Seeking advice, Am due to leave the army in august and hoping to make a career in driving. I have my class 1 although no experience, i do have a bit of experience driving class 2. Mainly large amounts of ammunition. Iv got my dcpc and digi card and have done my 35 hours traning along with 4 years left on my ADR certificate.
Problems being am not 25 till august
I only have 1 year on my class 2 licence and 6 months on my class 1
I also have a DR10 which will be 5 years old in April (am fully aware it stays on for 11 years).
Am about to start applying to agency’s and trying my luck to try get more experience before leaving.
Is there anything else i can do to make my self employable?
Will my experience driving Military vehicles count for much?
Anyone know of any agency’s that might take me on in Wiltshire (Salisbury Andover way)?
When I leave am moving back home so anyone know any firms around the Grantham, Sleaford, Lincoln way?
Thanks for reading and i hope it all makes sense!
And am fully willing to receive abuse for the DR10! Iv been getting it since i joined the army!
But that doesn’t change the fact that a potential employer would still see the conviction for 11 years, and probably (like most others) doesn’t realise that it doesn’t affect insurance after 5 years.
your going to find it hard so all you can do is face up
to the problem and and go to see people with a positive attitude
and hopethat as you were very young someone takes pity on you and gives you a start
i know people dont like working for nowt but get out and ride shotgun if you can
offer to pay the excess over and above an non DR10 driver if you have a blameworthy accident
If you have only had Class 2 for 1 year, how come you have done 35 hours periodic training?
That driver could have done all 35 hours in the first week of having it if that is what they wanted to do
If they had passed the initial lgv dcpc then they would get a DQC with a 5 year expiry date so completing all 35 hours of dcpc would have extended that expiry date by another 5 years
i am 22 but because i passed my 7.5t test pre sep 2009 i dont need cpc until sep 2014 the same as you guys, my class 2 and class 1 training didnt count
if he passed his class 2 a year ago he would have done 35 hours like my mate did to be allowed to drive… my mates is valid until 2017 as he passed his class 2 in 2012
if that makes sense?? the first year of cpc the legislations changed twice i think
Honestly mate, I wouldn’t even think about a career in LGV driving just yet. You have every possible hurdle in your way and you are looking for work at the hardest time of year to find it.
The DR 10 is the big issue. I have not heard of anyone that will take on a new driver with such a conviction. I’m not saying it’s impossible, only that it’s very, very difficult in your position. Your age and lack of experience will pretty much put the lid on it.
Best advice is to try and get other non-driving work at a haulage company. Once they get to know you, you may have a chance to get into a wagon.
Trouble is there are so many other drivers out there that don’t have a DR 10 looking for jobs. I have no convictions and was still looked at like a turd before I gained experience… Yes you can do it if you really want. But I’d expect a hell of a lot of effort and frankly, the pay and condition you experience as a driver probably aren’t worth the stress mate.
As others have said you’re lack of experience is one hurdle you’d need to cross then with the DR10, you’ve very little to no chance. Look for another way in. What are you doing for your ressetlement?
Thanks for all the input! its all very appreciated!
As for resetlment am not entitled to any! I cant even claim ELC due to not signing up in the correct period. However I am trying to get some work placements in Lincolnshire through the CTP. As people have said if i can impress on them then i might have a chance to get my foot in the door! If not i will invest in my forklift and bide my time!
As for age I will turn 25 as i leave the army so hopefully one less hurdle to jump! (maybe)
JJ192 When i was asking about how long they had to declare it for i was referring to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act! I never once thought of running Bent and wouldn’t if offered!
franklin to answer your question. For an army licence you only have to do modules 1 and 3 there is no requirment to do your modules 2 and 4 iv done them off my own back, but due to having access to cheap courses through the army iv managed to get my 35 hours in for a cheap price as ROG stated iv effectively got 10 years till me driver DQC is gone.
I had a Dr10 when I started from when I was 16 I was 22 when I started my first driving job, it did cause a problem at first but eventually got a job and since then only maritime have said no to me because of it so don’t be disheartened, my advice would be to find a small firm with rigids and artics, offer to drive rigids to start and one day when a artic driver is off sick etc etc your name will crop up and there’s your chance, don’t give up good luck
As above am 24 held my licence for less than 2 years and a dr10! Just got my first job multi drop driving for TNT and the odd day on class 1 when needed!
All it took was asking for a work experience placement which gave me a chance to shine! I know its starting at the bottom but its good pay and by the sounds of it a good company to work for!
