by today's professional HGV driver.
Be your own boss - For some being out on your own in your own truck is like being your own boss. No-one breathing down your neck or watching over your shoulder.
Work to Suit you - Many LGV Drivers choose to work via an agency. That way they choose how and when they work. Some elect to work full time and others may work a few hours a week.
Drive a Modern truck - Modern HGVs are technological marvels. These £100K+ state of the art machines can be a pleasure to drive and make any arduous journey enjoyable.
Never be Out of Work - Finding an HGV driving job can be a job in itself. There used to be an old saying in the commercial transport industry. An HGV Driver is never out of work. This is not strictly true. It should be changed to: A good HGV/LGV Driver is never out of work.
See The World - Having a UK HGV licence is pretty much recognised and transferable the world over. There are also many UK HGV Drivers who travel the continent on a weekly basis. Not many jobs will incorporate this type of travel

The Cons

Having looked at the Pros let's consider some of the negative aspects involved in driving an LGV for a living

Stuck in traffic jams - UK roads have never been so congested. The thought of driving on an open road may be true at 3am in the morning. But the reality is most day journeys will incorporate congestion and delays.
Long hours - Many LGV drivers are paid by the hour so will work long hours to earn a decent wage. You are limited by to the number of hours you can drive but not necessarily the number of hours you can work.
Wages - The average wage for LGV Drivers is £23,500 p.a. (O.N.S.) this figure is below the national average wage (£25,000) Some Drivers can earn well above £25,000 but many do not. Driving a truck will not give you a millionaire lifestyle!
Unsociable hours - Working night shift work can be arduous and has actually been proven to be bad for your health. You may earn a higher wage but working nights and weekends can also mean time away from the family.
Don't get credit you deserve - Think about it. No trucks would mean no deliveries; no deliveries would mean empty shelves in the shops. The transport industry keeps this country fed, watered and clothed. The haulage industry and in particular HGV Drivers are often not give the respect and credit they deserve.
It's not all clean living - You will have to get your hands dirty. Driving a truck is a hands on job. You may be expected to assist in the loading and unloading and all that goes with that.

If after reading through this information you are still keen about Driving a truck for a living then before you can earn you must learn. To get your career of to the right start go direct to approved reputable HGV training companies in your area. We only promote HGV training companies that employ DSA approved instructors. We hope this page has been useful in determining your career move.

The Pros & Cons Of Driving An HGV For A Living

The Pros

The Cons

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