Getting a job after passing your HGV test can feel like a big step. You’ve put the time into training, passed the assessments and earned your HGV licence, but it’s normal to wonder what comes next, especially if you’re trying to get your first HGV job with no experience.

It's also important to consider what kind of driver role you would like to do. Some roles focus purely on driving, while others include practical site work and specialist equipment.

In this guide, we’ll explain how HGV driving jobs work, what essential skills transport managers look for in new hires, and how to approach your job search. We’ll also look at HGV driver/operator roles in industries like drainage and wastewater management, including opportunities at Lanes for experienced drivers who want more than a typical driving role.

What Employers Look For 

Trying to get an HGV driving job with no experience can feel frustrating, particularly when job adverts ask for a minimum of one year or two years’ experience. In reality, there are still opportunities for new drivers, but your approach makes a difference.

Employers are usually looking for signs that you will be a safe and reliable heavy goods vehicle driver, even if you are newly passed. That often comes down to:

• A clean driving record, with minimal points on your driving licence.
• A professional attitude towards safety, including understanding working time rules and basic compliance.
• Good awareness of how HGV driving works in real life, such as daily walkaround checks and defect reporting.
• A willingness to learn, take feedback and work within site rules and customer requirements.

New HGV drivers can sometimes hold back from applying because they feel they need more confidence first. In practice, most people build confidence by getting into regular work, learning how different sites and routes operate and developing good habits early on.

Class 1 vs Class 2 – How Your Licence Affects Your Options

The jobs available to you will depend partly on your licence category.

If you’ve passed a Class 2 test (Category C), you may find a wider range of entry-level work, including multi-drop roles, local routes, and driving positions that involve regular customer contact.

If you’ve passed a Class 1 test (Category C+E), you may have access to longer-distance trunking work and articulated vehicle driving opportunities, although some employers still look for experience before placing new drivers into certain Class 1 routes.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Your First HGV Driving Job

Start by making sure your CV reflects the skills potential employers actually care about. Even if you haven’t worked in the HGV industry before, include relevant experience such as driving vans, working in logistics, construction, warehouse environments, engineering support roles, or anything involving safety procedures and responsibility.

If you’ve completed theory tests recently, it can help to mention that. It shows you took training seriously and prepared properly.

You should also be ready to explain:

• What you want from your first job.
• What kind of routes you can realistically handle.
• If you’re willing to work nights, weekends or early starts.
• That you understand regulations and compliance expectations.

Some new drivers benefit from doing a few shifts through agency work, especially as it can open doors to longer-term roles. Recruitment agencies can also help you find work quickly, although not every agency role is ideal for building confidence. It’s worth choosing placements that match your skill level and allow you to develop steadily.

What Sort of HGV Driving Jobs Are Available?

HGV driver jobs aren’t limited to transport companies delivering general freight. The industry includes a wide range of sectors, including:

• Construction and infrastructure support.
• Utilities and water management.
• Wastewater and environmental services.
• Tanker work and specialist vehicle operations.
• Local and regional distribution.

Some roles are closer to a traditional lorry driver job, where your main responsibility is transporting loads safely. Others, such as the HGV roles at Lanes, that involve additional duties and a more hands-on working day, including assisting operational teams on site, using vehicle-mounted equipment or supporting drainage and infrastructure maintenance work.

This matters when you’re looking for the “right” job after passing. While money will be a big factor in your decision, you should also consider the routine, physical workload, the type of environment you work in, and what your long-term career journey could look like.

When it Makes Sense to Look Beyond Standard Transport Work

Many people start their HGV career in general haulage or local driving roles. However, some drivers find they want something more varied than standard transport work. This might mean wanting a role with more practical involvement, more specialised equipment, or working as part of an operational team rather than working alone all day.

HGV driver/operator roles in drainage and wastewater work

Drainage and wastewater operations rely on heavy-duty vehicles and specialist equipment. In these roles, HGV drivers often support operational work directly, using vehicle-mounted tools to help complete jobs safely and efficiently.

For example, at Lanes, our Jet Vac Operators and Tanker Drivers take on tasks such as:

• Clearing blockages using high-pressure jetting equipment.
• Removing waste and liquid materials for safe disposal.
• Supporting cleaning, desilting and maintenance work.
• Working alongside field engineers to diagnose and resolve drainage issues.

This type of work suits drivers who want a practical job, who don’t mind getting involved on site and who can work responsibly as part of a team. It also comes with additional HGV training expectations, because operating jetting and vacuum equipment requires careful handling and awareness of safety issues.

Lanes has HGV driver job vacancies in locations across England, Scotland and Wales, and we welcome applications from experienced candidates. These roles can also suit professional drivers who have worked in other industries and want a change of direction, particularly those interested in practical work and learning new systems.

For those interested in finding out more, explore our rewards and benefits package, and have a look at our current driver vacancies.

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