DO your bit to get the nation trucking again by applying to be an HGV test examiner.
Tens of thousands of would-be truckers are waiting to take the necessary HGV driving test — but a shortage of examiners means waits of up to three months.
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While the number of drivers taking tests has already been upped from 2,000 to 3,000 a week, thousands more can take their exam as soon as the new recruits are in place.
If you’re aged 23 or over, have held a UK or EU driving licence for three years, with fewer than three points on your licence, and hold a full manual Category C+E licence, you can apply.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Chief Executive Loveday Ryder said:
“We recognise the haulage industry keeps the wheels of our economy turning and have listened to its concerns about the lorry driver shortage.
“We have responded by doing all we can to support the industry in tackling this issue through increasing lorry driver testing.”
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “I would encourage anyone with the right experience to apply for a role helping to keep our country moving.”
- Apply by September 2, at tinyurl.com/fp6p33r5. There are 27 roles available.
Have the drive to succeed
FANCY life on the open road? Richard Burnett, inset, boss of the Road Haulage Association, answered our questions about life in an HGV cab.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AN HGV? It is a skilled job that requires patience, spatial awareness and the ability to control a very large vehicle. You’ll need awareness of more vulnerable road users and the condition of the vehicle and the safety of its load. However, most people who drive a car can be trained to drive a lorry.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BECOME A LORRY DRIVER? You’ll need a valid HGV licence. To acquire this, you need to be competent in English and maths to take the LGV theory test, aged over 18, hold a full car licence, and pass both the eyesight and medical requirements of the HGV test.
WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES? It can mean working long hours. Congestion on the roads can be a problem as it is for all drivers. The RHA has also been campaigning for the improvement of driver facilities while on the road and at distribution centres.
HOW MUCH DOES IT PAY? It depends on the work being done and to some extent where the driver is working. Salaries start at £20,000 a year for a newly qualified apprentice driver to approximately £40,000. Specialist drivers who transport fuel and dangerous goods can expect to make more, up to £60,000 per year.
Hundreds of jobs to apply for now
WANT a job on the road, but no overnight stays? Parcel giant YODEL needs 70 new HGV drivers.
All the roles are daily driving only, with no overnight stays. The jobs are based in Oldham, and Wednesbury in the West Midlands.
Applicants must be aged 21 and hold an LGV class 1 licence.
Yodel CEO Mike Hancox said: “It’s great to see The Sun showcasing the breadth of career opportunities currently available in the sector.” See yodelopportunities.co.uk
ALDI has roles available for 85 HGV class 1 drivers and 40 HGV class 2 drivers, with opportunities nationwide. The firm will pay for your driver’s medical, eye test, licence and annual CPC training.
Find out more and apply at aldirecruitment.co.uk/warehouse-transport/transport
NOBLE FOODS is recruiting class 1 HGV drivers on a £35,000 salary. For more information, email [email protected]
MARK THOMPSON TRANSPORT needs drivers, trampers and container specialists. Find out more at kinaxia.co.uk/markthompson transport/careers
Cash and carry firm BESTWAY has vacancies for HGV drivers. For details see bestwayjobs.co.uk
EDDIE STOBART needs drivers all over the UK. For more information, visit eddiestobart.com/careers-and-training/current-vacancies
Jobspot
CITY SPRINT has vacancies for 600 couriers with large vans. Apply at citysprint.co.uk/couriers
BRADFORD BUILDING SUPPLIES has ten HGV driver jobs: [email protected]
Lorry drivers and factory workers cleared to use daily Covid tests to escape isolation rules to keep supermarkets open
