Will The Role Of a HGV Driver Ever Be Automated?

The world of logistics is undergoing rapid change, with technology reshaping how goods are transported across the country.

One area drawing increasing attention is the potential automation of HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving—a profession that plays a crucial role in keeping the UK economy moving.

With self-driving technology advancing in leaps and bounds, many are beginning to ask: will the role of a HGV driver eventually become obsolete?

In this blog, L&T Transport will explore the current state of automation in the transport sector, the practical and technical hurdles to full autonomy, and what the future may hold for professional drivers.

The Current State of HGV Automation

The commercial transport industry is no stranger to technological evolution, and in recent years, automation has become one of its most talked-about topics.

From reversing cameras to emergency braking systems, modern HGVs are increasingly equipped with features designed to make driving safer and more efficient.

These developments are part of what’s known as ‘driver assistance technology’, which helps reduce human error but still requires a person behind the wheel.

Trials involving semi-autonomous lorries, such as platooning (where multiple HGVs travel in a convoy), have been conducted across parts of Europe and the UK.

While promising, these tests still depend on human intervention, especially in urban settings and unexpected traffic scenarios. Although progress has been made, there’s a vast difference between automation that supports the driver and technology capable of replacing them entirely.

What Full Automation Would Involve

To understand the journey towards full automation, it’s important to look at the five recognised levels of vehicle autonomy. Level 1 includes basic driver assistance, while Level 5 represents full autonomy with no human input required.

At present, most commercial vehicles operate somewhere between Levels 1 and 2, with true Level 5 autonomy still largely theoretical for HGVs.

For lorries, full automation would need to handle a huge range of complex tasks—navigating roundabouts, loading docks, varying road conditions, and unpredictable human behaviour on the road.

This isn’t just about programming a vehicle to steer and brake; it’s about teaching it to react and make decisions in highly dynamic environments, which remains a monumental challenge for even the most advanced AI systems.

Barriers to Full Automation

One of the biggest hurdles to full HGV automation is infrastructure. Many roads, particularly rural and inner-city routes, are not equipped to support autonomous vehicles.

Inconsistent road markings, poor signage, and varying weather conditions all create environments that can easily confuse automated systems.

Without widespread upgrades to infrastructure, true autonomy will be difficult to implement safely on a national scale.

Beyond physical challenges, there are regulatory, ethical and economic concerns. Who is responsible if an autonomous HGV causes an accident?

How will the government balance safety with job protection for thousands of drivers? And what about cybersecurity—could hackers gain control of an automated vehicle?

These are serious issues that must be addressed before we can consider removing drivers from the cab altogether.

The Human Element

While machines can be programmed to follow rules and detect obstacles, they currently lack the human instincts that are often essential in high-pressure or unexpected situations.

An experienced driver can quickly adapt to roadworks, reroute due to traffic, or negotiate with a delivery yard operator—tasks that aren’t easily replicated by software.

Human intuition, reasoning, and interpersonal communication remain key components of a successful HGV operation.

Moreover, the job of an HGV driver often involves more than just driving. Checking the load, liaising with clients, performing basic mechanical checks, and handling paperwork are all part of the role.

These practical, on-the-ground duties require a human touch, and in many cases, a degree of common sense and judgement that automation still cannot match.

Hybrid Futures: Human + Machine

Rather than eliminating drivers, the more realistic future lies in collaboration between humans and machines. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) can make long-distance driving more manageable, reduce fatigue, and improve safety.

This hybrid model could make the role more attractive by reducing stress and allowing drivers to focus on tasks that require human judgment.

In this scenario, the driver’s role may evolve to include system oversight, basic diagnostics, and even data interpretation.

There’s a strong likelihood that tomorrow’s HGV drivers will need to understand and interact with new technology as part of their daily responsibilities.

Rather than being replaced, drivers will be retrained and retooled for a slightly different version of the job.

What This Means for Aspiring HGV Drivers

For those thinking about entering the industry, the looming presence of automation shouldn’t be seen as a deterrent.

The reality is that the transport sector still faces a significant shortage of qualified drivers, and it’s likely to remain this way for the foreseeable future.

While automation will change how drivers work, it won’t eliminate the need for them any time soon.

Training providers and employers are already beginning to integrate basic tech literacy into their programmes, ensuring that new drivers are well-prepared for a modern fleet.

Embracing this shift can put drivers in a strong position to future-proof their careers and stay ahead of the curve as the industry continues to modernise.

Conclusion

Although automation in HGVs is making notable strides, the idea of fully autonomous lorries replacing human drivers is still far from becoming a reality.

Safety concerns, infrastructure gaps, and the irreplaceable nature of human skills all act as significant barriers to complete automation.

More likely is a gradual shift towards greater reliance on driver-assist technology, helping to make the job easier and safer without removing the need for skilled professionals.

With ongoing training and adaptability, HGV drivers will continue to play a crucial role in logistics for many years to come.