HGV driving questions

[doublehelix2]

I'm trying to find out information on driving careers for my cousin. He spoke to learndirect about doing some sort of driving for a career, but apart from telling him that he could become either a hgv driver they weren't very useful. So, I turn to oc. I don't know squat about licences/requirements for these jobs, so if anyone could offer a hand in explaining to me what would be needed to become a driver, that would be really helpful. I checked some careers sites, but they weren't so helpful. How much does the training cost? Where are jobs advertised? Oh, and also my cousin has 6 points on his license, so I don't know if that would make him unable to drive. Thanks for any help, I could really do with it.

 

[LewisStuart]

Just to give you an idea of cost

I assume your cousin can drive a car? first he would need to get a medical done (D4 form) cost can vary between £60 - £100,

then he'll need to sit an hgv theory test ~£35

once passed that you can start lessons in a class 2 (c) truck, a weeks course including test is likely to be £800 - £1000 depending who you go with.

after passing class 2 you can then go lessons for class 1 (c+e) another weeks course at similar cost.

 

[neil3k]

someone on here drives a truck

 

[Le_Petit_Lapin]

someone on here drives a truck

RX240/123/34o517Y

Or something like that.

 

[Daff_Duck]

I'm trying to find out information on driving careers for my cousin. He spoke to learndirect about doing some sort of driving for a career, but apart from telling him that he could become either a hgv driver they weren't very useful. So, I turn to oc. I don't know squat about licences/requirements for these jobs, so if anyone could offer a hand in explaining to me what would be needed to become a driver, that would be really helpful. I checked some careers sites, but they weren't so helpful. How much does the training cost? Where are jobs advertised? Oh, and also my cousin has 6 points on his license, so I don't know if that would make him unable to drive. Thanks for any help, I could really do with it.

tbh bud he would be better looking in a different direction. reason being is 6 points it the max most employers/agency's would take on then there is the question of experience unless you are very luck you would have to go the agency route to get experience and even if you had Class 1 licence the chances of you getting a run after just passing is very remote. You would have to be the last port in the storm so to speak and very very flexible with the hours you could work. Going forward there is the question of CPC starting in 2009. Like everything else the jobs just arent around in most areas employer want the best they can get that means they get experienced drivers as its becoming an employers market they can pick and choose.

If he is still intrested then get him to take a look at trucknet<search for it google on there he will find all the advice and information he needs.

Good luck in what ever he decides. Oh by the way I have a Class 1 licence and just do the occasional job every now and again. If you where to ask me if I would do it again now and knowing what I do. I would have to say No unless you are absoloutly determined its to make a go and its what you want.

 

[Atom]

I am a Class 1 driver. Truck driving is burnt out now. To many rules and regulations...

 

[Scania]

someone on here drives a truck

RX240/123/34o517Y

Or something like that.

That'll be me then! - And, a few others.

Oh, and also my cousin has 6 points on his license, so I don't know if that would make him unable to drive.

Thats a big "Oh!" ! - He will struggle to gain experience with a clean licence, never mind 6pts! - what were they for?

Just to give you an idea of cost

I assume your cousin can drive a car? first he would need to get a medical done (D4 form) cost can vary between £60 - £100,

then he'll need to sit an hgv theory test ~£35

once passed that you can start lessons in a class 2 (c) truck, a weeks course including test is likely to be £800 - £1000 depending who you go with.

after passing class 2 you can then go lessons for class 1 (c+e) another weeks course at similar cost.

Spot on.

I am a Class 1 driver. Truck driving is burnt out now. To many rules and regulations...

Could not agree more, also, the money is not what it was.....

For example, this year, my shift pattern means I start my X-Mas shift @ 14:00 on the 24th, finishing around 4 -5am on the 25th, do I get any extra after midnight on the 24th? - No!

Previously, I have had a £200 "incentive" to work into Christmas Day, alas, this was about 4 years ago.

Quite honestly, I think you have to be slightly mad to consider this profession, if however you are mad, then you will fit in just fine.

 

[Lum]

Just to give you an idea of cost

I assume your cousin can drive a car? first he would need to get a medical done (D4 form) cost can vary between £60 - £100,

then he'll need to sit an hgv theory test ~£35

once passed that you can start lessons in a class 2 (c) truck, a weeks course including test is likely to be £800 - £1000 depending who you go with.

after passing class 2 you can then go lessons for class 1 (c+e) another weeks course at similar cost.

I think the rules have changed nowadays.
Unless your cousin passed his test before photocards were introduced (and assuming the DVLA didn't take his entitlement away when it was swapper for a photocard, they love doing that and you'll never get it back) then first you have to take a C1 test that allows you to drive a 7.5 tonne Luton van, then you get to take a test in a full size fixed HGV (sorry, they call them LGVs now) and then you get to take your test in an articulated one. Obviously there is a theory test to go with each of these as well.

Last estimate of the cost for getting an HGV licence I saw was £3500 including lessons and tests, this was back in 2001 when I looked into it as I was getting sick of the IT industry and truckers were earning more money than me. It probably costs a lot more to get into and the pay is apparently less.

 

[utajoker]

i passes my class C test last month, total cost was around £900 for everything

 

[Howard]

RX240/123/34o517Y

Or something like that.

Lol

 

[username]

Also given the number of drivers being laid off around the country I would suggest choosing something else to do. There are drivers for nearly all jobs going spare at the minute and nearly every agency is on its knees.

 

[Scania]

Also given the number of drivers being laid off around the country I would suggest choosing something else to do. There are drivers for nearly all jobs going spare at the minute and nearly every agency is on its knees.

Not so, if your in the Supermarket supply chain, believe me.

I regard my HGV as a guarantee of employment for as long as I keep my health and my Licence clean. Its one of the very few professions that allows that. I may have to jump from ship to ship as the transport industry is littered with failed transport companies. - They always get replaced though, usually, by larger companies that themselves then subsequently go belly up! This pattern continues because goods, economic slowdown or not, still need to be delivered, trucks still need drivers and more drivers are leaving the job than joining it (which is why so many RHD truck drivers speak little English these days!)


My point is, the days of "Convoy" in the UK, if they ever really existed are long gone, today its not the open road, its rush, congestion, time windows and dick heads in BMW 5 Series, Mondeo's and just about any other moving vehicly you tend to come across..... For, usually, less than £10 per hour not forgetting the responsibility of what a 44ton rig could do if things go very wrong.

Its not a job, its very much a way of life, but don't expect to be treated with respect by those around you.

As I said in an earlier reply, Mad.

Yes, a crap night at the office.......


You can have some fun mind you....