The best driving jobs and how to find them
Looking for new HGV driving job? With so much choice there’s probably never been a better time to be a trucker. But with so many possibilities, how do you know which are the best driving jobs, and which ones to avoid at all costs?
With that in mind, we’ve created a checklist of the all the questions to ask and all the resources out there to help you find the job that’s just right for you.
What are the best driving jobs?
Though obviously the pay is something to keep in mind, it’s not always about the money. When looking for the best driving jobs you need to think about a whole range of factors; from the benefits that the company you work for offers, to asking yourself exacting questions about what you actually want to be doing. The latter is something that no one can do for you.
What do you want?
Deciding on the route you want to take along your driving career really comes down to what your personal requirements are.
For example, consider how many hours do you want to work? If money isn’t a big factor, you may opt for a part time driving job. Or you may want to get as many hours as possible, in which case you’ll be wanting something full-time, with plenty of overtime opportunities.
Or perhaps you want a driving job that allows you to spend lots of time at home, in which case you can rule out European work, for example. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some jobs, whilst they may involve long periods away from home, can benefit from longer down-day periods. E.g. working a 4on/4off shift pattern.
The first step, then, to finding the best driving job for you is understanding your own needs as an employee.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- How many hours do you want to work?
- What part of the country would you like to work in? Or even; would you like to work abroad?
- How long are you willing to be away from home?
- How much money are you looking for?
The Options
The next step is knowing the different career routes you can take; what each one offers; and the various qualifications that you will need to pursue your goals.
For example, here are a few different things to consider.
The different types of vehicles: CE, C, C1 & obtaining your licence
To become an HGV driver you will need to be over 18 years of age and hold a full car driving licence. You’ll also need to pass HGV training and, if you want to drive for a living, gain a Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).
HIAB
HIAB training allows you to operate a lorry mounted crane. This is a useful skill set that will make you more valuable to your employer and (hopefully) lead to better paying work in the future.
Read our article that busts a few of the common myths surrounding HIAB training.
Hazardous goods
Driving vehicles containing hazardous materials isn’t easy, and there are extra qualifications that are required. As such, the work is often better paying.
However, it’s not always easy to get. The first step along this path is getting your category C or CE licence. After that, under ADR rules, drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods in tanks or packages, must hold an additional qualification: an ADR licence.
All drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods must attend an approved basic training course. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-dangerous-goods-and-special-loads or if you’re ready to go for yours, you can click here to find an ADR course near you!
Management and Logistics
It may be that your mind is put to better use organising routes rather than driving. However, experience in the industry and behind the wheel will prove invaluable.
Driving Instructor
You must have had a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driving licence for at least 3 years to supervise a learner driver.
You don’t need to take formal training or to be registered to teach someone to drive an LGV, but there is an officially recognised qualification available. Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/become-an-lgv-driving-instructor
Other driving jobs
- Taxi
- Bus or Coach
- Chauffeur
- Forklift
Where to Look
Job Websites
- https://backlinelogistics.co.uk/jobs/ (ahem!)
- https://cv-library.co.uk/
- https://www.indeed.co.uk/
- https://www.reed.co.uk/
Logistics Companies
Many logistics companies offer steady well-paid work with benefits. Finding a good employer can be a great way to advance your career.
For example, did you know that we offer one of the best HGV driver schemes in the UK? Take a look at our Platinum Drivers Scheme and see how it compares to your current employer.
Online Forums
Online forums are places run by the people, of the people, for the people. There’s no agenda there.
These can be great ways to communicate with other people in the industry, learn about potential opportunities and may even change your mind about the direction you wish to take your career.
Check out http://www.trucknetuk.com as a great place to get started.
Social Media
Social media has come a long long way over the last decade. Facebook is now a hub of people run communities, and sites like LinkedIn offer targeted access to professionals in their sector.
Here are a couple of Facebook groups that might be worth checking out.
- HGV Driving Jobs: a closed group of over 24,000 members for sharing and applying for jobs in driving
- HGV Drivers Jobs Direct: a closed group of over 30,000 members run by a text jobs service
Your employer and you
Finally, and most importantly, you need to think about your employer. What do they offer you that will make your life better? Whether that’s potential career advancements, the ability to travel, or simply regular hours so that you can plan time with the kids.
At Backline, our elite drivers are some of the best professional drivers in the U.K. and we treat them with all the respect they deserve.
When you join our elite team, you access great employee benefits, incredible training and development opportunities, and the chance to be part of the U.K.’s No.1 elite driving force!
We hope you’ve found this useful. Don’t forget to keep checking in with your local Backline branch for the best driving jobs.
And, if you are thinking of making the shift into HGV driving and wondering whether it’s right for you, don’t forget to take our quiz: So you think you’re cut out to be an HGV driver?