How to Write an HGV (truck) Driver CV: Fuel your Career
With an estimated 300,000 HGV drivers on UK roads, it’s a competitive yet rewarding and high-demand sector that spans logistics, supply chain, and freight transport. This guide is designed for newly qualified drivers entering the industry or experienced professionals applying for specialist roles such as ADR HGV positions.
A strong HGV driver CV should showcase your driving experience, route knowledge, key certifications, and commitment to safety. To stand out, a modern CV should be professionally formatted and tailored to your licence class, training, and route expertise.
In this article, we cover:
What sections to include to write a good CV for an HGV driver job
How to format your CV using our ATS-friendly CV template
How to list your HGV work experience and qualifications
Tips for newly qualified HGV drivers and experienced Class 1 operators.
Ready to hit the road? Streamline your CV writing process with CVMaker, featuring intuitive designs, professional layouts, and industry-specific advice on how to choose the best CV template for your next driver job.
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HGV driver CV example
Download this HGV driver CV sample in PDF.
This HGV driver CV example showcases how to structure a clear and compelling application using the Otago CV template, a clean, ATS-friendly layout ideal for logistics professionals. Harry Brown highlights his CE licence, five years of truck driving experience, and a strong record in vehicle maintenance, customer service, and route planning. This truck driver CV sample is suitable for both local and long-haul HGV roles across the UK.
What to include in a HGV driver CV?
To secure a job in logistics, freight or haulage, your CV for an HGV driver should include essential sections to meet industry expectations and impress transport recruiters:
Contact details: list your full name, email, mobile number, and home address. Ensure your contact information is accurate and professional.
Personal profile: write a short paragraph summarising your driving experience, route specialisms (e.g. local, long-haul), vehicle categories, and top soft skills such as time management, attention to detail, and customer service.
Driving licence: clearly state the licence category you hold (e.g. Category C, C1, or C+E), along with any additional licence types such as 7.5 tonne, and the year obtained.
Medical & DBS: employers often require candidates to pass an HGV driver medical and have a clean DBS check. You can put this in your CV or driver cover letter.
Education: include your GCSEs or equivalent academic qualifications. Focus on Maths, English, or any logistics-related subjects. A vocational qualification or logistics certification is a bonus.
Work experience: showcase any commercial driving, warehouse, or customer-facing roles. Highlight responsibilities related to route planning, punctuality, manual handling, or safety checks.
Skills: list both hard and soft skills, such as GPS navigation, vehicle maintenance and teamwork. Use bullet points for clarity and refer to the job description.
Certifications: mention relevant training, such as Driver CPC, ADR training certification (for hazardous goods), Digital Tachograph Card, or warehouse-related safety training.
Explore our master CV writing guide for an essential starting point for future job applications and tips for tailoring your CV to each job application.
Must-have CV sections
Personal profile
Skills section
Work experience
Education
Learn more about how to write a good CV.
Keywords for an HGV Driver CV
Get noticed by hiring managers and make your CV applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly by including keywords from job descriptions relevant to truck driver jobs. These might include:
Check the job description for keywords
Pro Tip
Writing an ATS-friendly CV means recruiters can scan and find your CV more easily. This increases your chances of being shortlisted for a job interview.
Explore the following CV examples for more tips:
Top skills every HGV employer is looking for
Use the CV skills section to demonstrate that you meet the core requirements for an HGV driver. Create bullet point lists for hard skills, and include examples from your own experience. Employers in logistics and haulage recruit candidates with technical expertise, such as handling electronic systems, combined with reliability and strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication.
Essential skills for HGV drivers
Time management: efficiently planning routes and schedules to meet delivery windows and reduce delays.
Route planning: using GPS systems and map-reading skills to select the safest and fastest paths.
Vehicle maintenance: performing pre- and post-checks, reporting faults, and ensuring vehicle roadworthiness.
Customer service: communicating courteously at delivery points and building trust with clients.
Manual handling: safely loading and unloading goods, following health and safety protocols.
Use your personal profile to showcase soft skills in action
"Reliable and safety-focused HGV Driver with a strong track record of meeting tight delivery schedules while maintaining excellent communication with logistics teams and clients."
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Class 1, 2 or 3 Licence | Reliability |
| ADR Training | Communication |
| Digital tachograph card | Adaptability |
| GPS & fleet systems | Teamwork |
| Vehicle inspection | Attention to detail |
You can also integrate these skills into your experience section
"Completed multi-drop deliveries across the UK, consistently meeting tight deadlines while maintaining accurate logs and ensuring full compliance with driver regulations."
For more ideas, visit our blog on the top skills that employers look for in 2025.
How to write a personal profile for a HGV driver CV
Your personal profile is the opening paragraph of your HGV driver CV and plays a key role in capturing a recruiter’s attention. It should be around 50 words and tailored to your target role. For newly qualified drivers or career changers, it's also a great opportunity to highlight transferable skills from other related roles.
How to format your personal profile:
State your job title or career stage (e.g. "HGV Class 1 Driver" or "Newly Qualified Driver")
Highlight years of experience (or recent certification)
Mention key qualifications or licences (e.g. CPC, ADR)
List relevant soft skills (e.g. communication, punctuality, vehicle safety)
Include career goals or professional value (e.g. safety-first approach, delivering on time).
Personal profile on a CV
Whether you are looking for your first job as an HGV truck driver or a seasoned professional, a personal profile is essential for your CV when targeting the UK job market. This statement should grab the attention of employers and set you apart from other applicants.
Learn more about how to successfully pitch yourself in a personal profile.
Personal profile examples for a truck driver CV
HGV Driver CV personal profile example
Reliable and safety-focused HGV Class 1 driver with over 6 years of experience transporting goods across the UK and Europe. Skilled in vehicle checks, defect reporting and maintaining delivery schedules. Strong knowledge of GPS systems and tacho regulations. Committed to ensuring cargo security and delivering on time, every time.
Truck Driver CV personal profile example
Experienced truck driver with a full UK licence and a proven record in long-haul logistics and warehouse operations. Strong route planning, time management and manual handling skills. Known for maintaining excellent relationships with clients and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction. Passionate about safe, efficient and punctual deliveries.
Newly Qualified HGV Driver CV personal profile example
Newly qualified HGV driver with a full CPC, clean licence and Class 2 qualification. Enthusiastic and highly organised with prior experience in warehouse roles and goods-in/goods-out processes. Strong understanding of health and safety, route navigation and digital tachographs. Eager to start a driving career with a reputable logistics company.
Heavy Truck Driver CV personal profile example
Physically fit and dependable heavy truck driver with over 8 years of experience transporting bulky and hazardous goods. Holds ADR certification and extensive knowledge of weight regulations and loading protocols. Comfortable with overnight trips and cross-border driving. Prioritises cargo safety, legal compliance and excellent customer service.
HGV Driver and Operator CV personal profile example
Dual-qualified HGV driver and forklift operator with 10 years' experience in logistics and warehouse management. Skilled in trailer coupling, loading/unloading, and route scheduling. Maintains up-to-date driver CPC and excels under pressure. A dependable team player who values punctuality, vehicle care and safety on the road.
How to include relevant work experience as an HGV driver
When applying for an HGV driver position, present the work experience section clearly in reverse chronological order (with the most recent job first). Emphasise your knowledge and experience with operational responsibility, compliance with safety regulations, and customer service.
What should each work experience entry include?
Job title of current or previous role
Organisation name and location
Dates of employment (month/year)
A concise paragraph detailing your duties
Followed by 2–3 bullet points that highlight your key achievements or measurable impact
Use action verbs like “coordinated”, “ensured”, “documented”, and “responded”.
Learn more about the work experience section in a CV.
Highlight achievements on your CV with bullet points (e.g. improved client satisfaction scores or reduced loading times). Use metrics whenever possible (e.g. haulage volume, efficiency gains, audit outcomes) to demonstrate measurable results.
Good versus bad achievement examples for work history
Good example
“Reduced delivery delays by 15% via efficient route planning and improved rest break scheduling.”
Bad example
“Helped with deliveries.”
Good example
“Maintained 98% on-time performance across 3-year routes.”
Bad example
“Drove on time.”
Good example
“Achieved zero ADR incidents over 36 months, following all safety protocols.”
Bad example
“Stayed safe while driving.”
Truck driver CV work experience examples
HGV Class 1 Driver, National Freight Ltd, Manchester, UK, 2020–2023
Operated UK-wide long-distance freight routes, transporting goods under challenging schedules while meeting all Driver CPC, ADR, and Driver card requirements. Delivered essential supplies across sectors, including retail and construction.
Improved on-time delivery rate to 98% by optimising route planning and proactive vehicle maintenance coordination
Reduced delivery-related delays by 15% by identifying early faults and liaising with warehouse teams.
Tanker Driver, FuelExpress Ltd, Birmingham, UK, 2017 – 2020
Transported hazardous liquids across regional routes, strictly adhering to ADR safety protocols. Managed tank inspections, refuelling schedules, and upkeep of vehicle logs.
Achieved zero safety incidents over three years through rigorous ADR compliance
Recognised as Safety Driver of the Year for exemplary record keeping and proactive hazard prevention.
ADR Tanker Driver, BioFuel Transport Ltd, Slough, 2019 – 2022
Delivered hazardous liquid materials to commercial depots and service stations, following ADR Class 3 protocols. Carried out pre-delivery checks, tank loading/unloading, and defect reporting while working under tight schedules.
Completed all journeys incident-free across 3 years with zero breaches of ADR compliance
Trained three new ADR drivers on route safety, vehicle checks, and onboard monitoring systems.
Truck Driver & Logistics Operative, Midlands Freight, Nottingham,2018 – 2023
Supported warehouse and transport teams by assisting with loading/unloading deliveries, route preparation, and last-mile deliveries. Maintained driver logs, assisted with Goods-in/Goods-out processes, and supported vehicle maintenance.
Recognised for outstanding accuracy in delivery records and warehouse stock checks, reducing shipping errors by 10%
Supported the transition to GPS-based route tracking, increasing delivery speeds by 20% across the East Midlands region.
HGV driver CV work experience example with little to no experience
Trainee HGV Driver, Swift Logistics, Sheffield, UK, 2024 – present
Completed structured Class 1 licence training while assisting with practical delivery routes and vehicle inspections under supervision. Gained exposure to real-world route planning, regulations, and dynamic customer environments.
Shadowed senior Class 1 drivers over 200 hours, supporting schedule adherence and professional communication with clients and warehouse teams.
Learn more about how to apply for your first job as a truck driver.
How to include education on a CV for an HVG driver
While formal education on a CV for a truck driver job isn’t the main focus, it still plays a supporting role in showing your eligibility and attention to detail. For most HGV driver jobs, employers expect a basic secondary school education, such as GCSEs (or equivalent), with English and Maths being particularly relevant.
How to format education:
GCSEs
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Year of completion]
GCSEs (Geography, English, Maths) Kingston Secondary School, London, 2017
A-Levels or AS Levels
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Years completed]
AS Levels, Geography (B), PE (B), Business (C) Walsall Sixth Form College, West Midlands, UK, 2018
Don't forget to add any additional courses or certificates on your CV to boost your application.
Course or certificate
[Course or certificate name], [Institution or Issuer], [Location (optional)], [Date of completion]
ADR Training – Classes 2, 3, and 7, Logistics Training Centre, Online/Hybrid, 2024
Course or certificate
[Course or certificate name], [Institution or Issuer], [Location (optional)], [Date of completion]
Driver CPC Certification, EP Training, Guildford, 2023
How to write a CV for an HGV driver with little to no experience
If you have little to no HGV experience or are a recent school leaver, highlight transferable skills such as time management and teamwork from any relevant work experience such as a postperson or factory worker.
If you're writing your first CV with no experience, consider referencing some of the below:
Driver with warehouse duties (e.g. forklift use, goods-in/goods-out)
Experience with part-time work or apprenticeships (e.g. electrician or factory work) due to long or irregular shifts
Manual handling training
Volunteer work involving route planning or community delivery schemes
Manual handling, customer service, or route supervision.
For more advice, read our careers advice for school leavers and tips on returning to work.
The essentials for a strong HGV Driver CV and application
To win over transport recruiters, your HGV driver CV should present your licence type (e.g. CE, C1), Driver CPC, and any specialist training such as ADR certification. Emphasise relevant experience and measurable results, like on-time delivery rates, clean safety records, or improved routing efficiency. Combine technical know-how (e.g. vehicle maintenance, tachograph use) with key soft skills such as reliability, customer service, and time management.
Dos and don’ts for a truck driver CV:
Dos
Tailor your CV for each HGV driver job with relevant keywords and job description terms.
Show compliance with safety protocols and punctuality stats.
Proofread and keep your CV length concise.
Don'ts
List irrelevant qualifications or skills
Rely on AI to write all of your CV
Use unprofessional fonts, graphics or colours.
Next steps?
Browse our matching cover letter templates to present your unique strengths and suitability to employers. Streamline your job application and learn how to send your CV via email, include references and prepare for a job interview to succeed. Explore the average salary in the UK to prepare for your career move.
FAQs
What is a good summary for a truck driver?
A good truck driver summary should briefly highlight your HGV licence type, years of experience, key strengths like punctuality and safety, and any relevant certifications (e.g. CPC, ADR). Include your driving focus, such as long-haul or local deliveries and your reliability or customer service skills to show you're a strong fit for the role.
How much do HGV drivers earn in the UK?
Salaries range from £27,000 to £47,000, varying by experience, licence type, and route. Roles in long-haul and specialist transport often attract higher pay.
What qualifications do I need to be a lorry driver in the UK?
Full UK driving licence, CPC certification, Class C or C+E entitlement, medical clearance, and DBS checks. ADR and forklift or mechanical skills (for warehouse roles) are valuable extras.
Is it worth being an HGV driver in the UK?
Yes. With consistent demand, good pay, and clear career paths, it's a solid choice, especially with rising e-commerce, marketing and supply chain growth.
Where can I find HGV Driver jobs in the UK for foreigners?
Search popular job boards like Reed or Indeed, check driver jobs at UK agencies, and explore sponsored vacancies via local logistics firms. Alternatively, look into apprenticeship schemes offering licensure and sponsorship. Read our blog on the UK’s top international job opportunities and learn if you need to add nationality to your CV.
