When you think about being a lorry driver most people just imagine sitting in a cab and watching the world go by through a massive windscreen. While the driving part is great it is only one bit of the job. If you are looking to get into this industry or you have just started your training with us at Commercial Transport Training it helps to know what is actually expected of you once you get that licence in your hand. Being a professional driver is a proper career with a lot of moving parts and it is about much more than just steering a big rig from a to b.
Essential HGV driver responsibilities for road safety
Safety is the absolute number one priority and it starts before you even turn the key. Every single morning or whenever your shift starts you have to do a walk around check. This is not just a quick glance at the tyres while you drink your tea. You need to check things like the wheel nuts, light functions, air leaks and that your load is actually secure. If you are driving a curtain-sider you need to make sure those straps are tight and nothing is going to shift when you take a roundabout.
This is not just for your own peace of mind either. The DVSA and traffic commissioners take this very seriously and if you get pulled over and something is wrong it is your licence on the line. We always tell our students at Commercial Transport Training that “promoting precision” is the best way to stay out of trouble. Once you are out on the road you have to keep a constant eye on your surroundings. You are driving something that weighs up to 44 tonnes so you need to be thinking ahead much further than a car driver would.
One of the biggest HGV driver responsibilities is managing your own fatigue. The rules on driver’s hours are strict for a reason. You generally can’t drive for more than 9 hours a day and you need a 45-minute break after 4 and a half hours of driving. It can be tempting to push on if you are near your destination but it is never worth the risk. Plus your digital tachograph card is recording everything you do so there is no hiding it if you break the rules.
Managing paperwork and legal HGV driver responsibilities
The amount of admin might surprise you if you are new to the trade. You don’t just get a set of keys and a map. You have to keep track of delivery notes, logbooks and your tacho records. When you arrive at a depot or a customer site you need to make sure the right people sign for the right goods. If something is damaged when you pick it up you have to note it down straight away or you might end up getting the blame for it later.
Another part of the paperwork side is route planning. Even with a good sat nav you should have an idea of where you are going. You need to know about low bridges or weight limits because getting a class 1 stuck under a bridge is a nightmare nobody wants to deal with. At our training centre in Leighton Buzzard we spend time making sure you understand the regulations because being legally compliant is just as important as being a good steerer.
You also need to keep your own qualifications up to date. Your driver CPC is not a one-time thing. You have to do 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your DQC card valid. It can feel like a lot to remember but once you get into a routine it just becomes part of the daily graft. Keeping on top of your HGV driver responsibilities ensures you stay employable and keep your record clean.
Customer care and the face of the company
When you pull up to a delivery point you are usually the only person from your company that the customer actually sees. That makes you the face of the business. Being polite and helpful goes a long way even if you have had a rough day in traffic. Customer care might not be the first thing you think of when you think of trucking but it is a massive part of the role.
Sometimes you will have to help with loading or unloading and you might need to use a pallet truck or a forklift if you have the right tickets. Communicating clearly with the warehouse staff helps everything go faster so you can get back on the road. If there is a delay because of traffic or a breakdown you should let your transport manager know as soon as possible. They can then update the customer which saves a lot of grief for everyone involved.
We have been training drivers for over 40 years at Commercial Transport Training and we have seen how the industry has changed. It is much more professional now and companies want drivers who can represent them well. Whether you are delivering food to a supermarket or construction materials to a site your attitude makes a big difference.
Why the right training matters
Starting out can feel a bit daunting because there is so much to learn but that is why picking a good training provider is key. We offer everything from category c (class 2) to category c+e (class 1) and we make sure the training is tailored to what you actually need. We have our own private manoeuvring area so you can practice your reversing and hitching without the stress of being on a public road.
If you are looking to get started or you need to renew your CPC we can help you out. The logistics industry is always looking for reliable people who take their HGV driver responsibilities seriously. It is a job that offers a lot of freedom and decent pay especially if you are willing to put in the work and keep your skills sharp.
That is the reality of the job. It is a mix of being a skilled driver, an administrator and a customer service rep all at once. But if you like being your own boss for most of the day and you enjoy the variety of seeing different places it is a brilliant way to make a living. If you want to chat about getting your licence or you have questions about our courses just give us a shout at Commercial Transport Training by calling 01525 370 862 or completing our online contact form. We have helped thousands of drivers get on the road and we can do the same for you.
