Large goods vehicle driver
Drive around the UK and abroad to deliver goods and raw materials to customers.
Also known as: lorry driver, LGV driver, HGV driver, heavy goods vehicle driver, delivery driver
About the job
What it's like
You would drive on long journeys around the UK and abroad to deliver goods and raw materials to customers.
You could move everything from food to fuel, transporting loads from depots, distribution centres and warehouses to shops, factories and businesses.
You would drive commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes including:
Rigid trucks
Articulated lorries
Tankers
Transporters
Trailer wagons
Apart from driving, you would:
Plan delivery schedules and routes with transport managers
Supervise or help with loading and unloading goods
Make sure loads are safely secured
Follow traffic reports and change your route if necessary
Complete the delivery paperwork and log books
You might also do basic routine maintenance such as checking the oil, tyres and brakes before and after journeys.
You’d spend a lot of time by yourself. You’d need to be a good driver and able to concentrate for long periods. You would need to follow the safety regulations for driving and handling the loads.
Hours
You would normally work an average of 42 hours a week. Overtime may be available, however, there are strict laws about the amount of hours you can spend driving between rest breaks
Environment
You would spend most of your time in your vehicle.
Travel
You would drive long distances so could spend a lot of time away from home, including overnight stays where necessary.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Transport
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- trunking
- palletizing
- pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
- finance
- manual handling
- backlogs
- accounting
- flatbed truck operation
- commercial driving
- financial services
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- concentrating
- problem solving
- resourceful
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role. Most employers value a good general education.
Qualifications and experience that show helping customers and good time management.
You will need a driving licence and a good driving record.
If you obtained your licence before 1 January 1997, you are allowed to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes without the need for a separate licence.
If you got your licence after 1st January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes with your car licence.
If you need to drive larger vehicles you will need to sit and pass the LGV licence test. There are two categories of the LGV licence test:
To drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you will need further training to pass the LGV test and get a category C1 licence.
If you need to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes you would need to pass category C.
To drive vehicles with trailers you will need to pass category C+E. If you need to drive an articulated lorry you will be required to have A+C+E licence.
You will also need to complete a short course to get a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
A licence is valid for five years and depending on your age, you need to sign a medical declaration or provide a medical report to renew your licence.
You need to be a minimum of 18 years of age to start the training and have a full UK driving licence.
You will need to have good eyesight and pass a medical as part of the LGV test.
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