Becoming a tanker driver in the UK offers a rewarding career with variety and responsibility. Tanker drivers transport liquids such as fuel, chemicals, milk, and waste, often dealing with hazardous materials. This role requires specific qualifications, training, and practical experience. In this guide, we’ll explain how to become a tanker driver, the key skills you’ll need, and the duties you will perform on the job.
What Does a Tanker Driver Do?
A tanker driver specializes in transporting bulk liquids or materials in large vehicles known as tankers. Tanker drivers handle a wide range of goods, including:
- Fuel: Petrol, diesel, and other fuels.
- Chemicals: Industrial chemicals, agricultural products, and hazardous substances.
- Milk: Dairy products delivered from farms to processing facilities.
- Waste: Liquid waste for disposal or recycling.
The nature of the cargo requires tanker drivers to follow strict safety protocols and regulations to ensure the safe transportation of goods. Understanding how to load and unload the tanker safely, handle the vehicle, and navigate roads with large vehicles are essential skills for tanker drivers.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Tanker Driver
1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning your career as a tanker driver, you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive an LGV, and 21 to drive a tanker. Some employers may require drivers to be older.
- Health: Tanker drivers must pass a medical check to ensure they are physically fit for the job, particularly for the physically demanding nature of the work.
- Driving Licence: You must hold a full UK driving licence. To drive large vehicles like tankers, you will need a Category C or C+E LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) licence.
2. How to Obtain Your LGV Licence
To start your career as a tanker driver, you need an HGV licence. Here’s how to get it:
- Provisional Licence: Apply for a provisional LGV licence to begin training.
- Medical Check: Complete a medical exam to verify your health and fitness to drive large vehicles.
- Theory Test: Pass a theory test that includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
- Practical Driving Test: After passing the theory exam, complete a practical driving test to demonstrate your ability to drive an LGV safely.
- Driver CPC: Obtain the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which requires 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
3. Complete Tanker-Specific Training
Once you have your LGV licence, you need additional training to drive a tanker. This training includes:
- ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) Training: If you plan to transport hazardous materials such as chemicals or fuel, you will need ADR certification. This training ensures you can transport dangerous goods safely and comply with international transport laws.
- Tanker Handling: Even if you’re transporting non-hazardous goods like milk or water, you will need to complete tanker-specific handling training. This ensures you can manage liquid cargo safely, including handling sloshing, loading/unloading, and securing the vehicle.
4. Gain Practical Experience
While some tanker driving jobs accept newly qualified drivers, many employers prefer candidates with experience in driving large vehicles. If you’re just starting out, consider gaining experience in roles such as:
- General haulage driver
- Bulk goods delivery driver
- Refrigerated goods driver
By working in these roles, you’ll develop the necessary skills to transition into tanker driving.
5. Apply for Jobs as a Tanker Driver
Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can apply for tanker driving positions. Here’s how to make your job search successful:
- Update Your CV: Highlight your LGV licence, ADR qualifications (if applicable), and any relevant experience you have.
- Search for Tanker Driver Jobs: Look for tanker driver openings on job boards, recruitment agency websites, or company websites. Key industries to target include fuel distribution, waste management, and logistics.
- Networking: Network with other tanker drivers or attend job fairs to learn about opportunities.
- Direct Applications: Many companies post tanker driving vacancies on their websites, so applying directly can improve your chances.
6. Continuing Education and Professional Development
The tanker driving industry is subject to frequent safety regulations and changes. Therefore, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your skills and knowledge:
- Driver CPC Renewal: The Driver CPC certification needs to be renewed every five years. Continue taking periodic training to stay compliant with industry standards.
- Advanced Specialisation: Consider pursuing further specialisation, such as refrigerated tanker driving, which can increase your earning potential.
Tanker Driver Skills
Becoming a tanker driver requires more than just the ability to drive. Here are some key skills you’ll need:
- Advanced Driving Skills: Operating a large vehicle like a tanker requires precision, especially in tight spaces and challenging road conditions.
- Knowledge of Safety Protocols: Tanker drivers must be familiar with safety systems, both for the vehicle and for the hazardous materials they transport.
- Physical Fitness: The job is physically demanding, and drivers often operate pumps, load/unload cargo, and conduct safety checks.
- Attention to Detail: Tanker drivers must check delivery schedules, verify paperwork, and ensure that vehicles are loaded correctly and safely.
- Time Management: Tanker drivers often work to strict schedules, so strong time management skills are crucial to meet deadlines and avoid delays.
Tanker Driver Duties: What to Expect on the Job
As a tanker driver, you’ll be responsible for a range of important tasks. Here are some duties you’ll undertake on a daily basis:
- Preparing for Deliveries: Tanker drivers begin their day by reviewing delivery schedules, checking for any special instructions, and ensuring the tanker is in good condition.
- Loading and Unloading: Drivers may assist with or supervise the loading and unloading of cargo, using pumps or hoses to transfer liquids safely.
- Safety Checks: Before departing, tanker drivers conduct safety checks to ensure the vehicle is secure and the load is properly balanced.
- Customer Interaction: Tanker drivers are often the face of the company during deliveries, so strong customer service skills are essential when interacting with clients.
- Documentation: Keeping accurate records of deliveries, including timesheets and load documents, is an essential part of a tanker driver’s duties.
Work Environment and Salary
Tanker driving can be physically demanding and often requires long hours. Depending on the role, you may work shifts that involve nights and weekends. Long-haul drivers may stay overnight, and some may even travel internationally. Tanker drivers can earn an average salary of £41,553 per year, though this can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of cargo transported.
Career Prospects of Tanker Driver
As a tanker driver, you can pursue several career progression opportunities. You may choose to specialise further, such as in transporting refrigerated or hazardous materials, which often comes with higher pay. You could also move into logistics management, transport planning, or driver training. With enough experience, some tanker drivers choose to start their own haulage business.
Conclusion
Becoming a tanker driver in the UK involves meeting eligibility criteria, obtaining the necessary qualifications, and gaining practical experience. Additionally, the right skills—such as advanced driving techniques, attention to safety, and physical fitness—are essential for success. Tanker drivers also have a diverse set of duties that require focus, reliability, and attention to detail.
With the right training and dedication, a career as a tanker driver offers stability, good pay, and career advancement. Start your journey today and take the necessary steps to succeed in this rewarding industry.