Reviewed by a Qualified Accountant
This content has been reviewed by our qualified chartered accountants. However, you should always check with a professional. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Driving a heavy goods vehicle involves long hours, strict regulations, and constant travel. If you’re self-employed or need to submit a self-assessment tax return, it’s important to know which work-related expenses you can claim to reduce your tax bill. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common expenses for UK-based HGV drivers. Remember, HMRC requires that all claimed expenses be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of your trade. If you’re unsure about any deductions, consult a professional accountant.
Below, we’ll explore key expense categories relevant to HGV Drivers.
Performance-Related Costs
🚛 LGV Licence
Costs for acquiring or renewing your LGV licence, including required tests.
📸 Passport Photos
Expenses for passport-sized photographs needed for licence applications or renewals.
⚕️ Medical Examinations
Fees for medical checks and associated documents necessary for licence compliance.
📝 Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)
Costs for obtaining and renewing your Driver CPC card, including relevant training courses.
And more…
Anything that directly relates to maintaining your professional driver status could be deductible.
Vehicle-Related Costs
🛠️ Tools & Maintenance
Expenses for tools you personally purchase to maintain your HGV or handle minor repairs.
🔧 Truck Equipment & Add-Ons
Costs for items like straps, tarpaulins, or cargo-securement equipment if you buy them out of your own pocket.
And more…
If you cover these costs as a self-employed driver, keep the receipts to support your claim.
Protective Clothing & Uniform
👕 Uniform Tax Relief
If you’re required to wear a uniform with a company logo, you could be eligible for uniform tax relief.
🥾 Specialist Clothing & Footwear
Expenses for safety boots, gloves, high-vis jackets, or weatherproof gear necessary for your role.
And more…
As long as the clothing is exclusively for work and not for everyday wear, it may qualify.
Travel & Subsistence
🍽️ Meal Allowances
When you’re working away from your usual base, you may claim for certain meal costs.
🏨 Accommodation
Costs for overnight stays, such as hotels or B&Bs, if you’re on a long-distance haul or multi-day job.
🛣️ Parking & Tolls
Expenses for parking fees, toll roads, or bridge charges during business travel.
And more…
Keep detailed records (receipts, dates, locations) to justify each claim.
Vehicle Running Costs
🚚 Mileage (if using your own vehicle)
If you use a personal vehicle for business-related tasks (e.g., driving to a training facility), you may be able to claim mileage.
⛽ Fuel (if you cover it)
Fuel expenses could be deductible if you’re not reimbursed by an employer or contracting company.
⚙️ Vehicle Insurance
Costs for business-use vehicle insurance or additional coverage required for HGV driving.
And more…
Check with HMRC or your accountant to confirm which running costs you can claim.
Digital & Compliance Tools
💳 Digital Tachograph Card
Fees associated with obtaining or renewing your digital tachograph driver’s card.
📱 Apps & Software
Subscription costs for route-planning software, GPS apps, or digital logbooks used to track hours and compliance.
And more…
Any digital tools specifically required for your HGV work may be allowable.
Professional Services
📑 Accountancy Fees
Costs for professional accounting or bookkeeping services to manage your taxes and finances.
⚖️ Legal Advice
Expenses for legal services related to contracts, disputes, or regulatory issues.
And more…
Professional help ensures accurate returns and can prevent costly mistakes.
Office & Administration
🏠 Use of Home as Office
If you have a home-based setup for managing invoices, mileage logs, or route planning, you may be able to claim a portion of your utilities and home costs.
🖨️ Office Supplies
Costs for printer ink, paper, stationery, or postage used for business purposes.
📞 Phone & Internet
A percentage of your phone or broadband bills corresponding to business use—such as contacting clients or logging travel details.
And more…
Keep records of your usage split between business and personal.
Insurance & Security
🛡️ Public Liability Insurance
If you’re self-employed, you might choose to take out liability insurance to cover accidents or damage.
🔒 Business-Related Insurance
Any special policies or add-ons that protect you while operating your HGV or storing goods.
And more…
As long as it’s for your business, you can often claim it.
Health & Wellbeing
🏋️ Medical & Fitness Costs
In some cases, if a doctor’s note or licensing requirement dictates that you maintain specific fitness or health checks, certain related costs could be claimed.
🩹 Occupational Health
Costs for work-specific health treatments (e.g., physiotherapy for driving-related back issues), where recommended by a professional.
And more…
Be sure to consult an accountant and keep relevant documentation to confirm these claims.
Miscellaneous
🎁 Uniform & Tools Replacements
Costs for replacing worn-out work items essential to your role.
💻 Data Backup & Digital Storage
Fees for cloud storage or external drives where you keep digital copies of receipts and logs.
🚌 Licensing for Additional Vehicle Categories
If you expand your qualifications (e.g., adding a bus licence), the associated costs may be allowable if it directly relates to your business.
And more…
Always retain proof that these expenses are solely work-related.