HI all. I have tried a search but didn’t find anything that would help.
Liverpool area, C+E, aged 42, pretty normal. (well i think i am.)
I am looking at getting back into driving for a living. I used to do plenty of agency and really enjoyed it. Trouble is I am ex forces and i arrived at the rank where doing extra work was frowned upon, so i have not had the opportunity to drive for a while.
Had my class 1 since 98, but it seems nearly all the job adds state you must have driven in the last so many days. I called one company and asked if i book some refresher time will that count or does it need to be “work” style driving. they just said i needed to have been driving.
Could anybody please point me in a direction as to how i can get to drive, if the only way is if i have been driving. kind of catch 22.
I have banged out a few CV’s but i am not hearing back.
Find a firm that has gone bust on Companies House website and create a false history of experience.Put a mates phone number and if they ring,he can say you are a good driver.
It would have to be analogue tachos as a digital tacho will show what you have done.
Sending Cv’s is a waste of time.It is best to bang on doors when the transport manager is not busy.
Emailing is a waste of time.They never respond.Find some owner drivers or night work.Van courier parcel multi drop to start with.
You really need to get out there and talk to potential employers. There is no substitute for it. Forget about emails and prospective CVs.
Start with your local hauliers and tell them your situation. Just be yourself and try to ‘make friends’ with them. Tell them why you are4 there but also spend a few minutes asking them about their business, career, etc. If they have nothing at present, ask them who you might try. Make (or buy, if necessary) some business cards with your name, qualifications and phone number. Leave a couple with everyone you talk to. Call on them again a couple of weeks later, just to keep yourself in their minds.
When you encounter any drivers, ask them if they know of anything available or who you might try.
Carry your gear with you just in case you happen upon someone who needs a driver immediately.
Personally, I wouldn’t tell any lies, Your knowledge will be a bit dated and they would soon spot that. Far better to enlarge on your qualities - work ethic, family situation, etc. Come across as the nice, hard working, honest guy you are. The very sort they would choose to employ.
I would rather not try and blag on the experience side as I do believe lack of knowledge will show through and any chance of a start will be lost very quickly.
I will try the knocking on doors route, already have the bag in the car ready to roll. I will get out and about this week into the local firms.
As for DCPC I do have 2 periodic trg days booked, I was surprised how difficult it has been to find a provider within 50 mile that is running courses and has spaces. But after a call today I think I have found a firm that will be running them every other week. So I should be fully houred up pretty soon.