First step to becoming a HGV driver
Discussion
Its Just Adz said:
Got my CPC theory in the morning, quite nervous about it.
The online stuff I’ve read seems a huge amount to take in, then the test questions I’ve done don’t always match to that revision!
Oh well, done all I can do, see how it goes tomorrow.
I was nervous too. Take your time. You can flag and review questions if you are not sure.The online stuff I’ve read seems a huge amount to take in, then the test questions I’ve done don’t always match to that revision!
Oh well, done all I can do, see how it goes tomorrow.
Best of luck!
carmadgaz said:
You still on with TP Dave? how are you getting on?
Yep still work there, still going fine. I have booked my class 1 lessons to commence 12th Feb for 4 days with test on fith day. It's £1323 for the additional training, but I don't have any more theory tests or similar to pass this time. Just the practical lorry bit.
I don't have class 1 work lined up yet but I will register with a few agencies as I did before while I apply for jobs.
I can't decide exactly what I want to go for, but I know that I want a job where I have my own truck, a couple of nights out a week is ok.
I quite fancy low loader work or maybe containers but beggars can't be choosers and I think I will have to take whatever I can get until I have the experience.
GC8 said:
I see your future: it is agency work!
Id say that there is zero chance of finding low loader work with a new licence and little HGV experience, even if you could demonstrate familiarity with the plant in question.
Not what you want to hear, but it is the same for everyone.
I know what you mean. I don't mind a bit of agency as I will get a lot of varied experience. Downside is I'll end up in the ropey dodgy smelly trucks.Id say that there is zero chance of finding low loader work with a new licence and little HGV experience, even if you could demonstrate familiarity with the plant in question.
Not what you want to hear, but it is the same for everyone.
Thanks to all for the kind words, I will keep you updated with the training etc.
Ok. Day 1 of training completed.
I was single manning in a MAN. We started off with a reversing manoeuver. I have to pull forward into a box then reverse into into another box over to the left.
This is similar to the manoeuver you do when you do class 2, just on a slightly larger scale.
We then went out on the road. Mostly motorways/main roads so I can get a feel for the truck and trailer and room to navigate roundabouts etc. We will build up to more difficult situations as the week progresses.
Came back to the yard about 11:20 and done a de-couple re-couple exercise.
I think I done well, the reversing took a few attempts to understand how the trailer reacts to how I move the wheel but I felt improvements after a couple of tries.
Out on the road went well, I got close to 1 kerb but not actually onto it. Some bad habits are starting to show, I'm making a conscious effort to stay at 10&2. And I need to slow down a lot sooner.
The coupling is a whole new thing to me, I've just gotta make sure I follow the correct method and don't miss anything off.
I'm using the BLACK anagram to decouple that is:
Brakes (trailer brakes)
Legs
Air lines
Clip (dog clip on 5th wheel)
Kingpin.
Then the reverse to couple up.
I'm tired as I rarely drive for more than 4 hours in a day. Let alone doing it all in 1 stint!
Looking forwrd to more of the same tmw. It's a decent truck and a nice instructor so it's pleasant to be doing this.
Then it's a reverse to
I was single manning in a MAN. We started off with a reversing manoeuver. I have to pull forward into a box then reverse into into another box over to the left.
This is similar to the manoeuver you do when you do class 2, just on a slightly larger scale.
We then went out on the road. Mostly motorways/main roads so I can get a feel for the truck and trailer and room to navigate roundabouts etc. We will build up to more difficult situations as the week progresses.
Came back to the yard about 11:20 and done a de-couple re-couple exercise.
I think I done well, the reversing took a few attempts to understand how the trailer reacts to how I move the wheel but I felt improvements after a couple of tries.
Out on the road went well, I got close to 1 kerb but not actually onto it. Some bad habits are starting to show, I'm making a conscious effort to stay at 10&2. And I need to slow down a lot sooner.
The coupling is a whole new thing to me, I've just gotta make sure I follow the correct method and don't miss anything off.
I'm using the BLACK anagram to decouple that is:
Brakes (trailer brakes)
Legs
Air lines
Clip (dog clip on 5th wheel)
Kingpin.
Then the reverse to couple up.
I'm tired as I rarely drive for more than 4 hours in a day. Let alone doing it all in 1 stint!
Looking forwrd to more of the same tmw. It's a decent truck and a nice instructor so it's pleasant to be doing this.
Then it's a reverse to
ezi said:
Easy way to remember how to steer the trailer is to put a single hand on the bottom centre of the steering wheel, move your hand to the right and the trailer will go right, move your hand to the left and the trailer will go left. When I first started on Class 1 I was always getting in a tackle steering the wrong way and that little tip transformed reversing for me.
I think I know what you mean. I turn the bottom of the wheel in the direction I want the trailer to go if that makes senseFailed!
I had a very tight mini roundabout and was turning left, as I did the rear wheel mounted the kerb, which the instructor said would not have been a problem on its own, but then a kid on a bike came flying up my inside and the instructor told me to stop. Apart from that I had one minor or not checking a mirror when indicating. Other than that It was fine.
If I was 10 seconds earlier or later it would have been fine. I'm both gutted and pissed off.
I need to re book etc but need to wait a minimum of 3 days.
I want to re-test asap so I don't forget anything.
I'm proper gutted. f
king cyclists
I had a very tight mini roundabout and was turning left, as I did the rear wheel mounted the kerb, which the instructor said would not have been a problem on its own, but then a kid on a bike came flying up my inside and the instructor told me to stop. Apart from that I had one minor or not checking a mirror when indicating. Other than that It was fine.
If I was 10 seconds earlier or later it would have been fine. I'm both gutted and pissed off.
I need to re book etc but need to wait a minimum of 3 days.
I want to re-test asap so I don't forget anything.
I'm proper gutted. f
king cyclistsOliver47 said:
I know it would be better to create a new thread but still as there are so many experienced HGV drivers out here, I post my issue here. I am looking to get advice on the steps I should take to drive a forklift for a living. Should I find the cheapest certification business or pay more money for an advanced Forklift licence training ? Once I obtain the licence, will my lack of experience be an obstacle to land a good job? Any tips or anything that can help before I invest time/money in a forklift license?Thank you so much for any replies. I goodled but search didn't return any relevant results.
I would recommend looking for the sort of forklift jobs you want and see what level of training they are asking for. Then find local instructors who can train you appropriately.
Started a new job today.
It's the same as my last job (delivery driver for a builders merchants) but this one pays a little bit more.
Today was good, played with a new crane type, a FASSI, and while I had a few issues I can see that when I get the hang of it this will be a very capable machine!
The truck is a 26tonner 5yr old DAF CF with a 8 speed splitter box.
Gear changing is heavy and arkward but it's a bit of a peach if you get it right. Engine pulls well so it forgives a bad gear change.
Really enjoyed a new working environment today.
It's the same as my last job (delivery driver for a builders merchants) but this one pays a little bit more.
Today was good, played with a new crane type, a FASSI, and while I had a few issues I can see that when I get the hang of it this will be a very capable machine!
The truck is a 26tonner 5yr old DAF CF with a 8 speed splitter box.
Gear changing is heavy and arkward but it's a bit of a peach if you get it right. Engine pulls well so it forgives a bad gear change.
Really enjoyed a new working environment today.
I do enjoy mucking about with the crane. It's physical work as you are up and down on the bed, plus sometimes it's just quicker to handball 10 lengths of timber than it is unpack the crane, get the legs out etc etc.
It's still 'multi drop' in a sense as can do upto around 12 drops a day but mostly I'm doing maybe 6-8 drops.
I'm finding with this company that's it's a good balance of driving/unloading time. The days go quick and i feel like I've earned my wage at the end of the day, which I'm proud about.
It's still 'multi drop' in a sense as can do upto around 12 drops a day but mostly I'm doing maybe 6-8 drops.
I'm finding with this company that's it's a good balance of driving/unloading time. The days go quick and i feel like I've earned my wage at the end of the day, which I'm proud about.
Hey max,
My only regret is not pulling my thumb out my arse sooner. I could have done all this 10+ years ago rather than all these stty jobs I've had sat behind a desk.
Now I'm my own boss, I take a break when I want, no one enters my office and I can sing along to the radio as badly as I want without any complaints!
There's highs and low to all jobs, the only thing that annoys me is when I can't do my job! (Waiting to get loaded, trucks being fixed etc) all the time there's bricks to deliver I'm a happy chap. I've found a company who are great to work for, all the guys there are great and it's a decent truck and crane they have given me. I'm gratefull that I have managed to get this and aim to do what I can to keep my boss happy.
My only regret is not pulling my thumb out my arse sooner. I could have done all this 10+ years ago rather than all these s
tty jobs I've had sat behind a desk. Now I'm my own boss, I take a break when I want, no one enters my office and I can sing along to the radio as badly as I want without any complaints!
There's highs and low to all jobs, the only thing that annoys me is when I can't do my job! (Waiting to get loaded, trucks being fixed etc) all the time there's bricks to deliver I'm a happy chap. I've found a company who are great to work for, all the guys there are great and it's a decent truck and crane they have given me. I'm gratefull that I have managed to get this and aim to do what I can to keep my boss happy.
I seriously don't think I could do any job other than HGV driving now. Nothing could keep me satisfied as much as this industry does.
My first drop today was a few bulk bags of sand to a small building site, the guy there remembered me from when I worked at TP and asked me to lift and move a stack of HARAS fencing with the crane, he asked politely and is a nice guy so I did. It was a bit tricky as we couldn't lift the whole stack to get a sling underneath so had to hook up a corner with the crane and then use a plank of wood to get the slings under then I could lift them up and over a fence and on to the other stack, then we couldnt get the slings out so kept one end of them hooked on to the crane and had to lift and pull to get them out.
The whole time I was on site none of it felt like 'work' I was just helping a mate out and generally 'mucking about' with a big ass crane! Then I'm back in my cab, radio on and following the sat nav to the next job with one arm out the window enjoying the country side and sunshine.
Or maybe I could sit behind a desk for 9 hours a day......
100% no regrets!
My first drop today was a few bulk bags of sand to a small building site, the guy there remembered me from when I worked at TP and asked me to lift and move a stack of HARAS fencing with the crane, he asked politely and is a nice guy so I did. It was a bit tricky as we couldn't lift the whole stack to get a sling underneath so had to hook up a corner with the crane and then use a plank of wood to get the slings under then I could lift them up and over a fence and on to the other stack, then we couldnt get the slings out so kept one end of them hooked on to the crane and had to lift and pull to get them out.
The whole time I was on site none of it felt like 'work' I was just helping a mate out and generally 'mucking about' with a big ass crane! Then I'm back in my cab, radio on and following the sat nav to the next job with one arm out the window enjoying the country side and sunshine.
Or maybe I could sit behind a desk for 9 hours a day......
100% no regrets!
Hi all!
Sorry for the hiatus but with driving 5/6 days a week and early starts i've rarely had the time (or energy) to update my progress.
I'm not even sure when i last updated you all, but il try to keep updates a bit more regular now.
So I got a phone call a little over a month ago from an agency that i previously worked for, they were desperate for drivers and asked if i would go back to work for them, as an incentive they offered to pay for my class 1 training. I accepted the offer and handed my notice in at the builders merchants.
In my last week there i trained up my replacement, He had experience but had not driven (a HGV) for over a year, but he got back into it without a problem.
So fast forward to today, I've been on the agency a few weeks now and i've done a wide variety of work. I've used tail lifts, curtain siders, tippers, fridges and all sorts of loads.
I've been in to London (not that bad at all) ive done long days with maybe a single drop, early starts, long days and and been to loads of new places. Im really enjoying the variety that comes with agency work but the varying start times are the hardest.
I have also set myself up as a LTD company after being recommended to do so by other agency drivers, Im waiting on a business account and a UTR number but a few more days and i should be up and running. This will allow me to go and tout for work directly for haulage companies and cut out the agency's or to at least improve my tax rate so im left with more cash and cut out the umbrella company who seem to take a huge cut from my wages.
Was working today, started at 5am from Lenham in Kent, delivered to a few waitrose, John Lewis and an Ocardo and back to the yard just after 11. Its nice and easy, pop in the office, pick up keys and paper work, give the tyres a kick and crack on with it.
Overall, Still enjoying it, it has ups and downs like any other job would have but im still happy at the end of the shift.
Sorry for the hiatus but with driving 5/6 days a week and early starts i've rarely had the time (or energy) to update my progress.
I'm not even sure when i last updated you all, but il try to keep updates a bit more regular now.
So I got a phone call a little over a month ago from an agency that i previously worked for, they were desperate for drivers and asked if i would go back to work for them, as an incentive they offered to pay for my class 1 training. I accepted the offer and handed my notice in at the builders merchants.
In my last week there i trained up my replacement, He had experience but had not driven (a HGV) for over a year, but he got back into it without a problem.
So fast forward to today, I've been on the agency a few weeks now and i've done a wide variety of work. I've used tail lifts, curtain siders, tippers, fridges and all sorts of loads.
I've been in to London (not that bad at all) ive done long days with maybe a single drop, early starts, long days and and been to loads of new places. Im really enjoying the variety that comes with agency work but the varying start times are the hardest.
I have also set myself up as a LTD company after being recommended to do so by other agency drivers, Im waiting on a business account and a UTR number but a few more days and i should be up and running. This will allow me to go and tout for work directly for haulage companies and cut out the agency's or to at least improve my tax rate so im left with more cash and cut out the umbrella company who seem to take a huge cut from my wages.
Was working today, started at 5am from Lenham in Kent, delivered to a few waitrose, John Lewis and an Ocardo and back to the yard just after 11. Its nice and easy, pop in the office, pick up keys and paper work, give the tyres a kick and crack on with it.
Overall, Still enjoying it, it has ups and downs like any other job would have but im still happy at the end of the shift.
Hey all - Another update!
So its been almost 2 years since I passed and so much has changed. I apologise for not coming back to this thread as much as I wished but long days and being out on the road leaves little time or energy to come back to this thread and post.
Anyway, I now have my own company set up (Ltd) I get work through agencies and being self employed I generally get a higher rate than PAYE. I claim expenses (fuel/phone/food etc) process invoices and pay myself a little salary out of whats left.
This also allows me to work direct for a company, I have been calling up, knocking on doors and chatting to drivers, but no one had called to offer work. I've even had places where I dropped my card in, only for an agency to call me and offer me work there a week later!
BUT.....
Next week I start my first direct work for a client, no agency involved, they originally offered 2 weeks in Maidstone then added a 3rd week in Dover. This could be my foot in the door it's a big chain of Builders Merchants and if it goes well there could actually be more work there than what I can cover, This may give me the opportunity to find a driver that can work on an Ad-Hoc Basis and I get a small cut of the fee, I may then also be able to approach other Builders merchants and offer the same service to them requiring more staff etc etc.
Im glad that my hard work has secured me my first client, I have worked another builders merchants who actually offered me a full time job by the end of the week but I turned it down as im really enjoying the variety of the agencies.
I have been in London doing multidrop, Ive done long distance single drop, Hiabs, Curtain siders, flat beds tail lifts and loads of other stuff, Ive worked for some great companies and some terrible ones, I still make mistakes here and there but nothing serious and I am still 'only' a class 2 but hopefully this year i will get my class 1 and update you all again.
To summarize, I am still really enjoying this career move, my only regret is not doing this sooner, I knew I wanted to do it when i was younger but never bothered. It has given me more opportunities than i ever imagined and I never even considered establishing a business upon it but here I find myself.
So its been almost 2 years since I passed and so much has changed. I apologise for not coming back to this thread as much as I wished but long days and being out on the road leaves little time or energy to come back to this thread and post.
Anyway, I now have my own company set up (Ltd) I get work through agencies and being self employed I generally get a higher rate than PAYE. I claim expenses (fuel/phone/food etc) process invoices and pay myself a little salary out of whats left.
This also allows me to work direct for a company, I have been calling up, knocking on doors and chatting to drivers, but no one had called to offer work. I've even had places where I dropped my card in, only for an agency to call me and offer me work there a week later!
BUT.....
Next week I start my first direct work for a client, no agency involved, they originally offered 2 weeks in Maidstone then added a 3rd week in Dover. This could be my foot in the door it's a big chain of Builders Merchants and if it goes well there could actually be more work there than what I can cover, This may give me the opportunity to find a driver that can work on an Ad-Hoc Basis and I get a small cut of the fee, I may then also be able to approach other Builders merchants and offer the same service to them requiring more staff etc etc.
Im glad that my hard work has secured me my first client, I have worked another builders merchants who actually offered me a full time job by the end of the week but I turned it down as im really enjoying the variety of the agencies.
I have been in London doing multidrop, Ive done long distance single drop, Hiabs, Curtain siders, flat beds tail lifts and loads of other stuff, Ive worked for some great companies and some terrible ones, I still make mistakes here and there but nothing serious and I am still 'only' a class 2 but hopefully this year i will get my class 1 and update you all again.
To summarize, I am still really enjoying this career move, my only regret is not doing this sooner, I knew I wanted to do it when i was younger but never bothered. It has given me more opportunities than i ever imagined and I never even considered establishing a business upon it but here I find myself.
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