The UK is experiencing an urgent shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers, and companies are now turning to international applicants to fill the gap. If you’re an experienced truck driver looking to work abroad, this is the perfect time to apply.
With annual salaries starting at £45,000, visa sponsorship options, and opportunities across logistics, retail, food supply, and construction, HGV driving jobs in the UK are more accessible than ever for qualified foreign workers.
Why the UK Is Hiring Foreign HGV Drivers in 2025
Due to Brexit, an aging workforce, and increased demand in the supply chain, the UK is facing a persistent shortage of HGV drivers. The logistics industry is struggling to maintain delivery schedules, and essential goods are frequently delayed costing companies millions.
To address this, employers are now:
- Offering visa sponsorship to non-UK drivers
- Increasing salaries and bonuses to attract talent
- Investing in overseas recruitment agencies
- Covering relocation or training costs for skilled workers
The UK government has also eased visa restrictions for certain skilled roles, including HGV and lorry drivers, especially under the Skilled Worker visa route.
Types of HGV Driving Jobs Available in the UK
1. Category C (Rigid Vehicle Drivers)
Pay: £36,000 – £45,000/year
Overview: Operate trucks over 3,500 kg with rigid bodywork. Common in local deliveries and waste management.
2. Category C+E (Articulated / Lorry Drivers)
Pay: £45,000 – £60,000/year
Overview: Long-haul drivers of articulated lorries (tractor-trailer units). High demand in logistics and food distribution.
3. Tanker Drivers
Pay: £48,000 – £65,000/year
Overview: Transport fuel, chemicals, or other liquids. Requires additional ADR certification for hazardous materials.
4. Multidrop Delivery Drivers
Pay: £30,000 – £40,000/year
Overview: Deliver multiple parcels or loads daily to residential or business locations. Usually within city or regional areas.
5. HGV Drivers in Construction & Building Supply
Pay: £38,000 – £50,000/year
Overview: Deliver bulk building materials to construction sites. Physical handling or crane operations may be required.
Visa Sponsorship for HGV Drivers – UK Skilled Worker Route
HGV driving was added to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, making it eligible under the Skilled Worker visa. This means employers can sponsor qualified foreign drivers more easily and with lower salary thresholds.
Skilled Worker Visa – Key Features
- Requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer
- Minimum salary: £26,200/year (but most HGV jobs pay £40K–£60K)
- English language requirement (IELTS or equivalent)
- Visa valid for up to 5 years with pathway to permanent residency
- Family members (spouse and children) can join and work/study in the UK
Eligible job titles under visa:
- Large goods vehicle driver
- Delivery driver (for heavy vehicles)
- Freight transport driver
Requirements to Work as an HGV Driver in the UK
To qualify for UK HGV driving jobs, you’ll need to meet certain requirements:
Professional License
- A valid Category C or C+E license
- If you’re applying from outside the UK, your license may need to be converted under UK DVLA rules
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
- CPC is required to legally drive HGVs in the UK
- If you’re coming from abroad, you may need to complete initial CPC training (some employers cover this)
Clean Driving Record
- Employers usually request a driving history from your home country
- Serious violations may disqualify you
English Language Skills
- Required for visa application (usually IELTS band 4.0+ or equivalent)
How to Apply for HGV Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Valid HGV license (C or C+E)
- Passport and ID
- Driving record
- Work experience or references
- English test result (if needed)
Step 2: Apply to Sponsoring Employers
Search for jobs using:
- Indeed UK
- TotalJobs
- Gov.uk Find a Job
- Logistics UK
- DriverHire UK(specialist recruitment agency)
Use filters or keywords like:
- “HGV driver visa sponsorship”
- “Category C+E driver UK sponsor”
- “International HGV driver jobs UK”
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer & Apply for Visa
Once you get a job offer, the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Use this to apply for the Skilled Worker visa online via the UK Home Office website.
Visa processing usually takes3 to 8 weeks.
Where HGV Drivers Are Most Needed in the UK
- London & South East: Supermarket delivery hubs and logistics parks
- Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry): Central freight corridors, Amazon/retail warehouses
- North West (Manchester, Liverpool): Port logistics and industrial supply
- Scotland & Wales: Long-haul and food distribution
- Northern Ireland: Cross-border logistics and construction supply
Benefits of Working as an HGV Driver in the UK
- High Pay: £45,000+ base pay, with extra for overtime and nights
- Visa Sponsorship: Legal right to live and work in the UK
- Family-Friendly: Spouse and children can join you with full work/study rights
- PR Pathway: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
- Free or discounted CPC trainingfrom some employers
- Assistance with housingand relocation in some regional jobs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need UK experience to apply?
No. Employers are open to foreign drivers as long as you have the right license and meet visa criteria.
Will my foreign HGV license be accepted?
You may need to convert your license after arriving. Some countries have license agreements with the UK, while others require additional testing.
How much do HGV drivers earn weekly?
Full-time drivers earn £800 to £1,200/week, depending on route, shifts, and bonuses.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. The Skilled Worker visa allows dependents (partner and children) to live, work, and study in the UK.
Will employers help with relocation?
Some employers offer relocation packages, including accommodation assistance, flight reimbursement, or free CPC training.
Conclusion
In 2025, HGV truck driving jobs in the UK offer one of the best-paying, visa-sponsored opportunities for skilled immigrants without a university degree. With salaries starting at £45,000, high demand across all regions, and a pathway to permanent residency, now is the time to take the wheel and drive your future forward in the UK.
If you have the license, skills, and determination, start applying today and begin your journey to a new life on the road.
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