HGV

Martron

Not sure if i am in the right forum but sure here goes.

i am looking for a career change. i want to get a hgv license. is that a good or bad idea.

what do i need to get one.... ie provisional.
how long is the wait for the test?
is there work?

would anyone advise against it?

S.I.R

i'd advise against it as with the rise in fuel costs.... only people getting laid off atm....

peasant

I've only done it very briefly, in a previous job, whenever our driver was on holidays ...but trucking can be a pretty ****ty job.

Constant time pressure, often you have to unload yourself, uncooperative/officious gits at loading bays on customer sites, pressure vs driving regulations, boredom on long runs, boss breathing down your neck every five minutes, etc

Steve

Maybe this should've been in Learning to drive. Wishbone Ash has a license for everything bar the space shuttle.:D

Martron

i am not learnign to drive yet but i figured this would be the place where i wouild find truckers!

so i am thinking its a non starter. right any other opinions?

OldmanMondeo

There are quite a lot of HGV drivers being let go not just because of the fuel prices, but also because of the construction downturn. Probably not the best time to get into this game. I know a lad who drives and leaves home around 4:30am and get home after 6pm.

bbam

This is a buisness with lots of exising labour already there, I drove a rigid for a year (ages ago) and got out as its tough job with long hours for less than spectacular money..

It might be good to have the lisence as a possible fall back if you were laid off, but to go into a business where folks are already being laid off migntn't be smart..

Then again... if you have a real desire to try it out you might regret not trying at all..

gogs2006

I'am a truck driver with nearly 10 years.. I'd advise you to approach a local company and maybe spend a day or two with a driver to see whats involved..

You have to be prepared for unsociable hours and severe new regulations!! We are now under pressure with the RSA to have our tachographs etc in order

You have to remember as a driver that you are responsible for a defective vehicle and load security,there's a lot more involved in the job than just driving!!

As Peasant said you have to deal with ignorant warehouse staff and office staff etc

I would advise you to apply for your test before Aug 2009 as a drivers CPC course will be needed for a licence application..

This will be a theory course and exam on Driving hours,Height and Weight Regulations,Road laws etc..

To be honest there is no work at the minute... Many experienced drivers have been laid off and a number of companies are closing their doors..

Martron

ha ha many moons ago i used to be the ignorant warehouse staf unloading the trucks and i did go out on deliveries....long distance ones at that and i enjoyed it thats why i am thinking about doing it agin.

but i see there is a lot of negative advice. maybe i should look else where

johntoc

Driving an artic with the last 4 years and still enjoy going to a different place every day

Alanstrainor

Hi John,

This thread is over 3 years old. Please don't drag up old threads.

Cheers,