Requirements for HGV Truck Driver Jobs

The requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) truck driver jobs in both the United Kingdom and Ireland (and Europe in general) may include the following. However, please note that regulations and requirements are subject to change, and it’s essential to check the latest information from official sources, such as the UK and Irish governments or relevant authorities:

1. Driving License:
   • Drivers must have a valid and appropriate driving license for the category of vehicle they intend to drive. For HGVs, this typically involves obtaining a Category C or Category C+E license.
2. Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC):
   • HGV drivers are required to hold a Driver CPC qualification. This involves completing periodic training to ensure drivers remain competent and up-to-date with regulations.
3. Age Requirements:
   • Drivers must meet the minimum age requirements for driving HGVs, which can vary depending on the category of the license.
4. Medical Fitness:
   • Drivers are required to meet certain medical standards to ensure they are fit to drive. This may involve undergoing a medical examination and obtaining a medical certificate.
5. Right to Work:
   • Drivers must have the right to work in the UK or Ireland. This may include providing evidence of citizenship or appropriate immigration status which is the UK Skilled Worker Visa. In Ireland, whilst on the critical skills eligible occupations list, truck drivers are able to work in Ireland due to
6. Clean Driving Record:
   • A clean or acceptable driving record is typically required. Convictions for certain offenses may affect eligibility.
7. Employment Sponsorship (if applicable):
   • If a driver is coming from abroad, their employer may need to sponsor their visa or provide necessary documentation for entry and work in the UK.
8. Knowledge of English:
   • Proficiency in the English language is important for communication and compliance with road safety regulations.

It’s crucial to check the latest guidance and requirements from the relevant authorities, as changes in regulations or additional requirements may have been introduced since my last update. Employers and prospective HGV drivers should refer to the official website of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) or other relevant government agencies for the most current information.

Other countries outside of Europe experiencing critical shortages for HGV Truck Driver Jobs, include:

• Canada – in addition to the current 60000 truck driver vacancies in Canada, statistics show that Canada will need to hire more than 17,000 additional truck drivers annually
• America – Right now, the USA has a critical skills shortage of 80,000 truck drivers jobs. If they are going to keep going down the same trajectory, by the year 2030, it’s expected to be 160,000
• Australia – Over 200000 truck drivers work in Australia, however with every month, we’re averaging 3300 job vacancies for truck drivers being advertised across the nation, there is a pretty strong indicator that those jobs aren’t being filled and the logistics sector requires many thousands more qualified long-haul drivers.
• New Zealand – Heavy vehicle driver shortages are so dire one trucking company is flying drivers to the South Island each week to cover important routes. The jobs shortages are specifically putting fresh goods to rural areas into high risk.