Age old question

[YoungJnr]

Hi all just passed my class 1 I’m from leicester I’ve been driving class 2 for about 5 years now but thought I’d give the bigger ones a go but I can’t find anywhere that takes new passes around leicester or even east mids I already work full time mon - fri on class 2 so just looking for the occasional weekend work if possible to get me confident any help would be appreciated if anyone knows where to start to find jobs around leicester


Also would my employer know if I do the occasional Saturday somewhere else thats has class 1 lorry’s

[carlston49]

Hi all just passed my class 1 I’m from leicester I’ve been driving class 2 for about 5 years now but thought I’d give the bigger ones a go but I can’t find anywhere that takes new passes around leicester or even east mids I already work full time mon - fri on class 2 so just looking for the occasional weekend work if possible to get me confident any help would be appreciated if anyone knows where to start to find jobs around leicester

Also would my employer know if I do the occasional Saturday somewhere else thats has class 1 lorry’s

You can only work a 6 day week once every two weeks.

I can't imagine many depots would want to take on a new pass if they are rarely going to see you.

When I started on Class 1, I went out with the driver/trainer for the first five days and that was Monday to Friday. I doubt they would have been interested in me if I had severely restricted my availability.

I suggest you apply for full-time jobs, and get ready to hand in your notice if offered one. Contrary to popular belief, most depots that will accept new passes via agency will also accept new passes direct. In fact, it's more likely that a depot will accept a new pass direct than via an agency.

[YoungJnr]

Yeah never looked at it this way so my understanding is that there are no class 1 jobs that chuck the keys at you and your on your way do they all require an assessment for new passes with my class 2 they through me into the deep end in a class two with a massive over hang

[YoungJnr]

I was thinking to try get started with a agency but even finding that difficult

[carlston49]

Yeah never looked at it this way so my understanding is that there are no class 1 jobs that chuck the keys at you and your on your way do they all require an assessment for new passes with my class 2 they through me into the deep end in a class two with a massive over hang

You will probably find that most depots will only take on new passes if they are short of drivers, ie. when there aren't enough experienced drivers applying for the jobs...and that doesn't happen very often.

Class 1 are regularly assessed, perhaps every year. And they never give you the keys before you've passed an assessment. Certainly with the big players.

Unless you've got previous experience of shunting, most new passes can't reverse so when the assessor tells you to blind side the trailer between two closely parked trailers you will fail the assessment.

June and July is probably the best time of year to get a job as a new pass, as that's when the regular drivers take their summer holidays so many depots then become short of drivers. However, unlike just after Covid, there's no longer a shortage of drivers.

When you do get your big break, it will probably be at a depot that is not popular with experienced drivers, due to reasons such as the work being difficult and the pointy shoe brigade in the transport office running the drivers ragged, ie. exhausting 15 hour days.

[tachograph]

Also would my employer know if I do the occasional Saturday somewhere else thats has class 1 lorry’s

I'm afraid they will know that you've been driving for another company as soon as they download your driver card.

That's sort of the point of having a driver card, so companies, and the DVSA, can check that you're sticking to the drivers hours rules

[YoungJnr]

Thanks for the advice I’m starting to realises I won’t realistically get a break for quite sometime which is quite dis heartening be an newly passed driver who just can’t wait to get behind the wheel.. it’s hard because I can’t leave my current job and finding a class 1 job that’s nice and easy like my class 2 work seems like a myth

[stu675]

I don't understand all the negativity.
You've got 5 years experience. Don't be so down on yourself.
I got a job as a new pass i.e. car to artic and there was no assessment drive (thankfully!).
I would look for both, the odd Saturday shift or full time on class 1 and see what comes up.
Good luck!

[trevorking1964]

I went straight into class 1 after passing my test. The following week.
Still there 2.5 years later.
Really grateful to them for their faith in me and teaching me the job.
The breaks are out there.....

[carryfast-yeti]

Hi all just passed my class 1 I’m from leicester I’ve been driving class 2 for about 5 years now but thought I’d give the bigger ones a go but I can’t find anywhere that takes new passes around leicester or even east mids I already work full time mon - fri on class 2 so just looking for the occasional weekend work if possible to get me confident any help would be appreciated if anyone knows where to start to find jobs around leicester


Also would my employer know if I do the occasional Saturday somewhere else thats has class 1 lorry’s

have you tried Cobley's Transport out of Broughton Astley? well,nr there anyway..opp the Mill on Soar pub.
i believe they may give newbies a chance.

[YoungJnr]

I haven’t tired them but will definitely take a look thank you

[YoungJnr]

Also I’m not trying to be negative it’s just a little disheartening… got bags of experience on class 2 but having only just passed class 1 and all I’m hearing is 6months or more needed to even start but I do feel better now hearing some of you have overcome this and gotten your self through the door