HGV Driver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship

If you’re an experienced HGV driver looking for new opportunities, the United Kingdom offers some of the best prospects in the transportation industry.

With a consistent shortage of qualified drivers and competitive salaries, HGV driver vacancies remain plentiful across various sectors.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about securing HGV driving jobs in the UK, including visa sponsorship opportunities, salary expectations, license requirements, and current job openings.

Understanding the HGV Driver Profession

Before diving into job opportunities, it’s essential to understand what an HGV driver does. HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, referring to large trucks used primarily for transporting goods across the UK and Europe.
The profession is divided into different license categories:

• HGV Class 1 (Category C+E): Allows drivers to operate articulated lorries with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) exceeding 7.5 tonnes.
• HGV Class 2 (Category C): Permits driving rigid lorries over 7.5 tonnes.

The demand for both HGV Class 1 and Class 2 drivers remains consistently high, with opportunities available in temporary, permanent, full-time, and part-time capacities.

Current HGV Driver Job Market in the UK

The UK continues to experience a significant shortage of HGV drivers, creating excellent prospects for both domestic and international candidates. This shortage stems from several factors, including an aging workforce, Brexit-related labor market changes, and increased demand for transportation services.

Recent statistics show:

• Over 100,000 HGV driver vacancies across the UK
• 15% increase in demand for Class 1 drivers compared to previous years
• Particularly high need for ADR (hazardous materials) qualified drivers
• Growing opportunities for lorry driver jobs in UK with visa sponsorship

This shortage means competitive salaries and benefits for qualified candidates, making it an ideal time to pursue HGV driving jobs in the UK.

HGV Driver Salary Expectations

One of the most common questions from prospective drivers is: “How much do HGV drivers get paid in the UK?” Earnings vary based on several factors including license class, experience, employer, and work schedule.

Average HGV Driver Salaries

Here’s a detailed breakdown of current salary ranges:

HGV Class 1 (C+E)
o Hourly Rate: £15 – £22
o Annual Salary (Full-Time): £32,000 – £45,000

HGV Class 2 (C)
o Hourly Rate: £13 – £18
o Annual Salary (Full-Time): £26,000 – £35,000

ADR Qualified
o Hourly Rate: £16 – £24
o Annual Salary (Full-Time): £34,000 – £48,000

Refuse Collection
o Hourly Rate: £14 – £16
o Annual Salary (Full-Time): £28,000 – £33,000

Industry-Specific Earnings

Certain sectors offer higher compensation:

• Supermarket chains: Tesco HGV drivers earn between £14 – £19 per hour, with annual salaries reaching £40,000 for experienced drivers
• Fuel tanker operators: Average £18 – £24 per hour due to ADR requirements
• Construction sector: £16 – £20 per hour for tipper truck drivers
• International haulage: Up to £45,000 annually for trampers (drivers who sleep in their cabs)

Regional Variations

Salaries fluctuate across different parts of the UK:

• London and Southeast: 10-15% higher than national average
• Midlands and North: Slightly below average but with lower living costs
• Scotland and Wales: Competitive rates, especially for remote deliveries

Visa Sponsorship for International HGV Drivers

For non-UK residents wondering about HGV driver jobs UK for foreigners, the good news is that many companies now offer visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. The UK’s Skilled Worker visa allows international HGV drivers to work in the country if they meet specific requirements.

Visa Sponsorship Requirements

To qualify for lorry driver jobs in UK with visa sponsorship, applicants typically need:

1. Valid HGV license (UK or convertible foreign license)
2. Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification
3. Job offer from a UK employer with sponsor license
4. English language proficiency (minimum B1 level)
5. Minimum salary threshold (usually £25,600 or going rate for the job)

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

Several major logistics companies and retailers actively recruit international drivers:

• Supermarket chains: Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s
• Logistics firms: DHL, XPO Logistics, Gist
• Waste management: Biffa, Veolia
• Construction suppliers: Travis Perkins, Selco

Finding HGV Driving Jobs Near You

Whether you’re searching for HGV driving jobs near me or specific roles like HGV Class 1 jobs, several resources can help:

Job Search Platforms

1. Government portals (HGV driver jobs gov UK listings)
2. Specialist transport job boards
3. Company career websites
4. Recruitment agencies specializing in logistics

Current Job Openings (2025)

Here are some real examples of available positions:

HGV Class 1 ADR Driver – Chesterfield

• Employer: Chemical Distribution Company
• Salary: £15.38 – £18.61/hour
• Type: Permanent, full-time
• Requirements: ADR certification, 2+ years’ experience

HGV Class 2 Refuse Driver – Coalville

• Employer: Waste Management Firm
• Salary: £14.71/hour
• Type: Contract, full-time
• Duties: Household waste collection with loader team

HGV Class 1 Tramper – Nationwide

• Employer: National Haulage Company
• Salary: £1,100 weekly average
• Type: Permanent, flexible schedule
• Benefits: Dedicated vehicle, overnight allowance

Career Development and Alternative Roles

Beyond traditional HGV driving, several related roles offer career progression:

Similar Jobs to HGV Driver

1. Bus and coach drivers
   2.Plant machinery operators
2. Delivery van drivers
3. Transport managers
4. Driving instructors

Experienced HGV drivers can progress to:

• Transport supervisor roles
• Fleet management positions
• Driver trainer opportunities
• Specialist operations (dangerous goods, abnormal loads)

Industry Insights and Future Outlook

The HGV driving sector continues to evolve with several key trends:

Technological Advancements

• Adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered HGVs
• Increased telematics and driver monitoring systems
• Development of autonomous driving technologies

Environmental Considerations

• Stricter emissions standards affecting vehicle requirements
• Growing demand for drivers trained in eco-driving techniques
• Expansion of urban consolidation centers reducing inner-city deliveries

Workforce Demographics

• Average age of HGV drivers remains high (mid-50s)
• Increasing efforts to attract younger and more diverse candidates
• More women entering the profession (currently about 2% of drivers)

Preparing for an HGV Driving Career in the UK

For those considering entering the profession or relocating to the UK, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Obtain the Necessary Qualifications

• Acquire the appropriate HGV license (Class 1 or 2)
• Complete Driver CPC training (35 hours periodic training)
• Consider additional certifications like ADR for hazardous materials

Gain Practical Experience

• Start with local deliveries to build experience
• Consider temporary HGV driver jobs to expand skills
• Specialize in high-demand areas like refrigerated transport

Understand Employment Options

• Evaluate permanent vs temporary HGV driver jobs
• Compare full-time and part-time LGV driver jobs
• Research companies offering career progression

Application Process

• Prepare a strong CV highlighting relevant experience
• Obtain references from previous employers
• Be ready for practical driving assessments

The UK’s HGV driving sector offers stable, well-paid career opportunities for both domestic and international candidates. With ongoing driver shortages and increasing demand for transportation services, qualified HGV drivers can expect:

• Competitive salaries exceeding national averages
• Flexible working arrangements including temporary and part-time options
• Visa sponsorship opportunities for overseas applicants
• Clear career progression pathways

Whether you’re searching for HGV driving jobs near me, curious about what Tesco HGV drivers earn, or exploring HGV Class 1 jobs, the current market favors job seekers with the right qualifications and attitude.

For personalized assistance with visa applications and job placements, consider consulting with immigration and recruitment specialists who can help navigate the process and connect you with reputable employers offering lorry driver jobs in UK with visa sponsorship.

The road to a successful HGV driving career in the UK starts with proper preparation and taking advantage of the numerous opportunities available in this essential and rewarding profession.