First step to becoming a HGV driver

First step to becoming a HGV driver

Author
Discussion

carmadgaz

3,201 posts

182 months

Wednesday 4th December 2019
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exelero said:
Passed today with 2 minors smile
woohoodrivingwoohoo

mercedeslimos

1,656 posts

168 months

Thursday 5th December 2019
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Not quite the same, but last year around September I was sick of what I did and decided to start getting my D license.

Applied for the CPC course ran by my local training centre. I got confirmation while I was on holiday over Christmas. I started the course in February this year and passed my test in April. I got a job in a coach company and haven't looked back. Barely been a day where I haven't been out driving.

Delighted, and the money is decent too.

exelero

1,890 posts

88 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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mercedeslimos said:
Not quite the same, but last year around September I was sick of what I did and decided to start getting my D license.

Applied for the CPC course ran by my local training centre. I got confirmation while I was on holiday over Christmas. I started the course in February this year and passed my test in April. I got a job in a coach company and haven't looked back. Barely been a day where I haven't been out driving.

Delighted, and the money is decent too.
I know people who work for Nat. Express and I have to say that the division they work for (Skills) has some st pay considering the fact that you have 60 peoples lives in your hand for 9.5 and hour?

GC8

19,910 posts

189 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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National Minimum wage as far as I am aware? When you can earn significantly more stacking shelves, with no ones life in your hands and limited chances of prosecution, Id opt for that.

mercedeslimos

1,656 posts

168 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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exelero said:
I know people who work for Nat. Express and I have to say that the division they work for (Skills) has some st pay considering the fact that you have 60 peoples lives in your hand for 9.5 and hour?
I work for a private operator, Mainly tourist work over summer and schools, etc over winter.

We get paid daily, and 50% more than minimum wage here. Swings and roundabouts, some days you do 6 hours some you do eight.

Pay isn't amazing but then again where I love pay is crap for most jobs unless you've been there for years

GC8

19,910 posts

189 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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SW?

GC8

19,910 posts

189 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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You should be guaranteed a minimum of eight hours, no matter what.

mercedeslimos

1,656 posts

168 months

Monday 9th December 2019
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I get paid the same if I do 6 hours or 8, and if I do over 8 we get time in lieu.

Live in Ireland, here only 2 options for this, Bus Eireann which is the national semi-state operator, or private companies. Better conditions but lower pay in the private sector, but much better work and not dealing with the short end of the stick.

exelero

1,890 posts

88 months

Sunday 15th December 2019
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Would you train For class 1 in an artic or wagon+drag?

ezi

1,734 posts

185 months

Sunday 15th December 2019
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exelero said:
Would you train For class 1 in an artic or wagon+drag?
I'd always suggest an artic because that's what you'll most likely end up driving when you pass.

GC8

19,910 posts

189 months

Sunday 15th December 2019
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It depends: if you’re an experienced driver then I’d suggest a drag and draw. If you’re a new driver then better to train hard and fight easy.

exelero

1,890 posts

88 months

Sunday 15th December 2019
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GC8 said:
It depends: if you’re an experienced driver then I’d suggest a drag and draw. If you’re a new driver then better to train hard and fight easy.
That’s what I thought. I’m gonna go with the artic biggrin

Stussy

1,792 posts

63 months

Sunday 15th December 2019
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There’s no point making it harder for yourself, stick with the artic

GC8

19,910 posts

189 months

Sunday 15th December 2019
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A drag and draw is probably easier to pass a test in. If you have the experience to carry you through when youre pulling a semi-trailer, then it is a worthwhile advantage. If you dont have enough experience then the tougher training will help to offset the difficulties that you might encounter when working.

Silent1

19,761 posts

234 months

Sunday 12th January 2020
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GC8 said:
A drag and draw is probably easier to pass a test in. If you have the experience to carry you through when youre pulling a semi-trailer, then it is a worthwhile advantage. If you dont have enough experience then the tougher training will help to offset the difficulties that you might encounter when working.
the only downside with taking your test in a Wagon and drag is if you go on to drive one it'll almost definitely be longer than the one you passed in.

graham22

3,293 posts

204 months

Friday 17th January 2020
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Cat C passed beginning of Dec; 3 days in an artic this week and C+E passed yesterday, had do CPC Mod 4 today.
Just have to complete my 3 months notice where I am already.


GC8

19,910 posts

189 months

Friday 17th January 2020
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New drivers will struggle, especially for C+E work with no experience. Id start trying to find agency work now, because you might be in for a shock in more ways than one in three months time.

graham22

3,293 posts

204 months

Friday 17th January 2020
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GC8 said:
New drivers will struggle, especially for C+E work with no experience. Id start trying to find agency work now, because you might be in for a shock in more ways than one in three months time.
Have 3 options already, plan to do odd weekend while I work my notice.

leggly

1,780 posts

210 months

Friday 17th January 2020
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I told lies to get my first hgv1 job. biggrin I had worked for a subsidiary of tnt for a couple of years driving a van for very good money before I felt the need to use my license. They asked who I’d worked for, I told them and they assumed it was driving a truck.

Glenn63

2,732 posts

83 months

Saturday 18th January 2020
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I went to my local place said I’d do a couple days with one of their drivers for free to prove myself was offered a full time job after the first day, some places will give a chance just have to find the right ones, probably won’t be the best work though!