I want to be an HGV driver but I do not even have my basic driving licence - I cannot drive at all. I’m 22. I was a student at university but I decided to leave as it wasn’t for me. I love travelling and have been all around Europe. I don’t like jobs involving lots of people - so being a driver working long hours away from home would suit me just fine. I would love to drive all around Europe working for as long as I can - overtime - as I have no constraints at home. The more time I’m away from my parents’ house, the better really…
How do I go about becoming a class one driver? I have saved enough money - £6,000 to get all of my driving qualifications. I just want to drive around seeing new things - being in a different location all the time is exciting - addicting. I love being stuck in traffic - weather and being free…
I would just add that I would recommended waiting a minimum of a year from passing the Category B (Car) test before jumping into a truck and get some well needed road experience. Not only will it help you pass your Category C but I can imagine a lot of employers will be dubious about employing someone when they see they gained their car entitlement just weeks beforehand.
Some van courier work in EU woujd be a good start, (in the right niche you can earn ok t) don’t think new driver to hgv to then straight out to Europe is in any shape or form a good idea, you would have a lot of incidents.
I’ve being do this job for 11 years, albeit, not driving on the Continent. I can honestly say that I’m sorry I ever did.
You seem to know about the long hours culture, unlike some of the other beginners I’ve met/heard of that learned the hard way when they didn’t research what they were investing their money in, before training.
The hourly rate of pay is pathetic, as you already know; the hours are very long. Everyone despises you; the general public, your employer; the warehouse bodies that load and unload you.
You’re a young guy, with you’re whole life ahead of you. If you were telling me you had someone willing to pay for your training and for it to cost you nothing, I’d say give it a go to satisfy your curiosity. As you’ll be paying for it yourself, I advise you to stay well clear. There is very little to no prospects in this job and all you are thought of by your employer is being a disposable labourer.
Take no notice of the training firms’ broker’s, who try to make it seem an attractive proposition, when they’re only after your money. Don’t take notice of the ‘happy truckers’, either, who don’t know any better.
There are much better things to spend £6,000 on. One day, I’m sure, you’ll want to buy a house. Save that money and put it towards a deposit. If you invest it in obtaining the HGV licence categories, you’d may as well be throwing your money down the gutter!
if you have no driving experience, i find it highly doubtful you would pass the lgv tests anyway. you will probably find you need a fair bit more than 6 grand for the extra training and retests.
Shazlow, at 22 mate, I don’t think LGV driving is possibly the best choice for you pal. While I hate to say it, this time I agree with V40LLY, who seems to have calmed down a bit and put some reasoning and argument behind his/her randomly angry and derogatory posts.
You have you whole life and career in front of you, and can you say that human drivers will be needed in 20+ years time? Plenty of other trades and professions that allow you to travel a bit, and probably pay better! You also have to get your car licence first, and by the time you have your Class C, or possibly C+E, you could be talking 2 years. That’s 2/3rd of a lot of apprenticeships, or training periods.
So I don’t want to sound negative to newbie drivers (especially as I am one, and passed my Class C TODAY!). But I’m 44, been there, seen it, and know exactly what i want from work now. But at 22 (and not wanting to sound like ya dad! ) I didn’t have a clue what I really wanted to do. You have so many other opportunities and options at your age, even if you can’t see them at the moment…
I’m not trying to lecture you pal, just give you some advice. As if I was 22 (but maintaining my experience) driving wouldn’t be my first choice, I’d be looking for a trade or skill that computers and robots can’t replace!
Sadly I know Alder is going to agree with this post!
Get car licence,get hgv licence,apply for a job at waberers or some other EE company and work for crap money,long hours,and crap conditions but get more experience in two years than most uk drivers gain in a lifetime,driving everywhere from Russia to Portugal . Come back to uk , money a little bit better, conditions worse if your a tramper and expect to get treated like scum. Or you could finish your degree at uni and get a decent job and just do weekend driving and holiday cover to get your fix.
Evil8Beezle:
Shazlow, at 22 mate, I don’t think LGV driving is possibly the best choice for you pal. While I hate to say it, this time I agree with V40LLY, who seems to have calmed down a bit and put some reasoning and argument behind his/her randomly angry and derogatory posts.
You have you whole life and career in front of you, and can you say that human drives rs will be needed in 20+ years time? Plenty of other trades and professions that allow you to travel a bit, and probably pay better! You also have to get your car licence first, and by the time you have your Class C, or possibly C+E, you could be talking 2 years. That’s 2/3rd of a lot of apprenticeships, or training periods.
So I don’t want to sound negative to newbie drivers (especially as I am one, and passed my Class C TODAY!). But I’m 44, been there, seen it, and know exactly what i want from work now. But at 22 (and not wanting to sound like ya dad! ) I didn’t have a clue what I really wanted to do. You have so many other opportunities and options at your age, even if you can’t see them at the moment…
I’m not trying to lecture you pal, just give you some advice. As if I was 22 (but maintaining my experience) driving wouldn’t be my first choice, I’d be looking for a trade or skill that computers and robots can’t replace!
Sadly I know Alder is going to agree with this post!
My decision is to leave university completely and become an LGV driver travelling Europe eventually. I’m willing to work for minimum wage to ensure that I get work - I’d even work for nothing just to get experience. Travelling is what I enjoy. Working in a constraining office environment is not possible nor enjoyable with my problems. I couldn’t handle a 9-5 job - too highly structured. I prefer the open road and the freedom of traveling - don’t have to deal with people and their problems. No constraining social environments - just a single goal to reach - one location - and seeing different cultures and places on the way to it.
Travelling provides a sense of replenishment and purification of my depression and anxiety - I can’t be in one location all the time else I become depressed and leave. I have one goal in mind - attaining my LGV qualifications and getting on the road ASAP. Will take anything at the start - better than sitting at home doing nothing - I also have a stammer - speech impediment and would enjoy the job because I won’t have to talk to many people - just sit in the cab listen to music and drive to new places all the time. I know driving is what I want to do - my mom is a bus driver so she is going to help with along the process. Going for my medical soon. I need at least 6/60 vision in my left eye - think I’ve got that but nervous in case my eye sight doesn’t meet DVLA requirements.
Also I don’t have any commitments at home - no kids or family - the more hours I drive, the better. Am I not the perfect applicant because of this? Cheers.
European work is now done by cheaper Eastern European firms, they employ one driver to drive one truck or two drivers to drive one truck, this is called double manning, they can cover a long distance with two drivers.
Waberers transport in Hungary have 18 year old artic drivers who drive all over Europe and TIR countries, I met a young driver today from Serbia with a Romania trailer.
Another option is Irish firms that cover Europe.
Bear in mind you may wait days for a reload and take 45 or 24 hours off in a noisy motorway service area or Ms a.
The fines are more I
in Europe, they can be 20,000 euros or more, the fine is a court deposit to be paid in full at the road side.
It can be contested later if you disagree.
Evil8Beezle:
Shazlow, at 22 mate, I don’t think LGV driving is possibly the best choice for you pal. While I hate to say it, this time I agree with V40LLY, who seems to have calmed down a bit and put some reasoning and argument behind his/her randomly angry and derogatory posts.
You have you whole life and career in front of you, and can you say that human drives rs will be needed in 20+ years time? Plenty of other trades and professions that allow you to travel a bit, and probably pay better! You also have to get your car licence first, and by the time you have your Class C, or possibly C+E, you could be talking 2 years. That’s 2/3rd of a lot of apprenticeships, or training periods.
So I don’t want to sound negative to newbie drivers (especially as I am one, and passed my Class C TODAY!). But I’m 44, been there, seen it, and know exactly what i want from work now. But at 22 (and not wanting to sound like ya dad! ) I didn’t have a clue what I really wanted to do. You have so many other opportunities and options at your age, even if you can’t see them at the moment…
I’m not trying to lecture you pal, just give you some advice. As if I was 22 (but maintaining my experience) driving wouldn’t be my first choice, I’d be looking for a trade or skill that computers and robots can’t replace!
Sadly I know Alder is going to agree with this post!
My decision is to leave university completely and become an LGV driver travelling Europe eventually. I’m willing to work for minimum wage to ensure that I get work - I’d even work for nothing just to get experience. Travelling is what I enjoy. Working in a constraining office environment is not possible nor enjoyable with my problems. I couldn’t handle a 9-5 job - too highly structured. I prefer the open road and the freedom of traveling - don’t have to deal with people and their problems. No constraining social environments - just a single goal to reach - one location - and seeing different cultures and places on the way to it.
Travelling provides a sense of replenishment and purification of my depression and anxiety - I can’t be in one location all the time else I become depressed and leave. I have one goal in mind - attaining my LGV qualifications and getting on the road ASAP. Will take anything at the start - better than sitting at home doing nothing - I also have a stammer - speech impediment and would enjoy the job because I won’t have to talk to many people - just sit in the cab listen to music and drive to new places all the time. I know driving is what I want to do - my mom is a bus driver so she is going to help with along the process. Going for my medical soon. I need at least 6/60 vision in my left eye - think I’ve got that but nervous in case my eye sight doesn’t meet DVLA requirements.
Also I don’t have any commitments at home - no kids or family - the more hours I drive, the better. Am I not the perfect applicant because of this? Cheers.
That’s a perfectly sound argument to me mate! You do what makes you happy, and it’s clear from what you say, it’s what you really want to do!
You won’t hear another word from me advising you against it (remind me if I do! )
Crack on and know the hours are long and the pay is not great. As long as you know that upfront, you should be a happy bunny! Best of luck pal!
P.S. I appreciate your openness and honesty mate, great qualities!
Hi. I’m new to the trucking game. I want to know how common it is to find a job driving from the UK to Scandinavia - Norway, Sweden and Denmark? Is it possible for a UK citizen to apply to a Swedish firm - do you need a visa permit? I am asking because I really want to drive this route. Cheers
Shazlow:
Hi. I’m new to the trucking game. I want to know how common it is to find a job driving from the UK to Scandinavia - Norway, Sweden and Denmark? Is it possible for a UK citizen to apply to a Swedish firm - do you need a visa permit? I am asking because I really want to drive this route. Cheers
Hi Shazlow,
I’ve moved your posts to the Newbies Forum and merged them because…
Shazlow:
I want to be an HGV driver but I do not even have my basic driving licence - I cannot drive at all.
Here is some very sound advice mate, you’d do well to consider it.
Adonis.:
Drive a car for at the very least a year before going for C. Maybe even get van driving work if you can, work and road experience in the one.
Walk before you can run and all that.
To answer your question, Yes you can apply to a Swedish company, but it’ll be the same as here… you’ll need to get your driving licence(s) first, then gain some experience.
Good luck in your quest, but there is a logical progression that you’ll need to follow if you’re to realise your goal.
Shazlow:
Hi. I’m new to the trucking game. I want to know how common it is to find a job driving from the UK to Scandinavia - Norway, Sweden and Denmark? Is it possible for a UK citizen to apply to a Swedish firm - do you need a visa permit? I am asking because I really want to drive this route. Cheers
Hi Shazlow,
I’ve moved your posts to the Newbies Forum and merged them because…
Shazlow:
I want to be an HGV driver but I do not even have my basic driving licence - I cannot drive at all.
Here is some very sound advice mate, you’d do well to consider it.
Adonis.:
Drive a car for at the very least a year before going for C. Maybe even get van driving work if you can, work and road experience in the one.
Walk before you can run and all that.
To answer your question, Yes you can apply to a Swedish company, but it’ll be the same as here… you’ll need to get your driving licence(s) first, then gain some experience.
Good luck in your quest, but there is a logical progression that you’ll need to follow if you’re to realise your goal.
Hi disealdave
Sure there is a progression to follow but one year is way too long to wait. My goal is to be driving trucks within 2 months. This will be done by intensive driving courses. I’m sure I can pass the theory tests - and my mom can help me with the practical side as she’s a bus driver herself. I just don’t want to hang around waiting doing nothing. The sooner I’m driving the better.
I have ben doing European tramping for several years now and really enjoy the work itself and all the travelling that goes with it. Yes the hourly rate is not fantastic, bit it is more than enough to live on comfortably.
You will need experience though before anyone will let you behind the wheel of a truck, particularly on European work. I would recommend doing your Cat B, spending at least a year doing van work (which can actually pay just as well as trucks if you get in with the right company), then moving on from there.
Shazlow:
Hi. I’m new to the trucking game. I want to know how common it is to find a job driving from the UK to Scandinavia - Norway, Sweden and Denmark? Is it possible for a UK citizen to apply to a Swedish firm - do you need a visa permit? I am asking because I really want to drive this route. Cheers
Hi Shazlow,
I’ve moved your posts to the Newbies Forum and merged them because…
Shazlow:
I want to be an HGV driver but I do not even have my basic driving licence - I cannot drive at all.
Here is some very sound advice mate, you’d do well to consider it.
Adonis.:
Drive a car for at the very least a year before going for C. Maybe even get van driving work if you can, work and road experience in the one.
Walk before you can run and all that.
To answer your question, Yes you can apply to a Swedish company, but it’ll be the same as here… you’ll need to get your driving licence(s) first, then gain some experience.
Good luck in your quest, but there is a logical progression that you’ll need to follow if you’re to realise your goal.
Hi disealdave
Sure there is a progression to follow but one year is way too long to wait. My goal is to be driving trucks within 2 months. This will be done by intensive driving courses. I’m sure I can pass the theory tests - and my mom can help me with the practical side as she’s a bus driver herself. I just don’t want to hang around waiting doing nothing. The sooner I’m driving the better.
That won’t happen. Don’t mean to piddle on your chips but driving even a rigid is a whole different ball game from driving a car. Not to mention that it took me 6 weeks to get a place on a C+E course.
You need experience of being on the road, of what other drivers do, of different kind of junctions, of planning ahead, just to pass the test. Driving for a living is, again, totally different.
I’m not saying its impossible, I’m just finding it hard to explain to someone who can’t drive a car the difference between driving a car and driving an HGV.
All the best with it, certainly. Just be aware that it isn’t easy and getting the licence is the first, tiny baby step.
Evil8Beezle:
Shazlow, at 22 mate, I don’t think LGV driving is possibly the best choice for you pal. While I hate to say it, this time I agree with V40LLY, who seems to have calmed down a bit and put some reasoning and argument behind his/her randomly angry and derogatory posts.
You have you whole life and career in front of you, and can you say that human drives rs will be needed in 20+ years time? Plenty of other trades and professions that allow you to travel a bit, and probably pay better! You also have to get your car licence first, and by the time you have your Class C, or possibly C+E, you could be talking 2 years. That’s 2/3rd of a lot of apprenticeships, or training periods.
So I don’t want to sound negative to newbie drivers (especially as I am one, and passed my Class C TODAY!). But I’m 44, been there, seen it, and know exactly what i want from work now. But at 22 (and not wanting to sound like ya dad! ) I didn’t have a clue what I really wanted to do. You have so many other opportunities and options at your age, even if you can’t see them at the moment…
I’m not trying to lecture you pal, just give you some advice. As if I was 22 (but maintaining my experience) driving wouldn’t be my first choice, I’d be looking for a trade or skill that computers and robots can’t replace!
Sadly I know Alder is going to agree with this post!
My decision is to leave university completely and become an LGV driver travelling Europe eventually. I’m willing to work for minimum wage to ensure that I get work - I’d even work for nothing just to get experience. Travelling is what I enjoy. Working in a constraining office environment is not possible nor enjoyable with my problems. I couldn’t handle a 9-5 job - too highly structured. I prefer the open road and the freedom of traveling - don’t have to deal with people and their problems. No constraining social environments - just a single goal to reach - one location - and seeing different cultures and places on the way to it.
Travelling provides a sense of replenishment and purification of my depression and anxiety - I can’t be in one location all the time else I become depressed and leave. I have one goal in mind - attaining my LGV qualifications and getting on the road ASAP. Will take anything at the start - better than sitting at home doing nothing - I also have a stammer - speech impediment and would enjoy the job because I won’t have to talk to many people - just sit in the cab listen to music and drive to new places all the time. I know driving is what I want to do - my mom is a bus driver so she is going to help with along the process. Going for my medical soon. I need at least 6/60 vision in my left eye - think I’ve got that but nervous in case my eye sight doesn’t meet DVLA requirements.
Also I don’t have any commitments at home - no kids or family - the more hours I drive, the better. Am I not the perfect applicant because of this? Cheers.
Shazlow… No you are not the perfect candidate by a long way! I fell into driving after leaving the RAF though I was a driver in the RAF. I have been in transport all my working life as a driver and a manager, driven to every corner of the UK and most of what is in between. I lived and worked in The Netherlands driving for a Dutch firm covering all of Europe so I know a little about it.
You seem to have a glamorous rose tinted view of the life of a driver. Let me tell you that even in Europe where drivers get a little more respect than here you are still very much a second class entity. At delivery/collection points if you cannot make yourself understood you will be ignored. Your stammer will not help! You will be bribed by forklift drivers who will refuse to help unless you grease their palm. You will be delayed and held up and generally messed around by everyone from security to the guy doing the paper work. Yes some days will be great but not many. You will have to sleep in lorry parks or motorway services that stink of urine and they don’t really want you there because you are taking up space and coach parties spend more money. You will have impossible schedules to keep and get a roasting not only from your ‘boss’ but also your destination when you are late and you will be late. Oh and be ready to let your personal hygiene standards slip…
As a depressive (yes I am one) you will really struggle with the loneliness and even go a little stir crazy when you are low because you have no escape from the situation. There is no crawling into bed and hiding there for a day or two when out on the road… Its go go go with no let up.
LGV driving is not traveling, its bloody hard work that requires skills you have never thought of. You will see nothing of the culture of the countries you are driving through because you will spend 90% of your time in the cab on the motorway. Even if you have to park up for the weekend you will be stuck in some out of the way lorry park or industrial estate with probably no access to hot food and little chance to experience anything except your CD/DVD collection on your lap top! And don’t forget parked up lorries are a target for all kinds of low life out to steal anything they can get their hands on even if that means dealing with the driver…
As others have said either stick at the university or get a trade where you can eventually become self employed if you want variety but what ever you do don’t go into LGV driving, you will not last long!
) I didn’t have a clue what I really wanted to do. You have so many other opportunities and options at your age, even if you can’t see them at the moment…
