Top 10 Tips for Newly Qualified HGV Drivers

The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of approximately 50 thousand HGV drivers. If you’re over 18, hold a car licence and love the open road, this can be your new career! If you have just got your HGV licence and you’re struggling to get your foot in your new job, here are some of our tips to help you plan your day.

• Proper planning

Proper planning is essential to the success of your journey as an HGV driver. Plan everything to the smallest detail. That way the chances of you being caught unaware is reduced. Plan the entirety of your journey from your routes, to rest stops, to refuelling. There are trucking apps you can download that will help you plan your journey. Proper planning will reduce the probability of your journey going awry.

• Check the Height of your Vehicle

Ensure you do a proper height check before embarking on your journey to prevent accidents and vehicle damage. Regardless of the type of vehicle, always know the height of your vehicle. Do not rely on the markings inside the cabin. Remember always to check the trailer height as well (if applicable) to ensure you don’t end up in an accident like bridge collisions shown below.

• Always be alert as an HGV driver

Be very aware and mindful of other motorists on the road. Anything can happen on your journey, so you must be very careful. Learn to read motorists to know when they want to overtake you. When you are conscious of other road users, then you will learn to predict them, which can avoid accidents.

• Break time

Always be mindful of your circumstances and never push your body beyond the limit. When you begin to feel fatigued or sleepy, don’t hesitate to take a break. Pull over to the side of the road, have a cup of coffee or water, take a walk around to stretch your legs and revive your senses. If you still don’t feel any better, then take a quick nap. We have a fully designed HGV timetable for HGV drivers to understand their working hours and how to split their rest time.

• Cargo security

Before embarking on your journey, ensure that your load is tightly secured. Check that all the straps and harnesses are in place. It is your responsibility to ensure that your cargo is secure. Also, when you stop for a break, do a walk around check to confirm that your cargo is still secure.

• Watch your tail swing

When making a tight turn, ensure you have enough room for your tail to prevent it from snagging on something. Unless you have enough money to pay for someone’s Ferrari.

• Vehicle check

Always be proactive and check the integrity of your vehicle before setting out. It is your responsibility to do a thorough physical check of the vehicle. Remember that if your vehicle is not in good condition, you will be liable for any accidents that occur on the road.

• Entertainment

As a driver, you may find that there are times when you are just waiting around waiting for things to happen in between driving sessions. In order to keep yourself busy/ entertained, you may want to consider getting a mobile phone with an unlimited data plan. This way you can choose your form of entertainment and are not limited to what is playing on the radio.

• Exercise

Sitting for long periods of time is not healthy; we recommend that you do some mild exercises to get the blood flowing through your body. You can do a couple of laps around your vehicle or some stretching to help you feel better. Exercise will also prolong your life. Also, make sure you keep a regular check on your mental health.

• Ask

If you have any doubt about an issue, always ask never to assume. Ask politely and people would be more than happy to help you out.