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HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship

HGV truck driver jobs in the UK in 2025 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 UK with Visa Sponsorship

  • 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:

  1. Age
    • Minimum Age: 18 years old.
  2. 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.
  3. Experience and Knowledge
    • Local Rules: Have experience and knowledge of local driving rules and regulations.
    • Truck Driving: Experience in driving trucks is essential.
  4. Education
    • General Requirement: No strict minimum education requirement for many employers.
    • Preferred: Some employers may require at least GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
  5. 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.
  6. Experience Requirements
    • Varies by Employer: Experience requirements can range from seven months to five years, depending on the employer.
  7. Visa Requirements

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.

Benefits of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK

  • Competitive Compensation: HGV truck drivers receive competitive salaries, with starting wages typically spanning from £28,000 to £40,000 annually, contingent upon their employer, location, and level of experience. Even more can be earned by experienced chauffeurs.
  • Bonuses and Overtime: Numerous employers provide bonuses for secure driving records, long-haul trips, or night shifts, which contribute to the total earnings.
  • High Demand: The United Kingdom experiences a consistent shortage of qualified HGV drivers, which guarantees consistent employment opportunities for individuals who possess the necessary licenses.
  • Industry Growth: The demand for experienced drivers is on the rise, providing long-term job stability, as e-commerce and logistical services continue to expand.
  • Relocation Assistance: Numerous organizations provide relocation packages that encompass assistance with visa applications, documentation, and initial lodging.
  • Health Insurance: The National Health Service (NHS) or private health insurance are both options available to employees and their families at numerous organizations.
  • Pension Contributions: Employers contribute to the pension schemes of their employees, which guarantees financial stability upon retirement.
  • Holiday Pay: Drivers are entitled to paid leave, with a minimum of 28 days of vacation per year, which includes public holidays.
  • Skill Development: Heavy-duty vehicle (HGV) drivers may acquire additional certifications for specialized positions, including the transportation of hazardous products (ADR) or oversized loads.
  • Promotion Opportunities: Drivers may advance to supervisory or managerial positions.

Visa Requirement

Foreign people must apply for a skilled worker visa in order to work as an HGV (heavy goods vehicle) truck driver in the UK under sponsorship. The following describes the application procedure, eligibility conditions, and visa requirements for HGV Truck Driver positions in the UK in 2025:

1. Visa Type: Skilled Worker Visa

You can work in the UK in a specific job with an authorized sponsor if you have a skilled worker visa. Because HGV truck driving is regarded as a skilled occupation, some UK firms are able to sponsor foreign nationals to work in these roles.

Eligibility Criteria

For the Applicant (You)
  1. Job Offer from a UK Employer
    • You need a job offer from a UK-licensed company that is authorized to hire foreigners for HGV driver positions and has a sponsorship license.
    • As is usually the case with HGV truck driver positions, the position must have the necessary competence level (RQF level 3 or similar).
  2. Salary Requirements
    • To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, you must earn at least a certain amount. This is typically £10.10 per hour, or £25,600 per year, for HGV truck drivers. However, depending on labor market constraints, certain specialized occupational types, like HGV drivers, can qualify for a lower barrier.
    • For some employment categories, the shortage occupation list may allow for flexibility in income criteria, with some paying as little as £20,960 a year.
  3. English Language Proficiency
    • You must demonstrate your ability to communicate in English. This can be done through:
      • a legitimate score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
      • Evidence of an English-taught degree or a comparable credential.
      • A citizen of a nation where English is the primary language.
  4. Health and Character Requirements
    • To make sure you meet the health criteria in the UK, you will need to pass a medical check.
    • You can be asked for a criminal record certificate, especially if you have spent more than 12 months in a country during the previous ten years.
  5. Maintenance Funds
    • When you get to the UK, you might have to prove that you have enough money to maintain yourself; however, some sponsors might take care of this. Before applying for the visa, you must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days, unless your company offers a certificate of sponsorship with a maintenance guarantee.

UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme: Online Application form

The UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme (originally launched in 2021) was renewed in 2025 (now known as UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme 2025) and was introduced by the 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 truck 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

More Info

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. How do I get sponsored for a work visa in the UK?

    First things first, you need to apply for jobs and let them know that you are looking for visa sponsorship. Once a company agrees to hire and sponsor your visa, it applies to the UK government for a certificate of sponsorship for you. Once you have that in hand, you can apply for a skilled worker visa.

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