Whether you’re looking for a change of pace or a way to advance your profession, taking a class to learn how to operate a heavy vehicle could be the first step in your new career. For a lot of people, operating a lorry can seem hard at first, but later on, you get to understand that the job pays well and that it is a fun journey. Lorry drivers play a critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of vital goods.
If you want to make a living as a delivery driver, you should be prepared to put in some serious overtime hours transporting goods between warehouses and stores. Here is all that might interest you + here is how you can become a driver.
Is it hard & pricey to become a lorry driver?
Simply put you’re looking anywhere from £1800.00 to £2000.00.
It is applicable to the entire United Kingdom.
For instance, London is one of the most expensive places on earth.
We are stating this as a general rule of thumb because you might perform better with additional training.
If you don’t perform everything that is required, you’ll probably have to pay for retakes using the money you saved on training.
You should get in touch with a training provider directly if you want to be certain about their vehicles and level of service.
What qualifications does one need?
To operate a heavy goods vehicle in the United Kingdom, you need to be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid driver’s license.
If you currently have a regular driver’s license, you can get started on the road to becoming a licensed truck driver by taking a Heavy Goods Vehicle theoretical and practical test.
Between £250 and £300 is estimated to be the entire cost of acquiring the required credentials and filling out the medical form. You need to submit a D4 medical form before applying for a provisional lorry driver’s license, and the cost of doing so ranges from £45 to £100. However, the process is quick and easy.
Is this a good job?
This question is very difficult to answer since not everyone thinks the same or possesses the same skillset. Please keep the following in mind:
Compensation is significantly influenced by location.
Compared to the far northwest of Scotland, living costs are much greater in Central London.
Examine the driving roles that are available in your area to see if your goals are doable.
Additional training, such as HIAB certification, can boost the earning potential of a strict Class 2 license (rear-mounted crane).
You might earn more than £40,000 annually as a lorry driver.
If you don’t already have a lot of relevant experience, additional licenses, and related training, getting to that kind of income will probably need working six or more days a week. This is doable for most people.
How to become a lorry driver: top 3 important tips
1. Meet the minimum requirements
A valid driver’s license and the age of 18 or older are the lowest requirements for becoming an HGV driver.
Some companies may require you to be over 21 to work for them, but in the UK, 18 is just fine.
Consider enrolling in a driving school in order to pass the exam and earn a license if you do not already have one.
It is imperative that travelers review the list of countries with license exemptions.
In order to swap your license, you may be needed to provide your permanent residence within the country and show that you have resided there for at least 185 days in the preceding year.
Once authorized, you can submit a completed application together with the standard license exchange fee.
2. Provisional license
When accompanied by an authorized instructor or driver, you can operate a heavy-duty vehicle with this c (DVSA).
Only with a DVSA-approved teacher and a vehicle equipped with dual controls may you legally drive on public roads.
Get a D2 and D4 form from the DVLA and fill them out to apply.
It’s important to note that there are numerous D2 forms available, each with a unique set of provisional powers, depending on the HGV category you select.
You can get your D4 form filled out by your primary care doctor, an independent company that specializes in driver’s medical exams, or even an optometrist.
This will serve as proof that you are physically capable of operating a motor vehicle and have not been advised against doing so due to illness.
3. Pass your driving test
Once you’ve studied for it and driven for enough hours, you can take your driving test.
Typically, a theoretical and practical exam is necessary.
The theoretical exam will evaluate your comprehension of traffic regulations and signage.
The exam can be taken online, as well as by registration.
There are more specifics on the criteria there.
The examination is frequently multiple-choice, and you can take practice exams to be sure you do well on test day.
So, how to how to become a lorry driver?
If you’re wondering how to become a lorry driver in UK, you’re in luck since this company has your answers! Check this site out and learn how to become a certified driver in 8-10 weeks thanks to their detailed & helpful course. This is a guide for those who are looking to start a new career in HGV/ haulage industry as an HGV driver. Just think about all the businesses around Europe that need to transport their parts or goods from one place to another, and you’ll be one step closer to understanding why this is a dream job for a lot of people. In fact, did you know that the UK is short of 45,000 HGV drivers? Now is your chance to get it right!
