Skills A Commercial Lorry Driver Should Have
If you are looking for employment as a commercial truck driver, you must have the driving skills necessary for driving heavy goods vehicles. If you enrol in an HGV driver training centre in the UK, you can acquire these skills. The more you practise, the better you will be prepared for the truck driving job. Being a heavy goods vehicle driver is not just about driving a lorry. It requires a range of skills and characteristics from other roles as well in order to make you an ideal fit. Let us see some of these skills.
Driving Skills
Without a doubt, good driving skill is an essential characteristic that a truck driver should have. You should enjoy the process of driving and should be a proficient driver who is happy to spend your time travelling. Apart from these basics, you need to know other official things. Along with a standard driving licence, you will also need a clean driving licence to show that it is free of convictions. If you possess this, you can complete your training from a reputed HGV driver training centre in the UK. This training can take a few days or weeks and will cover the theory, safety, and practical driving skills. Moreover, you need to be a safe driver. A heavy goods vehicle can have devastating consequences if met with an accident. Hence, driving the truck within the law, according to the weather conditions and roads. One should also be mindful of other drivers on the road and be considerate and respectful towards them. This is because, along with your reputation, you also influence the reputation of the company that you work for.
Mechanical Knowledge
As a heavy vehicle driver, you are not just driving a vehicle but are also responsible for checking the safety and efficiency of your vehicle. Therefore, you should have some mechanical skills and knowledge to address any minor mechanical issues that may pop up while on the road. This knowledge includes basic maintenance to avoid breakdowns and keeping the vehicle safe and punctual
Cleanliness
The cleanliness you maintain in your truck will determine how responsible and organised you are. Since you will be spending a lot of time in the truck, it is important to keep it clean and frequently remove your personal items from it and get rid of all trash.
Effective Communication
Effective communication with your colleagues and your company will encourage you to ask questions and open dialogue with your supervisors. Good communication is necessary for an HGV driver as you may need to radio in for food help or explain something to another employee. This will keep everyone informed and involved.
Being Alert
Being on the road means that you have to be alert all of the time and be aware of your surroundings. You should remain undistracted and goal-oriented and keep your eyes focused on the road. You should be prepared to stay focused because you may have to drive during the night. Remember that every truck driver has different approaches to staying alert. So you can consider talking to your peers and see what they suggest to determine what works best for you.
Wrapping Up
If you have these skills, ensure that you show your hiring manager that you are a great candidate for the job. Highlight your truck driving skills by including them in your resume and mention them during the interview.
Flexible Schedule – Commercial driving is a 24/7 job. Therefore, you will not have to work set hours each week. Instead, you can work whenever there is work available.
Health and Retirement Benefits – As a commercial driver, you will be eligible for health and retirement benefits once you have worked a certain number of hours.
Tips On Finding The Right HGV Training School
The right HGV training school can make a big difference in your HGV training and certification experience. Many training schools are available, but not all are equally reputable. If you want to be successful and receive the HGV training you need, you should choose a reputable training school. You can find reputable training schools by:
Reviewing HGV training school reviews- Read their reviews to get a better idea of what each school is like. You can find these reviews online or on review sites.
Interviewing HGV training school instructors – Getting to know your instructors and asking them questions will help you gain insight into the school and make it easier to choose a school that is right for you.
Advice On Getting The Most Out Of Your Training Experience
Your HGV training experience is your first step toward a successful career as a commercial driver. To get the most out of your training experience, you should make an effort to: – Make friends with your instructors and classmates. Your instructors and classmates can be valuable resources throughout your career as a commercial driver. It is especially important to form connections with your instructors. They can provide insight into the industry and make recommendations that can help you succeed.
Ask Questions Regularly – Commercial driving is a complicated industry, and there is a lot that you need to learn. It is important to ask questions to make sure you fully understand the topics in your HGV training course.
Complete follow-up training – Commercial driving is a lifelong skill, and there is always something new to learn. You should complete follow-up training to remain compliant with industry regulations and sharpen your skills.
Conclusion
HGV training and certification is an important step in entering the world of commercial transportation. To get your HGV license, you must complete HGV training and pass a Driver Certificate of Competency (DCoC) test. Once you have received your license, you can enjoy a steady paycheck and the many benefits of commercial driving. When choosing a training school, you should consider its reputation and look for signs that they will help you get the HGV training you need. Once you have completed your training, you can get your HGV license by passing a health and safety inspection and providing proof of a clean driving record. Now that you know everything you need to about HGV training and certification, it’s time to start your journey and become a professional truck driver