A winter driving shift can start with a frosted-over windscreen and finish at a delivery yard where the temperature is bitterly cold. Between those points, you might deal with spray, low sun, and road closures, handling that all in a different vehicle from the one you drove yesterday.
Good preparation makes these winter shifts easier to manage. These winter driving tips for HGV drivers cover the checks and decisions that matter on the road, alongside the practical details that help you stay comfortable. Whether you drive Class 1 or Class 2, give yourself time to understand the vehicle and the assignment before setting off.
Pay close attention to the vehicle you are actually driving
Complete your daily walkaround check before the journey, even if someone else has just handed the vehicle over. Winter makes reliable visibility particularly important. Pay attention to:
- Tyres and tread. Check tread depth, tyre condition and inflation, reporting wear or damage that could affect grip on wet or icy roads.
- Brakes and air lines. Check for signs of freezing, damage or air leaks, and report any concerns before moving off.
- Windows, mirrors and wipers. Clear snow and ice, clean the glass and check that the wipers, washers and demister work properly.
- Fluid levels. Check the fluids required for your vehicle, including oil, coolant, screenwash and AdBlue where fitted, following the manufacturer’s instructions for topping up.
- Exhaust. Check that the exhaust outlet is clear of snow and other obstructions.
- Vehicle and trailer body. Check for accumulated snow and ice on the cab and trailer, including anything that could fall into another road user’s path. Make sure lights and registration plates are clear and visible.
Clear snow and ice safely, including anything that could fall into another road user’s path. If clearing the vehicle requires access equipment, ask for the approved method. Climbing onto a trailer or improvising with whatever is nearby can create another hazard.
On an unfamiliar vehicle, locate the controls you may need before moving. A dark cab in heavy rain is a poor place to discover that you cannot find the heated mirrors. The DVSA walkaround checklist is a useful reference for the full inspection.
Check your lights rather than relying on automatic settings
Automatic headlights respond to ambient light, but fog, spray or snow can reduce visibility while it is still bright enough for the system to leave the headlights off. Check which lights are actually on rather than assuming the automatic setting has selected the right option for what you need.
Daytime running lights are another point to watch. On some vehicles, they illuminate the front without switching on the rear lights, making your vehicle harder to see from behind in poor conditions. A lit dashboard does not necessarily mean your dipped headlights and rear lights are on.
Before setting off in an unfamiliar vehicle, locate the lighting controls and understand how they work. Select dipped headlights manually when conditions require them, following the vehicle’s instructions, and check your lighting as conditions change. Keep lights clean as part of your winter checks, and report any faults through the operator’s process.
Plan beyond the motorway
Check the forecast for your route and destination, including the return journey. Conditions at the depot may tell you little about an exposed stretch of road several hours away. Discuss weather warnings, restrictions and suitable alternatives with the transport team before departure.
Think about the final approach, too. Ask which entrance to use, whether the access road has restrictions and who to contact if you cannot enter safely. A suitable route for a car may be unsuitable for your vehicle, so avoid following an unverified diversion simply because a navigation app suggests it.
Know where you could take a break or stop safely if the plan changes. That decision is easier before you are tired, running late and looking for somewhere to park.
Good route planning matters throughout the year, particularly if you’re starting out. Our tips for newly qualified HGV drivers cover planning journeys, checking the weather and getting familiar with your vehicle.
Expect busier delivery yards and be ready to change your approach
Delivery yards can become more difficult to navigate during the Christmas peak. Higher stock levels and more salvage awaiting collection can reduce the space available for turning, reversing and unloading. Even a store you visit regularly may need a different approach from your last delivery.
Read the site risk assessment before arrival, including any seasonal updates, then check that the conditions match when you get there. Look at the access route, the space around the unloading area and anything that could restrict your manoeuvre. Your usual turning space may now be occupied, so avoid committing to an approach before checking you can complete it safely.
If access is restricted, stop somewhere safe and contact the store and your Transport Team Leader to agree how to proceed. Follow the site’s procedures for manoeuvring and any assistance required. Report conditions that differ from the risk assessment so the transport team can review the information available to other drivers.
Allow more breaking distance for when conditions change
Reduce speed to suit visibility and grip, and leave more room between you and the vehicle ahead. The Highway Code’s adverse weather guidance says stopping distances are at least doubled on wet roads and can be ten times greater on ice. A familiar journey can therefore need a very different approach in winter.
Make changes in speed and direction smoothly. Follow your training and the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for braking systems; advice suitable for one vehicle or surface may not suit another. If you are unsure about a control, ask before using it.
Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. Switch fog lights off when visibility improves. Keep the inside of the windscreen clean as well, because low winter sun can make smears particularly distracting. Never enter floodwater when you cannot establish that the route is safe.
Match your precautions to the assignment
Class 1 work can involve trailer changes and long stretches of exposed road. Pay attention to the trailer you are collecting, its condition and load security. High-sided vehicles are vulnerable to strong winds, and an empty or lightly loaded vehicle still needs careful consideration. Follow restrictions and the operator’s instructions rather than judging the risk by how manageable the previous mile felt.
For Class 2 multi-drop work, repeated stops bring different challenges. You may be stepping onto slippery ground, handling delivery equipment or reversing in a yard you have never visited. Check the surface and access arrangements before starting the task. If the area is unsafe, report it and agree a safe approach.
These duties overlap: Class 1 drivers make deliveries, and Class 2 drivers use exposed routes. Prepare for the work described in your assignment brief rather than relying on the vehicle class alone.
Keep the right kit within reach
Pack for the conditions you could face throughout your shift, including unexpected delays and time outside the cab. Before setting off, check you have:
- De-icer and an ice scraper. Keep these accessible so you can clear frozen glass before departure and after longer stops.
- Warm clothing and waterproofs. Bring a hat, gloves, suitable boots and the required PPE, with spare socks and layers in a waterproof bag. A blanket is useful if you face a prolonged wait.
- A separate torch. Carry a working torch with spare batteries or a full charge so you do not have to rely on your phone for light.
- Extra food and drinking water. Pack enough to cover unexpected delays, particularly on routes where places to stop may be limited.
- A phone charger and power bank. Make sure your charger works with the vehicle and charge your power bank before the shift.
- A road atlas. Keep one as a backup if your navigation system fails, but confirm any alternative route is suitable for your vehicle with the transport team.
- A shovel and sand or salt, where required by the operator. Check what winter equipment is provided and follow the operator’s instructions for its use. If you become stuck, contact the transport team before attempting to free the vehicle.
Keep equipment secured, the footwell clear and frequently used items within easy reach when parked. If you expect a night out, confirm the sleeping arrangements and approved cab-heating equipment before accepting the assignment. Never use a camping stove or other unapproved fuel-burning heater inside the cab.
“Pack for a shift that might take longer than planned. Warm, dry kit, extra food and water, a torch and a phone charger are all worth having, even on a familiar run. Check what’s in the cab before you leave and keep it organised so you can find what you need.”
Darren Bailey
HG Recruitment Divisional Manager Midlands
Take care getting out of the cab
Use the steps and handholds, maintain three points of contact and look at the ground before stepping down. You should avoid jumping from the cab. Mud or ice on your footwear can also be carried back onto the steps and pedals.
Treat an icy yard as a workplace hazard that needs reporting. The HSE’s haulage guidance covers preventing slips and trips around vehicles. A driver cannot make an unsafe unloading area suitable simply by trying harder. Our article on staying safe as a Class 1 or Class 2 driver covers the everyday safety habits that remain important throughout winter.
Prepare for low winter sun and poorly lit delivery areas
Winter brings changing visibility throughout a shift. Low sun can make it difficult to see the road ahead, particularly when light catches a wet surface or a dirty windscreen. A few practical checks and adjustments can help:
- Keep your windscreen and mirrors clean. Clean the glass inside and out, as dirt and smears can worsen glare and make hazards harder to spot.
- Check your wipers and screenwash. Check the blades during your walkaround and top up with screenwash suitable for winter temperatures to help clear road spray.
- Use your sun visor. Adjust it to block direct sunlight while maintaining a clear view of the road, stopping somewhere safe if you need to adjust your seating position.
- Keep suitable sunglasses within reach. These can help in bright conditions, but remove them as the light fades or when entering darker areas.
- Reduce your speed when glare affects your view. Give yourself time to identify brake lights, pedestrians and changes in traffic rather than relying on the vehicle ahead to guide you.
- Leave more room ahead. Increase your following distance when visibility is restricted, allowing additional space when roads are wet or icy.
Shorter days also mean more deliveries in darkness. Yard lighting can be poor, especially at convenience stores, making it harder to judge clearances and spot obstacles or people near the vehicle. Allow time to check your surroundings before manoeuvring and keep lights and cameras, where fitted, clean. If you cannot see well enough to complete the manoeuvre safely, stop and ask for assistance through the site’s agreed procedure.
Deal with delays before they become pressure
Tell the transport team when weather or access problems affect your progress, using a safe opportunity to communicate. Explain what has changed and whether the next part of the journey remains practical within your available hours.
Do not try to recover lost time by rushing checks or cutting rest. If you feel sleepy or unable to continue safely, stop somewhere suitable and contact the operator. Keep your activity records accurate throughout the shift.
Delays happen, so planning around delays is an essential skill needed by HGV drivers on jobs.
“This can change quickly during Winter. Report the problem while there is still time to change the plan. A delayed delivery gives the transport team something to manage. Continuing when you are tired or the conditions are unsafe gives everyone a much harder problem.”
Hazel Hibberd
HG Recruitment Divisional Manager Southwest
One key way to ensure that you can prevent potential delays is to check weather forecasts and warnings that may affect you. The Met Office produces alerts designed for high-sided and vulnerable vehicles, so this is a fantastic resource to support you in planning your journey.
Planning ahead and knowing your approximate journey time is essential during winter. You should plan your route in detail, identify any potential hazards and determine where you will stop for rest breaks.
Get ready for winter work with HG
A well-prepared winter shift starts with a roadworthy vehicle, a realistic plan and the confidence to raise a concern. The smaller details matter too, particularly when you are working early starts or spending time outside at each delivery.
If you are considering Christmas driving work, get in touch with HG Recruitment to register your interest.
