HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland For Foreigners

HGV truck driver jobs in Ireland and Northern Ireland pay €11–€18 per hour and remain in high demand due to an ongoing driver shortage across the food, fuel, and logistics sectors. Although the UK removed HGV drivers from the Skilled Worker Occupation List, some employers still offer visa sponsorship or visa-procurement assistance, especially for experienced drivers.

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Why Ireland & Northern Ireland Still Need HGV Drivers

The shortage of truck drivers has been a long-term structural issue, not a short-term crisis:

• In 2021, the UK government estimated a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers
• Emergency visa schemes were introduced to protect food supply chains and fuel distribution
• According to international reporting, logistics shortages continue to affect supermarkets, ports, and processing plants
• Ireland and Northern Ireland still rely heavily on foreign HGV drivers, especially for long-haul and night routes

HGV Truck Driver Job Details (Ireland / Northern Ireland)

HGV Truck Driver Requirements (Eligibility)

To work legally as an HGV driver in Ireland or Northern Ireland, applicants must meet professional driving standards, not academic ones:

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Full car driving licence
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
• Completion of required HGV driving tests
• Knowledge of local road laws, tachograph rules, and safety regulations
• English language proficiency (IELTS may be required if applying independently)
• Experience ranging from 7 months to 5 years, depending on employer
• Must meet visa and immigration requirements (if applicable)

How to Become an HGV Driver in Ireland or the UK (Free or Low-Cost)

If you are not yet qualified, there are four main training routes:

1. Skilled Boot Camps (Best Option)

• Free training
• Duration: up to 16 weeks
• Government-supported
• Fastest route to employment

2. Apprenticeships

• Paid training while working
• Longer duration
• Employer-linked

3. Vocational Courses

• Classroom + practical training
• Fee-based

4. Private Driving Schools

• Flexible but costl

Benefits of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland & Ireland

HGV driving offers strong financial stability without degree requirements:

• Competitive hourly wages (€11–€18)
• Full-time contracts with overtime
• High job availability due to ongoing shortages
• Paid annual leave (as per labour law)
• Annual salary reviews and bonus schemes
• Employer-specific benefits such as:
  • Free or subsidized transport
  • Uniforms and laundry services
  • Bike-to-work schemes
  • Free parking
  • Paid training or apprenticeships

Northern Ireland Truck Driver Visa Scheme

The UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme, originally launched in 2021, has been reintroduced in modified form to address shortages in:

• Food processing
• Fuel distribution
• Supply-chain logistics

Key Highlights

• Managed by the UK government and Northern Ireland authorities
• Around 10,500 short-term work permits expected
• Anticipated visa category: T5 Temporary Worker
• Exact eligibility criteria may vary by employer and sector

How to Apply for HGV Truck Driver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Follow this step-by-step method to avoid scams and improve selection chances:

1. Prepare a UK-standard CV (driving history, CPC details, licence type)
2. Use official job portals and employer career pages
3. Search using terms like:
   • “HGV Truck Driver visa sponsorship Ireland”
   • “Lorry Driver jobs Northern Ireland for foreigners”
   • “Truck Driver food processing Ireland”
4. Select your preferred city or region
5. Review job descriptions carefully
6. Confirm visa support before applying
7. Submit your online application
8. Check for confirmation email

Conclusion

HGV truck driver jobs in Ireland and Northern Ireland remain in demand in 2026 because the driver shortage is structural, not temporary.

With hourly pay reaching €18, stable full-time contracts, and ongoing recruitment in essential sectors like food and fuel, experienced drivers still have real opportunities, especially those who meet CPC and safety standards. While visa sponsorship depends on the employer, many companies continue to support foreign drivers because local supply simply isn’t enough.

Frequently Asked Questions