Hi all
I would like to introduce myself and say hello and ask a few questions, I am itching to get into HGV driving and I hate my current job I am trying to pluck up the courage to leave and start HGV Training.
My father in law (to be) is a HGV tanker driver, so I have a good understanding of the business and it is something that I would love to do.
I have a few questions though I wonder you can help me with?
As a experienced HGV driver how to you like your work?
One thing that terrifies me in a normal car is ice, how do you manage such a large vehicle in snow/ice conditions?
I live in the North East Darlington/Stockton/Middlesbrough area - reading through this forum I will stay away from brokers but how do i tell what is a reputable company? and what training companies do you know of or recommend in this area?
I have been in contact with “easy as HGV” anybody had experience with them?
What do I need to do, to start things off? e.g should I apply for my provisional cat C now?
my current job is starting to make me ill and I need to get away from it. what are the chances of getting a job once/if I have passed my tests some companies make it out to be very easy.
Kind Regards
is it me your looking for??
Seriously, please research the companies, if you can go to the training site look at the trucks etc.
Pete, is on here he is a good training school and gives free B&B give him a shout well worth it and gets good reviews from other members on here.
Stay away from the broker which "easy as HGV is " there are several good trainers in the North East ( Newcastle area let me know if you would like the details )
Dont leave you job yet as there are not many jobs about ( well too many drivers for the jobs )
Go look have an assessment drive with several of the trainers to see which one suit you
Drathor:
One thing that terrifies me in a normal car is ice, how do you manage such a large vehicle in snow/ice conditions?
drive slower, the one thing Paul made clear to me when I was training is that there is not a gun against your head, its not wacky races, your job is to get goods from a to be safely first and on time second NOT the other way around…
iain
Any advert you see telling you there’s lots of work out there, or saying they will help you find work/get a placing after you pass, or telling you that you can earn 20 to 30k is a broker and a liar. Spend a lot of time reading this forum and the brave new world of trucking with it’s odd new lingo will start to become more clear,
Oh, and welcome.
Stay away from brokers !!!
For gawds sake please go and see the trainers first talk with them have an assessment with as many as you can then make your choices it’s a lot of money to part with and you have to be comfortable just remember your paying them they have to impress you not the other way round , a good trainer will put you at ease and not bully you into signing with them and quite a few offer free assessments just be completely happy before you part with your money , take it from someone who knows and any questions we will all try and help on here promise 
Jen x
hint, broker wanted £1300 to do class C
I did the medicals, theory, hpt, lessons, test, 2 more hours and a retest… £1000 all in
(and i threw the first test through stupidity so ended up wasting £210 on that with vehicle hire and refresher hours)
DO NOT USE A BROKER EVER< AS IN EVER AS IN REALLY DO NOT DO IT
iain
I am with easy as and passed my class 2 first time. If I had my time again I would of gone directly to the trainer. The very 1st thing you will need to do is get a medicial, if you fail that then theres no point going any further, if you pass it choose wisely, go and see the traimer and the vechiles they use ect.
Best of luck!
Hi all
Many thanks for your fantastic responses I did not expect such quick reply’s
Thankyou for all your advice it has been taken on board.
I shall see about getting a medical arranged…(Stupid question) but do I just turn up at my doctors and ask for one, do I get a certificate or anything and how long is the medical valid for?
Once I have that then I think I will start looking around for trainers - does anyone have any recommendations and locations of any in the Darlington/Stockton/Middlesbrough area - I have looked at the thread that lists them and found one but wondered if anyone had any personal recommendations - as for easy HGV i did not know they where a broker but I do now.
Kind Regards
DO NOT GO TO YOUR DOCTORS!!! Ask a few local trainers about costs etc and who they would use… my doctor wanter £120 for the medical, bucket and sponge cost me £60
Go see the local guys first before anything else, they can help
iain
Thanks
I’ve got a day off tomorrow so I have sent these guys a email
tlgv.co.uk/index.html
Asking If i can drop down tomorrow for a chat and take it from there
Drathor:
Thanks
I’ve got a day off tomorrow so I have sent these guys a email
tlgv.co.uk/index.html
Asking If i can drop down tomorrow for a chat and take it from there
At least they not a broker so ok
But why not just call in should be someone in office who can give you the info
You can ask at your Dr how much he is going to charge for the medical but you will need form D4 can be downloaded & printed off
Although tlgv may have the form D4 & be able to do the medical for you
I used Doctors on wheels they are mobile so may be in your area soon , was something like £50 couple of years ago
Jx
One thing that terrifies me in a normal car is ice, how do you manage such a large vehicle in snow/ice conditions?
Reduce speed, increase gap between you and next vehicle by a factor of 10, keep it smooth, use a higher gear than normal to keep the revs down, minimise your use of the brakes. You’re mad for wanting to drive for a living these days but welcome aboard anyway!
went down to TLGV yesterday all looks good - got to arrange my medical