HGV Class 1 Driver Job Description
An HGV Class 1 Driver operates Category C+E vehicles to deliver and collect goods on local, regional or long‑haul routes. This template sets out the licence, safety and operational expectations employers commonly require and helps you present a clear, compliant advert to candidates.
What does a HGV Class 1 Driver professional do?
Experienced Category C+E (HGV Class 1) driver required to transport palletised or bulk freight, manage vehicle checks and comply with drivers' hours and safety regulations.
HGV Class 1 Driver job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
HGV Class 1 Driver (Category C+E)
About the role
We are seeking an experienced HGV Class 1 Driver (Category C+E) based in [Insert location]. You will carry out deliveries and collections on [regional/long‑haul/multi‑drop] routes, perform pre‑ and post‑trip vehicle checks, keep accurate delivery records and follow drivers' hours and safety procedures. Contract: [Permanent/Fixed term/Temporary]; Hours: [Insert hours/shift pattern]; Pay: [Insert pay].
Key responsibilities
- Drive Category C+E vehicles safely and legally, complying with the Highway Code and company policies.
- Complete pre‑trip, en‑route and post‑trip vehicle checks and report any defects through the correct process.
- Load, secure and unload goods safely, using straps, load bars and other appropriate restraints.
- Operate tail-lifts, pallet trucks or forklift (where trained) and follow safe manual handling practices.
- Plan routes to meet delivery windows while complying with drivers' hours and tachograph regulations.
- Complete delivery paperwork, electronic manifests and customer signatures accurately and promptly.
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness and basic daily vehicle maintenance (fluid checks, tyre checks, warning lights).
- Communicate effectively with operations and customers about ETAs, delays or delivery issues.
Essential skills and experience
- Valid HGV Class 1 entitlement (Category C+E) on current driving licence.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) qualification and valid Driver CPC hours where required.
- Valid digital tachograph card and awareness of tachograph and drivers' hours rules.
- Current Driver D4 medical certificate (or valid drivers' medical) as required for professional drivers.
- Right to work in the UK and clearance to drive (DVLA checks or licence check process).
- Proven safe driving record and the ability to pass employer licence checks.
- Basic numeracy and literacy to complete paperwork and follow route instructions.
Desirable
- Experience with multi‑drop deliveries, curtain‑siders, tanker or high‑volume palletised operations.
- Familiarity with satellite navigation, transport management systems or mobile proof‑of‑delivery apps.
- Forklift truck licence (for roles requiring depot forklift use) or experience operating tail‑lifts.
- ADR training for hazardous goods where the role involves restricted loads.
- Experience with trailer swaps, artic and double‑trailer combinations.
- Customer‑facing experience and ability to represent the employer professionally on site.
What we offer
- [Pay: enter hourly, weekly or salary range including overtime rates if applicable]
- [Holiday entitlement: enter days per year or company policy]
- [Pension scheme: enter employer contribution or scheme details]
- [Training: e.g. driver CPC refresher, vehicle familiarisation]
- [Vehicle & equipment provision: company vehicle/telephone/uniform where provided]
- [Overtime, weekend or night premium rates (if applicable)]
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is an HGV Class 1 Driver role?
HGV Class 1 Drivers operate Category C+E vehicles to move goods between depots, customers and distribution hubs. The job requires safe handling of freight, routine vehicle inspections, and compliance with tachograph and drivers' hours legislation. Drivers must manage paperwork, maintain basic vehicle upkeep and communicate with operations to meet delivery schedules and customer requirements.
Route types
Long‑haul, regional or multi‑drop — specify typical route lengths and whether overnight stays are required.
Hours & shifts
Set out shift patterns, start/finish times and any regular overtime or weekend work.
Vehicle & load
State vehicle class (artic/rigid), common load types (pallets, bulk, tank) and loading expectations.
Customer contact
Explain the level of customer interaction and expected standards of site behaviour.
Typical HGV Class 1 Driver responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Drive Category C+E vehicles safely
Drive Category C+E vehicles safely and legally, complying with the Highway Code and company policies.
Complete pre‑trip
Complete pre‑trip, en‑route and post‑trip vehicle checks and report any defects through the correct process.
Load, secure
Load, secure and unload goods safely, using straps, load bars and other appropriate restraints.
Operate tail-lifts
Operate tail-lifts, pallet trucks or forklift (where trained) and follow safe manual handling practices.
Plan routes
Plan routes to meet delivery windows while complying with drivers' hours and tachograph regulations.
Complete delivery paperwork
Complete delivery paperwork, electronic manifests and customer signatures accurately and promptly.
Maintain vehicle cleanliness
Maintain vehicle cleanliness and basic daily vehicle maintenance (fluid checks, tyre checks, warning lights).
Communicate effectively with operations
Communicate effectively with operations and customers about ETAs, delays or delivery issues.
HGV Class 1 Driver skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Valid HGV Class 1 entitlement (Category C+E) on current driving licence.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) qualification and valid Driver CPC hours where required.
- Valid digital tachograph card and awareness of tachograph and drivers' hours rules.
- Current Driver D4 medical certificate (or valid drivers' medical) as required for professional drivers.
- Right to work in the UK and clearance to drive (DVLA checks or licence check process).
- Proven safe driving record and the ability to pass employer licence checks.
- Basic numeracy and literacy to complete paperwork and follow route instructions.
Useful where relevant
- Experience with multi‑drop deliveries, curtain‑siders, tanker or high‑volume palletised operations.
- Familiarity with satellite navigation, transport management systems or mobile proof‑of‑delivery apps.
- Forklift truck licence (for roles requiring depot forklift use) or experience operating tail‑lifts.
- ADR training for hazardous goods where the role involves restricted loads.
- Experience with trailer swaps, artic and double‑trailer combinations.
- Customer‑facing experience and ability to represent the employer professionally on site.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a HGV Class 1 Driver job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Lead with licencing and compliance
Put Category C+E, Driver CPC, tachograph card and medical requirements near the top so suitable candidates self‑select.
Be explicit about hours and routes
State typical shift patterns, whether nights or weekends are required, and if long‑distance or local routes are expected.
List core duties clearly
Include vehicle checks, loading/unloading responsibilities and paperwork tasks so applicants understand day‑to‑day expectations.
Use clear placeholders for employer details
Include placeholders for pay, start location, contract type and benefits so the advert can be customised quickly.
Mention training and progression
If you offer CPC refresher training, licences or progression to supervisory roles, note this to attract career‑minded drivers.
HGV Class 1 Driver salary considerations
Pay for HGV Class 1 drivers varies widely. Use your advert to explain how you calculate pay and which factors influence the rate rather than quoting a single market figure.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What HGV Class 1 Driver candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What are the typical routes and will I be home daily?
Drivers need to know if work is long‑haul with overnight stays, regional day‑runs or local multi‑drop so they can assess suitability.
What are the expected hours and shift patterns?
Clarify start times, end times, weekend work and average weekly hours to help candidates evaluate their availability.
What vehicle types and load handling will I be expected to do?
State whether trailers, curtain‑siders, tail‑lifts, forklifts or manual handling are part of the job.
Who is responsible for vehicle maintenance and defect reporting?
Drivers want to know what daily checks they must complete and how defects or repairs are handled.
How is pay structured and are there overtime rates or allowances?
Candidates will want clarity on basic pay, overtime rules, subsistence, and any performance incentives.
Is training or CPC refresher provided?
Experienced drivers often value employers who fund continuing CPC training or offer licence‑related support.
Where to post a HGV Class 1 Driver job
HGV Class 1 vacancies reach best results through a mix of channels: national job boards for broad reach, sector‑specific sites and logistics‑focused groups to target qualified drivers, and local depot noticeboards or regional driver Facebook groups for area recruitment. Specialist driver agencies and transport forums can help fill difficult shifts or temporary peaks — match your distribution to the route type, hours and whether you need long‑haul or local drivers.
Related transport & logistics job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
HGV Class 1 Driver job description FAQs
What licence and checks should employers verify?
Confirm Category C+E entitlement, Driver CPC, a valid digital tachograph card and a current D4 medical where applicable. Carry out DVLA licence checks and right‑to‑work checks, and review the driving record for recent endorsements relevant to the role.
Is Driver CPC mandatory for HGV Class 1 roles?
Yes. Drivers carrying goods professionally must hold Driver CPC qualification and meet periodic CPC requirements unless specifically exempt by regulation.
How should employers manage drivers' hours and tachograph compliance?
Implement clear policies, provide training on drivers' hours and tachograph use, audit records regularly and ensure rostering allows legal rest breaks and compliance with working time regulations.
Can I require a probationary/trial driving shift?
Trial shifts or driving assessments are common to confirm skills, but ensure you obtain consent, assess safely, supervise appropriately and comply with employment law and insurance arrangements.
What should be included in the job advert to reduce unqualified applicants?
State essential licence and CPC requirements, typical route types, shift patterns, vehicle type and any loading or site access expectations. Clear placeholders for pay and contract length also reduce mismatches.
Ready to hire an HGV Class 1 Driver?
Use this template to create a clear advert that highlights licence, compliance and operational expectations. If you need wider distribution, consider targeted transport job boards or specialist driver agencies to reach qualified candidates quickly.
