Entering the HGV driving industry can be a daunting task, especially when most employers you see advertising will be seeking drivers with experience, often at least 2 years. This isn't always just a preference though, and the often good reason for this experience requirement. It's likely due to factors outside of the companies control such as strict insurance requirements, or alternatively risk management concerns for compliance.
So how, as a new driver, do you get yourself in a position to drive HGVs with the top employers? We see this situation a lot and speak to countless candidates who are struggling to work it out and feeling put down, the good news is we've managed to help many drivers find a route to gain experience and trust with employers so that they can step up to the next level.
Whether you’re brand new to HGV driving with only a Class 2 license and no experience, or a freshly qualified Class 1 (C+E) driver eager to experience the thrill of driving an articulated lorry, there are still ways for new drivers to build a successful career with the right approach. So below we'll give you some reasons for the difficulties, along with some of our experiences/solutions to help you out.
One of the main challenges for business hiring new HGV drivers is insurance. Many companies’ insurance policies don’t cover new pass drivers, especially if they are under 21 or haven’t held a license for at least 12 months. Even when a company is willing to hire, its insurance might not cover any accidents caused by less experienced drivers, making taking on new drivers a significant risk.
Most driver negligence policies only cover those with over a year’s experience. This means companies are reluctant to hire new drivers for roles that involve substantial responsibilities, as they need to minimise potential liability. Naturally the bigger the lorry, the bigger the risk! Making it particularly difficult to mitigate this concern for Class 1 driving positions.
This one is more just preference on the employers behalf. Experienced drivers have proven skills in managing tight schedules, adapting to route changes, and safely handling large vehicles. Companies trust them to represent their brand well with their own clients and to navigate challenging driving conditions. For new drivers, building this trust can take time.
For new pass Class 1 drivers, taking on Class 2 roles can be an excellent way to get started. This is often our first and best solution that we offer newly licensed Class 1 candidates that come to us. By placing new drivers in Class 2 roles first with clients that we trust to look after them and help them move into the role they are qualified for. This helps you build a relationship with employers and gain valuable driving hours, you may not be compensated quite as well as you are qualified for a while, but the experience and trust built doing this is invaluable. Once employers have confidence in your skills, they may be more open to giving you Class 1 opportunities down the line.
This may seem like a step further back from the above solution, as you may not even be driving at all, however you should consider starting with roles such as a driver’s mate or delivery assistant. These positions let you work alongside experienced drivers, helping you learn the ropes in a less pressured environment. You will still build trust and respect with the employer, at the end of the day they completely understand the situation you are in, most employers are in the same position, requesting the same experience of their candidates, so if they want to end up with fresh drivers for their larger vehicles they have to allow some flexible in how that experience is gained.
Government-funded training programs, like the HGV Skills Bootcamp, and apprenticeships offer structured pathways into the industry. These programs often include hands-on experience, making you a more appealing candidate for companies. Although not the same experience as you would get on the job, and possibly a little to late if you are already qualified, these different routes should be considered if you are looking for the best route to take before starting training.
Temporary and agency HGV Driver roles are valuable for quickly gaining experience. As an agency offering temp solutions, we know that in certain situation we do have more flexibility in placing new drivers, we also have trust already built with clients, and if we feel that a driver is suitable for a role we can do our best to make that clear to a client. Temporary driver roles will allow you to log important driving hours, while building a network of industry contacts. It can also be valuable to you as a driver for your future choices, as it can give a wider range of experience in different industries that may help you make better informed decisions about future opportunities.
As a new driver, overall the goal is to build trust with employers by demonstrating reliability and professionalism. This trust will take you far in the HGV Driving sector. So keep in mind as we said before while you may not be able to jump straight into Class 1 work for example, the pathway exists, it has to or there would be no new HGV Drivers coming into the industry! So, please don't feel like you've wasted time and money for nothing training for the new HGV licence. With time and experience, you can earn the trust needed for these roles, and you will get there!
While entering the HGV industry as a new driver presents challenges, it’s not impossible. By focusing on building experience through entry-level roles and building client relationships, you can work your way up. At Prism 7 Resourcing, we’re dedicated to helping drivers of all levels find suitable opportunities. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support your career journey.
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