HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Imagine navigating the historic roads of the United Kingdom, where your skills as a truck driver are in high demand. Despite the end of the large-scale visa scheme, a critical shortage means determined international drivers can still find opportunities with employers willing to sponsor visas.

This is your chance to take the wheel of a new career chapter, offering competitive pay, full-time contracts, and the unique experience of life in the UK. If you’re a qualified HGV driver ready to navigate the path to a sponsored role, your journey towards a rewarding career on British roads starts here.

The Current Visa Situation:

Contrary to some information, the temporary visa scheme for HGV drivers ended. The “5,000 temporary visas” and the mention of a “T5 Temporary Worker” category for this purpose are outdated.

The primary, and often only, viable immigration route for a non-UK resident to work as an HGV driver is through the Skilled Worker Visa. This requires:

1. A Licensed Sponsor: You must have a job offer from a UK-based company that holds a valid Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office.
2. The Role to be on the Eligible Occupations List: The good news is that “HGV drivers” (under the code 8211: Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers) are eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa.
3. Meeting the Salary Threshold: You must be paid at least £26,200 per year, or the “going rate” for the job, whichever is higher. For HGV drivers, the going rate is typically the relevant minimum.

Job Overview & Realistic Expectations:

• Job Title: HGV Driver (Class 1/C+E or Class 2/C)
• Location: Across the UK, with high demand near logistics hubs and ports.
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Visa Sponsorship: Possible, but entirely dependent on finding a licensed sponsor.
• Typical Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary: £30,000 – £45,000+ per annum (not £11-£18/hour as a base, which is too low to meet visa thresholds). This often includes overtime and bonuses.
  • Pension Scheme: Employer contributions.
  • Paid Holiday: Minimum of 28 days, including public holidays.
  • Potential Benefits: Some employers may offer sign-on bonuses, subsidized training, or private healthcare.

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Restaurant Staff Jobs in UK

Benefits of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK

Working as an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver in the UK is one of the most reliable and rewarding options for foreigners. The logistics industry has a constant shortage of skilled drivers, making sponsored visas more accessible than in many other sectors.

1. Strong and Stable Salary

HGV drivers in the UK earn a competitive income. Pay rates often increase with experience, night shifts, long-distance routes, and special transport loads.

2. Guaranteed Job Security

Transport and logistics are the backbone of the UK economy. Because goods must move daily, the demand for drivers stays high, giving you stability and long-term employment options.

3. Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

Many UK logistics companies, supermarkets, and transport firms are licensed to sponsor foreign workers. This opens the door for a legal work route under the Skilled Worker Visa.

4. Overtime and Extra Pay

Drivers often get paid overtime, weekend bonuses, and holiday rates significantly increasing total monthly earnings.

5. Modern Fleet and Safe Working Conditions

The UK invests heavily in vehicle safety, road standards, and driver welfare. Most companies provide well-maintained trucks, digital tachographs, and strong compliance support.

6. Chance to Bring Family

Under the Skilled Worker Visa, eligible drivers can bring their spouse and children, giving them access to education and healthcare.

7. Pathway to Permanent Residency

Years spent working under a sponsored visa can count toward settlement. Many HGV drivers successfully move toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

8. Paid Training and Certifications

Some employers help new drivers upgrade their skills, offering:

• CPC training
• Additional category licenses
• Safety and compliance courses

9. Variety of Work Schedules

You can choose from

• Long-haul
• Local deliveries
• Night routes
• Short shifts
  This helps match your lifestyle and income goals.

10. Strong Worker Rights

UK labor laws ensure:

• Paid annual leave
• Proper rest breaks
• Sick pay
• Fair treatment and safe working conditions

Mandatory Requirements for Drivers:

Before you can be sponsored, you must have the legal right to drive an HGV in the UK.

• UK Driving Licence: You must hold a full UK Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and the correct HGV (LGV) entitlement on your licence (Category C for rigid lorries, C+E for articulated lorries).
  • For non-UK licence holders: You will likely need to exchange your licence or pass the UK HGV theory and practical tests. This process is best started after you have a firm job offer and visa sponsorship confirmation, as the rules can be complex.
• Digital Tachograph Card: You must have your own driver digital tachograph card.
• Language Proficiency: You must be able to speak and understand English at a B1 level (intermediate) for the visa application.
• Experience: Most sponsoring employers will require a minimum of 2-5 years of verifiable professional driving experience and a clean driving record.

How to Apply for HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship?

Given the challenges, a strategic and patient approach is essential.

• Secure Your UK Qualifications (or have a clear plan):
  • Research the process for converting your foreign HGV license to a UK one. While you don’t need to complete it upfront, understanding the steps and costs is critical.
• Find a Licensed Sponsor (The Biggest Hurdle):
  • Target Large Logistics Companies: Large, established firms like Wincanton, DHL, Eddie Stobart, Royal Mail, Tesco, Asda, and Aldi are more likely to hold a Sponsor Licence and have the resources to manage the process. Check their career pages directly.
  • Use Job Boards Strategically: Use UK job sites like Indeed.co.uk, CV-Library, and Totaljobs. Use keywords like “HGV driver visa sponsorship” or “skilled worker visa sponsor.” Be prepared for very few results, as sponsorship is not common.
  • Be Transparent: In your application and CV, clearly state that you require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship and outline your plan for obtaining UK driving qualifications.
• Excel in the Application Process:
  • Professional CV: Create a UK-style CV that highlights your years of experience, types of vehicles driven, and any special skills (e.g., ADR for hazardous goods).
  • Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your driving history, safety record, and your commitment to relocating to the UK. Demonstrate your understanding of the UK’s driving rules (e.g., the Highway Code).
• The Visa Process (After the Job Offer):
  • Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
  • You will then complete the online application, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and provide your supporting documents.
  • You will likely need to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre in your home country.

Conclusion:

Securing an HGV truck driver position in the UK with visa sponsorship remains a challenging but possible goal for qualified international candidates. While the occupation is no longer on the official skilled visa list, persistent drivers who obtain the necessary Driver CPC license and target the right employers can find opportunities.

The combination of a competitive salary, abundant job openings, and the potential for a new 3-month visa scheme makes this a compelling career path for those willing to undertake the required training and application process.

Frequently Asked Questions: