Becoming an escort vehicle driver in the UK can be a lucrative and exciting career choice. However, it is important to note that it is a regulated industry, and there are specific requirements that need to be met before you can legally operate as an escort vehicle driver in the UK. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps you need to take to become an escort vehicle driver in the UK.
Step 1: Understand the Job Requirements
The first step to becoming an escort vehicle driver is to understand what the job entails. Escort vehicle drivers are responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of oversized or overweight vehicles, such as construction equipment or wide loads, on UK roads. As an escort vehicle driver, your primary responsibility is to ensure that the load being transported is safely and efficiently moved from one location to another.
Step 2: Meet the Legal Requirements
To legally operate as an escort vehicle driver in the UK, you must meet several legal requirements. These include:
A full UK driving licence: You must hold a full UK driving licence, which allows you to drive the specific vehicle you will be escorting.
Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): You must hold a valid CPC certificate, which demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of UK road safety laws and regulations.
Vehicle insurance: You must have adequate vehicle insurance to cover you and the vehicle you are escorting while on the road.
Step 3: Get the Required Training
To become an escort vehicle driver, you will need to undergo training to ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively escort oversized loads on UK roads. Training programs vary in length and content, but generally cover topics such as vehicle handling, route planning, and traffic management.
Step 4: Obtain the Appropriate Permits
Before you can legally operate as an escort vehicle driver, you will need to obtain the appropriate permits. The specific permits you need will depend on the type of load you will be escorting and the routes you will be taking. You may need to apply for a Police Notification or a Highways England Notification, depending on the route you will be taking.
Step 5: Find a Job
Once you have met all the legal requirements and obtained the necessary permits, you can start looking for work as an escort vehicle driver. There are a few different ways to find job opportunities in this field. You can search online job boards, contact escort vehicle companies directly, or look for job postings in industry publications.
Step 6: Maintain Your Skills and Knowledge
As an escort vehicle driver, it is essential to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. This can include attending training courses, reading industry publications, and staying informed about changes to UK road safety laws and regulations.
In conclusion, becoming an escort vehicle driver in the UK requires meeting several legal requirements, obtaining the necessary training, and obtaining the appropriate permits. Once you have met these requirements, you can start looking for job opportunities in this exciting and challenging field. By following these steps, you can become a successful and respected escort vehicle driver in the UK.