Top Reasons For Becoming A UK LGV Driver
The top reason currently for becoming a Large Goods Vehicle Driver (LGV driver) in the UK is there appears to many vacancies that are available.
That is mainly due to many LGV licenced drivers having left the industry for other jobs and a lack of LGV and HGV training in this field to support the current demand.
That is causing many employers to adjust their policies in order to make their LGV driving jobs more attractive. Therefore, drivers can begin to look forward to better working hours, receiving better benefits, and earning higher salaries than ever before. Despite the fact that there is currently a shortage of LGV drivers, this industry’s salaries have always been considered to be fairly good, often in the range of 50p to £1 over the minimum hourly wage.
Job security is another important factor that makes an LGV driving career a positive option. The industry is highly regulated in order to protect driver’s rights and the lack of drivers also means that steps are taken by employers to retain their employees.
The current shortage of drivers is also due to people not fulfilling all of the requirements necessary to become an LGV driver. Many drivers have their C and C-E class licences already without completing the required Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training. These CPC courses offer training that is given by authorised providers over 7 days and 5 hours per day. There are no exams or tests and obtaining a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is only based on attendance.
There is just a nominal fee that must be paid for the training and to acquire the DQC. However, as part of their efforts to make their positions even more attractive, some of the industry’s employers will cover the cost of a driver already possesses a C+E or C category licence.
The flexibility that comes with this type of work is another good reason for considering an LGV driver position. Drivers who like being out on the open road have the option of applying for a long-distance position which involves traveling abroad or throughout the UK. Those who prefer sticking closer to home can choose a position that involves either city, local, or regional hauling.
Licence requirements and driver training are fairly low and can be achieved fairly fast. To start with training, a driver first must have their regular driving licence. Next, a C category or class 2 licence will be required, which involves training along with a test and practical exam. After obtaining a C licence, drivers can obtain a C+E category or class 1 licence to improve their prospects even further.
The amount of time that it takes to obtain the licensing requirements will depend on the specific training course that is taken and the amount of time that is available to dedicate to the training. Courses, where a trainer gives one on one time to the student on a daily basis, will be the fastest.
People can actually pursue LGV Driving Training on a part-time basis without making an impact on their current job by attending on the weekends or other time that is available.