What Does an HGV Driver Do? - Complete Guide

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20th September 2025

What HGV Drivers Do? – Complete Guide

Are you looking for a career that offers independence, competitive pay, and a sense of purpose? Being an HGV driver (Heavy Goods Vehicle driver) might be exactly what you’re searching for. In the UK, HGV drivers play a critical role in the supply chain – transporting goods safely and efficiently across the country.

Here’s everything you need to know about the role, responsibilities, and rewards of being an HGV driver:

Core Responsibilities

The responsibilities of an HGV driver can vary depending on the type of goods being transported, the vehicle, and the employer. However, some of the most common day-to-day tasks include:

Transporting goods safely over long or short distances using large vehicles like rigid trucks, tankers, or articulated lorries.

Loading, securing, and unloading cargo to prevent movement during transit.

Performing routine vehicle checks, such as monitoring brakes, tyres, oil, and ensuring overall roadworthiness.

Planning routes and delivery schedules, managing driver breaks, and adapting to road conditions or diversions.

Filling out accurate delivery logs and paperwork, tracking delivery times and distances.

Complying with road safety laws, drivers’ hours regulations, and company policies.

Caravan Or Convoy Of Trucks In Line On A Country Highway

Essential Qualifications & Legal Requirements

These requirements ensure that every driver on the road is properly trained, compliant with the law, and able to carry out their role safely and effectively:

You must hold a Category C (or C+E) HGV licence and complete the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

CPC periodic training is required – 35 hours every five years to remain qualified.

You must follow strict legal protocols, such as driver hours limits (e.g., max 9 hours/day, 56 hours/week) and ensure sufficient rest periods.

Drivers’ Hours & Working Time

These rules and regulations are designed to prevent fatigue, ensure fair working conditions, and keep everyone safe:

HGV drivers must follow strict drivers’ hours and tachograph rules regarding maximum daily and weekly driving times. These are detailed in driver guides and manuals.

Under GB domestic rules, you must not drive more than 10 hours per day, and breaks/rests must meet legal minimums (e.g. a 30-minute break after 5.5 hours of driving).

Under the Working Time Regulations, drivers cannot exceed an average of 48 working hours per week, or up to 60 hours in a single week, provided the average is maintained.

Valuable Career Choice

From pay and progression to independence and job security, HGV driving offers plenty of rewards for those ready to get behind the wheel.

You keep Britain moving: HGV drivers are the backbone of the logistics network- delivering essentials to businesses and homes.

Reliable and rewarding pay: Salaries are competitive, especially since the UK driver shortage, and many employers offer bonuses and incentive schemes for drivers.

Dynamic and independent work life: Drivers often enjoy changing routes, working solo, and a mobile work environment rather than being stuck in an office.

Multiple entry paths: You can become an HGV driver through apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, or funded training, some programmes even cover costs.

Clear career progression: Experienced drivers can move into roles like ADR specialist (dangerous goods), instructor, or transport/logistics management.

At The Best Connection, we know how important drivers are in keeping the UK moving. You’re not just driving; you’re upholding the UK’s trade and supply chain. That’s why we work with thousands of businesses nationwide, supplying over 50,000 temporary workers every year – many of them professional drivers just like you.

Whether you’re looking for flexible shifts, full-time hours, or specialist driving roles, we have opportunities to suit every lifestyle and level of experience.

Start Your Journey Today

If you’re ready to put your skills to work and join a team that values drivers, Browse Our Latest Driving Jobs and let us match you with the role that’s right for you.

The Best Connection is one of the UK’s leading providers of temporary workforce solutions. For over three decades we have proudly served and supported our clients and candidates across multiple industry sectors, delivering our best-in-class customer service.