19 ways to keep your job as a HGV driver
1) Obtain your Driver CPC, be sure you have your blue Driver Qualification Card (DQC) and carry it with you at all times.
2) Get your digital tachograph card, keep it up to date and carry it with you at all times.
3) After passing your test, to boost your confidence and competence on more difficult routes, upgrade to a 4 hour driver development lesson before you start work.
4) Be flexible, being available to work early in the morning or late at night means it's easier for your boss to organise your deliveries. But you must be aware of the EU drivers hours and working time regulations, so print out and a copy of GV262 and keep it with you to refer to.
5) Boost your qualifications, maybe getting a HIAB Lorry Loader Crane Certificate and/or Moffett Mounty a Transportable Mounted Forklift Truck Certificate or ADR Licence? All these additional skills means you are a more valuable driver both for your existing employer but also can expand your opportunities to work for a much wider variety of companies.
6) Make sure you know how to operate tail lifts, and how to open & close the curtains on a curtainsider, or other relevant equipment attached to the truck - don't be afraid to ask for help - your boss would much prefer to give you Induction Training so you know what you are doing that have you break something that causes the vehicle to come off the road.
7) Make sure you have a Ready Bag with everything you need to grab and go. Your Ready Bag could contain a lorry drivers Road Atlas showing height and weight restrictions, a 24volt Sat Nav programmed for heavy vehicles, a heavy duty torch, a pair of heavy duty gloves, a shock proof case for your mobile phone/tablet, a disposable camera (essential if involved in an accident/incident as digital pictures are not acceptable for insurance companies 'proof', a hands free phone earpiece, a portable a vehicle height measuring device, a warning triangle, a high-vis heavy duty jacket with a hood, a bottle of fresh mineral water, any medication you require.
8) Make sure DVLA in Swansea have your current address then you'll receive reminders from them if your Licence / Photo ID / CPC / Tacho card is about to run out. Remember, you can update any new address details on-line at https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
9) Make sure you have some 'running money', i.e. a few pounds in cash as well as a debit/ credit card so you've got access to some money.
10) Subscribe to the HGV trade journals like Commercial Motor, Truck and Driver. Consider joining truckers forums on the internet like the Professional Drivers Association http://www.pda-uk.org/ or http://www.trucknetuk.com/
11) Listen to a radio station with regular traffic and weather reports, and make sure the traffic reports option on your radio is switched on (say, BBC Radio 2 to hear National Travel updates), and go on-line and sign up for TFL road report e-mail alerts (possibly, to your phone).
12) Consider visiting annual Trucking events, like your nearest http://www.truckfest.co.uk/ or the Commercial Vehicle Show http://www.cvshow.com/webcontent/
13) Follow DVSA advice regarding healthy eating and exercise - see pages14,15, 30 to 36 in the Driving Goods Vehicles book
14) Follow DVSA advice regarding Vehicle Safety and Security - see pages 141,142 in the Driving Goods Vehicles book
15) Follow DVSA advice regarding responsibility, attitude and work - see pages 20 to 29 in the Driving Goods Vehicles book
16) Daily Vehicle Checks - thoroughly check out the vehicle you are about to drive and ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heavy-good-vehicle-drivers-daily-walkaround-check
17) Make sure you have the emergency breakdown phone number for the company you working with.
18) Look on the back of lorries, watch out for companies that have stickers giving contact details for their Recruitment Team.
19) Register with DRIVERS ON DEMAND for temporary or full time work