Hi my mate has had his license since September last year, no real experience in driving 18 ton lorry but drives a sprinter in his day job as a tyre fitter, everyone has told him not to go for it, he’s now regretting getting his Cat C, how can he get experience? He’s in the catch 22.
Tell him to develop a limp and put his Hi-viz on inside out. He will get loads of work.
LOL
hughfraser:
Hi my mate has had his license since September last year, no real experience in driving 18 ton lorry but drives a sprinter in his day job as a tyre fitter, everyone has told him not to go for it, he’s now regretting getting his Cat C, how can he get experience? He’s in the catch 22.
Why’s he regretting it? Only regret should be listening to the idiots who told him not to.
Only way to get experience is ask about and put himself out there. He could also register at agency and ask for alternate weekend work so fits in with his tyre fitting job. Just keep eye on hours and weekly rest .
Pester agencies as there is work there. He might have to do 7.5t and work up but worth it
He had interview at driver hire today, they are reluctant to offer him any work but could stick him in a 7.5t
Surely that’s a bit of a start. He may have to prove himself before he progresses.
He may also need to put some effort in, making personal visits to operators and making it known that he’s available.
But, if he wants to keep his full time work, he’ll struggle as weekends is premium work that often goes to longer standing drivers first.
Pete 
Peter Smythe:
Surely that’s a bit of a start. He may have to prove himself before he progresses.He may also need to put some effort in, making personal visits to operators and making it known that he’s available.
But, if he wants to keep his full time work, he’ll struggle as weekends is premium work that often goes to longer standing drivers first.
Pete
Kind of like the situation im in. Currently have a full time job, the tipper firm I done a day with today have said if I’m successful they start you off on a 6 week trial as an agency driver then take you on from there. I just have a paranoia I’ll be leaving a full time secure job for one where I may not meet the criteria after 6 weeks.
Suppose that’s a chance I’ll have to take though if I’m to gain experience?!
Cheers Pete I’ll show him this thread tomorrow
Myself, am at the other end of the scale, no job for years for one reason or another, but I want to prove to myself I can do it no matter how long it takes
Just to let people know my mates got a start on Bondelivery on 22/6 so he’s well happy. 
I passed my C test two weeks ago & just got my licence back yesterday. Thought I would pop round to my local haulier to see how the land lies & basically ask for advice regarding jobs. Got an interview & an assessment for next Tuesday! Agencies will tell you that you need experience but go in person to your local firms for a much better reaction.
Basically, the Training Manager at this company said that I was a “blank sheet” so had no bad habits and provided I passed the assessment (quick drive round town in an 18 tonner) then they would consider me for a job. They are always on the lookout for C+E drivers as well and see the potential in bringing driving up “through the ranks”
So far so good - fingers crossed for Tuesday
eagerbeaver:
Tell him to develop a limp and put his Hi-viz on inside out. He will get loads of work.
This isn’t funny Beav. I developed a limp!!!