Large Goods Vehicle Driver

On a large goods vehicle driver apprenticeship course, you’ll help deliver goods across all sectors and distances for a range of customers.

Large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers operate safely and efficiently, ensuring that the relevant things are delivered at the suitable time, location, and temperature (if necessary), with the correct documentation, and within the shortest lead times.

You will be responsible for maintaining the cargo and vehicle’s integrity by adhering to appropriate restraint, road, health, and safety regulations. LGV drivers may work in several sectors, such as shipping, transportation, import/export, freight, hazardous materials, and food.

You’ll deliver to various sites, including warehouses, organisations, and private dwellings, and your customers will range from large multinational enterprises to sole entrepreneurs and private people. You’ll be working in shifts and virtually, usually on your own. You’ll engage with a wide range of people and customers, and you’ll strive to exceed expectations by providing high-quality service that encourages repeat business.

What you’ll learn

On a large goods vehicle driver apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Drive safely and efficiently on public and private routes, and manoeuvre the vehicles in tight spaces.
• Control the vehicle correctly while considering the size and kind of vehicle and trailer.
• Ensure the safe handling of client objects, use suitable equipment and machinery safely and efficiently, and open and limit trailer and vehicle body doors safely.
• Prepare the vehicle and goods for delivery, including the safe usage and positioning of vehicle-mounted equipment; conduct vehicle safety checks and deal with or report any defects or maintenance problems to the appropriate person; complete daily walk-around check sheets.
• Ensure that measures prevent theft and damage to the vehicle and cargo carried out.
• Plan the most cost-effective route to follow while minimising waste and loss; plan, prioritise, and adjust when events occur outside of your control.
• Use IT systems correctly and in compliance with organisational requirements.
• Follow all relevant rules and regulations in the transportation industry.
• Work safely and follow health and safety regulations, such as manual handling.
• Work at your own pace and on your initiative.
• Collaborate closely with suppliers and customers to address any difficulties, damages, or irregularities.
• Work as a team member, exhibiting the ability to work under pressure and to agreed-upon deadlines.
• Assist colleagues and help to achieve objectives or goals.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Valid UK driving licence (at least category B, i.e., car licence) 
• If you work with these vehicles, have a driving licence that includes LGV for lorries or PCV for buses.
• Be over 18 years of age.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of three distinct assessment methods: 

• Practical Assessment
• Multiple choice test 
•  Interview

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.