Best New HGV Driver CV Template for Class 1 & Class 2 Drivers

Crafting Your Winning HGV Driver CV: A Comprehensive Guide for New Passes (2026)

Are you a newly qualified HGV driver eager to land your first role in 2026? A well-structured and compelling CV is your most powerful tool. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed template and essential tips specifically designed for newly qualified HGV drivers, including those with Class 2 (Category C) and Class 1 (Category C+E) licences, looking for opportunities across Surrey, London, and the wider South East.

At GS Driver Training, voted Best HGV Training Company for seven consecutive years, we understand what employers are looking for. While you might feel a lack of 'on-the-job' experience, your training and transferable skills are highly valuable. This template will help you highlight your capabilities and secure those crucial interviews.

New HGV Driver CV Template: Your Blueprint for Success

Here’s a detailed example of a CV structure you can adapt and personalise. Remember to replace the placeholder information with your own details.

Your Name

Your Full Address (e.g., 123 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1AA)
Phone: 07xxx xxx xxx
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn Profile URL (optional, but recommended for professional networking)

PERSONAL PROFILE / SUMMARY

A concise, impactful paragraph (3-5 sentences) that immediately showcases your suitability for the role. Tailor this for each application.

Example:
Motivated and safety-conscious newly qualified HGV driver with a Category C (or C+E) licence, eager to embark on a professional driving career. Possessing hands-on experience in large vehicle operation, advanced reversing techniques, and meticulous daily vehicle checks gained through intensive training. Strong understanding of road safety regulations, excellent communication skills, and a calm, reliable approach to driving. Based in Surrey and actively seeking entry-level HGV driving roles across the South East, contributing to efficient logistics operations.

LICENCES & CERTIFICATIONS

This is often the first section recruiters look at. Be clear and precise.

• HGV Category C (Class 2) Licence – Issued: Month/Year (e.g., March 2026)
• HGV Category C+E (Class 1) Licence – Issued: Month/Year (if applicable)
• Driver CPC Qualification Card – Valid until: Year (e.g., 2031)
• Digital Tachograph Card – Issued: Month/Year
• D4 Medical Certificate – Valid until: Year (cost typically £50-£120)
• ADR / HIAB Certification – (if applicable, e.g., ADR Class 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 – Issued: Month/Year)
• Clean UK Driving Licence (Car) – Issued: Month/Year

KEY SKILLS

Categorise your skills to make them easy to read and demonstrate your breadth of capability.

Driving & Vehicle Operation

• Proficient in large vehicle handling and control
• Expertise in reversing, manoeuvring, and parking large goods vehicles
• Competent in coupling & uncoupling procedures (for C+E drivers)
• Thorough pre-use and post-use walk-round checks
• Effective load securing techniques and weight distribution awareness
• Comprehensive understanding and adherence to tachograph regulations and drivers' hours rules
• Advanced hazard perception and defensive driving strategies
• Route planning and navigation using various tools

Professional & Soft Skills

• Exceptional customer service and communication abilities
• Strong time management and punctuality
• High level of reliability and responsibility
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols

TRAINING & PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

This section is crucial for new passes. Turn your training into valuable experience.

HGV Driver Training – GS Driver Training, Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey
Month/Year – Month/Year (e.g., January 2026 – March 2026)

• Successfully completed intensive on-road HGV training, mastering mirror management, lane positioning, and hazard awareness in diverse traffic conditions.
• Gained practical experience in coupling/uncoupling procedures and complex trailer manoeuvres (for C+E training).
• Regularly performed daily walk-round checks, ensuring vehicle roadworthiness and compliance.
• Practiced load security tasks, including sheeting, strapping, and weight distribution.
• Navigated a variety of rural, urban, and motorway routes under expert instruction, developing strong situational awareness.
• Completed all required Driver CPC modules, including Road Traffic Law, Health & Safety, Accident Procedures, and Tachograph Compliance.
• Undertook specialist artic driving experience at Dunsfold Aerodrome (if applicable).
• Achieved a high pass rate in both HGV Theory Test (Part 1a, 1b, 2) and HGV Practical Test (Part 3b).

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

List your previous employment, even if not directly HGV-related. Focus on transferable skills.

Job Title – Company Name, Location
Month/Year – Month/Year

• Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed daily deliveries for 20+ clients, ensuring 98% on-time delivery rate").
• Highlight customer-facing duties and problem-solving skills.
• Emphasise reliability, punctuality, and responsibility.
• Mention any experience with inventory management, warehousing, or logistics support.

Even non-transport roles demonstrate valuable soft skills that employers seek in HGV drivers.

EDUCATION

Keep this section concise, focusing on relevant qualifications.

School/College Name, Location
GCSEs / A-Levels / Vocational Qualifications (e.g., 9 GCSEs including English and Maths, 3 A-Levels)
Year of Completion

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Use this section to reinforce your commitment and flexibility.

• Willingness to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and flexible shifts.
• Availability for roles across Surrey, London, and the wider South East.
• Physically fit and capable of handling equipment and manual tasks associated with HGV driving.
• Excellent geographical knowledge of the South East region.
• Access to own transport for commuting to depots.

Top Tips & Tricks for Your New HGV Driver CV (2026)

A strong CV is paramount for new HGV drivers, especially when navigating the competitive landscape for Class 2 or Class 1 new-pass roles. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

1. Keep It Concise: Aim for One to Two Pages

Recruiters often scan CVs quickly. A clean, well-organised CV, ideally one page for new passes but no more than two, significantly increases your chances of securing an interview.

2. Start with a Powerful Personal Profile

Your personal profile is your elevator pitch. Clearly state that you are:

• A newly qualified HGV driver
• Reliable, professional, and safety-focused
• Flexible with location and shifts
• Eager to contribute to a reputable company

3. Prioritise Your Licences and Certifications

Transport managers will check this first. Ensure you prominently display:

• Your Category C / C+E licence details
• Your Driver CPC qualification (35 hours every 5 years, typically £150-£200 per 7-hour session)
• Your Digital Tachograph Card
• Any additional qualifications like ADR or HIAB

4. Utilise Industry-Specific Keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Incorporate keywords that will help your CV rank highly:

• Walk-round checks, vehicle maintenance
• Load securing, weight distribution
• Tachograph compliance, drivers' hours regulations
• Coupling and uncoupling (for C+E)
• Safe driving practices, defensive driving
• Vehicle manoeuvring, reversing, parking
• Multi-drop, trunking, logistics

5. Transform Training into Experience

You do have experience – it’s just from your training! Detail your practical learning:

• Specific manoeuvres practiced (e.g., reversing, bay parking)
• Types of routes driven during training (urban, rural, motorway)
• CPC modules completed (e.g., Module 2 theory, Module 4 practical)
• Any assessed training days or specialist driving experiences (e.g., Dunsfold Aerodrome)

6. Employ Bullet Points for Readability

Bullet points make your CV clean, concise, and easy to digest, allowing recruiters to quickly identify key information.

7. Avoid Common CV Mistakes

Steer clear of:

• Including your full home address (town/city and postcode sector are sufficient)
• Using bright colours, unprofessional fonts, or photos
• Long, dense paragraphs
• Spelling and grammatical errors (proofread meticulously!)
• Irrelevant hobbies or personal information

8. Highlight Transferable Skills

If your previous roles weren't in transport, emphasise skills that are valuable to an HGV driver:

• Customer service (from retail, hospitality)
• Sales (communication, problem-solving)
• Warehousing, logistics support (organisation, efficiency)
• Any role demonstrating responsibility, punctuality, and a strong work ethic

9. Emphasise Reliability Over Pure Experience

For new passes, employers often prioritise:

• Punctuality and excellent attendance records
• A positive, can-do attitude
• A strong commitment to safety and compliance
• Willingness to learn and adapt

10. Showcase Location Flexibility

Surrey is a prime transport hub. Mention your willingness to work across:

• The South East
• London
• Areas with major distribution centres (e.g., near Heathrow, Gatwick)

11. Tailor Each CV to the Job Advert

Never send a generic CV. Customise your profile, skills, and experience sections to directly address the requirements of each specific job advert.

12. End with a Strong "Additional Information" Section

This reassures employers that you are job-ready and have considered all aspects of the role.

New HGV Driver CV Template – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Do I need prior HGV driving experience to get my first job?

Ans: While experience is always a plus, many reputable companies actively hire newly qualified HGV drivers, especially given the current driver shortage (approximately 50,000–60,000 in 2026). They often provide additional training and support for new passes. Focus on highlighting your comprehensive training and transferable skills.

Q. What types of roles are typically available for new HGV drivers?

Ans: New HGV drivers can find opportunities in various sectors, including:

• Class 2 (Category C) Delivery: Local multi-drop, waste management, construction.
• Class 1 (Category C+E) Trunking: Depot-to-depot runs, supermarket logistics (some companies accept new Class 1 passes for night or less complex routes).
• Agency Work: Excellent for building diverse experience quickly.
• Specialist Roles: If you have ADR or HIAB, these open up more specialised (and often higher-paying) positions.

Q. How can I make my CV stand out without extensive experience?

Ans: Emphasise:

• Your valid HGV licence(s) and Driver CPC.
• The quality and intensity of your HGV training (e.g., at GS Driver Training).
• Your practical skills gained during training (manoeuvring, coupling/uncoupling, walk-round checks).
• Your strong work ethic, reliability, and excellent safety awareness.
• Any transferable skills from previous employment (customer service, time management).

Q. What is the typical salary range for new HGV drivers in 2026?

Ans: HGV driver salaries vary by licence class, location, and employer. In 2026, newly qualified Class 2 drivers can expect to earn between £28,000–£35,000 annually. Experienced Class 1 drivers can command £40,000–£55,000. Agency rates are often higher per hour but offer less job security.

Q. Is Surrey a good location for HGV driving jobs?

Ans: Absolutely. Surrey, and the wider South East, is a fantastic region for HGV drivers due to its proximity to London, major motorways, numerous distribution centres, and key transport hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick airports. This creates a high demand for qualified drivers.

Q. What are the costs associated with HGV training and licensing in 2026?

Ans: Key costs include:

• D4 Medical: £50–£120
• HGV Theory Test: Part 1a (Multiple Choice) £26, Part 1b (Hazard Perception) £11, Part 2 (Case Studies) £23.
• HGV Practical Test (Part 3b): £115 (weekday) / £141 (evening/weekend).
• CPC Part 4 Practical Demonstration: £55 (weekday) / £63 (evening/weekend).
• Training Courses: GS Driver Training offers HGV Class 2 from £847 inc. VAT and Class 1 from £1,497 inc. VAT. Finance options are available from £30/month.

Q. Should I register with HGV recruitment agencies?

Ans: Yes, registering with reputable HGV recruitment agencies is highly recommended for new drivers. Agencies can provide a variety of assignments, helping you gain diverse experience, build your confidence, and expand your professional network. They often have access to roles not advertised elsewhere.

Q. What should I bring on my first day as an HGV driver?

Ans: Always ensure you have:

• Your full UK driving licence (with HGV entitlement).
• Your Driver CPC qualification card.
• Your Digital Tachograph Card.
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): hi-vis vest/jacket, safety boots, gloves.
• A notebook and pen.
• Any company-specific documents or induction materials.

Q. What is the biggest mistake new HGV drivers make?

Ans: The most common mistake is rushing. New drivers often feel pressure to keep up, but safety and precision are paramount. Always take your time with manoeuvres, checks, and route planning. Remember the mantra: "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

Q. How can I build confidence as a new HGV driver?

Ans: Building confidence takes time and practice. Consider:

• Starting with local, familiar routes.
• Practicing slow-speed manoeuvres regularly.
• Asking experienced colleagues or mentors for guidance.
• Utilising any additional training opportunities, such as advanced driving courses.

Q. Are ADR or HIAB qualifications worth investing in?

Ans: While optional, ADR (transporting dangerous goods) and HIAB (crane operation) qualifications can significantly boost your employability and earning potential. Many specialist roles require these, and they demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Q. What are the legal driving hours and rest periods for HGV drivers?

Ans: Adhering to drivers' hours regulations is critical. Key rules include:

• Daily Driving: Maximum 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week.
• Weekly Driving: Maximum 56 hours.
• Fortnightly Driving: Maximum 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks.
• Breaks: A minimum 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving (can be split into 15-minute and 30-minute periods).
• Daily Rest: Minimum 11 hours, which can be reduced to 9 hours three times between weekly rests.

Ready to Start Your HGV Career?

With a professionally crafted CV and the right training, your journey to becoming a successful HGV driver in 2026 is well within reach. If you're looking to gain your HGV licence or refresh your Driver CPC, explore our comprehensive training courses at GS Driver Training. We're here to support you every step of the way.

For more information or to book your training, please don't hesitate to contact us today!