Lorry Driver – Career Advice
Simon Thompson on 
Lorry drivers…guess what? Yep, they drive lorries. At home and abroad, often across vast distances and over long periods. It’s a job that requires concentration, excellent time-management skills and even in today’s world of sat-navs, a good sense of direction.
You’ll be responsible for goods being safely secured as well as safely delivered and on time. You’ll also be expected to keep your lorry in excellent working order and help with loading and unloading.
It really is a job for the long haul…if you’re a long distance driver, that is. If so, you’ll spend plenty of time away from home and, seeing as you’re not allowed to drive for more than nine hours a day, plenty of time in your cab, asleep.
Self-motivation, reliability and, obviously, a love of driving are key attributes.
There’s no call for academic qualifications, but you’ll need to be at least 18 and with a full, clean driving licence. If you want to drive large goods vehicles (LGVs) you’ll also have to pass a medical.
And every five years, drivers have to take a theory and practical test to secure their Certificate of Professional Competence.
Browse our current vacancies in:
Other recommended resources:
Road Haulage Association
A professional society offering tailored information, support and advice to the road haulage industry. Membership gets you a piece of that including access to discounts.
Freight Transport Association
A trade association for members of the freight transportation world. They offer training, best practice updates and representation, in addition to campaigning for the interests of its members.
United Road Transport Union
A trade union serving the interests of road haulage workers, their membership provides free training courses as well as everything else you would expect from a good trade union service.
UK Haulier
Initially a online directory for haulage companies, UK Haulier has expanded to a huge resource offering discounts, advice and support for those who haul. Sign up for membership if you want your name or business on their list.
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
A chartered mark for those at the height of their game but also a great resource for anyone looking to get into or upwards within the industry and improve their freight prospects. They host a directory of all related events for networking or training opportunities.
‘Becoming a Lorry Driver’
A government resource offering all of the appropriate information regarding how to become a lorry driver and what you need before getting behind the road haulage wheel.
‘International Authorisations and Permits for Road Haulage’
Another government site offering up-to-date information about what you need to travel abroad within your freight job to ensure you meet all the legal requirements of other countries.
