HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland 2026

HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Ireland 2026: In the autumn of 2021, the UK (including Northern Ireland) implemented a plan of 5,000 temporary short-term visas to address the lack of HGV/truck drivers in the food and fuel sectors. This system also included an HGV temporary concession, which allowed non-visa national HGV truck drivers to seek authorization to work at the border. According to The New York Times, the UK government estimates a 100,000-driver shortage.

Since last year, the Northern Ireland or UK government has deleted the HGV Truck Driver occupation from the skilled work visa vocations list. Still, some businesses are ready to sponsor or assist foreign truck drivers in obtaining visas. Truck drivers are paid well, ranging from €11 to €18 per hour, and they also receive numerous extra advantages.

Details of Jobs:

• Job Industry: Transport
• Job title: Heavy Good Vehicles Truck Driver/ Truck Driver
• Job country: Ireland
• Job Type: Full Time
• Experience Required: High
• Knowledge Required: Not High
• Age Limit: 18-onwards
• Free Food: Mostly No
• Free Accommodation: No
• Free Medical Insurance: Mostly Yes
• Free Transport: No
• Visa Sponsorship: Yes/No
• Salary: between €11 and €18

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Requirements:

1. Age Requirement

• Minimum age: 18 years old

2. Driving Licenses

• Must hold a full car driving license (Category B)
• Must obtain a Category C or C+E HGV license
  • Category C = rigid lorries
  • Category C+E = articulated lorries (larger vehicles)

3. Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

• Mandatory to drive professionally in Northern Ireland
• You must:
  • Pass 4 modules/tests to obtain the initial CPC
    1. Theory test
    2. Case studies
    3. Practical driving test
    4. Practical demonstration test
  • Complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain CPC

4. Experience

• Required experience can vary:
  • Some employers accept 7–12 months
  • Others prefer 2–5 years of truck driving experience
• Knowledge of UK traffic rules, road safety, and local logistics routes is essential

5. Education

• No strict education requirements
• Some employers prefer at least GCSEs (UK secondary school certificate) or equivalent

6. Language Proficiency

• Must speak and understand fluent English
• For visa purposes:
  • If your employer does not exempt you, you will need to verify your English skills by IELTS (UKVI) or CEFR B1 level.
  • Applies to those applying through the Skilled Worker visa route.

7. Visa Requirements

If applying as a foreigner:

• You must meet all Skilled Worker visa criteria, including:
  • Job offer from a licensed UK employer
  • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • Salary threshold met (minimum approx. £26,200/year or £10.75/hour)
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Tuberculosis test (from some countries)
  • Maintenance funds (£1,270 unless employer covers this)
• Employers must be registered visa sponsors

Benefits of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in Northern Ireland:

No High-End Qualification Required

• Most positions do not require a university degree or advanced certifications, only the necessary driving licenses (e.g., HGV Class 1 or 2) and CPC.

Attractive Salary

• Competitive hourly salaries range from £11 to £15, depending on experience, route, and employer.

Full-Time Contracts & Overtime

• Most positions provide guaranteed full-time employment with prospects for paid overtime, which increases your monthly wages.

High Job Demand

• Because the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) has a truck driver shortage, there are always plenty of job openings.

Additional Employee Benefits

• Benefits vary by employer and may include:
  • Free uniforms
  • Free or subsidized public transport for employees and their families
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Free parking
  • Laundry services
  • Christmas bonuses or festive incentives

Transport Assistance

• Some employers support commuting via:
  • Bike-to-work schemes
  • Subsidized bicycles or transport cards

Paid Annual Leave & Breaks

• UK employment regulations guarantee 28 days of paid vacation every year, including public holidays.

Annual Salary Reviews & Bonuses

• Many companies provide:
  • Yearly salary evaluations
  • Annual performance or loyalty bonuses

Read Also: Unskilled Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship

Duties:

Driving and Delivery Operations:

• Drive large commercial vehicles (Class 1 or Class 2 HGVs).
• Transport commodities across regional or national channels, such as warehouses, supermarkets, factories, and distribution hubs.
• Ensure the secure and timely delivery of items.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance:

• Perform daily vehicle inspections before and after journeys (brakes, lights, tires, fluid levels).
• Report any flaws or necessary repairs.
• Keep your vehicle clean and roadworthy.

Loading and Unloading Cargo:

• Secure cargo with the proper equipment (straps, chains, etc.).
• Use tail lifts, forklifts, or pallet jacks as needed (training may be provided).
• Ensure that weight distribution is within permissible limits.

Record Keeping:

• Complete the delivery notes, timesheets, and logbooks.
• Use tachographs to record hours of service in accordance with UK driving legislation.
• Keep correct driver and delivery records.

Compliance with Regulations:

• Follow UK and Northern Ireland traffic laws, road safety guidelines, and HGV-specific restrictions.
• Follow the driving hour limitations and rest period standards.
• Follow company protocols for transportation and logistical operations.

Communication and Customer Service:

• Communicate well with dispatchers, warehouse employees, and customers.
• Promptly report any delays, route adjustments, or delivery concerns.
• Maintain a professional, respectful demeanor at all times.

Route Planning

• Plan routes easily with GPS or enterprise routing software.
• Routes should be adjusted to account for traffic, weather, and delivery time windows.

Northern Ireland Truck Driver Visa Scheme:

The UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme (originally launched in 2021) was renewed in 2026 (now known as the UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme 2026) and was introduced by Northern Ireland and the UK government’s Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy to invite foreign nationals to fill the gap between the demand and availability of truck and lorry drivers in the country’s food processing industry. The UK government has announced that 10,500 3-month work licenses will be distributed under this scheme. The specific eligibility requirements and appropriate visa category for this scheme have not yet been revealed. However, it is anticipated that the visas will fall under the T5 Temporary Worker category.

Conclusion:

HGV Truck Driving jobs in Northern Ireland offer a stable and profitable opportunity for trained international drivers in 2026. While immigration regulations have changed in recent years, visa sponsorship is still feasible through chosen businesses and the renewed UK Truck Driver Visa Scheme 2026.

For foreigners with valid HGV licenses, a Driver CPC, and work experience, this position provides not just competitive pay but also a road to legally working in the UK. Interested candidates are advised to:

Frequently Asked Questions: