What’s the Average UK Salary for Truck Drivers?

In this post, you will find the average UK Salary for Truck Drivers. A truck driver which is commonly referred to as a trucker, teamster, or the general called a driver, in the United Kingdom is referred to as a “HGV driver” is a person who earns a living as the driver of a truck, which is commonly defined as a large goods vehicle (LGV) or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) (usually a semi-truck, box truck, or dump truck).

Truck drivers provide an essential service to industrialized societies by transporting finished goods and raw materials over land, typically to and from manufacturing plants, retail, and distribution centers. These truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their vehicles for mechanical items or issues relating to safe operation. Truck drivers work closely with warehouse associates and warehouse workers who assist in loading and unloading shipment

When it comes to payment, truck drivers are paid according to many different methods. These include salary, hourly, and a number of methods which can be broadly defined as piece work. Piece work methods may include both a base rate and additional pay. Base rates either compensate drivers by the mile or by the load.

A company truck driver who makes a number of “less than truckload” (LTL) deliveries via box truck or conventional tractor-trailer may be paid an hourly wage, a certain amount per mile, per stop (aka “drop” or “dock bump”) or per piece delivered, unloaded, or tailgated (i.e., moved to the rear of the trailer).

Becoming a Truck Driver in the UK.

To become a truck driver or a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus or coach driver in the United Kingdom there are requirement to be met, this include:

• You must have a full car license
• Your age must be over 18 except in certain situations
• You must have a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
• You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive an HGV, bus or coach as the main part of your job.

The complete Driver CPC consists of 5 examinations. If you previously passed the HGV driver qualification examinations and want to retrain, you might not need to take all five tests.

Read also: Receptionist Definition, Qualities and Job Description Sample (Nigeria)

Qualifying for a Truck Driver Job.

• To get started with the job of a truck driver, the firs thing to do is to apply for a provisional HGV or bus licence.
• Next is to pass the 5 tests that make up the Driver CPC to qualify.
• After which you will expected to take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.

Note: You need to renew your bus or HGV licence every 5 years, and every year when you reach 65.

For those who has already undergone the training before you can return without taking all 4 tests for the Driver CPC. Then

• Renew your bus or HGV licence.
• Do 35 hours of training or take parts 2 and 4 of the Driver CPC tests.
• Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.

Is Truck Driving a Good Job to Seek for in the UK?

Starting salaries have also improved significantly in the last 2 years, where traditionally they were pretty poor. £25,000 is a realistic prospect for a newly qualified driver today, and the more training and experience you gain, salaries of between £35,000 and £50,000 are easily achievable in a short space of time.

The average salary for a HGV Driver in the UK, in 2022, is £32,100 gross per year (£2,110 net per month), which is £2,500 (+8%) higher than the national average salary. A typical starting salary is around £21,300 an HGV driver. With more training and experience you can earn significantly more.