Another great video. I passed my Class 2 in August and have started doing multi drop 7.5 tonne through an agency and loving every second. Looking forward to moving to Class 2 later this year or next as learning loads and getting great experience u nder my belt. For the past 16 years I have worked in a corporate environment mainly office based so to anyone thinking of changing careers in my experience it is worth it and can be done! Good luck all
Excellent video! I I am retired and decided to take my class C. I discovered that as I took, and passed an HGV3 test 40 years ago, but never used it, I already have Class C privileges on my license; all I was missing was a current medical. I have done about 16 hours training in a modern truck this year, got my CPC and am am effectively a brand new pass. The point I want to make is that I am registering with an agency tomorrow, I told them all this and they were quite keen for me to join. I am 70 years old so age does not seem to be an issue at all. Go for it!
Been considering driving as a possible career change so have been watching as many relevant UA-cam videos as I can. I felt this one provided an excellent real world overview.
@@samdyer5968 it was ok, you just have to drive like they are not there. I got advised to keep to the speed limits. If its 40, make sure you go 40 or to as safe as possible. Like dont go slow just to be safe, i even over took a few trucks as i went on the M1 on the test which was very scary.
If you want to make that leap up to Class 1 from Class 2 Ron...GO FOR IT! But maybe in the meantime get some time behind the wheel of Class 2 to get your skills back up and fresh? Would make the Class 1 training easier 👍🏼
Hi guys.. I'm actually going to do my theory test next week and then hopefully once I've passed then i start my class C training. And my main concern has been getting a job after I pass.
I was fortunate enough to join a company that offered an apprentiship to earn my license and after passing gave me a guaranteed two year contract, so I have work and will gain the much needed experience.
going from car to C+E, how did you find it? I have a 40-hour intensive course myself in a couple weeks just want to get your take on what it was like taking the big jump.
@@jacobmorley2036, on the road much easier than I expected but I'll not lie, initially reversing melted my brain. Your instructor(s) will give you all you need, good luck. When you pass I'd suggest some agency to begin with, that way hopefully when you find a decent company you'll actually appreciate them.
Have watched a majority of your informative videos & have learnt a lot. Thank you for that btw. Been thinking about doing my class 1 & class 2 for a while now. Been a Hackney Taxi driver for a years & really enjoy driving as a living. My question is Ive just turned 49 & Im concerned that my age would go against me if I applied for jobs. Hope you are all well & once again thanks for the videos you put up. You defiantly have swayed me in the direction of a career change.
Hi Dean, glad the information has made you think of another career option. We have seen a lot of Taxi drivers make the transition recently. At 49 that would be absolutely fine! Drivers in their 60's are enjoying the change to LGV driving so you're ahead of the game if you look at it that way! As long as you are fit, healthy, keen to work and reliable- there will be companies out there lucky to have you. Any other ways we can help, let us know 👍🏼
@@Dollyhaddrel they do have good opportunities at builders merchants for sure but lot's of other options too. Were not paid by them to say any of this @jsstto we just like them as a company, hence the video collab 👌🏼
These are the info videos people need. Good work. Would you recommend just doing weekend work to start with instead of giving up a job to be on standby with an agency?
Hi Andrew, the beauty of an agency is you have the flexibility (to a certain point) where you can pick and choose! Only thing we suggest is just be honest and open when signing up to them. Wherever you are in the UK, reach out and ask the question 👍🏼
Extra weekend work driving a truck is actually illegal in the UK if it impacts on your weekly rest even if your other job isn't driving related. Many people do it and agencies don't really care as it doesn't show up on your digital tacho card but if you are found to have been working Monday to Friday in a non driving related job and then drive a truck at the weekend, you could find yourself being hit with a big fine if you don't have the minimum weekly rest period. I remember from quite a few years ago the story of the truck driver who helped his mate stick up a garden shed at the weekend. Following a road accident he had several days later in the truck, the court found that he had breached his weekly rest requirements by building the garden shed on the previous weekend. The law is very strick on weekly rest for truck drivers and takes in to account all work done over the week, not just driving work. I don't know any other industry where the law dictates how many days a week you can work whilst at the same time, then not setting minimum hourly pay for truck drivers which should go hand in hand with those restrictions.
Agencies operate as a buffer between market demand an supply in order to suppress rates. Also like taxis the need is there to do some checking of the legitimacy of the license...........because......not all licenses are legitimate! Also does it matter if you are a willing new starter (foot in the door) if the insurance won't take you on.
Hi Shaun, good companies that know how it works and run well understand the insurance aspect and will make allowances. And yes, always worth a little licence check!!
Yes aganices is the only way unless you are very lucky, the aganices driver always gets the best wagon, you know the one that you hold in gear because it jumps out, the wagon without a single strap to sequer your load . Your rang at four in the morning for a days work at min wage an hour away to start at 05.30.. the weather is to bad for the company drivers to go out but you have to because you're not the cupmany responsibility. This all happened to me.
I’ve passed my class 2 last week. Have my licence, driver and cpc card already. I’ve registered myself with 7 agencies in very busy area (West Midlands) and have no single phone call about a job. My licence are clean, my CV its spot on etc. There are plenty of job vacancies with every single of them also saying new passes welcome. But when I called them - sorry mate you have no expierence. Im getting confused now...
Stay positive rmbossvr6, good things happen to good people. Apply directly to jobs too and don't wait for the agencies. Also, make an impression, go and actually see some companies face to face if you can!
As of Sept 21 you just rock up to any firm and announce yourself as an HGV driver, they will bite your hand off. When I started you had to have at least two years experience, then it became difficult.
There is work out there. the problem is experience, companies don't want there vehicles going out in the hands of unexperienced driver.s This is why you need to write a glowing CV and really sell yourself especially with your bus work. 👍👍
doing my class 2 test end off the month... if i pass! well should say when i pass! then all ready to start class 2 HGV work!! think i`m going have to go with agency. no body really takes any new drivers on! do you have to buy your own ppe stuff and what safety rating boots should they be? keep up the great vids!!!! jon from hull.....
Good morning Jon! Agency will give you a taste for lots of different ways to use your new driving licence...WHEN....you get it! Lot's of places will provide you with the PPE you need. However with boots we would suggest you invest in a nice pair yourself. Ask a fellow driver or question a forum on facebook for your best answer I would say for the best boots 👍🏼
Under the UK health and safety at work act of 1974, all PPE including safety boots has to be supplied Free of Charge by the employer. However, there has always been a lot of ducking and diving over this aspect of the law by many employers, particularly where safety boots are concerned. If you are employed through an agency then it is their responsibility to supply the relevant PPE but again, good luck with getting them to supply your safety boots and if you rightfully argue the point, you probably won't get any work.
Study up and put the hard work in on the revision Nathan. As far as the practical goes, just make sure to listen to your instructor and absorb all the advice they give you! They do it every day so you have to trust them. They will know how to get you through 💪🏼
@@NationalDrivingCentre I have been doing practice theory tests online and have been passing them consistently but I'm just trying to find a practice LGV hazard perception tests to do. Also I need to try to find the money to get my digital tachograph card
This can be the case the best thing to do is approach companies with your CV even though you might be new at driving larger vehicles, you can write a glowing CV with your original driving experience. It's all about selling yourself. There are many companies out there that are looking for drivers. 👍👍
I'm 22 years old, and I've been on the road on my little motorbike with my provisional license for just over a year. This year, I want to get my car license and my class 2 HGV license. I'm wondering how hard will it be for me to find that first job with such little experience. I understand there's a driver shortage, but I don't fancy my chances to be honest. Could you give me some insight please?
You would need to look around. There are a few firms out there that will employ you but the insurance and experience will be the challenge. Agencies will snap you up but it could be multi drop.👍
@@NationalDrivingCentre That's good to know, thanks. I wouldn't mind multi drop. I'll take what I can get. I'm sick and tired of temp jobs in factories and dead set on a career driving
It's not uncommon for drivers now to have that 78 restriction on their driving license. Because the majority of vehicles out there are automatic you should not have trouble getting signed onto an agency.
For the start I would say no however, if you have experience driving a category C then this will pay when you carry out your class one because you already have experience driving a large vehicle and therefore the main thing to learn with the C+E is the reverse and the fact that it's just a little bit longer. However with the changes the government have made going from car to C+E you can clearly see this experience would not be there and therefore the leap to a C+E test would be extremely challenging. Hope this helps if you've got any questions please give us a call.👍👍
I am newly passed class2 but driving buses for four years....and still I'm new, my bus experience don't count as experience...still looking for job......
Keep trying, you'll get there! Attitude is important and I'm sure companies will consider your bus driving experience but maybe not directly. But it is a positive for sure!
Jass Sandhu i passed my class 2 3 weeks ago and am finding it exetremly hard to find work, i have called many many companies but nobody is willing to give a newbie a start
To all new drivers, come back here a few years and voice your opinion on being a HGV driver. I bet not many of you will disagree with me, Job is shit, hours are more than shit, pay is still shit, and you get treat worse than shit.
Another great video. I passed my Class 2 in August and have started doing multi drop 7.5 tonne through an agency and loving every second. Looking forward to moving to Class 2 later this year or next as learning loads and getting great experience u nder my belt. For the past 16 years I have worked in a corporate environment mainly office based so to anyone thinking of changing careers in my experience it is worth it and can be done! Good luck all
That is awesome! Thanks for the feedback. Freedom from an office is wonderful!
Excellent video! I I am retired and decided to take my class C. I discovered that as I took, and passed an HGV3 test 40 years ago, but never used it, I already have Class C privileges on my license; all I was missing was a current medical. I have done about 16 hours training in a modern truck this year, got my CPC and am am effectively a brand new pass.
The point I want to make is that I am registering with an agency tomorrow, I told them all this and they were quite keen for me to join. I am 70 years old so age does not seem to be an issue at all. Go for it!
This is so refreshing to hear Carl great work. Best of luck for the future and please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. 👍👍👍
Nice to hear, hope alls well, pob lwc , good luck
Been considering driving as a possible career change so have been watching as many relevant UA-cam videos as I can. I felt this one provided an excellent real world overview.
Me too! found this channel very good actually
Thank you so much for your comment.👍
Just passed my class 2 at 2pm today
Congratulations. It was hard ?
When u done ur theory or cpc
Jass Sandhu got my CPC Monday annoying to have to do another theory
How was it got mine Wednesday
@@samdyer5968 it was ok, you just have to drive like they are not there. I got advised to keep to the speed limits. If its 40, make sure you go 40 or to as safe as possible. Like dont go slow just to be safe, i even over took a few trucks as i went on the M1 on the test which was very scary.
Currently in a van driving job. Got my class 2 a few years ago and thinking of going for class 1 soon. This was really interesting, thank you!
If you want to make that leap up to Class 1 from Class 2 Ron...GO FOR IT! But maybe in the meantime get some time behind the wheel of Class 2 to get your skills back up and fresh? Would make the Class 1 training easier 👍🏼
Hi guys.. I'm actually going to do my theory test next week and then hopefully once I've passed then i start my class C training. And my main concern has been getting a job after I pass.
Hopefully this video will answer any questions you have. Wherever you do your training, best of luck!
I was fortunate enough to join a company that offered an apprentiship to earn my license and after passing gave me a guaranteed two year contract, so I have work and will gain the much needed experience.
Such a great way to do it David👍👍. Thank you.
Recent pass car to C+E, practical CPC next week. Your videos (and competitors) certainly helped me along, cheers guys.
Thank you so much👍👍
going from car to C+E, how did you find it? I have a 40-hour intensive course myself in a couple weeks just want to get your take on what it was like taking the big jump.
@@jacobmorley2036, on the road much easier than I expected but I'll not lie, initially reversing melted my brain. Your instructor(s) will give you all you need, good luck. When you pass I'd suggest some agency to begin with, that way hopefully when you find a decent company you'll actually appreciate them.
Have watched a majority of your informative videos & have learnt a lot. Thank you for that btw.
Been thinking about doing my class 1 & class 2 for a while now. Been a Hackney Taxi driver for a years & really enjoy driving as a living.
My question is Ive just turned 49 & Im concerned that my age would go against me if I applied for jobs.
Hope you are all well & once again thanks for the videos you put up. You defiantly have swayed me in the direction of a career change.
Hi Dean, glad the information has made you think of another career option. We have seen a lot of Taxi drivers make the transition recently. At 49 that would be absolutely fine! Drivers in their 60's are enjoying the change to LGV driving so you're ahead of the game if you look at it that way! As long as you are fit, healthy, keen to work and reliable- there will be companies out there lucky to have you. Any other ways we can help, let us know 👍🏼
Passed my class 2 yesterday also, hoping that it wont be too long to i get some work
DRL you can do it! Work hard, be on time, be charming and then we believe good things happen to good people 🙌🏼
Don’t go to driver hire they only have builders merchants go for other agency’s they have more work better work
@@Dollyhaddrel they don't have any offices here thanks anyway lol
@@Dollyhaddrel they do have good opportunities at builders merchants for sure but lot's of other options too. Were not paid by them to say any of this @jsstto we just like them as a company, hence the video collab 👌🏼
Excellent advice, especially for myself as a new pass! Thanks👍
You're welcome John. Thank you so much.👍👍
These are the info videos people need.
Good work.
Would you recommend just doing weekend work to start with instead of giving up a job to be on standby with an agency?
Hi Andrew, the beauty of an agency is you have the flexibility (to a certain point) where you can pick and choose! Only thing we suggest is just be honest and open when signing up to them. Wherever you are in the UK, reach out and ask the question 👍🏼
Extra weekend work driving a truck is actually illegal in the UK if it impacts on your weekly rest even if your other job isn't driving related. Many people do it and agencies don't really care as it doesn't show up on your digital tacho card but if you are found to have been working Monday to Friday in a non driving related job and then drive a truck at the weekend, you could find yourself being hit with a big fine if you don't have the minimum weekly rest period. I remember from quite a few years ago the story of the truck driver who helped his mate stick up a garden shed at the weekend. Following a road accident he had several days later in the truck, the court found that he had breached his weekly rest requirements by building the garden shed on the previous weekend. The law is very strick on weekly rest for truck drivers and takes in to account all work done over the week, not just driving work. I don't know any other industry where the law dictates how many days a week you can work whilst at the same time, then not setting minimum hourly pay for truck drivers which should go hand in hand with those restrictions.
Agencies operate as a buffer between market demand an supply in order to suppress rates. Also like taxis the need is there to do some checking of the legitimacy of the license...........because......not all licenses are legitimate! Also does it matter if you are a willing new starter (foot in the door) if the insurance won't take you on.
Hi Shaun, good companies that know how it works and run well understand the insurance aspect and will make allowances. And yes, always worth a little licence check!!
Yes aganices is the only way unless you are very lucky, the aganices driver always gets the best wagon, you know the one that you hold in gear because it jumps out, the wagon without a single strap to sequer your load . Your rang at four in the morning for a days work at min wage an hour away to start at 05.30.. the weather is to bad for the company drivers to go out but you have to because you're not the cupmany responsibility. This all happened to me.
Thank you so much for your comment.👍
I’ve passed my class 2 last week. Have my licence, driver and cpc card already. I’ve registered myself with 7 agencies in very busy area (West Midlands) and have no single phone call about a job. My licence are clean, my CV its spot on etc. There are plenty of job vacancies with every single of them also saying new passes welcome. But when I called them - sorry mate you have no expierence. Im getting confused now...
Stay positive rmbossvr6, good things happen to good people. Apply directly to jobs too and don't wait for the agencies. Also, make an impression, go and actually see some companies face to face if you can!
Have you had any luck yet?
What's your status now ?
How about a weekly shoutout of passed drivers? ;)
Good idea! 🤘🏼
As of Sept 21 you just rock up to any firm and announce yourself as an HGV driver, they will bite your hand off. When I started you had to have at least two years experience, then it became difficult.
Thank you so much for your comment.👍
I am a bus driver 16 years and I pass class 1 ,and I don't know how find a work?? Thanks your information
There is work out there. the problem is experience, companies don't want there vehicles going out in the hands of unexperienced driver.s This is why you need to write a glowing CV and really sell yourself especially with your bus work. 👍👍
I have a question in regards to doing the job with unspent criminal convictions. How hard does this make employment?
Thank you so much for your comment.
doing my class 2 test end off the month... if i pass! well should say when i pass! then all ready to start class 2 HGV work!! think i`m going have to go with agency. no body really takes any new drivers on! do you have to buy your own ppe stuff and what safety rating boots should they be? keep up the great vids!!!! jon from hull.....
Good morning Jon! Agency will give you a taste for lots of different ways to use your new driving licence...WHEN....you get it! Lot's of places will provide you with the PPE you need. However with boots we would suggest you invest in a nice pair yourself. Ask a fellow driver or question a forum on facebook for your best answer I would say for the best boots 👍🏼
Under the UK health and safety at work act of 1974, all PPE including safety boots has to be supplied Free of Charge by the employer. However, there has always been a lot of ducking and diving over this aspect of the law by many employers, particularly where safety boots are concerned. If you are employed through an agency then it is their responsibility to supply the relevant PPE but again, good luck with getting them to supply your safety boots and if you rightfully argue the point, you probably won't get any work.
Can you do random shifts through agency like the odd night / weekend ?
Yes it has been known. The best thing to do is give them a call and see if they can work around your schedule. 👍
im due to start my CAT C training next week. Is there any tips anyone can give me to help me pass my theroy and practical first time
Study up and put the hard work in on the revision Nathan. As far as the practical goes, just make sure to listen to your instructor and absorb all the advice they give you! They do it every day so you have to trust them. They will know how to get you through 💪🏼
@@NationalDrivingCentre I have been doing practice theory tests online and have been passing them consistently but I'm just trying to find a practice LGV hazard perception tests to do. Also I need to try to find the money to get my digital tachograph card
i just passed my test on the 22 of march and i can not get a job because i have no experience it is really sad
This can be the case the best thing to do is approach companies with your CV even though you might be new at driving larger vehicles, you can write a glowing CV with your original driving experience. It's all about selling yourself. There are many companies out there that are looking for drivers. 👍👍
Was that a fart I heard at 9:54? Who’s gonna own up then? 😳😂
Thank you so much for your comment.
I'm 22 years old, and I've been on the road on my little motorbike with my provisional license for just over a year. This year, I want to get my car license and my class 2 HGV license. I'm wondering how hard will it be for me to find that first job with such little experience. I understand there's a driver shortage, but I don't fancy my chances to be honest. Could you give me some insight please?
You would need to look around. There are a few firms out there that will employ you but the insurance and experience will be the challenge. Agencies will snap you up but it could be multi drop.👍
@@NationalDrivingCentre That's good to know, thanks. I wouldn't mind multi drop. I'll take what I can get. I'm sick and tired of temp jobs in factories and dead set on a career driving
Hey, can Irish driver license 1/2 holders Work in the UK now ? 🤔?
Thank you so much for your comment.
Will agencies or major companies take on HGV class 1 drivers with auto only restrictions on their license?
It's not uncommon for drivers now to have that 78 restriction on their driving license. Because the majority of vehicles out there are automatic you should not have trouble getting signed onto an agency.
Is the class 1 test easier than class 2?
For the start I would say no however, if you have experience driving a category C then this will pay when you carry out your class one because you already have experience driving a large vehicle and therefore the main thing to learn with the C+E is the reverse and the fact that it's just a little bit longer. However with the changes the government have made going from car to C+E you can clearly see this experience would not be there and therefore the leap to a C+E test would be extremely challenging. Hope this helps if you've got any questions please give us a call.👍👍
Magic sure does. I have my class 1 on May and have been driving 18t and 12t for 18months so hopefuly al gos well. Thanks again
I am newly passed class2 but driving buses for four years....and still I'm new, my bus experience don't count as experience...still looking for job......
Keep trying, you'll get there! Attitude is important and I'm sure companies will consider your bus driving experience but maybe not directly. But it is a positive for sure!
I will get licence this week category c. Cn you tell me its easy to get job for fresh licence?
Could be very easy Jass! Concentrate on passing first and then get in touch with a great company like DriverHire. Best of luck on the test!🤞🏼
Jass Sandhu i passed my class 2 3 weeks ago and am finding it exetremly hard to find work, i have called many many companies but nobody is willing to give a newbie a start
@@johngraham5996 mate applied for agency this is very busy time pr good time to get experience mate try good agency. Where r u from
If possible I could do with they guys from national driving centre contacting me with an email address so I can discuss my recent practical test lgv
Please give us a call Oliver, no problem at all.
Kind Regards Paul 👍👍
To all new drivers, come back here a few years and voice your opinion on being a HGV driver. I bet not many of you will disagree with me, Job is shit, hours are more than shit, pay is still shit, and you get treat worse than shit.
Thank you so much for your comment 👍👍👍👍👍.
DON'T DO IT
Thank you so much for your comment.
just turn up there desperate for low paid workers
Thank you so much for your comment.👍