Got my car driving test next month, i eventually want to be driving C+E, i know thats not going to happen straight away, so i need some advice on how to work my way up. I was thinking trying to get a van driving job or something like that, i need help. Thanks
Van driving or any commercial driving experience is a good way to build up experience.
Unfortunately you’d be joining a good list of people who have a lot of experience.
But there’s always that one day when they are desperate for someone to do the run or you happen to have knocked on their door yesterday and they might just ring YOU.
Sell yourself well and you will get there.
Best of luck with the car test and all your future plans.
On the assumption you are 18/19 you will even struggle to get van work. Sadly regardless of the size of the vehicle all insurance companies seem to tar young drivers with the same brush and insist on some rubbish that you must be over a certain age.
In honesty, getting your car licence then jumping into an HGV of any sort is possible however not advised. You will of course need a couple of years experience driving a car before moving on to anything bigger.
But don’t let that put you off. It IS possible to get work, it’s just very hard to do so.
stagedriver:
…,In honesty, getting your car licence then jumping into an HGV of any sort is possible however not advised. You will of course need a couple of years experience driving a car before moving on to anything bigger…
Don’t let JTF hear you say that 
As above, assuming your young. I was 17 when I passed my test, but there is almost no one willing to take under 21s on for any form of driving.
You’re best off doing your Cat B then your Cat C and C+E and then sitting on the licences for a bit. At least when you’re a bit older (again assuming you’re under 21) you’ll of had your licence for a few years.
stagedriver:
On the assumption you are 18/19 you will even struggle to get van work. Sadly regardless of the size of the vehicle all insurance companies seem to tar young drivers with the same brush and insist on some rubbish that you must be over a certain age.In honesty, getting your car licence then jumping into an HGV of any sort is possible however not advised. You will of course need a couple of years experience driving a car before moving on to anything bigger.
But don’t let that put you off. It IS possible to get work, it’s just very hard to do so.
I totally agree with that too. I passed my car test nearly 4 years ago when I was 17. There is an awful lot to learn.
dar1976:
stagedriver:
…,In honesty, getting your car licence then jumping into an HGV of any sort is possible however not advised. You will of course need a couple of years experience driving a car before moving on to anything bigger…Don’t let JTF hear you say that
I resent that remark 
Ironically I’m in the same boat as the OP driving test next month (9th April) and am looking to be behind the wheel of an artic some point. But I’m not going to be making the jump like originally I was going to do (Some thoughts & financial commitments did play a part!) Although I am going to be doing my Cat C as I put a thread up myself a while back asking if it would be advisable going to 7.5t or going straight to Cat C after my test (between 1-7 months after my Car test) as where I am there’s quite a few of jobs going for 7.5t drivers including jobs giving new lads a start it’s not the best thing in the world but it’s a start for someone which is the most important thing to any newbie in this industry.
There’s a few young uns on here who’ve got their artic/rigid licenses and are driving them for a living. I also know a couple on fb one whom drives a 7.5t daf tramping up and down the country now although he’ll have been very lucky to get that job it shows it’s possible to get a start if you work hard enough for it. But I for one can only give opinions on what I would do in your situation and give a theory on what you could do. As for the practical side of things you would need to ask those who’ve actually gone and done it. 
Best of luck with your test mate, and I hope you get the answers you need.
Cheers
Jonny 
For car, van, LGV etc most companies require you to be 25+ for insurance and most agencies require you to have held your licence for at least 2 years before they will touch you, it ■■■■■ to be young, harsh but true.
After I passed my car test I went to City Link as a multi drop driver, good experience for multiple parcels to both commercial and domestic addresses, company vehicle etc which proves you can be trusted, handle a fairly large vehicle etc, is properly hard work, long hours and ■■■■ pay but is the best way into a driving job, its because of my job at CL that I got the job I’m in now as a long distance, same-day courier, next logical step for me is LGV.
If you have the money to go straight from car to LGV then do it as it’ll be the best thing you ever do (regardless of others opinions and experiences) but again most won’t entertain you due to your age and lack of years driving, best thing to do is try get shunting work (I have 2 ports near me so if my free job don’t work out that’s where I’ll be heading) as this will get your experience up and you’ll be getting paid.
If you live near a Stobart’s depot it’s worth heading there when you have your licence, most proper truckers hate them but they will take on young un’s and insure them if deemed worthy.
Don’t enter into anything thinking this is what you want to do forever and its going to be easy, I fell lucky and had it pretty much handed to me on a plate and I know what to expect, be prepared to get knocked back loads, work stupid hours for incredibly ■■■■ pay and get loads of verbal, stick that out and its for you, personally I can’t wait.
I was in a similar situation, just a bit further down the line now. I passed my car test at 17 and I don’t really drive too much, I don’t have my own car yet since I don’t have any real need of it yet. So, exactly a year later I started my HGV training. I took to it really quickly and only failed first time because of a bus lane. (Clock was set an hour wrong in truck and got misled in the heat of the moment). Passed 3 weeks later after 3 hours training with test on same day.
Do your research on training schools before you book. I didn’t really and ended up getting charged roughly a £1000 overcharged. It was to a provider direct, but it was steep!
I’m 19 now (Had my birthday only a few days ago) and looking very promising to be in for work in the near future. The only things I can say is that if you can go in person, then do. I turned up to a company with an application form in hand, hi vis etc. and ended up getting an interview with a manager right there and there after they had a look at it.