HGV Driver
Drive lorries to deliver goods across the country or internationally.
This UK hgv driver career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £65,000+ (specialist / owner-driver)
- Work environment
- Cab, varied routes, long hours
- Time to entry
- 3 - 6 months (licence)
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Transport and Logistics
What a HGV Driver does
Drive lorries to deliver goods across the country or internationally.
How to become a HGV Driver
- Look up HGV Driver roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a HGV Driver - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Driving
- Patience
- Time management
- Stamina