As shown by Ed Smith, in 2025, the United Kingdom still has a severe shortage of truck drivers, which Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated. This scarcity has solidified the chain of supply, which has caused delays in the conveyance of goods to the supermarkets, warehouses as well as the businesses.
In response to this, the UK has welcomed foreign workers and most employers have provided visa sponsorship on job opportunities as truck drivers.
Why Truck Driver Jobs Are in Demand
The situation involving shortage of truck drivers in the UK is not a new one and is estimated to require tens of thousands of the drivers to fulfill transportation needs in the UK. Brexit resulted in the departure of numerous EU drivers to the UK, whereas the pandemic lowered the workforce even further.
Consequently, the UK government has added the truck driver occupation to the Shortage Occupation List and the occupation is allowed under the Skilled Worker Visa.
This has motivated the employers to hire international drivers through visa sponsorship which has presented a special opportunity to the foreign workers to develop their careers in the UK logistic industry.
Job Roles and Responsibilities
The UK is dependent on truck drivers as it can guarantee the functioning of supply chains within different business domains such as retail, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. They include:
- Transport: Delivery of goods to supermarkets, warehouses, construction sites and other companies.
- Maintaining Right Timely Deliveries: Delivering products on time without violating the traffic law and safety regulations.
- Maintenance of Records: It means having proper records of the number of hours driven, maintenance, and records of delivery.
- Handling Various Vehicles: Driving a variety of vehicles including 7.5 tonne vans to larger Heavy Goods Vehicles(HGVs).
- Travelling Routes: Having the factors of using the UK road system that comprises of motorways, rural and urban network of roads.
The issue is that the truck drivers are employed in various industries, which is why it is a handy and needed occupational choice of employees of other countries.
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements that make you qualified to get jobs as truck drivers under the UK visa sponsorship programme are the following:
- Driving License: a valid category C (lorries over 3.5 tonnes) or C+E (bigger vehicles with trailers) driving license.
- Driver CPC: A Certificate of Professional Competence compulsory to professional drivers of the UK.
- Experience: 2 years or above of professional experience in the area of truck driving.
- English Levels: Basic knowledge of the English language of B level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale.
- Clean Driving History: You do not have any major endorses or penalties about your driving history.
- Job Offer: A confirmed job that is in the UK with an employer who is ready to sponsor your visa.
These requirements make you suitable to work in the field of logistics in the UK.
Salary Range for Truck Drivers
Truck driving is a well-paying career in the UK, with salaries typically ranging from £25,000 to £40,000 per year. Several factors influence salary:
- Experience: More experienced drivers often earn higher wages.
- Vehicle Type: Drivers of larger vehicles, such as HGV Class 1 trucks, typically earn more than those driving smaller vehicles like 7.5-tonne vans.
- Location: Salaries can vary by region, with higher pay in areas like London or regions with high demand.
The table below summarizes the typical roles and salary ranges for truck drivers in the UK:
Role | Salary Range (per year) |
---|---|
HGV Class 1 Driver | £30,000 – £40,000 |
HGV Class 2 Driver | £25,000 – £35,000 |
Delivery Driver (7.5T) | £22,000 – £30,000 |
Refuse Truck Driver | £25,000 – £32,000 |
Note: Salaries may vary based on experience, location, and employer.
Final Conclusion
Vacancies in truck driver jobs in the UK with sponsorship of visas are a viable opportunity to the international workers in the year 2025. This constant shortage of drivers has led to a high demand of skilled drivers and with the availability of visa sponsorship, the foreign workers would have working in a stable and well paid livelihood in the Logistics industry.
With this growing industry, you have a chance of a long term career in the UK, by following the application procedure, reading your pay expectations, and ensuring that you qualify the cuts. Begin your job search now and make your first step to the interesting career of the UK truck driver.