I am a 27 year old female wanting to take my category C for mainly equestrian purposes. I fall into the legislation (born a year too late) which means that I need to pass a test to drive even a small lorry, e.g. Iveco Cargo (forgotten the detail now). My late father could drive our old Iveco Cargo on his ordinary car licence and my friends born a couple of years later could too, but I couldn’t
I went through the LGV process age 19 to drive the Ford Cargo- passed medical, got provisional and got 100% on theory. I decided against because not being 21, I could not get the licence to drive big lorries, lessons were expensive so it seemed a waste of time (bit of a pipe dream),
I have noticed firms offering intense training for an affordable (to me at the moment) sum of £1000-£1500, plus some sort of cover so you get three attempts.
My career has been successful but unbalanced (I don’t always like it) so I wanted to take the commercial side of the test so I could try for driving jobs. One of the firms told me it would be easy to get work, I am doubtful.
Please could you advise-
(1) Do I seriously stand any chance of work (27, female, lawyer- blonde too (ha)).
(2) What are these businesses like? I know passing must be hard. I have my advanced test for car- I am generally quite outgoing and reasonably good at motoring (obviously hugh trucks are different)
About a grand to 1200 is normal but be wary of offers like you mentioned, when rog finds your post I’m sure he’ll give you a link to his recommended trainers thing where people on here have recommended the schools.
As a lawyer, why on earth would you want to drive lorries for a living!?
Anyway, best of luck but don’t forget with the schools; if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!
Oh, work wise- I’m 27 too and working for agencies, it was a bit hard until I had two years experience but now my phones ringing all bloody day and I couldn’t do all the work I’m offered even if I worked 24/7. It’s just a case of getting started and building your reputation until you get to 2yrs really.
Hi LauraLiz1982 Welcome to the mad house that is TrucknetUK…its nice to have you on board.
LauraLiz1982:
Do I seriously stand any chance of work (27, female, lawyer- blonde too (ha)).
Are you still currently working at the minute?
There is work out there, however it can often be very hard and trying to get that first step on the ladder. Like Darkseeker says, its about reputation and build a good rapport with clients. Agencies are often a good way of developing experience and building your confidence post test. But they do have a down side (Im registered with 4) like Im finding out this week, it can be very hit and miss. On the positive side, IF you do follow the path, there is the option of applying for direct jobs.
LauraLiz1982:
What are these businesses like? I know passing must be hard. I have my advanced test for car- I am generally quite outgoing and reasonably good at motoring (obviously hugh trucks are different)
The tests can be hard. The major word in that is can. I imagine studying and trying to pass the bar is extremely hard but if you have the right attitude and apply yourself you have all the information in your hard to pass the tests. Driving is the same, learn from what the instructor is telling you and the errors that you make (and there will be little mishaps) and when test day comes around you will be in a position to pass the test.
on to the other part of the question…
There is often debates of brokers and training schools who farm the work out to other training companies on this website. All I will say is the benefit of going direct to a local school is that most will provide a driving assessment (either for free or little cost) which allows them to assess you and can offer you a tailored training rather. I went direct to the same local school for both my C and C+E and managed to get 7hrs free CPC training as well, so there is deals to have by going local
darkseeker:
when rog finds your post I’m sure he’ll give you a link to his recommended trainers thing where people on here have recommended the schools.
Darkseeker, Rog is now under the command of his nightly nurse who has hidden his keyboard.
Well I’ve been working as an academic (fixed contracts). I did bar exams this year but I didn’t secure a traineeship (pupillage) despite being a very strong candidate (first class degree/major scholarship). Had an episode of ill health (virus) and ended up in no position to attend interviews. It really was a nasty one- made my intense course a nightmare
The lorry test is mainly due to my interest with horses. Considering the recession (opportunity to fill in a gap), should there have been driving jobs, then I’d do them. Law can be stressful- having a another string to add to the bow is never a bad thing (if you want the test for horses any way) That was my reasoning I’ll never be a full time truckie I don’t think.
Welcome LauraLiz1982 look at a few other posts for rogs signiture and u can click on his helpful hints for training make sure u see the trucks before u part with any money lists of recommended training schools are on Rogs link if u go through yellow pages and look at a few training schools where are you based as a lot of us on this forum may be able to recomend a school if we trained near where u live all on here are very happy to help and any questions u have will be answered by one of our guru`s on here someone will have the answer good luck in ur training jx
LauraLiz1982:
I know passing must be hard. I have my advanced test for car
The skills you use for that are exactly the same for the LGV - IPSGA
Did you pass with IAM or ROSPA?
Yes, the size and controls are different but easily learnt - the hard bit to learn, which you already have, is the observation and forward planning
Many who start their LGV training have to be taken back to basics again for general driving
27 year old … age 19 to drive the Ford Cargo- passed medical, got provisional and got 100% on theory
Medical and provisional still valid but theory has run out as it’s only valid for 2 years
Which provisional do you have - C1 or C
wanting to take my category C for mainly equestrian purposes
If it was JUST for private equestrian purpose driving then you would not need the initial Dcpc.
LauraLiz1982:
I have noticed firms offering intense training for an affordable (to me at the moment) sum of £1000-£1500, plus some sort of cover so you get three attempts.
The cost of getting C is generally around that price but steer clear of guaranteed passes and retests cover etc as many have had problems with them.
Go to a local LGV school and talk to them face to face.
All the LGV TRAINING TIPS, including the Recommended LGV training schools that have been recommended by members, can be accessed by clicking on the link in my signature at the bottom of this post. The link includes THE INITIAL DRIVER CPC which started on 10 Sept 2009. Official DSA videos of modules 1, 2, 3 & 4
LauraLiz1982:
Had an episode of ill health (virus) and ended up in no position to attend interviews. It really was a nasty one- made my intense course a nightmare
Hope you well and better now
LauraLiz1982:
having a another string to add to the bow is never a bad thing
Personally I can not fault you for that, like yourself Ive been and continue to do the whole university thing.
The overall aim is to get a 1st or 2.1 and go to either US or Canada for postgraduate where I will more than likely look at doing the whole driving scene out there, simply because it is a string to the bow in a completely different area.
LauraLiz1982:
The lorry test is mainly due to my interest with horses
See my interest with horses is to leg it the otherway away from ours…The front end bites, the rear end kicks and the middle take forever to fill
However, going back to it (this is where I show my complete lack of knowledge) you obviously have been able to take in a lot of information and apply it in order to pass the tests…same for the HGV test
have you looked in your local yellow pages fro trainin schools or on the internet at the local 1 to you as you dont say where you are we cant really help
im female have registered with several agency only had work from 1 but they have kept me busy and im building up a good reputation with that 1 have worked in transport for a few years now
there is some work out there & you have to take the rough with the smooth & now you are over 25 that does make things easier due to the insurance
maybe pm Ladytrucker679 as she used to move horses
27 year old … age 19 to drive the Ford Cargo- passed medical, got provisional and got 100% on theory
Medical and provisional still valid but theory has run out as it’s only valid for 2 years
Serious question. An 8 year old medical is still valid? Is that really the case because if so that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me when a lot can change medical wise in 8 years and older drivers have to have one every 5 years.
Once again- thanks for all the help. You seem like a friendly bunch
Rog- I did my advanced test with IAM age 19. I might be a bit rusty but I am hopeful that it will be some use. I’d love my ‘blue badge’ (got a red car plate and sticker LOL)
If it helps, I am in Cardiff (for now any way). I contacted two Nationwide firms over the internet who both rang me back (did forms online). Both were very helpful, perhaps one was a little too pushy (rang the next day after initial chat and I had about 7-10 missed calls which seemed excessive). One was £1090 which seemed very cheap, the other was around £1290. The lad on the phone of one didn’t seem to be a truckie himself and got a few things wrong.
Rog- it’s interesting what you say about medical because one firm said I needed a medical and the other didn’t. I am confused now. There is a truck on my photo card licence that says B1 01-09-00-30.09.52 (umm…?) There is more detail about the provisional wagon bit on the paper part which is not with me. I passed my car test 01.09.00 so I wonder if that just refers to ordinary vans or something.
Coffeeholic:
Serious question. An 8 year old medical is still valid? Is that really the case because if so that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me when a lot can change medical wise in 8 years and older drivers have to have one every 5 years.
I agree that a lot can change in many years but it’s no different from those that pass the LGV test at age 18 and then have until age 45 for the next one.
Blimey !! - I’ve just realised that’s a possible 27 years between medicals
Coffeeholic:
Serious question. An 8 year old medical is still valid? Is that really the case because if so that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me when a lot can change medical wise in 8 years and older drivers have to have one every 5 years.
I agree that a lot can change in many years but it’s no different from those that pass the LGV test at age 18 and then have until age 45 for the next one.
Blimey !! - I’ve just realised that’s a possible 27 years between medicals
Wow- I cannot believe it. I really thought my medical would be out of date. It’s good for me, but also kind of worrying in some ways that the DVLA don’t check. It will save some money and time not going through it again, plus it was only £30 in Hull 8 years ago.
LauraLiz1982:
I did my advanced test with IAM age 19. I might be a bit rusty
It’s supposed to be a skill for life which means you are supposed to drive that way forever !!
Have a FREE check drive with a local observer - you know it makes sense and you’ll have the experience of someone else watching your driving again
LauraLiz1982:
I contacted two Nationwide firms over the internet
You’ll get lots of comments over this !!
LauraLiz1982:
The lad on the phone of one didn’t seem to be a truckie himself and got a few things wrong.
Probably a salesperson - many brokers only have salespeople !!
LauraLiz1982:
it’s interesting what you say about medical because one firm said I needed a medical and the other didn’t. I am confused now.
Easy way to solve confusion - go to local LGV training school and I’ll guarantee they will see you right
LauraLiz1982:
There is more detail about the provisional wagon bit on the paper part which is not with me.
mrpj:
That’s the part you need. If you’ve only got a provisional C1 you’ll need another medical (I think), if the provisional C is on there’s no need.
You are correct - the medical only covers the actual provisional(s) for which it was originally taken for.
EDIT & ADD - unless the medical is under 12 months old
Time to get that paper counterpart bit of the licence and see what’s on there
Well I’ve been working as an academic (fixed contracts). I did bar exams this year but I didn’t secure a traineeship (pupillage) despite being a very strong candidate (first class degree/major scholarship). Had an episode of ill health (virus) and ended up in no position to attend interviews. 
It’s good for me, but also kind of worrying in some ways that the DVLA don’t check. 