First step to becoming a HGV driver
Discussion
gus607 said:
I retired three years ago (health problems). The amount of stress nowadays is a killer, believe me.
Years ago I really enjoyed the job & you could move about until you found what YOU liked best, these days things are crap. I wouldn't wish that life on anyone.
Whatever you decide, best of luck !
GUs, thanks for the comments.Years ago I really enjoyed the job & you could move about until you found what YOU liked best, these days things are crap. I wouldn't wish that life on anyone.
Whatever you decide, best of luck !
I currently work as a project co-ordinator, this is stressfull enough. I dont think that LGV driving will be more stressfull. Plus As i will be starting with agency I can pick and choose (a little) who i work for, and hopefully find a company that is not too stressfull to work for.
carmadgaz said:
Reading this with interest as I'm in the same boat. Was originally going to do my license but hold on the CPC until I needed it (long story) but the situation has changed now so I'm going all in. Done my theory and hazard back in Dec. Got my CPC Case study on Saturday and then my training and test at the end of this month.
Never driven anything this big before so it should be interesting, biggest to date is a Range Rover and trailer rig at about 5ton!
First off, Best of luck to you! Im a bit jealous that you are doing this so soon! Now that the wheels are in motion (pun intended!) I am starting to resent my job, as I can only think about "I would rather be a lorry driver" Never driven anything this big before so it should be interesting, biggest to date is a Range Rover and trailer rig at about 5ton!
Its like waiting at home for a courier to deliver something!
Please let me know how you get on with it all!
Super Slo Mo said:
brrapp said:
Sorry for the hijack of the topic, but I'm also looking to get my C+E licence.
I'm old so already have C1+E and have 30 plus years of experience in driving vehicles up to 7.5t with trailers, and also a fair bit of driving (agricultural)tractors with large trailers on and off the road with weights of up to 31 Tonnes. I've also worked delivering a range of unplated vehicles within the commercial vehicle industry (from coaches to eight wheeler tippers) which before plating can be driven on a 'normal' car licence.
I'm looking to expand into manned plant hire so need my licence to deliver my own excavators etc.on a 38 Tonne low loader.
I'm looking for advice on the best way to get my licence. I'm not cocky enough to think I know everything, but I'm probably more experienced than many fully qualified LGV drivers on the road so just looking to find the cheapest easiest way to get my licence and any shortcuts I can take. I don't think I need to sign up with one of these all singing, all dancing training schools but happy to be told otherwise if I'm wrong.
Get your medical and provisional sorted, then approach some of your local trainers. I am sure one of them will be able to accomodate you. I'm old so already have C1+E and have 30 plus years of experience in driving vehicles up to 7.5t with trailers, and also a fair bit of driving (agricultural)tractors with large trailers on and off the road with weights of up to 31 Tonnes. I've also worked delivering a range of unplated vehicles within the commercial vehicle industry (from coaches to eight wheeler tippers) which before plating can be driven on a 'normal' car licence.
I'm looking to expand into manned plant hire so need my licence to deliver my own excavators etc.on a 38 Tonne low loader.
I'm looking for advice on the best way to get my licence. I'm not cocky enough to think I know everything, but I'm probably more experienced than many fully qualified LGV drivers on the road so just looking to find the cheapest easiest way to get my licence and any shortcuts I can take. I don't think I need to sign up with one of these all singing, all dancing training schools but happy to be told otherwise if I'm wrong.
I am pretty sure that although you will be fine with the handling of the vehicle (as was I back in the day), it's the 'roadcraft' that will get you. There's quite a bit of detail and finnesse to take into account, and you will likely have a number of bad habits to be ironed out.
You can check out http://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/index.php for a list of trusted trainers, then just filter it down to those within a distance you are willing to travel to.
carmadgaz said:
Update from my end.
Cleared my CPC theory on the 11th and had my first session yesterday.
Did all the walk around bits and had my first session in a 6spd manual Volvo FL.
Getting the lines around corners (getting rather close to the inside curb/line with the back tyre) and my approach speeds (slowing down waaay before the roundabout/ junction seemed alien) are where I'm still getting used to the vehicle but it's not too bad and my reverse exercise was nailed by the second attempt.
Got a 90% on my CPC practical test. Lost one point on the walkaround (exhaust emissions check) and one on the checking for immigrants (I'm sure I covered it all but clearly didn't convey it to my assessor.)
Another practice tomorrow followed by my test on Thursday. Trainer seems happy with my general driving but still need that bit more arse in seat time to polish myself up.
thanks for the update, Glad to hear its going well, Are you actually enjoying it? do you feel like its something you could do for 8 hours a day?Cleared my CPC theory on the 11th and had my first session yesterday.
Did all the walk around bits and had my first session in a 6spd manual Volvo FL.
Getting the lines around corners (getting rather close to the inside curb/line with the back tyre) and my approach speeds (slowing down waaay before the roundabout/ junction seemed alien) are where I'm still getting used to the vehicle but it's not too bad and my reverse exercise was nailed by the second attempt.
Got a 90% on my CPC practical test. Lost one point on the walkaround (exhaust emissions check) and one on the checking for immigrants (I'm sure I covered it all but clearly didn't convey it to my assessor.)
Another practice tomorrow followed by my test on Thursday. Trainer seems happy with my general driving but still need that bit more arse in seat time to polish myself up.
How do you find the gearbox? I assume its like a regular 6 speed?
got any pointers for me?
lucido grigio said:
What's this "immigrant checking " thing ?
Have a good look in the load area ?
check underneath for "hangers on" ?
Not really needed for a driver who never leaves the UK.
Its part of the CPC regardless of what job you are going on to. Its also for trafficking of 'packages' (drugs) but again, only really relevant for overseas drivers.Have a good look in the load area ?
check underneath for "hangers on" ?
Not really needed for a driver who never leaves the UK.
Im so Jealous! That looks an absolute beast to drive! 
Ive applied for some driving jobs, (under 3.5t) so that I can at least get some experience for when I come to apply for LGV.
I think the best method of finding work is what you done, getting mates to speak to their mates etc. Hope you enjoy your new office!
Ive applied for some driving jobs, (under 3.5t) so that I can at least get some experience for when I come to apply for LGV.
I think the best method of finding work is what you done, getting mates to speak to their mates etc. Hope you enjoy your new office!
Hi all
I completely forgot to update regarding my training. I completed my HIAB training on the 13th April. (I got married the week after, so forgot to update!)
The training was easy, started of dangling a small cone from a rope on the crane and getting it to slot over the top of another cone on the bed and on the ground.
then we practised with different types of loads, a 1-ton bag, a 3-metre beam of wood and a 50kg pallet.
The crane has a remote control, you wear it around your neck, this gives you the flexibility to stand in different places when operating the crane giving you better all round awareness.
The test was basically a full run through of delivering a load (setting up cones, outriggers out, take everything off) then a full run though of putting it all back on and making the truck ready to drive again.
I got 4 marks on the test, all of which were having the load too high off the ground, (was only about a metre up, not dangling above people's heads or anything. I put it down to nerves of being on a test as I was fine during all the practise sessions.
Anyway, got the pass (as did the other 2 guys on the course) so that's one less thing to worry about.
Roll on the 15th when I can start my class 2 training!
I completely forgot to update regarding my training. I completed my HIAB training on the 13th April. (I got married the week after, so forgot to update!)
The training was easy, started of dangling a small cone from a rope on the crane and getting it to slot over the top of another cone on the bed and on the ground.
then we practised with different types of loads, a 1-ton bag, a 3-metre beam of wood and a 50kg pallet.
The crane has a remote control, you wear it around your neck, this gives you the flexibility to stand in different places when operating the crane giving you better all round awareness.
The test was basically a full run through of delivering a load (setting up cones, outriggers out, take everything off) then a full run though of putting it all back on and making the truck ready to drive again.
I got 4 marks on the test, all of which were having the load too high off the ground, (was only about a metre up, not dangling above people's heads or anything. I put it down to nerves of being on a test as I was fine during all the practise sessions.
Anyway, got the pass (as did the other 2 guys on the course) so that's one less thing to worry about.
Roll on the 15th when I can start my class 2 training!
That sounds like quite a nice gig. What truck do you get?
I plan to go to agencies once I get certified but I know Salvatori are hiring and they have a depot around 30 min drive from me so will also apply there.
The closer it gets the more excited I get about it. I cannot wait for the day I'm handed a route sheet, a set of keys and a fuel card and told to get on with it.
My boss (who is now my brother in law) has been great about the situation, I don't need to work the one month notice as per my contract, I know that all my work is up to date and I can pretty much hand it over in a single email.
I plan to keep updating this thread beyond starting work up until I get bored/you lot get bored.
I plan to go to agencies once I get certified but I know Salvatori are hiring and they have a depot around 30 min drive from me so will also apply there.
The closer it gets the more excited I get about it. I cannot wait for the day I'm handed a route sheet, a set of keys and a fuel card and told to get on with it.
My boss (who is now my brother in law) has been great about the situation, I don't need to work the one month notice as per my contract, I know that all my work is up to date and I can pretty much hand it over in a single email.
I plan to keep updating this thread beyond starting work up until I get bored/you lot get bored.
K50 DEL said:
This thread is making me seriously consider a career change...
Many years ago I drove a 7.5t the length and breadth of the UK for a living and loved every second of it.
Office life is now wearing thin, I have the cash to invest in my training so maybe I should just go for it...
For me, It was something I always wanted to do, but never actually got round to sorting, I'm very excited about my training and the potential of doing something I enjoy as a career. Many years ago I drove a 7.5t the length and breadth of the UK for a living and loved every second of it.
Office life is now wearing thin, I have the cash to invest in my training so maybe I should just go for it...
The grass is always greener however, I would say make sure that you definitely want to give up the office before you go for it, - What made you stop driving if you were doing it previously?
K50 DEL said:
The owner of the company I was driving for (was a small place, just me and him) had put all his eggs in one basket client-wise and when they refined their processes to not need us any more he decided to close the business down... end of employment for me!
That's pretty much the situation I'm in now and is making me move my truck driving plans forward! There have been a few changes (CPC, digi tacho etc) but if you enjoyed it and are not enjoying your current job, why not go for it?! : )
Update: day 2 of training.
Im enjoying driving the truck around, Im not really getting on with my trainer but I can stick with it, for example driving along and there is a pelican crossing ahead so I back off the throttle and cover the brakes, my instructor: c'mon put your foot down, get a move on.
later another pelican crossing, instructor: SLOW DOWN, it might change red!
I also get "go left here"
Me: what this left turning 5 meters ahead??
ins: no, at the end of the road!
Doing the reversing maneuver today, he just goes and makes himself comfortable and lies down on the grass and leaves me to it, to be honest i would like some feedback 'you could move forward a bit' or 'better to position the truck like this/that' but nothing. I ask him if its alright and I just get 'yeah we'll be fine....hopefully'
Its only two more days os I will grin and bear it, but when im ready for class 1, i think i will look elsewhere.
good news: Passed my CPC this morning with 1 bad mark!
Im enjoying driving the truck around, Im not really getting on with my trainer but I can stick with it, for example driving along and there is a pelican crossing ahead so I back off the throttle and cover the brakes, my instructor: c'mon put your foot down, get a move on.
later another pelican crossing, instructor: SLOW DOWN, it might change red!
I also get "go left here"
Me: what this left turning 5 meters ahead??
ins: no, at the end of the road!
Doing the reversing maneuver today, he just goes and makes himself comfortable and lies down on the grass and leaves me to it, to be honest i would like some feedback 'you could move forward a bit' or 'better to position the truck like this/that' but nothing. I ask him if its alright and I just get 'yeah we'll be fine....hopefully'
Its only two more days os I will grin and bear it, but when im ready for class 1, i think i will look elsewhere.
good news: Passed my CPC this morning with 1 bad mark!
carmadgaz said:
Sounds like a pig of a place to learn 
. As long as you have time to get used to the truck then it's no different to your car test and you've already done that 
)
I've started my new job for the summer and enjoying the variety. Was out in a 58plate DAF CF today but I've mostly been driving around in this little beauty
Another thing, when I turned up Monday they couldn't find the keys for the truck. After several calls to the other instructors it turned out the truck was down the road having some work done, we had to hikack another students lesson to get a lift down the road! - nothing like a good first impression! . As long as you have time to get used to the truck then it's no different to your car test and you've already done that )I've started my new job for the summer and enjoying the variety. Was out in a 58plate DAF CF today but I've mostly been driving around in this little beauty
I wouldn't mind a new CF to roll around in, I'm training in a 04 plate, 8 speed MAN.
How are you finding it? Happy with it all? Any pitfalls?
I'm sure the admin and physical side of it becomes easier the more you do it, like most things it just takes time. Glad to hear that overall it's going well. Here's to hoping I can find a nice job like that too!
There was a moment yesterday where my instructor shut up for about 10 mins and it was just me and the truck, pootling along, working my way through the gears, it was brilliant and I thought to myself 'yeah I can do this for a living'
There was a moment yesterday where my instructor shut up for about 10 mins and it was just me and the truck, pootling along, working my way through the gears, it was brilliant and I thought to myself 'yeah I can do this for a living'
Hi all!
got 4 minors, one was that i let the truck roll back a little before putting the handbrake on. 2 more because i got in the wrong lane on a roundabout and kept the right indicator on while moving over to the left, but he said my observation was good and overall he was happy!
Im over the moon! Im sending off my tacho card application this afternoon, (£32) as soon at that's back i can start applying for jobs!
got 4 minors, one was that i let the truck roll back a little before putting the handbrake on. 2 more because i got in the wrong lane on a roundabout and kept the right indicator on while moving over to the left, but he said my observation was good and overall he was happy!
Im over the moon! Im sending off my tacho card application this afternoon, (£32) as soon at that's back i can start applying for jobs!
thanks everyone!
This is what i settled for on my CV under my 'key skills' section:
• Full Clean UK driving license and car
• Valid Cat C (Class 2) entitlement
• Passed CPC and have own Digital tachograph card
• Certified in use of Lorry mounted crane remote/hook
• Health and safety awareness in the workplace
• Trained in COSHH, fire safety and manual handling
• FAA level 2 Emergency first aid
• UKATA Asbestos Awareness
• Makes a great cup of Tea!
also, got home today to find my tacho card on the doormat.
Im still waiting on my licence to come back, but I can legally drive on my pass certificate that was handed to me when I passed. so thats it, I am now a fully certified lorry driver!! Im so happy, all I have to do now is find someone that will employ a 'wet behind the ears' driver. Everyone seems to want 2 years experience, I am applying for these jobs on the off chance, but a local agency have said they think they can get me on the bin lorries - its not exactly what i wanted, stop/start in local towns trying to keep an eye on guys loading the truck behind me and getting in the way of traffic but its a start and I will take what ever i can get for now.
I am available for work this coming Tuesday (or this B/H Monday if i was offered) so will have to see what responses I get to all my applications!
This is what i settled for on my CV under my 'key skills' section:
• Full Clean UK driving license and car
• Valid Cat C (Class 2) entitlement
• Passed CPC and have own Digital tachograph card
• Certified in use of Lorry mounted crane remote/hook
• Health and safety awareness in the workplace
• Trained in COSHH, fire safety and manual handling
• FAA level 2 Emergency first aid
• UKATA Asbestos Awareness
• Makes a great cup of Tea!
also, got home today to find my tacho card on the doormat.
Im still waiting on my licence to come back, but I can legally drive on my pass certificate that was handed to me when I passed. so thats it, I am now a fully certified lorry driver!! Im so happy, all I have to do now is find someone that will employ a 'wet behind the ears' driver. Everyone seems to want 2 years experience, I am applying for these jobs on the off chance, but a local agency have said they think they can get me on the bin lorries - its not exactly what i wanted, stop/start in local towns trying to keep an eye on guys loading the truck behind me and getting in the way of traffic but its a start and I will take what ever i can get for now.
I am available for work this coming Tuesday (or this B/H Monday if i was offered) so will have to see what responses I get to all my applications!
Ok, spoke to a friend of a friend of a friend and now I have an interview this afternoon for some possible tipper work next week.
He says I may have to do a day as a drivers mate unpaid, i would much rather be paid for this but as tipper work is what I would quite enjoy anyway, I'm happy to sacrifice a days pay to get my foot in the door.
He says I may have to do a day as a drivers mate unpaid, i would much rather be paid for this but as tipper work is what I would quite enjoy anyway, I'm happy to sacrifice a days pay to get my foot in the door.
ok, so following the interview, I have been offered work Tuesday morning on tippers.
I will be loading, unloading driving etc, all with another chap who works there. Do that for a few days until they are happy and I should be able to head out by myself!
Im absolutely over the moon with this. I just hope its all ok and I'm up to the challenge!
I will be loading, unloading driving etc, all with another chap who works there. Do that for a few days until they are happy and I should be able to head out by myself!
Im absolutely over the moon with this. I just hope its all ok and I'm up to the challenge!
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