HGV Driver CV template (UK, 2026)
HGV driver CVs are screened almost entirely on licence category, points, and Driver CPC status before anything else is read, so put this in a clear block at the top. Employers need to know Class 1 (C+E) versus Class 2 (C) immediately, along with tramping versus local trunking preference, tachograph compliance record, and any endorsements like ADR or Moffett/Hiab that widen the roles you're eligible for.
HGV Drivers: pay and who’s hiring
HGV Drivers in the UK typically earn between £32,000–£48,000 depending on experience, location, and shift patterns. Employers actively recruiting for this role include Eddie Stobart, DHL, XPO Logistics, Wincanton, Royal Mail. Tailoring your CV to each of these employers’ job descriptions — mirroring their exact wording — is what gets you past the ATS and in front of a hiring manager.
Keywords this template targets
- class 1
- class 2
- tramping
- trunking
- tachograph
- drivers hours
- multi-drop
- ADR
- Moffett
Certifications to highlight
- Cat C / C+E licence
- Driver CPC card
- Digital tachograph card
- ADR (optional)
- Hiab (optional)
Personal statement example
Class 1 (C+E) HGV driver with a valid Driver CPC card and digital tachograph card, experienced in trunking and multi-drop distribution across the UK. Clean driving record with no more than 3 points, strong knowledge of drivers' hours regulations, and ADR certification for hazardous goods. Reliable, punctual, and comfortable with both nights and tramping work.
Example experience bullet points
Adapt these to your own roles — keep the verb-first structure and swap in your real figures.
- Delivered trunking routes between regional distribution centres, maintaining full compliance with drivers' hours and tachograph regulations
- Completed multi-drop deliveries of up to 15 stops per shift for a national retail distribution contract
- Held a clean driving licence throughout tenure, with zero tachograph infringements recorded
- Transported ADR-classified hazardous goods in line with safety and documentation requirements
- Operated Moffett-mounted deliveries to construction sites, self-unloading without additional site plant
Section-by-section structure
- Personal summary — three sentences, lead with role + years + a measurable result.
- Key skills — 8–10 bullets, mixing the keywords above with one transferable soft skill.
- Certifications — bullet each credential with the awarding body and year.
- Experience — reverse chronological. Each role gets 3–5 bullets, each bullet starts with a verb and ends with a number where possible.
- Education — institution, qualification, year. Skip A-Level / GCSE detail if you have 5+ years of experience.
Common hgv driver CV mistakes
- Not stating licence category (C vs C+E) and points balance clearly at the top of the CV
- Leaving Driver CPC and digital tachograph card expiry dates off the CV, which employers must verify before offering work
- Failing to mention tramping willingness or preferred shift pattern, which affects which roles you're matched to
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 on an HGV driver CV?
Class 1 means you hold a category C+E licence and can drive articulated lorries with a trailer, while Class 2 (category C) covers rigid vehicles only. Class 1 roles generally pay more and open up trunking and tramping work, so state your exact category rather than just 'HGV licence'.
Do I need to renew my Driver CPC to keep working as an HGV driver?
Yes, the Driver Qualification Card must be renewed every 5 years with 35 hours of periodic training completed, and employers will not put you on the road without a valid card, so keep the expiry date current and visible on your CV.
What ATS keywords matter most for a hgv driver CV?
The strongest signals are: class 1, class 2, tramping, trunking, tachograph, drivers hours, multi-drop, ADR, Moffett. Include them in your skills section AND in the body of role descriptions — ATS systems weight contextual mentions higher than skill-list entries.
Should I add Cat C / C+E licence to my CV even if it's just in progress?
Yes — list it clearly with "(in progress, expected [date])". Employers screen-out CVs missing the credential entirely; partial credit is normal when the path is visible.
How long should a hgv driver CV be in the UK?
Two pages, ideally. For roles with under five years of experience, a single tight page outperforms a padded two-pager. Recruiters spend 6–8 seconds on the first scan.
See live hgv driver jobs by city
- HGV Drivers in London
- HGV Drivers in Manchester
- HGV Drivers in Birmingham
- HGV Drivers in Leeds
- HGV Drivers in Glasgow
- HGV Drivers in Liverpool
- HGV Drivers in Bristol
- HGV Drivers in Sheffield
- HGV Drivers in Edinburgh
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- HGV Drivers in Newcastle upon Tyne
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- HGV Drivers in Reading
- HGV Drivers in Coventry
- HGV Drivers in Leicester
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- HGV Drivers in Milton Keynes
- HGV Drivers in Belfast
- HGV Drivers in Aberdeen