I reach retirement age in June and fully intend to do so. Mind you I may do a ‘couple of days’ per week up until September, after that I’ll know nothing about being a lorry driver and will park up after 50 years on the road (straight from school into being a van boy) and 44 years with a HGV 1 Licence (I know it’s a C+E now ) I’ve no intention of doing another winter and hope to get through this one relatively unscathed. My licence expires in January 2015 after which I’ll have to jump through all the hoops DVLA medical section throw at you just to keep my car licence. If I get that all I’ll have is Category B which means of course nothing over 3.5 tonne.
When I turned 64 I didn’t want to stop but as the months count down (Just 4 months and 23 days to go &30 days of those are going to be holidays) I’m getting more used to the idea. I’ll have to adjust to reduced earnings but I’ve always spent what I earned not tried to earn what I spend.
I’ve know drivers who’ve died of aneurysms at 55, another who died of a Brain Haemorrhage whist parked up at South Minns just 6 months before he was due to retire. Others who have worked on a few years only to fall victim to a terminal illness at 68.
Basically I’ve done my bit and if I haven’t earnt enough by the time I’m 65 I never will.
I worked all those years (never got used to it ) and I was a bit frightened of retirement, I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Then the day came, just got into my car and off home, no ceremonies, retirement gifts etc, I just went (my choice). I’ve NEVER looked back, took to retirement like a duck to water.
Reduced finances■■? sure, but you adjust, do your research (reduced council tax etc) and you’re OK . Now we are happy. I’ve got a good wife, a house, a good family, a nice car, ALWAYS a bottle in, and a tenner in my pocket. I’m a rich man.
i’ve got to agree with you brian , i went to the doctors with persistent heartburn , oh no it was severe angina . rang the boss to tell him i wouldn’t be in tomorrow . he asked when i would be back and i just said never . fair play to him i got a lot of help with finances , tax rebates etc , and when i reached retirement age i was given a retirement party and a gold watch . been finished nearly 10 years now and have done most of the things i never had time for when i was working , go away for 8 weeks every year . i reckon we earned it . cheers , dave
Hullo Cliff,
Hope you had a Good Christmas and New Year mate. I too have taken the decision this year, not to renew my Licence. I’ve had it now for 42 years and I only use it in the Summer Months, as I go abroad each Winter. I was 75 on Christmas Day, and I only do part time work when I am at home as and when I am needed. I am certainly not going to fork out £500 on ■■■■■■■ around with this so called CPC. I’ve already got a CPC, I got it under Grandfather rights in I think 1972. Plus the job now is just not the same, Most of the people running it are it seems Brain Dead, so all the interest has gone from it. So when I return in April I will do a few of my Jobs, just to pass the time until July, my renewal date. Then I shall find another line of work to keep me on my toes. Who knows I may even see you over here at the Traction Engine Rally in August, with your pride and joy. (The car not the Missus )
Archie.
I view this from another angle, I am still working and have my Class One (C+E if you like), I gave up distance around 15 years ago (now only miss it during the Summer Months!) and during that time I would end up back on the spanners, although I didn’t really want to. The job still entailed driving HGV’s but alas no Artic’s. I’ll be reaching 61 quite soon and realised that I probably would never drive or more sadly feel the pleasure in reversing an artic into a tight spot again using the skills I’d learnt over many years, by the time I retire and after that point the likely hood would be even less. I’m not afraid of retirement infact these last few years I’ve begun to look forward to it, there is plenty I want to do but driving HGV’s isn’t one of them, it just wouldn’t be the same as I remember.
I think you have to look on retirement as another chapter in your life and a different start to what could be an interesting time. Ending something you have done for 50 or more years, working for a living, is a big step even though you might have tried your hand at many skills during that time since leaving school for the big wide world. Take a deep breath let it go and look forward to what the future holds. There is always the memories as someone said, during a frequent visit to my 80 year old Father during his last couple of weeks before he died from cancer, he looked up at me and said ‘I wish I could have one more drive in me old wagon’, that was all but I knew he had been recalling those old days that he enjoyed the most and what a happy thought to leave with. Cheers Franky.
Good to hear from you Archie. It is good to see that you are still going strong and I am of the same mind as you, driving is not the same and when you talk to some of the young guys today about how it was in the 60,70,80s they struggle to believe how we managed to survive without constant contact by phone with the gaffers. Take care mate
Cliff
Archie Paice:
Hullo Cliff,
Hope you had a Good Christmas and New Year mate. I too have taken the decision this year, not to renew my Licence. I’ve had it now for 42 years and I only use it in the Summer Months, as I go abroad each Winter. I was 75 on Christmas Day, and I only do part time work when I am at home as and when I am needed. I am certainly not going to fork out £500 on ■■■■■■■ around with this so called CPC. I’ve already got a CPC, I got it under Grandfather rights in I think 1972. Plus the job now is just not the same, Most of the people running it are it seems Brain Dead, so all the interest has gone from it. So when I return in April I will do a few of my Jobs, just to pass the time until July, my renewal date. Then I shall find another line of work to keep me on my toes. Who knows I may even see you over here at the Traction Engine Rally in August, with your pride and joy. (The car not the Missus )
Archie.
Trying to put a positive slant on my approaching retirement I suppose it will give two youngsters the chance of more work.
When I first fell into the clutches of the medical section 4 years or so ago I went three months without my C+E entitlement and it was hard driving past trucks thinking “I could do that once upon a time” but I wasn’t ready to stop then, now I’m more used to the idea. I’m still not looking forward to a vastly reduced category section on my licence.
Frankydobo:
I view this from another angle, I am still working and have my Class One (C+E if you like), I gave up distance around 15 years ago (now only miss it during the Summer Months!) and during that time I would end up back on the spanners, although I didn’t really want to. The job still entailed driving HGV’s but alas no Artic’s. I’ll be reaching 61 quite soon and realised that I probably would never drive or more sadly feel the pleasure in reversing an artic into a tight spot again using the skills I’d learnt over many years, by the time I retire and after that point the likely hood would be even less. I’m not afraid of retirement infact these last few years I’ve begun to look forward to it, there is plenty I want to do but driving HGV’s isn’t one of them, it just wouldn’t be the same as I remember.
I think you have to look on retirement as another chapter in your life and a different start to what could be an interesting time. Ending something you have done for 50 or more years, working for a living, is a big step even though you might have tried your hand at many skills during that time since leaving school for the big wide world. Take a deep breath let it go and look forward to what the future holds. There is always the memories as someone said, during a frequent visit to my 80 year old Father during his last couple of weeks before he died from cancer, he looked up at me and said ‘I wish I could have one more drive in me old wagon’, that was all but I knew he had been recalling those old days that he enjoyed the most and what a happy thought to leave with. Cheers Franky.
Thank you for this beautiful, perceptive, pragmatic and positive contribution. I am ready to let go but, like your old man, and would love to have the opportunity from time to time to take a turn behind the wheel - to smell the diesel, sense the steering geometry and feel the gearing. Perhaps, now that we are in a new 21st century era, there is a new business market corner out there: a piece of old airfield, some well-maintained '70s ERFs and a bar to sit at after a nostalgic drive. Now I’d be there like a shot! It beats having to restore an old motor just to keep your hand in! Robert
Hi Guys
I lost my license a few years back because of diabetis I have now got it back. I do not drive trucks now for a living just need it for driving vintage trucks to rallies.
I hope to keep renewing it for as long as I can. I know the medical costs can be expensive but having your license can benefit you, for example I know some insurance companies can start asking questions into old age, if you’ve still got your license you’ve passed your medical and it may be a big help for your car insurance.
Also if you are involved in an accident you can say " it can’t possible have been my fault officer I’m a professional driver".
Cheers Andy
fodens20:
Hi Guys
I lost my license a few years back because of diabetis I have now got it back. I do not drive trucks now for a living just need it for driving vintage trucks to rallies.
I hope to keep renewing it for as long as I can. I know the medical costs can be expensive but having your license can benefit you, for example I know some insurance companies can start asking questions into old age, if you’ve still got your license you’ve passed your medical and it may be a big help for your car insurance.
Also if you are involved in an accident you can say " it can’t possible have been my fault officer I’m a professional driver".
Cheers Andy
Hi wrinklies, when my renewal form came, I got out the scissors cut the lot up, didgi card and all, In the Bin, that was 18mths past, have never looked back, 68 this yr onward into old age, Final phase of life Cheers Chris.
Ok I’d like to put a different slant on this, like a lot of people have posted I fell into the hands of the DVLA medical team in 2008 when I found out I’d had a heart attack.
I’ve just got my licence for another 3 years then il have 3 years to retirement so il do it all again now I have no intention or desire to carry on after that but I will renew my licence if possible because you are checked medically and if there is a problem they get you in and sorted pdq.
Aye as Jelliot says us colonial/dominion boys are screwed after 50yrs old…and wae the dcpc thingy coming in it looks like i hauled my last load in UK (in 07.)
Its not like i want tae go back but i drove for a living for 26yrs in UK and ach you know what i mean.
All i need now is better weather and the quarry tae come back from winter hibernation
an get the auld buggy fired up,cant wait!
jimmy
I retired 3 years ago, after 44 years driving, and I said then if I dont use my licence again before renewal time comes around I wont bother,now I cant drive heavies again yipppppppeeeeeeeeeeee The Company I worked for said I had to go on the DCPC course I said then if you think im going to be driving LGV at 68 your wrong but they insisted I did one session and retired.
Its great now get up when I want, do what I want, when I want,as long as its agreed with her in doors, haha
fodens20:
Hi Guys
I lost my license a few years back because of diabetis I have now got it back. I do not drive trucks now for a living just need it for driving vintage trucks to rallies.
I hope to keep renewing it for as long as I can. I know the medical costs can be expensive but having your license can benefit you, for example I know some insurance companies can start asking questions into old age, if you’ve still got your license you’ve passed your medical and it may be a big help for your car insurance.
Also if you are involved in an accident you can say " it can’t possible have been my fault officer I’m a professional driver".
Cheers Andy
Have a look into down rating the classic lorry or changing it to mobile plant ect ,there’s a lot doing it now with out the hgv licence hassle .
fodens20:
Hi Guys
I lost my license a few years back because of diabetis I have now got it back. I do not drive trucks now for a living just need it for driving vintage trucks to rallies.
I hope to keep renewing it for as long as I can. I know the medical costs can be expensive but having your license can benefit you, for example I know some insurance companies can start asking questions into old age, if you’ve still got your license you’ve passed your medical and it may be a big help for your car insurance.
Also if you are involved in an accident you can say " it can’t possible have been my fault officer I’m a professional driver".
Cheers Andy
Have a look into down rating the classic lorry or changing it to mobile plant ect ,there’s a lot doing it now with out the hgv licence hassle .
If truck is pre 1958 you don’t need hgv licence to drive it
fodens20:
Hi Guys
I lost my license a few years back because of diabetis I have now got it back. I do not drive trucks now for a living just need it for driving vintage trucks to rallies.
I hope to keep renewing it for as long as I can. I know the medical costs can be expensive but having your license can benefit you, for example I know some insurance companies can start asking questions into old age, if you’ve still got your license you’ve passed your medical and it may be a big help for your car insurance.
Also if you are involved in an accident you can say " it can’t possible have been my fault officer I’m a professional driver".
Cheers Andy
Have a look into down rating the classic lorry or changing it to mobile plant ect ,there’s a lot doing it now with out the hgv licence hassle .
If truck is pre 1958 you don’t need hgv licence to drive it
Hi Pete, don’t think I could go back to the noise and draughts, oh and no power steering, but after saying that the old days were the best, so ill just stay retired and reminisce on my old driving and mechanical days.
Les.
Morning all, it’s not all doom and gloom, I got my class 1 two weeks after my 21st b/day in 1977, so you can see that I’m no spring chicken. Taught by my dad (RIP) who had been driving since he came out of the army, I’ve done flats, powder tanks, tippers, low loaders, tilts, box vans, tautliners, dangerous goods etc both here and over the water but haven’t really used my licence for the last 15 odd years as I’m driving trains now, just doing the odd bit now & again. I did think of letting it go as I didn’t want to fork out for a DCPC, something which I think is taking the **** ! Anyway, spurred on by my other half, I contacted the DVLA in Swansea for more info as there is not much available and spoke to a very well informed guy who told me to contact the Driving Standards Agency in Newcastle, which I did the next day. The outcome of all this is that you do not need to have a CPC to keep your vocational licence, basically as long as you are not being paid, i.e. it’s not your job, you can still drive lorries. For example, I sometimes drive my mates low loader taking his traction engine to rallies, which I can still do. I hope this is of some use to all you blokes in the same boat as me, give the DSA a call, don’t give up something we’ve worked bloody hard for just because someone over there who we didn’t vote for says so.
Further to my previous post, this is copied from the Driving Standards Agency website:
When you don’t need Driver CPC
You might not need Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), even if you’re driving a large goods vehicle or passenger carrying vehicle. It depends on:
the vehicle,
what the vehicle is being used for,
Vehicles you can drive without Driver CPC,
You don’t need Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:
being road tested after repair, maintenance or technical development
new or rebuilt and not been put into service yet
limited to a top speed of 28mph
Vehicle uses where you don’t need Driver CPC
You don’t need Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:
used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods for personal use
used to carry material or equipment you use for your job - but driving the vehicle can’t be the main part of your job
used for driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC
used by, or is under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service and forces responsible for maintaining public order
used in states of emergency or for rescue missions
driven to or from pre-booked appointments at official testing centres
driven within 50 km of your base, is not carrying passengers or goods, and driving a lorry, bus or coach is not your main job
I retired 2 years ago after 40 odd years on the road . My licence has now expired and I 'm pretty certain I’m not going to renew it.
But I still have a strong interest in the transport scene and don’t want to lose all contact with it.
So what I.m suggesting is that if some multi-million pound Lottery winner would like to purchase an old airfield and some trucks from our era I and ,I’m sure, many like me would help him pass the time of day reliving the good old days. But not before 8.00am and only on warm sunny days, I remember just how good (or not so good ) those heaters,if you had one ,were.
At the moment most days are full but best of all , what gets done is done at my pace and instigation.
) and I was a bit frightened of retirement, I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Then the day came, just got into my car and off home, no ceremonies, retirement gifts etc, I just went (my choice). I’ve NEVER looked back, took to retirement like a duck to water.
