Our HGV drivers here at Lanes do much more than ferry goods between locations. These hands-on roles involve supporting drainage teams on site, working with specialist equipment and helping to deliver essential services. Here, we explain everything you need to know to stay safe, and legal, when driving an HGV.

What licence do you need?

Lanes operates a large fleet of specialist vehicles, including jet vac tankers and CCTV survey units. To drive one, you'll need a full Class 2 (Category C) HGV licence, which permits you to operate goods vehicles over 3,500 kg.

All our drivers benefit from 35-hour periodic CPC training, supported as part of their continued professional development.

HGV driving hours: the rules and limits

Our HGV drivers may take on many different tasks outside the cabin, but they still need to comply with the rules that govern how long you can drive.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Driving time limits:

• You can drive for up to 9 hours per day, with the option to extend to 10 hours twice a week.
• Your weekly driving limit is 56 hours.
• Over two consecutive weeks, your total driving time must not exceed 90 hours.

Breaks and rest periods:

• After 4.5 hours of driving, you must take a 45-minute break before continuing.
• That 45-minute break can be split into two parts - for example, a 15-minute break followed by a 30-minute one - but both must fall within the 4.5-hour driving window.

Rest between shifts:

• You’ll need a regular daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours in each 24-hour window.
• This can be reduced to 9 hours on up to three occasions between weekly rests, as long as it’s planned properly.
• Each week, you must take a weekly rest period of at least 45 hours. This can be shortened to 24 hours every other week, but any reduction must be made up within the following three weeks.

Lanes uses digital systems to track drivers hours and working patterns. This includes real-time access to an HGV drivers’ hours calculator, which helps track time spent driving, breaks and uninterrupted periods of rest. These limits are designed to prevent driver fatigue and help keep you - and the wider public - safe on the road.

Vehicle checks and responsibilities

Before you begin your shift, you’ll need to carry out a walkaround check of your vehicle. This includes lights, tyres, brakes, indicators, mirrors, and any signs of wear or damage. These checks help reduce fatigue-related accidents and ensure legal compliance. At Lanes, you’ll be trained to log these checks digitally and report issues immediately.

What to expect at Lanes

You’ll become more than a driver when you start your career at Lanes. Alongside driving responsibilities, you'll train to be an engineer or operative and deliver services such as high-pressure jetting and CCTV inspections. That means stepping out of the cab regularly, assisting with setup, supporting major projects and maintaining equipment. It’s a hands-on approach that requires stamina, manual-handling confidence and awareness of your surroundings - especially when working in confined spaces or near public highways.

Training, support and progression

From your first day, Lanes offers training designed to keep you compliant and help you progress into a rewarding career. We will provide:

• Ongoing CPC training and safety refreshers.
• Confined space and Street Works Act training.
• Full training with cutting-edge equipment.

If you’re interested in a long-term driving role with excellent support and the chance to grow, take a look at our open roles today.

---