A HGV driver is responsible for transporting
goods from one place to another. Transports can be from one
dock to another, from factory to another warehouse, or from
factory to customer. It can also take place from warehouse to
retailer. These transports can take place across many
destinations and locations.
Only a HGV licensed individual can drive a
heavy goods vehicle. In order to become licensed to drive one
of these vehicles, there are tests that are required by the
government.
There are two categories when it comes to
HGV driving. The first category is N2 which give vehicles such
as Lorries maximum allowable mass of 12 tons. The second
category, which is known as N3, can load more than 12 tons.
Vehicle
The typical way that drivers transport
things is by a trailer, tanker, rigid trailer, or a
transporter. Being a HGV driver can be taxing because drivers
are for the most part required to work a typical 40 hour work
week. Sometimes they work more but the government requires they
get at least one day off.
Skills Required
There are no educational or special training
skills required to become a HGV driver. A basic understanding
of English and math is required though. You must also have
experience and become trained in professional driving before
you can become licensed. You also need to have knowledge of
traffic rules, have skills about navigating on the road, and a
basic understanding of auto mechanics.
Basic math skills are required because
drivers need to fill out paperwork and record sheets. There are
a few other basic requirements that include an overall good
health, you must be able to loan and unload things, and you
need to have good eyesight to drive. You need to pass a medical
physical exam.
Additional
Responsibilities
Being an HGV driver is an important role and
with the job comes a huge responsibility. The individual has to
be reliable and dependable as well. These factors are to make
sure that the delivery gets made on time. When delivering a
load, it needs to be secured enough so that it does not get
hijacked and so it doesn’t fall off the truck causing an
accident. An assistant can come in handy to help unload and
load packages in and out of the truck. It’s also important to
have customer service skills because the driver has contact
with the customers.