Alright lads! Im new on here im currently a bus driver and I hate my job with a passion! I enjoy the driving side of it I just hate dealing with the passengers! So I think hgv driving is the career for me.
Can any of you helpful chaps recommend any training centres in the Manchester area?
Also once I have gained my license what is the best way into finding work? Will experience driving a bus help do you think? It is a large very slow vehicle haha.
Any help will be much appreciated…
there’s a few ex bus drivers here and from what you’ve put all for the same reason. Can’t help with training but you’re not as likely to struggle getting work as a complete novice. Any agency/company I worked for was happy to let me loose at 23 as I had 4 years experience of driving large vehicles.
Good luck.
That sounds promising mate cheers for the heads up! Thats definately swayed me more to bite the bullet and go for it!
Yeah there definately is alot you have to put up with as a bus driver would be nice to go to work and not be abused!!
Check out the link in my signature below 
DCPC - do you have a pre 97 car licence?
What is the expiry date on your current DQC?
Hi Rog no I only passed my test in 2007 im a youngen im only 26. My CPC expires in 2018 is this transferrable onto the trucks? I imagine I will have to start again…
Damo_hall:
Hi Rog no I only passed my test in 2007 im a youngen im only 26. My CPC expires in 2018 is this transferrable onto the trucks? I imagine I will have to start again…
You will need to do initial LGV dcpc modules 2 and 4 and on passing mod 4 the LGV will get added to the current DQC expiry date - that was the last info we had from the DVSA DCPC section
Ok cheers for the help pal! Ive booked my theory so studying for that. Do you need to pass the cpc modules before you take the practical test? Also how much do these tests cost roughly?
Damo_hall:
Alright lads! Im new on here im currently a bus driver and I hate my job with a passion! I enjoy the driving side of it I just hate dealing with the passengers! So I think hgv driving is the career for me.Can any of you helpful chaps recommend any training centres in the Manchester area?
Also once I have gained my license what is the best way into finding work? Will experience driving a bus help do you think? It is a large very slow vehicle haha.
Any help will be much appreciated…
Funnily enough I came off the buses for exact same reason…
You’ll find that same places (but not all!) may take the bus experience into consideration - May be worth mentioning it when you apply.
Do you need to pass the cpc modules before you take the practical test? Also how much do these tests cost roughly?
No need to pass cpc before practical training though you wont be able to drive professionally until they’re done. It’s not unusual to get Mod 2 (case studies) done at the same time as the other theories and then the Mod 4 (practical demo test) can normally be arranged around the time of your practical driving course. Sometimes during the course.
So far as cost goes, not sure exactly what you wanted to know. But, with us, Mods 2 and 4 with all the associated training is £300 incl VAT and test fees. Practical course is £1350 incl VAT and test but you may be able to reduce your training time as you have experience on larger vehicles.
Bear in mind that you can pass on an auto and gain a full manual licence (I’m assuming you have a full manual car licence).
Stay away from brokers. Always visit your proposed trainer and look at the set up and the vehicles. There is a vast difference between trainers and the cheapest is often not the best. Many of us don’t even charge for an assessment to find out how you get on with the truck/trainer.
All the best with it, Pete 
Cheers for your replys guys!
I have another question sorry about this lol! Because I have a PCV License will I still need another medical and still have to send off for a provisional lorry license?
Damo_hall:
Cheers for your replys guys!I have another question sorry about this lol! Because I have a PCV License will I still need another medical and still have to send off for a provisional lorry license?
Do you have C provisional on the paper part?
When was your last D4 medical?
Ive just checked online I already have C provisional entitlement. My medical was only last year so hopefully thats one box ticked. 
Damo_hall:
Ive just checked online I already have C provisional entitlement.
No new medical needed
Next move is assessment drives. A good trainer will arrange your theory tests and any preparatory training for you at the same time.
Remember to have at least two assessments.
Pete
Hi damo, I can fully recommend Stockport hgv, reddish. 35 years in the business and family run. No hidden surprises. I used them in February this year. I did cpc mod 2 and 4 through them also. They arrange everything. The theory test center is in Stockport to.