Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Lorry or large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers are responsible for the delivery and collection of goods throughout Ireland, the UK and on the continent. They load the lorry and make sure that the load is securely fastened. When they arrive at the point of delivery, they clean and refuel their Lorries. Drivers usually have a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance.  
 
LGV drivers are responsible for planning the quickest route and keeping records of mileage and deliveries. They have to deal with invoices and delivery notes, and make sure that all the paperwork is completed for each load. They must comply with the various regulations that exist relating to their vehicles, such as speed and load limits or hours of driving.  
 
Some drivers specialise in delivering potentially dangerous loads, such as hasardous chemicals or extremely large loads. There are 3 types of lorry driver:

• Local - stay in their own locality
• National - travel around the country
• Long haul - travel to different countries They are often away for weeks at a time.

There are owner operator lorry drivers who own their own lorries. Company drivers drive lorries supplied by employers.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
• Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
• Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
• Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
• Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
• Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations, such as railroad stations, plants, residences, offices, or within industrial yards.
• Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements, in accordance with regulations.
• Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
• Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
• Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.

Further Information

• Large Goods Vehicle Driver- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways into transport & commercial driving.

Entrants are required to pass a test to obtain a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence. The test covers maneuvering in limited space, 25 miles of road driving and questions on the highway Code. You are also tested on LGV regulations and vehicle safety. Before undertaking the test you must pass the theory test.  
 
To apply for an LGV licence, you should normally be aged over 18 years and have a clean driving licence. You must also pass a strict medical test.  
 
It is possible for drivers to train in driving hazardous chemical vehicles or long haul journeys.  SOLAS runs some relevant courses. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: HGV, driving, distribution, rigid, artic.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: HGV, driving, distribution, rigid, artic.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Commercial Driver Apprenticeship.

TU Sligo & Freight Transport Association Ireland, deliver a 2 year NFQ level 6 Commercial Driver Apprenticeship, from January 2022.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €33k - €51k

Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, shift pattern, routeway, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Excel/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Talent

Last Updated: February, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Large goods vehicle drivers; Van drivers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment levels declined annually between 2019 and 2021, 2022 saw an additional 3,500 persons employed, with numbers employed exceeding 2019 levels. At 25%, the share of those aged 55 years and older was above average, as was the share of non-Irish citizens employed. The number of new employment permits issued in 2022 increased and related to HGV drivers.

There was also a high volume of vacancies for HGV drivers advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland although the volume of vacancies in the OVATE data fell. Both the Recruitment Agency Survey and the Skills for Growth data identified issues in filling vacancies for this occupation including for articulated and rigid truck drivers. Given the strong employment growth and the evident demand, a shortage of HGV drivers persists.

• Irish Road Haulage Association

  • Suite 6 Gowna Plaza, Bracetown Business Park, Clonee Co. Meath
  • (01) 8013380
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here