If you’re thinking of launching a new career as a HGV driver, now could be the perfect time. Demand for skilled drivers remains high as the nation faces a critical shortage. That means if you have the skills to excel behind the wheel of a larger vehicle, you could earn an amazing income.
Of course, as more people start to embrace the wonderful world of HGV driving for themselves, you’ll need to make sure you have the right skills if you want to stand out to the UK’s best employers. It takes more than just technical knowledge to thrive as an HGV driver, you’ll also need to be a master of communication, and a phenomenal team player.
To get you started on the right track, we’re going to take a quick look at some of the top skills every HGV employer prioritises right now.
It might sound obvious, but driving skills are the most important thing you’re going to need as a new HGV driver. We’re not just talking about the knowledge required to operate a larger vehicle either. You’ll need to earn the right certifications to drive an HGV, which means undergoing specialist training and proving your talents. However, you’ll also have to be an expert behind the wheel.
This means you need to be comfortable managing all kinds of vehicles in any weather, and hyper- aware of how to stay safe on the roads. The best HGV drivers are masters of the craft, capable of foreseeing upcoming road and route problems, and adapting to the situation. Your HGV training will teach you everything you need to know about managing larger vehicles, but it will be up to you to ensure you’re following the best practices of safe and efficient driving too. Make sure you’re a real pro behind the wheel.
No, you don’t have to go back to school or earn a degree in mechanics to become an HGV driver. But it does help to have a basic understanding of what’s going on under the hood of your new vehicle. You’re going to be spending a lot of time on the road, making long trips to locations here mechanics might not always be available to help with basic issues.
Being able to address any minor problems that come your way as and when they happen will be extremely useful when it comes to impressing your boss. If you can fix common problems quickly, you can get back on the road without having to sit around waiting for a mechanic.
Some basic mechanic knowledge will also help you out when it comes to assessing your vehicle before you take off on any journey. It’s useful if you can look over your vehicle and spot any problems you might have before you even get behind the wheel.
HGV drivers are essential to the world we live in today. They’re responsible for ensuring crucial companies get the equipment and resources they need to keep running. Without HGV drivers, we wouldn’t even have festival and events to attend, because crucial equipment couldn’t be hauled from one destination to another.
As an HGV driver, you’re going to be responsible for managing some extremely important and expensive cargo on a regular basis. This means your boss needs to know they can trust you to do a good job. Being transparent and honest in your work is crucial when you’re operating in this field. Your potential employer is going to be constantly searching for evidence that you’re trustworthy and respectable, which means you need to put across the right attitude at all times. It also helps to have an excellent approach to teamwork. Show your boss you’re comfortable working with others for the benefit of the entire company.
Speaking of working with others, HGV driving is more of a team sport than most people realise. It’s easy to assume this job involves a lot of “isolated” driving and time on your own. However, there’s still a strong focus on communication and collaboration. You’ll need to connect with other drivers regularly to make sure you’re all operating according to the right standards.
You’ll also be responsible for giving your boss regular insights into your progress when you’re on long journeys. The better you can communicate, both in the digital world, and over the phone, the more likely you are to thrive in your new role. You might even find your communication skills make you more likely to be chosen for a managerial role.
Remember, as an HGV driver, you’re also going to need to communicate with clients regularly too. A professional and friendly approach to connecting with customers will take you far.
HGV drivers are excellent at organising their day, and making crucial decisions in the moment. In this role, you won’t be just sitting behind a wheel and following a GPS. You’ll need to analyse the best route in the moment, plan when to take the appropriate rest breaks, and ensure you’re sticking to the right schedule to meet crucial deadlines.
A great set of organisational skills will help you to manage your day more effectively as a HGV driver, and ensure you get your work done according to your boss’s expectations. You’ll also need to be excellent at making split-second decisions, to ensure you remain safe and efficient on the road. Don’t be surprised to find yourself spending a lot of time “planning” for your HGV adventures. A little strategy can go a long way in this career.
All jobs come with their ups and downs. While people who love driving can find their time behind the wheel of a HGV vehicle very relaxing, there are going to be moments when you’re faced with significant amounts of stress. You’ll need to be able to stay on top of your mental health. This means taking regular breaks during your journeys to ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed, and knowing how to handle complex situations, like traffic and difficult parking scenarios. You’ll even need to feel comfortable handling unhappy clients from time to time.
Above all else, it’s crucial to show your employer you can keep your cool on the road, no matter what might happen during your adventures.
Think you have all the skills mentioned above to make you a fantastic HGV driver? All you need now is to complete your training. Contact the LGV training company today to learn how we can help you fast-track your career in the HGV landscape.