Few people actually take the time to think about what you need to do to drive a heavy goods vehicle, even though they drive by them on the highway every day. The delivery of goods to customers from suppliers is the main responsibility of HGV drivers.
A Certificate of Professional Competence, a driving license and proof of having attained 18 years of age, are some of the requirements that workers seeing to become certified HGV drivers must meet. Aspiring HGV drivers are also required to undergo apprenticeship, or a training course at an HGV driver training centre, by most companies. When it comes to keeping other road users and HGV drivers safe, these requirements, as few as they are, play a very important role.
You need to familiarise yourself with these requirements if you are seriously thinking about joining this line of work. Before making a final decision, anyone thinking about driving a HGV should compare the pros and cons of the job.
Pros of Working as a Heavy Goods Vehicle Operator
- With experience, you will be able to advance through various career levels
- Travelling and experiencing different parts of the country
- Enjoying work stability and reasonable wages.
Before you make that final decision however, you should also consider the cons of this line of work, even with the above pros in mind.
Cons of Being a HGV Driver
- Dealing with reckless road users on a regular basis
- Driving a HGV can be lonely
- Some weather conditions may make driving more dangerous than normal.
What Skills Do You Need to Drive a HGV?
You need to have the following important skills to become a heavy goods vehicle driver.
- Ability to drive safely: the ability to drive safely and a mastery of road safety rules and guidelines is necessary for all heavy goods vehicle drivers.
- Ability to motivate yourself: all HGV drivers must be capable of working without the need for constant supervision from a boss and must be able to keep themselves motivated in this lonely line of work.
- Focus: to prevent accidents, heavy goods vehicle drivers must be able to concentrate especially when driving in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
- Documentation: it is upon the driver to record details regarding deliveries and trips when not driving.
Duties of a Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver on a Daily Basis
The main duty of HGV drivers is driving; however, they also have a list of other duties including the following:
- Planning transport routes: tt is the work of HGV operators to plan the most productive transportation routes.
- Organising deliveries: drivers must work together with clients, planning pick-ups and drop-offs, to ensure that all deliveries are made successfully.
- Overseeing loading of vehicles: the loading and unloading of goods is overseen by the driver.
- Assessing the course of the trip: in case of traffic build-ups or accidents the route may have to be changed.
- Conducting safety checks: to ensure that their HGVs are in compliance with legal and national safety guidelines, drivers must conduct safety inspections.
- Ensuring that HGVs are properly maintained: it is upon the driver to ensure that their HGV is properly maintained, especially if they spot any issues.
- Addressing clients: drivers are also required to address any issues raised by clients and communicate with them regularly to ensure that their needs are met.
The HGV driving profession is highly underappreciated. However, if you crave a career path that is not only fulfilling professionally, but also highly rewarding in a monetary sense, start the journey to becoming a Heavy Goods Vehicle driver today.