If you’re looking to become an HGV driver, you might be wondering what to expect. It can be tough to imagine what your life will be like on the job, especially if you’ve never done anything like this before.
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Get Professional Training
Your first step to becoming a professional HGV driver is training. HGV training can take anywhere from five days to a few weeks and covers every single aspect of driving HGVs professionally – from theory and HGV safety to practical driving skills. It will also include a health check, so everyone knows you’re in tip-top shape. To find out more about why working as an HGV driver can be the ideal career choice for you, visit this website: https://www.blogs4us.com/
Routine Tasks to Master
Before an HGV driver sets off on a journey, they are required to carry out a series of checks on their vehicle.
Checking the Vehicle
- The first check is of the vehicle’s tyres. The driver must ensure that all tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and that there are no signs of damage such as cuts or bulges.
- The second check is of the vehicle’s lights and reflectors. All lights must be in working order and the reflectors must be clean and free from obstruction.
- The third check is of the vehicle’s brakes. The driver must ensure that the brakes are in good condition and that there is adequate brake fluid in the reservoir.
- The fourth check is of the vehicle’s steering and suspension. The driver must ensure that the steering is free from excessive play and that the suspension is not excessively bouncy.
- The fifth check is of the vehicle’s mirrors. The driver must ensure that all mirrors are clean and free from obstruction.
- The sixth and final check is of the vehicle’s load.
Loading Time and More
After the vehicle has been checked over, it’s time to load up. This is usually a pretty consistent part of an HGV driver’s job, and most companies will expect the driver to be responsible for loading up the trailer.
Enjoy the Drive
The best part of the job for many drivers is hitting the road once their HGV is checked and loaded. They can be their own boss and control their own schedule as long as they meet their drive time limits and deliver on time. This allows them to choose when to eat, sleep, and rest, what route to take, and what speed to drive.
Unloading The Right Way
There are a few different ways that an HGV driver can unload their vehicle. The most common way is by using a hydraulic tail lift. This lift is operated by a switch inside the cab and is used to lower the back of the truck so that the load can be easily unloaded.
The driver must also have knowledge about how to unload different kinds of loads at a warehouse or store. You can familiarize yourself with how warehouses are designed to accommodate the unloading process.
Long Distance or Local
There are a few things to consider when making the decision between long-haul and short-haul driving.
If you are hauling heavy or oversized loads, you will need to stay on the long-haul routes. These routes are designed for vehicles carrying such loads and have the necessary infrastructure to support them.
Short haul routes, on the other hand, are typically used for lighter loads and can be more convenient for drivers who want to be home more often.
Are you interested in becoming an HGV driver? Then HGV or LGV training can help you get started on your journey with comprehensive training services. You’ll get all the information you need to get started with your HGV career, and you’ll also be able to prepare yourself for the daily life of an HGV driver.
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