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Large goods vehicle (LGV) and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) lorry drivers transport and deliver goods between suppliers and customers.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
There will be
0.2% more Large goods vehicle driver jobs in 2027.
In your local area
As part of your day-to-day duties you may:
Your working environment may be physically active and you'll travel often.
You can get into this job through:
You can get into this job through a large goods vehicle (LGV) driver C and E intermediate apprenticeship.
The armed forces have apprenticeship roles for drivers including for heavy goods vehicles.
You can find out more from their careers websites.
You'll usually need:
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'll need to get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
There is information on some of the vocational qualifications you can take on Find training to become a HGV driver.
You can find training providers in your region by searching online. The Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training lists providers of refresher training for qualified LGV drivers. Many of these also offer initial LGV training.
The National Vocational Driving Instructor Register (NVDIR) also contains a list of registered LGV training centres.
[ | https://www.lgvregister.org.uk/registered-lgv-training-centres/]
Courses vary in length. They cover things like driving skills, basic mechanics, loading and securing loads. At the end of your course you'll need to pass 4 parts of the CPC test that includes:
To choose a course that's right for you, compare several providers before signing up to one that really fits your needs.
You may be able to apply for a place on a Skills Bootcamp in HGV driving.
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses that last up to 16 weeks.
If you successfully complete the course you will be guaranteed a job interview with a local employer.
You'll be fully trained to drive large vehicles, and will gain a category C or category CE licence.
You'll need to:
Companies often need more LGV drivers at peak times. Demand for jobs can affect salaries.
Look for seasonal opportunities on retail and delivery company websites and with specialist driver recruitment agencies.
You'll find details about large goods vehicle licence applications on Become a qualified HGV driver.
You can find out more about driver training and the licences you need from the Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association.
You can find out more about careers in LGV driving from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
You can often increase your salary through shift allowances and bonuses.
You could take further training and gain an ADR (Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road) Certificate to drive hazardous goods like toxic chemicals by tanker.
With experience, you could train to become an LGV instructor, freight transport planner or move into management.
You could become a self-employed LGV driver and work for different companies or set up your own transport company.