HGV drivers are important in the UK because they play an important role in the economy. The importance of this sector to the UK economy has been demonstrated in the last two years.
The UK has a significant shortage of HGV drivers – this is bad news for consumers but it is good for those interested in joining this industry as a driver. There are a lot of HGV driver jobs out there, and they are worth looking at because they come with string benefits, including good pay, the ability to be your own boss, and freedom of being on the road.
If you are thinking about a career in the driving sector, the following four reasons why you should become an HGV driver will make things clearer.
Earning potential
We have to be honest; the most important aspect of any job is the salary – you are not going to be disappointed with the salary of an HGV driver. The starting salary from HGV drivers is usually £20k, but there is a current driver shortage that has seen a high demand for drivers. This has led to a salary increase, and this has increased the earning potential (earnings are affected by training and experience). The average HGV driver salary is between £30k-£40k but differs from one employer to another. Most of the roles come with the option of earning more through bonuses and incentives.
Job Security
There will always be demand for a well-trained HGV driver – especially with the current driver shortage – and this is why you don’t have to worry about job security. The pandemic has shown us that the world is very volatile, making it a good idea to choose a career with an extra layer of security.
Freedom
If you are one of those people who hates working a 9-5 in a factory or behind a desk, then an HGV driver might be a good career path for you. People have different responsibilities and lifestyles, and when you are an HGV driver, you have the freedom to choose your own working hours. Working in this career is going to give you the chance to explore the country and meet new people. You can play your favourite playlist as you work. You will enjoy working as an HGV driver because you don’t have a boss breathing down your neck for not doing something right or getting to work late.
Easy to get into
It is easy to become a fully certified HGV driver and it doesn’t cost that much. People assume that it is very expensive to be a fully certified HGV driver. You don’t need a degree to gain the right certifications needed to drive an HGV, but there are some tests you have to do before you can start driving. The first requirement is to be 18 years or over with a category B driving license. The next step is completing a medical then applying for a provisional lorry driver’s license. When you get this, you will need to pass a practical and theory test and then get your Driver Certification of Professional Competence qualification. It is also worth mentioning that before becoming an HGV driver you will need to do an HGV theory test.
The process can sound like a lot of work, but it takes between 8-10 weeks once you qualify to start driving. The cost of lessons is not that much, especially when you compare it to how much you are going to earn once you become an HGV driver. You will also get incentives that have been put in place to encourage new drivers, and you can end up not paying for anything.