Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a heavy or large goods vehicle driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a heavy or large goods vehicle driver (SOC 8211).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 8211 (Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 82 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives › 821 Road transport drivers |
Job titles under SOC 8211
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Haulage contractor
- LGV/HGV driver
- Lorry driver
- Owner (HGV/LGV)
- Tanker driver
What the job involves
HGV and LGV drivers collect, transport and deliver goods in rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, articulated lorries and lorries pulling trailers.
Typical tasks
- Checks tyres, brakes, lights, oil, water and fuel levels and general condition of the vehicle
- Drives vehicle from depot to loading/unloading point
- Agrees delivery schedule and route with transport management
- Assists with loading/unloading and ensures that load is evenly distributed and safely secured
- Drives vehicle to destination in accordance with schedule
- Maintains records of journey times, mileage and hours worked
- Undertakes minor repairs and notifies supervisor of any mechanical faults
Typical entry routes and qualifications
No formal academic entry qualifications are required. The HGV/LGV test incorporates a medical examination, theory test and assessed road driving. HGV/LGV drivers of vehicles of 3.5 tonnes and over require a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). The minimum age for HGV/LGV driving after obtaining the qualification is 18 years. NVQs/SVQs, other vocational courses and apprenticeships relevant to this occupation are available at various levels.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8211
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a heavy or large goods vehicle driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a heavy or large goods vehicle driver (SOC 8211). SOC 2020 code 8211 (Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 8211?
8211 is the SOC 2020 code for Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers. HGV and LGV drivers collect, transport and deliver goods in rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, articulated lorries and lorries pulling trailers.
What job titles use SOC code 8211?
GOV.UK lists: Heavy and large goods vehicle drivers.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.