I am an ex service man and have decided to start a second career as a HGV driver, I will be doing C initially and hope to get a bit of wheel time before going in for my Class 1, obviously it depends a lot on my ability etc but what do people think is a reasonable amount of time before doing my CE. I am in the North Lancs/ South Lakes area and my research indicates there is work available but its mostly CLASS 1. . . .any thoughts.
If you can afford it do it as soon as you can, before you forget all that you have been taught and develop bad habits.
Forget all you have done because when you get a brand new category on your licence you will regarded as a newbie
Your slight advantage is that you are probably over age 25 but apart from that you are likely to hit all the usual newbie barriers so please read plenty of posts from recent newbies to get a reality check on the newbie job scene
If finances/time allow, go for CE asap. Not only is it a little easier because you’re still in “training mode”, you’ll widen the scope for employment substantially.
And many folk manage to get work quite quickly - so dont listen to all the doom-mongers!
Good luck with it, Pete 
Peter Smythe:
If finances/time allow, go for CE asap. Not only is it a little easier because you’re still in “training mode”, you’ll widen the scope for employment substantially.And many folk manage to get work quite quickly - so dont listen to all the doom-mongers!
Good luck with it, Pete
thanks very much for your best wishes, I am contacting operators and driving agencies in my area and all seem to be positive about finding work even if its a 2am call out I have said i will do it !
Peter Smythe:
If finances/time allow, go for CE asap. Not only is it a little easier because you’re still in “training mode”, you’ll widen the scope for employment substantially.And many folk manage to get work quite quickly - so dont listen to all the doom-mongers!
Good luck with it, Pete
i agree get c+e as soon as you can cause the clock starts ticking plus you will find work just need to get out there
Also if you present yourself as a Class 1 driver to employers, you tend to be taken more seriously.
Hi sklanc, I’m based in carnforth and did my class 2 in October with Lancaster training services on hey sham docks, very good instructors. After spending the last few weeks knocking on doors there are no class 2 jobs local, a few places are after class 1 so if you can do both that’ll be better choice
I too did my training with Lancaster Training Services, first rate operation and decent quality trucks. I passed my C+E in March last year and my C in the previous year. The time after my C was spent on 8 and 6 wheel tippers. I feel it was time well spent getting in to the swing of HGV’s. The 3 months after my C+E were quite but of late 90% of my work is C+E with agencey’s. At the end of the day its your choice as to which way round you do things.