Hi all passed my class c in February was hoping to go straight for my class 1 but live in Scotland so still closed anyway was looking for driving work and all I seem to find is agency work as any full time positions required experience the thing is should I bite the bullet and leave my current full time warehouse position with tesco and do agency work just to get experience plus I haven’t been able to download my tacho card for around two years as I was a ex coach driver does this affect the card in anyway
taggy24:
Hi all passed my class c in February was hoping to go straight for my class 1 but live in Scotland so still closed anyway was looking for driving work and all I seem to find is agency work as any full time positions required experience the thing is should I bite the bullet and leave my current full time warehouse position with tesco and do agency work just to get experience plus I haven’t been able to download my tacho card for around two years as I was a ex coach driver does this affect the card in anyway
I’ve done same before, year ago, left my full time warehouse job and started driving with agencies full time ( was doing part time before ).
That was quite a rollercoaster, ups and downs, generally enough job ( warn you, it was before pandemic ) but some of it you wouldn’t want to do as it was literally back braking ( still sorting out my back ).
After all calculations I realized that with all those flashy rates my income actually dropped, because they mostly want to pay Ltd, umbrella, I was on umbrella.
After half a year in September my old place still was looking for someone to replace me, so had a chance to come back, which I’ve done as winter was approaching and I didn’t have confidence in stability of my income, plus situation was promising to get promoted and increase my income.
Still thinking of getting back in full time driving, because I liked it…Not so keen on agencies any more, would definitely prefer direct job.
Although between warehouse jobs I would call my job dream job in terms of freedom, hours, money, company treatment ( it didn’t work with promotion though, there was manager’s friend in front of me ).
So yes, not sure if this information helps but depending on your situation if you have just ordinary warehouse job, then I would definitely go for driving but with agencies in current situation it’s very risky game, if you could get direct job that would be much better.
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taggy24:
Hi all passed my class c in February was hoping to go straight for my class 1 but live in Scotland so still closed anyway was looking for driving work and all I seem to find is agency work as any full time positions required experience the thing is should I bite the bullet and leave my current full time warehouse position with tesco and do agency work just to get experience plus I haven’t been able to download my tacho card for around two years as I was a ex coach driver does this affect the card in anyway
I don’t think this affects your card in any way.
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Reference agency work it depends greatly where you are based, is there lots of industry around you? Distribution centres? If not then there’s not going to be very regular decent work, you’re going to be doing the scraps and odds and ends nobody else wants.
Your best bet is to go to companies with your CV and explain your situation they may like you and take a punt. If not, stay doing your current job and wait for this plague to pass a bit, all the time your licence held time is ticking and your appeal is growing
taggy24:
all I seem to find is agency work as any full time positions required experience the thing is should I bite the bullet and leave my current full time warehouse position with tesco and do agency work just to get experience
During the current climate it’s understandable as i to struggled with getting jobs and even the agencies i’m registered with indicated that “things are a bit slow and nothing’s coming through”. I’d recommend staying with the the warehouse and register with the various agency(ies) within the area if it’s feasible and worthwhile (pay dependant etc …), possibly taking any odd job that you’re comfortable with that is offered (obviously not all is going to be worth your while), and slowly build your time and experience that way. Other posts from members of greater experience than mine may have a different point of view and share them. As long as you’re safe and rested etc to be on the road then you’re good-to-go. It’s how i started and what i’m still doing now.
taggy24:
I haven’t been able to download my tacho card for around two years as I was a ex coach driver does this affect the card in anyway
Not to worry too much about this, sometimes i go weeks without downloading my card due to the companies the agencies sends me to as they don’t have machines to facilitate this, I keep track of it all using the calendar on my iPhone, emails, notebook/diary and an excel database i’ve made (along with an online software mydrivinghours.co.uk/ till i’ve finished building mine), just put together some historical records (its easier since you’ve not been behind the wheel for such an extended period of time), this may only come into play should you be stopped by the infamous guys is bright clothing that cuts into our progress and driving time lol (VOSA).
Don’t give up though, things will only progress and get better.