Your First HGV Job
What to expect during your first days and weeks, from receiving the keys to settling into a working routine.
Practical guidance, clear explanations and real-world advice for new and less experienced HGV drivers.
Written for drivers
Know what to expect
See it. Do it. Remember it.
Drive safer, work smarter
A practical guide for new and less experienced HGV drivers, written to bridge the gap between passing the test and learning how to do the job safely and professionally.
The guide covers vehicle checks, coupling and uncoupling, reversing, load security, tachographs, paperwork, delivery sites, communication, cab life and many other situations drivers face throughout their working week.
Paperback and Kindle editions coming soonPlain-English help for the jobs, decisions and situations new drivers encounter once they are handed the keys.
What to expect during your first days and weeks, from receiving the keys to settling into a working routine.
Daily walkaround checks, defect reporting and the responsibility that comes with looking after an expensive vehicle.
Clear sequences covering the fifth wheel, tug test, landing legs, air lines and electrical connections.
Practical techniques for setting up safely, controlling the trailer and knowing when to stop and reset.
Understanding load movement, restraints, curtains, straps and the checks required throughout a journey.
Modes, entries, common mistakes and an accessible explanation of the records drivers must keep.
Arriving prepared, communicating professionally and dealing with collections, deliveries and documentation.
Introductions to tankers and other specialist work, supported by photographs, diagrams and safety reminders.
Cab life, communication, wellbeing and the everyday habits that help drivers work safely and professionally.
Passing your HGV test proves that you can drive a large vehicle to the required standard. It does not always prepare you for everything that happens when you are handed the keys and expected to get on with the job.
HGV Driving Explained provides practical guidance for new and less experienced drivers. It covers the everyday skills, responsibilities and real-world situations that drivers face at depots, delivery sites and out on the road.
Written by Mike Henderson and James Nicholls, the guide is designed to help drivers avoid costly mistakes, work safely and build confidence through clear explanations, useful diagrams and experience from inside the industry.
The website is being developed as a companion to HGV Driving Explained. It will bring useful book-related material together so readers can quickly revisit practical information when they need it.
Details of the resources and how readers will access them will be announced closer to publication.
It is written primarily for newly qualified and less experienced HGV drivers, although drivers considering different types of work may also find the specialist sections useful.
No. The guide supports learning and helps drivers understand everyday working situations. It does not replace approved training, company procedures, current legislation or instructions from a responsible employer.
Yes. The book is being designed as an illustrated practical guide, using photographs, diagrams, checklists and step-by-step explanations where a visual example makes the subject easier to understand.
Planned subjects include checks, defects, coupling, reversing, load security, tachographs, paperwork, delivery sites, communication, cab life and introductions to specialist HGV work.
Paperback and Kindle editions are planned. Final formats, publication details and availability will be confirmed nearer release.
Options for businesses, training providers and other organisations are being considered as part of the publication plan. Further information will be added before release.