Is HGV Driving Right For Me?

Key Skills and Traits of a Great Driver

Is HGV driving right for me? This may be the question you ask yourself when considering your options for a career change, or even the beginning of a career in itself. Let us dive into some of the key skills and traits of a great HGV driver, then you can decide for yourself whether it is the right option for you!

DRIVING

This one might sound obvious, but enjoying driving is a key trait to have if you wish to pursue a career in, well, driving! It is also important that you are confident driving in tough weather and road conditions. Good spatial awareness and experience in driving different sized vehicles is also a plus, although not a requirement.

Additionally, having prior knowledge of road safety and traffic laws will be helpful when it comes to training, however, this is also something that you will learn more about as you progress.

VEHICLE KNOWLEDGE

Having some basic vehicle knowledge and a willingness to learn about larger vehicle maintenance will also prove helpful, as HGV drivers sometimes need to perform maintenance and safety checks while on the road.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Good time management skills are key skill for most job roles. When it comes to HGV driving, meeting delivery schedules and sticking to legal requirements for driving hours and rest periods is an important aspect, where planning and coordination are also primary tasks that come with the job role.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Being a problem solver will give you a great advantage when it comes to HGV driving; having the ability to adapt quickly and solve problems under pressure is key for staying safe and efficient on the road. Another trait that falls alongside this is having clear communication skills, as this ensures issues can be resolved in the best way possible.

HEALTH AND STAMINA

Are you somebody who enjoys taking good care of your body and staying healthy? Although the job does not require a large amount of physical exertion, driving can take a toll on the body and staying healthy and having a good level of fitness is an important part of ensuring you can complete your job efficiently.

These are just a handful of the key skills and traits that contribute to making the best HGV drivers in the industry, but really all you need to get started is the willingness to learn and an interest in getting involved!

Have a look at our course options or give us a call to find out more…