Hey everyone… very much new to all this so thought I would say hello!
I have had my rigid licence for 4 years now (used for private horsebox use) and I am now doing my artic licence next week (eek!) Anyway the Monday after the artic week I will hopefully complete my cpc with just my module 4 left and it’s all booked in and then I’m done!.. But I don’t know what to do then… I live in North Devon and hunt job sites all day but don’t see many advertised I have a list of companies in front of me… shall I start the calling now or wait until I have everything? This is a complete career change for me and I feel like a novice I was in retail and got bored of the pointless days and wages!
All help and advice will be greatly received. Lucy
Hi Lucy
Welcome to the mad house, good luck with your class 1 training relax and enjoy it, jobs wise start ringing round now tell what your planning and do you have work available.
If there is jobs advertised for rigid drivers but they run artics aswell apply for the rigid job and tell them at the interview about your class 1.
As your doing your class 1 it will be beneficial to the company to have a driver who can drive both.
If you need to know anything just ask and dont worry about being a novice all got to start somewhere.
As said,you have to drive around to firms.Most will ignore Cv’s that have been emailed or posted.
Phoning them,they forget to call you back.
Tips for artics:
If the turn is too tight and you see the air lines and electric lines stretching,pull them all out.
Then press the shunt button on the trailer,this allows the trailer go move without the tractor unit.
If in doubt going down a narrow lane or small delivery place,get out of the cab and walk down to see if you can fit.
Never trust a customer that says we get artics down here all the time.
They mean a Ford Transit and a trailer.
They say,the bin and milk lorry has no problem.
Are looking for work at Hockings,Evans or Westfield at Truro.
I know Appledore and Bideford very well.
The ship yard and Instow beach.
Any questions,just ask.
Some modern trucks have an electronic oil measure.
It is on the dash by going through the menu.
No oilstick!
When reversing under a trailer,check the height of the tractor unit or risk damage.
Over shooting the pin.
Pack a good torch for pre-trip safety checks in the dark.
It took me three times to get my artic licence.
Being born on a dairy farm driving tractors and trailers since i was 8 years old.
The dreaded nerves got to me.
There is lot to learn.
When turning at a junction, you have to watch out for the top of the trailer at the front.
It is easy to hit a corner of a house or shop front/balcony as you turn.
Take your time.Lots of mirror checks.
Expect the unexpected on the road.
Mud on the road:Slow moving farm machinery around the next blind bend.
A BT van on its own,parked on a bend.
They work in pairs: Is the other van on the next corner ?
Automatic gearboxes can slide your truck in snow and ice.
If somebody else has loaded your trailer,and they say the load is secure, never believe them.Open the curtains and check it yourself.
I was in retail and got bored of the pointless days and wages!
then I will be on the road!