HGV driver training

[e21Mark]

I've been driving vans and 7.5 ton vehicles over past few years but due to slight disability I am unable to cope with loading / unloading manually. Obviously this limits the work available to me, so am considering training and taking Group 2 licence for rigid HGV?

I'm just wondering how much suitable work would be open to me though? Ideally I would like to do containers, as sheeting etc would be a problem. I could probably cope with a curtainsider though.

Initial checks look like it is likely to cost me around £900 - 1000 to train and take my test, so I want to be sure it's money well spent. I'm a 40 something year old bloke, with a disability, so employment choices are limited.

If anyone has any insight and/or suggestions it would be much appreciated.

[e21Mark]

I'm kind of resigned to working antisocial hours, in an effort to up the wage packet, but also because I'm more likely to be given the job in the first place. I have a weakness in my left leg, which means I usually walk with a stick. I can't walk far either. As a result, when combined with my age, I'm rarely going to be an employers first choice. I'm currently driving a van doing trunk here in the SW and I didn't mention my leg weakness. I know this position is coming to an end though, hence my now considering my options. I'd consider most jobs but I don't have LBC on side, to search on my behalf.

[e21Mark]

I intended going agency to begin with. I also used to drive a Ford Cargo and twin axle trailer (worked as truckie for Formula Opel team) which was more akin to an HGV1. I drove that all over Europe with the DTM. I hoped that might be enough experience for someone to give me a go anyway?

[e21Mark]

Unfortunately SW Trains aren't recruiting down here,

I'll certainly enquire re Post Office though.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

[e21Mark]

R0G said:

You need C and then C+E to get to mainly driving jobs with less physical work

DO NOT PAY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN TO THE TRASINING PLACE AND MET THE PEOPLE AND SEEN THE TRUCKS

Tick C & D only on the D2 form

NEVER pay more than £60 for the D4 medical

Check out the newbies section on trucknetuk

Thanks for advice.

R0G said:

OP - did you get your LGV C1 free with pre 1997 car licence or pass a DSA test to get it?

Pre 1997 licence.

Bus is definitely an option, or maybe coach?

[e21Mark]

GEARJAMMER said:

OP: Where are you located roughly (SWT have quite a big network).

Im inbetween jobs as far as containers (HGV1) are concerned so until my new job kicks off a mate sorted me out with some class 2 work driving 8x4 tippers on muck away work, ive got to admit to enjoying it, im not keen on the getting muddy bit (so will definetly be going back on containers) but I have been lucky enough to drive some new tippers (Mercedes Arocs) it had a beautifull auto gearbox, electric easy sheets and automatic tail gate, when driving these I barely ever had to get out the cab, take home pay varies between £350-400 and your home every night...... might be worth considering?

I'm near Truro, although certainly prepared to travel a bit. I'd consider getting digs Mon - Fri if it means reliable work, as it looks as though tonight might be my last shift, before we get laid off. I was told there was work till mid January but seems they were wrong, so ideally I need work asap.

Edited by e21Mark on Saturday 27th December 15:43

[e21Mark]

NorfolkInClue1 said:

e21Mark said:

I'm near Truro, although certainly prepared to travel a bit. I'd consider getting digs Mon - Fri if it means reliable work, as it looks as though tonight might be my last shift, before we get laid off. I was told there was work till mid January but seems they were wrong, so ideally I need work asap.

Edited by e21Mark on Saturday 27th December 15:43

Sticking with containers, I am home daily but work is 20 miles away so 200 miles per week. Instead of getting digs why not look at ports like Southampton and do tramping, away all week but only one trip to work. Try companies like Maritme? They have top kit, all parking paid and a decent wage too.
Truro might not be a Mecca for jobs but if you are prepared to work away tramping then realistically anything up to 100 miles away would be the same as a daily drive and much cheaper than getting digs??

Sounds like a plan. Thanks, I'll start making some calls to see what my options are?