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For many truck drivers, it can be challenging trying to navigate the number of regulations surrounding overnight truck parking in the UK. After a long day behind the wheel, they must adhere to several rules before they can even think about parking up for the night. We'll delve into these regulations and provide you with everything you need to know. Before we look at parking regulations, it's vital to understand UK and EU laws regarding rest periods. We've collated all you need to know about . However, in a nutshell, if your vehicle exceeds three and a half tonnes, you must have a tachograph fitted. A tachograph will record the number of breaks a driver takes. Truck drivers must adhere to the following:• Drivers must take 11 continuous hours of rest. This can be reduced to nine. • Truck drivers are required to take at least 45 hours of rest. • Driving time can be no longer than four-and-a-half hours before a break. A break must be at least 45 minutes.To comply with parking laws and ensure safety, truck drivers must follow strict regulations regarding where and when they can park overnight:• Many local authorities do not allow truck drivers to park in residential areas doing so may result in a fine or penalty.• If the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle is more than 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer), you must not park on a verge, pavement, or any land between carriageways unless there is police permission. • Truck drivers can use these for overnight parking. However, they provide less security and no amenities. Parking overnight in a lay-by is often the most straightforward and economical option but can pose a greater security risk.Failure to follow HGV parking regulations can result in fines, vehicle clamping, or impounding. These penalties are in place to encourage drivers to comply with the law and ensure road safety.Suitable parking locations include: Specifically designed for HGVs and include facilities such as fuel, food, showers, toilets, and security options. Many motorway service areas (MSAs) will provide areas for HGV parking. Most offer similar facilities as truck stops. SNAP provides drivers with a network of over across Europe. • Downloading a truck parking app can help drivers find locations near them to park up for the night. enables truck drivers to find parking & washing spots across Europe, allowing drivers to book SNAP sites through the app.• Search for a spot that offers essential amenities like food, toilets, and showers for a more comfortable stay. • Most truck stops and MSAs will have security features. Using the or, drivers can check a site's security features, including fencing, CCTV, night watchmen, and TAPA accreditations. Truck drivers can park on verges or pavements if the parking is for essential loading and unloading. There are a few exceptions they must consider before loading and unloading:• Drivers must not park where yellow markings are on the curb, and upright signs advise restrictions. • The vehicle must not be left unattended.• On red routes, drivers should look out for specially marked and signposted bays showing when and where loading and unloading is permitted. • Councils and private estates may have different regulations. Truck drivers are restricted to using lanes one and two. On a four-lane motorway, drivers can use lane three. However, HGVs are not permitted to use the furthest right lane.A road may be marked unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles for the following reasons: These pose a challenge for many HGVs, especially long or articulated trucks. Ascending a steep incline for an HGV is a difficult task due to its heavy load, leading to reduced traction and wheel spin. Roads with limited width can feature sharp bends or walls on either side and are unsuitable for trucks. Due to their turning radius of HGVs, they require more space to maneuver. Roads with walls on either side leave little room for error and increase the risk of an HGV becoming stuck or causing damage.

On the 3rd of December 2024, changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) will come into full effect. The new CPC aims to offer better flexibility to drivers returning to the profession and those undertaking mandatory training. We delve into the upcoming changes and how they will impact drivers. Introduced in 2007, the CPC is a mandatory qualification for professional drivers in the UK and EU wanting to drive a range of heavy vehicles, such as HGVs, LGVs, buses, and coaches. Drivers must pass four tests: • Theory• Case study• Practical• Vehicle safety demonstration. Once passed, the CPC lasts for five years and must be renewed by taking 35 hours of periodic training within the five years.The UK government wanted to understand the effectiveness of the Driver CPC. They did this by asking drivers, trainers, and other parties to take a poll. The government focused on two main areas: improving driver choice and attracting more drivers into the industry for example, making it easier for drivers with foreign qualifications to obtain a licence in the UK. The changes to the Driver CPC are categorised into the following:The international Driver CPC is the new name for how the previous Driver CPC worked. The following applies:• Drivers must take 35 hours of CPC training every five years.• The courses must be at least seven hours long. • If splitting a course over a day, a driver must complete it on two consecutive days.• Drivers are allowed to do a total of 12 hours of e-learning.The National Driver CPC provides more flexibility for those wanting to drive in the UK. Drivers can take either:• 35 hours of training every five years.• A combination of 35 hours of National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC training every five years.The flexibility means that:• Training must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long training providers can offer longer courses. • It does not need to be completed on two consecutive days if it's a split course course providers can set their time limits.• Training can be e-learning.• Drivers can do 12 hours of e-learning towards their overall 35 hours.From the 3rd of December, 2024, drivers will be able to stay qualified by choosing either:1. International Driver CPC National Driver CPCDrivers wanting to return to the profession must take 35 hours of training before returning. However, this will change from the 1st of February, 2025.Drivers with an expired CPC will have new pathways to make returning to driving easier.Drivers have four options:• Undertake 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.• Regain qualification to drive in the UK and EU.• Complete 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.• Regain qualification to drive in the UK only.• Take a seven-hour "return to driving" module.• Regain UK driving qualification instantly.• To drive in the EU, complete 28 additional hours of training within 12 months.• As part of the National Driver CPC training, complete a seven-hour "return to driving" module.• Regain UK driving qualification instantly.• Take 28 additional hours of training (National or International Driver CPC) within 12 months.Drivers must take 35 hours of training (International or National).The rules surrounding Driver CPC cards remain the same drivers must carry their cards when operating vehicles professionally. However, the type of card differs based on qualification:• Identical to the current design.• The design will include "Domestic UK use only."If a driver is qualified for both categories, they may hold two cards.Fleet managers can prepare for the changes by ensuring the following:• Find out whether their drivers need an International or National CPC.• Training deadlines aren't missed to avoid fines.You are exempt from needing a Driver CPC if you're using the vehicle for:• Non-commercial carriage• Carrying materials you use for your job driving must be less than 30% of your rolling monthly work.• Driving for someone you work for or your own agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming, or fisheries business driving must be less than 30% of your rolling monthly work. • Driving within 62 miles of your base driving a HGV, bus, or coach must not be your main job.• Driving to or from pre-booked appointments to test centres.• Lessons for anyone wanting to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC.• Maintain public order.Full guidance is on the website.Drivers with grandfather rights don't need to hold the actual qualification as part of their licence. However, they must complete 35 hours of training every five years.

As a truck driver, you are used to travelling long distances and working anti-social hours which can often mean added expenses. But how do you save money as a truck driver? Tracking your expenses and managing your money can be difficult, but we’ve put together some handy tips to help you budget. Taking the time to prepare for the journey can save you money and give you peace of mind. • Supplies: Work out what items you will need to ensure you don’t have to fork out on expensive items whilst on the road. • Food: Preparing your food may be a simple trick but an effective one when it comes to saving the pennies. Eating out is often expensive and sometimes unhealthy, try making your meals in your cab. Having a microwave and fridge in your cab will make meal-prepping that much easier. Check out our tips for staying . • Journey planning: Planning the most efficient route can save you money on fuel and unexpected toll charges. Knowing where you will be stationed for the night and booking in advance can make your journey more cost-effective. Download our to find truck parking near your transit route. The hardest but the most effective tip. Create a monthly or weekly budget that you can stick to and keep track of your expenses. There are many ways to set out your budget, you could write your expenses in a monthly calendar, jot them down in a notebook, or use an app to assist you. has an extensive list of apps that can help. Investing in an inverter will give you the ability to run small appliances. Having a fridge to keep items fresh, an electric griddle for cooking, and a coffee machine to make your cup of joe just how you like it will stop you from spending a fortune. Say goodbye to expensive fast food and hello to home-cooked meals for half the price. A cost that you can’t avoid. However, there are many ways that you can save on it: • Tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres will reduce your fuel economy, so it’s important to regularly check them. • Reduce idling: Stop the engine if you know you’re going to be stationary for a while. An hour of idling can burn roughly a gallon of fuel. • Use cruise control: Cruise control can reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. • Drive in a higher gear: This will maximise fuel efficiency as travelling at high speeds in lower gears can consume 45% more fuel. • Air conditioning: It can increase your fuel consumption by up to 0.4 miles per gallon. If possible, travel with the window open before resorting to air con. In addition to these tips, offers a sustainable, transparent pricing structure and discounted rates at our partner company, Certas Energy’s refuelling locations. Some employers will offer their drivers reward programmes to assist them with saving money. Items such as a discount on food, drink, showers, and cleaning facilities can all help with saving. Additionally, if you are a SNAP customer, we’re able to offer you food vouchers at participating truck stops. Whether it’s getting in touch with family via video call or streaming your favourite shows, having the option to hook up to the WiFi can save you a substantial amount. Solely using your phone’s data can get expensive and can leave you with an unexpectedly high bill. Most truck stops will offer WiFi for drivers, and you can always find out which truck stops offer this on our page. This is often down to the individual, as with any job you will have aspects you find difficult that others wouldn’t. Long hours, time spent away from loved ones, and a sedentary lifestyle can make the job tough. On top of this, you will have to deal with external difficulties such as road congestion, tight scheduling and sometimes working overtime. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, many truck drivers have a lot of work opportunities, independence, flexibility, and the chance to travel abroad. As stated above, there can certainly be some downsides to life on the road. Truck driving is certainly not for everyone, but those who do end up in the role benefit from a few perks: • Job stability – The current shortage of drivers means that you will have no trouble finding and keeping a job. • Pay – A career in truck driving can offer good pay and additional benefits. • Travel – If you don’t like to be confined to a single place every day then getting to travel around parts of the UK and Europe is a huge benefit. In addition to some of these perks, you will find a lot of truck drivers wouldn’t trade their life behind the wheel for a 9-5 office job. There are quite a few steps to become an HGV driver and the cost can vary depending on who you take your tests with. We’ve broken it down for you in a few easy steps. Before you can obtain your Class 2, you will need to have a full car licence, be over 18, and have a provisional HGV licence. Your provisional HGV licence will consist of two forms, a D2 (This is free) and a D4. A D4 form is your medical and the cost can vary between £50-£120. There are four parts to obtaining your HGV licence, and the cost of each can vary. According to the website, gaining your HGV licence will cost roughly £304. However, this cost may fluctuate if you book using an unofficial website. On top these fees, you need to pay for lessons which can cost up to £1,390. Once passed, you will have your HGV Class 2 (C Class) licence and can drive a rigid. To drive commercially you will need to get your tacho card which will set you back £32. This will need to be renewed every five years and will cost £15. To become a Class 1 driver you need to take one more test. A Class 1 licence will qualify you to drive a truck over 3,500kg with a trailer of over 750kg. This will cost £115. Overall, qualifying as a Class 1 HGV driver can set you back just under £2,000. However, it’s important to state that once you have obtained your licence, you will be on a decent salary, have job stability, get to travel and gain a sense of community within the trucking world. Budgeting as a truck driver can be challenging but is essential if you want to manage your finances. Keeping track of your expenses, setting a budget, and sticking to it will help you save money. The above tips will give you a great starting point in encouraging you to get into healthier financial habits. How do you save money when you’re out on the road? Share your tips and tricks with us at SNAP.