Driving a large vehicle can be stressful, especially when it is on a long drive. However, this long drive can only be achieved by heavy commercial vehicle training which can be considered more than a job. The question raised is how does it feel to drive such a vehicle on the road? It’s more than having a licence or the guts to withstand lengthy driving, that's for sure.  

Buckle up because it’s not just for show, it’s a measure to keep you safe while I elaborate on how the world of HGV training operates.  

The Skill Set: You Don't Just Have to Turn the Wheel to Master It

It is hard to comfort oneself with the sheer idea that there is a vast difference between driving an HGV and going to the supermarket in a hatchback as they are constructed differently.  

- Spatial awareness: Out of the many issues one has to go through in order to successfully complete a round this one stands out the most.  

- Precision driving: It's not an understatement to say that making even a slight error can cause a lot of problems. Hence, precision while driving is a very good habit when it comes to HGV.

- Know Your Vehicle: Have you ever been in a car breakdown and thought, ‘I wish I had some knowledge of what was underneath the hood?’ With HGV this is a must. Knowing how a vehicle operates may help you a lot in avoiding the hassle of dealing with repairs when there’s no service station close.  

Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Game

Driving an HGV is not only a test for the body but also a test of one's presence of mind. A heavy vehicle driver has to deal with harsh weather, traffic, reckless drivers from time to time and this can be mentally draining. This is how people who have done it professionally handle it:  

- Patience: Road construction, traffic jams and a GPS that sometimes thinks that fields are roads are all part of driving. Being able to stay calm under pressure is vital.  

- Focus: It is easy to get distracted while driving a truck that is larger than some houses. This is a skill HGV drivers have to learn, being alert for hours.  

- Resilience: Not every day will be smooth. There will be delays, breakdowns, and weather tantrums. The main thing is: be able to get back up stronger.  

Safety First: The Golden Rule

When you're driving a vehicle that is capable of crushing other vehicles, safety is of utmost importance.

Keep these points in mind:  

- Pre-Trip Inspections: Inspect your automobile before departure. It’s like a checkup for a pilot boarding a plane. i.e. brakes, lights, and tyres  

- Defensive Driving: You must be aware of other driver’s actions such as unexpected activities and you must maintain a safe following distance and be ready to react anytime.  

- Rest and Recovery: Strain is a good place to begin, and the end can be catastrophic. Stick to the timings you are driving, rest between intervals, and avoid playing a saviour. 

The Lifestyle: Is It for You?

Being a driver of an HGV is not a monotonous 9 to 5 work. It’s a shift of lifestyle. Pack up early in the am, come back late at night or even roger for the week at times. But many do say that this is more worth it as it allows you a much needed break from staring at a laptop. While other HGV drivers also say, it allows them to steer around places that they wouldn’t have if they were cooped up in an office all day.  

On the other hand, being healthy while on the move can be quite troublesome. Between a serving of a pastry and a few good munch hours, a lot can go awry.

Trucking professionals eat healthy food in a controlled manner. They also take small breaks during the journey to do some stretching or exercise. Believe us, it would be good for your back.  

The Training: How to Get There

Obtaining the HGV licence, and becoming a driver is never going to be as easy as getting into a lorry. There are tests and theory as well that would provide you with a full understanding on how things work. This includes the CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) modules and practical exams. Indeed, it can be tiresome, however, it is extremely beneficial.  

Final Thoughts

Using heavy goods vehicles might be difficult for some, however, for others, this is more than just a job, but rather, an art form.

Strength, desire and a considerable amount of skill are some of the things one needs in abundance. But for those who find themselves comfortable behind the wheels and enjoy the sound of tires against the pavement, it is a profession that has a sense of excitement, freedom and offers a way to keep the wheels of the global economy working.  

The next time you spot an HGV on the motorway, think of the driver too. A fully qualified professional with very challenging and specialized life skills drives an HGV. That’s not easy and the work that they do is extremely commendable. For everyone who hopes to receive their essentials on time, that should suffice.