So how do you know if becoming an HGV driver is the right choice for you? This question is on everyone’s lips who have considered becoming an HGV driver. It’s very hard to know whether ‘trucking’ is for you, especially if you haven’t experienced travelling in an HGV prior.
An HGV driver isn’t one of those jobs that you can just give it a quick try and see if you like it. You’ll need to be trained and qualified. The best way to find out if being an HGV driver is right for you is to speak to someone who is a trucker, who has many years of experience on the road and can tell you exactly why they do it.
You must remember that it isn’t for everyone. It’s a job that needs to suit both your personality and lifestyle. It defiantly isn’t for the weak-hearted, that’s for sure.
If you want to be successful and make decent money, being an HGV driver is not an easy job. The hours are long, you’ll need to be self-motivated and patient. You will spend the majority of the time alone. If neither of these things sounds appealing to you, then I do suggest that being an HGV driver probably isn’t for you.
The most important thing to consider before choosing to become an HGV driver, is whether you love to drive? The job, after all, is a driving job, so if you love the road and love to drive then you could be on the right track.
As well as driving, some of your other duties may involve:
- Planning delivery schedules and routes with a transport manager.
- Supervising or assisting loading and unloading of goods.
- Checking that the loads are secured safely.
- Keeping up to date with traffic reports and changing routes if needed.
- Completing delivery paperwork and log books.
- Basic lorry maintenance (Oil, tyre checks, brake checks etc…)
There are plenty of opportunities out there for people who are thinking about HGV driving due to a driver shortage within the UK. Want to discuss career options further? Contact our Driving office on 0117 3302 980 OR email us driving@resolveithere.co.uk