The Job of an LGV Driver – The Academy of Driver Training and Development can help you become an LGV Driver

Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) drivers drive commercial vehicles that are larger than 7.5 tonnes. The trucks can be rigid, rigid and drawbar combinations and articulated vehicles. They are used by a wide range of employers to transport a vast array of goods, materials and equipment to destinations both near and far.

When asked what they enjoy about the job LGV drivers often say that they like to be ‘out and about’, or ‘not stuck in one place’ and that ‘every day is different’. Some enjoy the fact that once they are on the road they are in charge of the vehicle, and the load, and it is down to them to ensure that deadlines for deliveries/collections are met. Indeed, being able to rise to challenges and keep customers happy, in a service-orientated industry, is appealing to many. Other aspects of the job that drivers frequently say they find satisfying are: meeting different people, workmate camaraderie and driving good quality vehicles.

Driving an LGV is a skilled and demanding occupation. It helps if drivers are flexible and adaptable in their approach to the job as they are frequently required to start early or finish late. Determination to see the job through to the finish is another positive attribute of the professional driver.

Some LGV driving jobs require long hours at work, but there are many variations to this and not all drivers work long shifts. Indeed, strict regulations exist about how many hours drivers can work in a day, a week and a fortnight and these are enforced by the police and specialist examiners who work for VOSA.

Legislation requires drivers to be paid for four weeks annual holiday per year.

Uniforms and personal protective equipment, if required, will be provided by the employer.

All professional LGV drivers must have a basic ability in English and Maths and be competent in aspects of ‘Road Craft’ including drivers’ hours and tachograph rules and regulations and daily vehicle ‘walk-round’ checks.

Although drivers will have the basic driving licence required to drive goods vehicles, employers may require them to fulfil certain tasks that are specific to their particular sector of the industry. For example, drivers of vehicles which contain hazardous goods must, by law, possess and Accord Dangereux Routier certificate (known as ADR) which is confirmation that they have received specific training, and have passed the relevant examinations.

Many employers will provide training for drivers when specific skills are required.
From 2009 LGV drivers will not only need to pass their licence acquisition test but also complete a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) at the same time. This qualification is not the same as the managers’ CPC. The format of the training has not yet been finalised but it is known drivers who are already qualified will not need to pass the new test. However, they will be required to have 35 hours of training over a five-year period.

There are two categories of LGV licence. A Category C licence entitles drivers to drive rigid vehicles and C+E licence allows them to drive articulated and rigid vehicles that tow drawbar trailers. Drivers have to attain the category C licence (rigid vehicle) before taking the test to acquire the C+E licence.

A number of organisations are now beginning to establish career pathways for drivers. In these businesses drivers can train to become driving assessors or instructors and work with colleagues to assess skills and improve driving performance. It is possible for drivers to come off the road and work as transport planners and traffic supervisors. Many drivers do become transport managers, normally after passing the CPC qualification. Training will usually be given.

An important step in the improvement of career progression opportunities, for LGV drivers, is the Skills for Logistics ‘Professional Development Stairway’ concept (see www.thestairway.org). The ‘Stairway’ acts as a road map for ‘Continuing Professional Development’ for all personnel in the logistics industry