HGV truck driver jobs in the UK in 2024 that will pay for your visa: The UK started giving out 5,000 special short-term visas in the fall to help the food and fuel industries get more HGV/truck drivers. As part of this plan, a brief exception was made for HGV drivers from countries that don’t require visas to be able to work at the border. The British government said there was a lack of 100,000 drivers, according to the New York Times.
The UK government has taken the job of HGV Truck Driver off the list of skilled work visa occupations since last year. Still, there are some companies that will hire foreign truck drivers or at least help them get a visa. Truck drivers make a good wage—between £11 and £18 an hour—and get a lot of other perks as well. Find out more by reading on:
Details of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in the UK
- Job title: Heavy Good Vehicles Truck Driver/ Truck Driver
- Job country: UK.
- Job Industry: Transport.
- Job Type: Full Time
- Experience Required: High
- Knowledge Required: Not High
- Age Limit: 18-onwards.
- Free Food: Mostly No.
- Free Accommodation: No.
- Free Medical Insurance: Mostly Yes.
- Free Transport: No.
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes/ No.
- Salary: between £11-18
Requirements
To become an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) truck driver in the UK, you typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Age
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- Licensing
- Full Car License: Hold a full car driving license.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): Obtain a professional driving qualification known as the Driver CPC.
- Full Driver CPC: Complete five driving tests to achieve a full Driver CPC.
- Experience and Knowledge
- Local Rules: Have experience and knowledge of local driving rules and regulations.
- Truck Driving: Experience in driving trucks is essential.
- Education
- General Requirement: No strict minimum education requirement for many employers.
- Preferred: Some employers may require at least GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
- Language Skills
- English Proficiency: Must speak fluent English.
- IELTS Requirement: For a skilled worker visa, if not sponsored by an employer, an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is required.
- Experience Requirements
- Varies by Employer: Experience requirements can range from seven months to five years, depending on the employer.
- Visa Requirements
- Visa Compliance: Ensure you meet all visa requirements to work as an HGV truck driver in the UK. Click here to know about them
How can I become a free HGV Driver in UK?
You can choose one of these ways to learn how to drive a heavy goods vehicle: A skilled boot camp, B an apprenticeship, C vocational courses, and D driving school courses are some of the options. Skill Boot Camp is the simplest way to get there. It’s a free school that lasts up to 16 weeks. But you can take all of these classes in the UK. That is why you have to be in the UK, and you can do this through any visa and stay route.
Read Also: Visa Sponsorship Store Driver Jobs in UK
Benefits
Qualification Requirements
- Low Qualification Bar: It’s open to a wide range of people because it doesn’t require exact qualifications.
Attractive Salary
- Competitive Pay: Pay ranges from £11 to £15 an hour, based on the job and the amount of experience.
Full-Time and Overtime Opportunities
- Stable Employment: Positions are usually full-time, but there is the chance to work extra hours, which can help you make extra money.
High Demand
- Job Availability: The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of truck drivers, leading to numerous job opportunities.
Additional Employee Benefits
- Varied Perks: Employees and their families may be able to take the bus for free, get free clothes, take part in apprenticeship programs, get Christmas bonuses, park for free, and use laundry services.
- Transport Assistance: Some companies offer bike-to-work programs or programs that help pay for bikes.
Paid Holidays and Breaks
- Holiday Entitlement: The law in the UK requires that paid annual leaves and breaks be given.
Salary Reviews and Bonuses
- Annual Review: Most workplaces review your pay once a year and may offer a bonus system to reward good work and loyalty.
UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme: Online Application form
The UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme (originally launched in 2021) was renewed in 2024 (now known as UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme 2024) and was introduced by UK government’s Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy to invite foreign nationals to fill the gap between the demand and availability of Truck drivers and Lorry drivers in the food processing industry of the country. Under this scheme, the UK’s government proclaimed to distribute 10,500 3-month work permits. The exact eligibility criteria and suitable visa category for this scheme have not yet been announced. However, it is anticipated that the visas will form the T5 Temporary Worker category.
How to Apply
Conclusion
HGV truck driving offers a lucrative and stable career in the UK with a high demand for skilled drivers. With competitive wages, various job opportunities, and the potential for visa sponsorship, it is an attractive option for those looking to work in the UK. Understanding the job requirements, benefits, and the latest visa schemes will help you navigate the application process and secure a position in this essential industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of HGV truck driver jobs are available in the UK?
Local Drivers: Operate within a specific region or city.
Long-Distance Drivers: Transport goods across longer distances, including international routes.
Specialized Drivers: Handle specific types of cargo, such as hazardous materials or refrigerated goods. -
What is the UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme
Visa Distribution: The UK government will issue 10,500 three-month work permits.
Visa Category: Expected to fall under the T5 Temporary Worker category.
Eligibility Criteria: Detailed criteria are yet to be announced, but it is designed to help fill the gap in the food processing industry and other sectors.
