If you’re considering taking your LGV driver tests all the way through to CPC module 4, you may have heard some pre-conceived ideas about lorry drivers. Here, we dispel some of the common misconceptions.
Fallacy 1: All Truckers are Men
Just like in construction and IT, trucking is a field that is largely dominated by men, but even so, there is an increasing number of female LGV drivers all over the world including the United Kingdom. The statistics indicate that as of July 2018, the number of women commercial vehicle license holders was five per cent. Women are just as capable as their male counterparts, and this is indicated by the increasing numbers of women who are making HGV driving their profession. The truth is that many of the women drivers that we have encountered have been better than quite a few of their male counterparts.
Fallacy 2: Drivers are Not Valued
Out of sight is out of mind is the saying. However, in the case of LGV drivers, they do make the driving force behind any transport business. Without these LGV drivers, this business would have no chance of succeeding – and this would result in people not having anything to eat. Shops would be empty because there would be nothing to buy. All those things that you get from places like Amazon would never be delivered.
Fallacy 3: Large Goods Vehicles Can be Driven by Anybody
Yes, anyone can become an LGV driver if they receive the right training. It is, however, not a job that everyone will find suitable. It suits some people but not most people.
Driving an LGV can be a career that is quite rewarding, and it has its good points, but it is a job that is tough. If you are considering this profession as a career, visit a few trucker forums online, so that you can get first-hand knowledge about the pros and cons of this career of driving heavy goods vehicles.
Fallacy 4: Large Goods Vehicle drivers are Accident Prone
Drivers of large goods vehicles are careful, have an orientation of safety, and are better trained than most drivers you find on the road. The truth is that most accidents involving heavy vehicles occur because other people drive in their blind spots. You need to consider that an average large goods vehicle driver will drive more than ten times as many miles as an average motorist during the normal course of their daily work.
Fallacy 5: HGV Drivers are Underpaid
There may be some trucking companies that do not pay well, a truism that is not confined to the LGV driving industry alone. LGV drivers typically start at annual salaries of £19,000 to £24,000. As they get better trained and more experience their earnings can be significantly higher. Experienced drivers who are part of our Platinum Drivers scheme earn over £40,000 every year.
Fallacy 6: Large Good Vehicle Drivers are Not Cultured
This is an assumption that is snobbish and daft. Drivers do travel to many places. This gives them the chance to see a lot of places, sights, and things.
As a result, truckers meet a lot of interesting people, visit exciting destinations, and can even be required to travel to Europe or even further.
Fallacy 7: Driving is a Lonely Job
The profession of HGV driving can make a person quite sociable. Drivers constantly meet new people, share stories and are required to work with others.
As a driver, you will meet people from all over the country as you travel to an increasing number of destinations. It also makes you a valued member of a community that is always supportive.
Fallacy 8: All that a Driver Does is Sit
As an HGV driver, you will have many responsibilities, from planning your routes, having your vehicles loaded or unloaded and taking inventory. You also need to take care of yourself by remaining active. HGV driving is not a role that requires you to just sit behind a wheel.
Conclusion
Driving a heavy goods vehicle can make for a career that is serious and rewarding and attracts many selective and dedicated professionals. It is a fact that truckers you meet will be people who are committed, hardworking and reliable.