As many in the industry are aware, becoming a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Driver is a rewarding, but strict and demanding job. There are numerous rules, regulations and legislations in force to keep HGV drivers, and other road users safe.
As human nature allows us to have impulsive thoughts and intrusive behaviours, sometimes it gets the better of us. There have probably been one or two occasions where you may have done something that (technically) you shouldn’t have.
In the case of a logistic driver, there is no wiggle room to get away with bad driving behaviours.
So, what do you need to know, and what can you do to be a safe and competent driver?
Learn the top 3 Do’s and Don’ts to operating an HGV, and what you can do to be a sensible commercial driver.
HGV Don’ts
Elephant Racing
Although it is unknown who coined the term, Elephant Racing refers to slow overtaking manoeuvres by lorries, typically limited to approximately 60 Miles Per Hour (MPH) on motorways, either on a flat road or incline.
This practice isn’t best supported, as this can build traffic and make other drivers frustrated. If you are an HGV driver, you shouldn’t be trying to overtake another Larger Goods Vehicle (LGV) which is going marginally slower than yourself.
Although, in the instance that you are on a decline, and it is safe to do so, an HGV could overtake another HGV safely.
Rule 168 of the highway code also states that if a driver is planning to overtake you, you should maintain a steady speed, and, if applicable, slow down. Maintain a two-second gap if the vehicle is overtaking and planning to pull into the space that is in front of you.
The best practice is to always stay in the left-hand lane unless it is safe for you to overtake swiftly. But to also not use the right-hand lane if there are three or more if you are in an HGV on the motorway.
Using a Mobile Device When Driving
This is self-explanatory. As it currently stands in 2024, anyone who is caught using their mobile phone while driving or operating a motor vehicle will receive 6 points on their licence, up to £1,000 fine, and a potential ban from driving. However, if you are a professional driver, you can face fines of up to £2,500.
It is also explained that “Using any phone behind the wheel makes you four times more likely to crash.”
Although you can use your phone if it is hands-free, such as for a Sat Nav, this can still be distracting.
This law applies, regardless of the situation; no excuses.
Whether you are stuck in traffic, at a traffic light, or using a vehicle with a stop/start engine.
Section 27 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act stated that a traffic commissioner has the right to revoke a licence entitlement if they believe that the driver no longer meets the requirements of a professional driver (outlined in section 13A(2)). This includes if you are caught using your mobile phone while driving.
Putting your phone in your glovebox, or keeping it stowed will significantly reduce the urge to go on your phone while driving. Many fleet managers will also supply a Sat-Nav system for drivers to use, reducing the need to have their mobile phone accessible.
Tailgating
We have all been in a situation at least once where we are stuck behind someone who is going slower than the speed limit. This could be a learner, someone who is not a confident driver, or even someone driving in an area new to them. It can be easy to forget simple etiquette, such as giving the driver space.
Rule 126 of the Highway Code states that “Tailgating is dangerous, intimidating and can cause collisions, especially when driving at speed.”
Tailgating is considered an act of careless driving, which falls under the “driving without due care and attention” offence. Under no circumstance should you tailgate a driver, especially if you are driving a lorry. This can make the “tailgatee” do irrational things, such as continuously looking at you in their rearview, rather than focusing on the road ahead of them. This type of driving is intimidating for the vehicle user in front and can cause them to panic.
It is even more vital that lorry drivers do not tailgate, as the view in an HGV is a lot different to those in a Category B car. Always use the two-second rule between you and the vehicle in front in good driving conditions. If it is raining, double the gap, and multiply by 10 if the conditions of the roads are icy.
HGV Do’s
Stick To Your Speed Limits
As a lorry is larger and more prone to rollovers, the speed is limited as opposed to other vehicle categories. It would be very difficult to try to reach 70MPH on a dual carriageway or motorway. Also, it would not be practical to reach even 30MPH on standard roads/built-up areas. This is because vision, braking distance and weight limits are all different. The speed of your HGV should always be appropriate to the conditions of the road.
Lorry drivers may feel inclined to drive more carelessly due to their tight schedules or need to get a job completed within their tachograph and Working Time Directive (WTD).
Nothing is more important than your safety. Increasing speed can reduce your control of the vehicle, and you can become prone to swaying.
A speed limit is not a target. It is a maximum guideline which should never be exceeded.
Be aware of Other Road Users
One key part of being a lorry driver (or a road user in general) is that you can’t predict what others are going to do. They could change lanes without indicating, perform an emergency stop, or a pedestrian could walk out on the road without consideration for others. A driver could also overtake you on a one-lane road. Anything is possible.
There are so many situations which could happen at the flip of a switch. This is why as a driver, being conscious of your surroundings, and all road users around and ahead of you is vital towards the safety of you, your vehicle, and others.
Read the road ahead to understand what is going on. Is there a build-up of traffic when approaching a roundabout? Does this mean the cyclist to the left of you is going to overtake? There are many different conditions, and in nearly all of these, an HGV/ larger vehicle will be the one component which can do the most damage.
Keep in Line With Your Tachograph Hours
Your Tachograph card and hours are one of the most important rules you must adhere to as a commercial driver. Always remember to put your card in the electric tachograph (or use a manual tachograph if necessary) and keep track of the length of time you will be driving.
For example, after driving for 4 and a half hours, you must, by law, take at least a 45-minute break. The only exemption is if you are taking a rest period instead. Alternatively, you can split your 45-minute break into a 15-minute and 30-minute break. Providing this is still distributed across 4.5 hours of driving time.
You should never break tachograph rules under any circumstances. That is why it is paramount that you keep track of your driving time, break and rest periods, and any other work you may complete.
Safe Driving Means Saving Lives!
Now you are aware of the HGV driving do’s and don’ts, you can begin to implement these into your daily driving and make UK roads safer for all road users. Regardless of whether you operate an articulated lorry, a rigid Larger Goods Vehicle (LGV), or even a 7.5 Tonne van or truck.
If you are thinking about upskilling, changing your career and increasing your earning potential, then learning to drive a class 1 or class 2 HGV is for you! 2 Start offers a range of courses which cover the necessary rules and regulations when it comes to operating an HGV.
When looking to book your driver training course, you will also want to complete Driver CPC if you want to drive for hire and reward. Our CPC courses cover factors such as driver behaviours, well-being, and first aid!
Train with 2 Start, leaders of the logistics training industry on the South Coast!
Comments (2)
56 mph top speed some desk jockey not knowing how to drive a hgv put us down to this dangerous speed
Agreed we have a lot of responsibility driving these big long heavy vehicles with some drivers not fit to walk down the street but someone gives them a licence
Every day you deal with complete idiot car van driver cutting you up braking complete death wishes
But you report these think to the police nothing don’t have a car or anything to come out
I reported a hgv in the third lane for several miles gave reg number and all I got told sorry not able to attend even after the third phone call just not interested
So stop picking on the good hgv people that feed clothe and everything for youngrateful people help them No wonder the good ones are leaving the job
Thank you for your comment. Your points will be taken on board, as all views and opinions are appreciated from members of the industry. These comments help us give more of a realistic insight and provide an accurate representation of the sector as it is today. We will take your comments on board for any future articles.