First step to becoming a HGV driver

[exelero]

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.

It’s hard enough to get a job as C2 new pass. Everyone wants experience and no one will touch you unless you have some. Those who will want to pay you something like 9 £/h. No thanks. It’s a bit of catch 22 really...

[Stussy]

I went straight into 36k a year with zero experience on milk tankers.
Drivers that have been on the road for years can struggle with those as they have no baffles

[exelero]

Well, lucky you Stussy

[Stussy]

The point being that saying no one will touch you with no experience is simply not true

[milkround]

Stussy said:

The point being that saying no one will touch you with no experience is simply not true

Correct.

The reality is you are not going to be that good for a while.

I'm not sure if you do milk on the artics or the rigids. But if it's the artics and it was your first job if you have not caused carnage I truly take my hat off to you.

I've done farm work in an artic. Some of the places still send a shiver down my spine. I guess with milk they are set up for you coming. But I remember with part fondness and part horror driving a flatbed carrying plant on STGO plates and calling farmers and asking for advice. They would generally lie about what is possible just wanting the kit and not caring if I got stuck or faced reversing in the dark a mile or two down a tiny little road.

Getting a job driving a truck is not difficult. If anyone is really struggling (new as I don't mind recomending a newbie but won't put my name to a rubbish experiecned driver), and you are based either in the Midlands or around Southampton then send me .a message or post on here and I'll get you infront of a TM who is willing to give you a go. I've done it for a few young lads. Won't be the best or most fancy work going - but it will be stuff I'd be willing to do myself working for people I'd be willing to work for.

[Stussy]

Yeah, I’m ex farm on artics, just to make it more fun it’s all on the Cornish single track lanes on night shift.
In 9 months, the only damage I’ve had is one trailer mud guard coming off.
It’s a common occurrence for everyone due to a combination of very narrow lanes (sometimes you can’t even open the cab doors either side) and the farmers not cutting back the bushes on their private lanes!

Regarding being set up for artics, some are and some not, but still expect you to get in. Some are strictly wagon and drag.
With turntable rear steer trailers it’s very surprising where you can get into

Edited by Stussy on Thursday 23 January 15:10

[exelero]

milkround said:

Correct.

The reality is you are not going to be that good for a while.

I'm not sure if you do milk on the artics or the rigids. But if it's the artics and it was your first job if you have not caused carnage I truly take my hat off to you.

I've done farm work in an artic. Some of the places still send a shiver down my spine. I guess with milk they are set up for you coming. But I remember with part fondness and part horror driving a flatbed carrying plant on STGO plates and calling farmers and asking for advice. They would generally lie about what is possible just wanting the kit and not caring if I got stuck or faced reversing in the dark a mile or two down a tiny little road.

Getting a job driving a truck is not difficult. If anyone is really struggling (new as I don't mind recomending a newbie but won't put my name to a rubbish experiecned driver), and you are based either in the Midlands or around Southampton then send me .a message or post on here and I'll get you infront of a TM who is willing to give you a go. I've done it for a few young lads. Won't be the best or most fancy work going - but it will be stuff I'd be willing to do myself working for people I'd be willing to work for.

That’s really nice of you man. I sent you a message

[exelero]

Stussy said:

The point being that saying no one will touch you with no experience is simply not true

They will but you have to take 9ph which is not convenient to say the least. Anyway I’m an ex transport clerk and it used to be different. Agencies used to cry out loud for drivers but I rang a few and they all want at least 6 months experience. Anyway will proceed with my class 1 and see what happens. I’m in a good situation employment wise at the moment but I’m just bored of it

[exelero]

Thanks for your reply
Anyway I managed to get a job offer finally (1 out of 90) and in the meantime I booked my class 1 training for may with Peter Smythe

[GC8]

What do they charge? I see that they have taken over the local firm (DST) that I always used to recommend to people.

[CAPP0]

Mate of mine owns an LGV training school and said he'll put me through for cost, so I'm quite tempted, partly because it's a box I've always wanted to tick, but also because I'm hoping to be able escape corporate office life soon-ish and if I can pick up some driving work to top up the funds that would be great. I've only skimmed this thread so far but will have a good read through.

Mate reckons it will be easy to pick up work, but I guess it very much depends what sort of thing is on offer, esp if I'm new/inexperienced.

Will be watching the thread with interest.

[Its Just Adz]

Almost 3 years I've had my class 2 now, love it. Going to book a few days off work on April and do my class 1, even if there isn't a truck to go into at work it's handy to have.
That's what I'm telling myself anyway.

[exelero]

GC8 said:

What do they charge? I see that they have taken over the local firm (DST) that I always used to recommend to people.

1700, but it was on sale yesterday for 1530+free use of vehicle for retest if required.

If you want a discount at all times, you can get a trucknet discount and it's the same money (1530). They are quite busy for Class 1

[GC8]

Thank you.

[carmadgaz]

Its Just Adz said:

Almost 3 years I've had my class 2 now, love it. Going to book a few days off work on April and do my class 1, even if there isn't a truck to go into at work it's handy to have.
That's what I'm telling myself anyway.

I forgot we passed about the same time (3 years next week!) . Did my CE back in May (and failed on a stupid thing). Went back for a retest in Aug and nailed it.

Only used it twice since then but it's there if I want it . Need to do my D now and then I have the full set

[Its Just Adz]

carmadgaz said:

I forgot we passed about the same time (3 years next week!) . Did my CE back in May (and failed on a stupid thing). Went back for a retest in Aug and nailed it.

Only used it twice since then but it's there if I want it . Need to do my D now and then I have the full set

How did you find the CE first time you got in?
I don't think the length will bother me, it more the bendy bit.

[Its Just Adz]

C+E test tomorrow, the next step.

[GC8]

Traction unit and trailer or drag and draw?

[Its Just Adz]

GC8 said:

Traction unit and trailer or drag and draw?

Proper unit and trailer, been in a Daf XF all week.

[milkround]

Its Just Adz said:

GC8 said:

Traction unit and trailer or drag and draw?

Proper unit and trailer, been in a Daf XF all week.

Let us know how it goes.

Hope you are going to come on and say you smashed it.

Plenty of work starting to open up now so you should find getting paid to sit in a cab rather than paying not too difficult.