Are you thinking about becoming a HGV driver? Are you wondering how much money you will actually make as a HGV driver? However, you should know that there isn’t a single definitive amount that a HGV driver should receive as salary. On the other hand, there are some statutory minimums, helpful guidelines and trends to help you determine the right salary for you. You also need to consider costs of becoming a driver as there are specific qualifications you need, find out more at Surrey and Hampshire HGV Training. Here is what you need to know about a HGV driver’s salary. The Statutory Minimums The HGV industry has many rules governing it but the legal minimum wage requirements are still applicable. Therefore, as a HGV driver, you are still covered by the National Living Wage (NLW), the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the Apprenticeship Levy. To meet the NMW you can expect the following wages per hour. • If you are aged 21 to 24 years of age your wage per hour should be £7.38. • If you are aged 18 to 20 years, your wages per hour should be £5.90. • Finally, as an apprentice, you can expect £3.70 which is subject to a few conditions. Keep in mind that this might be the minimum wage legally but it’s not exactly what you will get. Many HGV employers actually pay their drivers more money to motivate their performance. Note that the NLW is a system that’s designed to provide liveable, secure wages for employees of different age groups. The NLW is dedicated to employees of at least 25 years of age and above. The minimum level is £7.20 and was set in 2016. It has since increased in 2017 to £7.50 and to £7.83 in 2018. As of April 2019, it is £8.21, a 4.85% increase from the previous levels. In April 2017, the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced. Any firms with a gross payroll cost of more than £3m will have to pay at least 0.5% of the gross payroll into the apprenticeship levy. Those who pay the levy can claim back their payments through approved training sessions. Driver Subsistence There has been a huge controversy when it comes to reimbursing HGV drivers. HMRC introduced a new system that brought about a lot of confusion and extra work in September 2017. The new system has various size options for employers to help them reimburse and pay HGV drivers consistently. These are the new options available: • Benchmark scale rate payments • Agreed industry scale rate (where lorry drivers get an overnight subsistence allowance) • Bespoke agreements • Other allowances • Overseas scale rates • Agreed industry scale rates • Direct expense claims Note that, as much as there is no set payment amount, there is an agreed industry reimbursement scale for HGV drivers who sleep and work away from home. It has been in use for many years and has remained the exact same since 2013. Any drivers with a sleeper cab, the reimbursement is £26.20. For drivers without a sleeper cab, the rate is £34.90. Employers can choose whether or not they want to reimburse the actual costs or use the scale. However, if your employer uses the scale, there will be HMRC checks to guarantee that they are following the rules accordingly. All this information might sound a little confusing for you but there is a bit of good news too. In the last year alone, at least 79.1% of HGV drivers received a pay increase. The average increase was reported to be around 2.57% of their total salary. In the south, the pay increases were a bit higher compared to those in the north. Note that, at least 85% of HGV drivers are earning a lot more than the NLW but it’s tough to get the actual numbers. However, it all depends on your employer. Therefore, if you decide this can be a good way for you to make a living, you can try it out and see how much you earn in a year then assess whether or not it’s a good career path for you.