Getting Started
There are around 1,300,000 LGV drivers in the East of England. The industry is expanding and there is currently a shortage of qualified drivers.
Some drivers are self-employed, driving their own lorry. Others work for a manufacturer, major retailer or distributor with a fleet of vehicles. Some work for road haulage firms that move loads on behalf of other companies.

Entry for young people
At present, no specific qualifications are needed to become an LGV driver. Employers may prefer candidates with some GCSEs/S grades (A-E/1-5), especially in English and maths.
The LGV licence is divided into two categories:
• A category C licence is required to drive a rigid tuck over 3.5 tonnes up to 32 tonnes. C1 is restricted up to 7.5 tonnes.
• A category C + E licence is required to drive any LGV vehicle usually up to the legal maximum weight of 44 tonnes (including articulated lorries or drawbar combinations).

Drivers must:
• have a clean driving record
• normally be over 21
• hold an LGV licence category C1, C or C + E
• pass a medical examination.

Under new EU laws, from September 2009 all new LGV drivers will also have to train for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) at the same time as their LGV licence.
Younger entrants may be able to join the Young LGV Driver Training Scheme, managed by Skills for Logistics. It is open to candidates aged between 16 and 21, and offers a fast-track route to a full LGV licence and an NVQ/SVQ at Level 2. It allows some individuals to get a licence at 18.

Entry for adults
It is possible to move into LGV driving from other work, such as warehouse work, delivery and distribution.
Skills for Logistics manage the 'Women into Transport' programme, which targets women over 21 currently, employed in the transport industry in non-driving jobs, who are interested in training as drivers.

Training
LGV training courses last from one to three weeks. They cover driving skills, basic mechanics, and loading and securing loads.

NVQs/SVQs are available in Driving Goods Vehicles at Levels 2 and 3.
LGV drivers who drive vehicles carrying dangerous goods are legally required to hold an Advisory Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) certificate. Initial training takes five days, and certificates need to be renewed with a three-day refresher course after five years.

From September 2009, all existing LGV drivers will have to do 35 hours of training every five years as part of the Driver CPC regulations.

Getting on
Career progression to supervisory positions is possible, including in distribution or haulage management, transport and logistics planning, LGV instruction, or a specialised area of driving, such as hazardous goods.