Hi everyone, I’ve been quietly reading various threads in this forum for a few weeks and while there are a lot of useful topics I haven’t found the answer to my main query.
I had to complete my C1 test including HGV theory/medical a few years ago for my current job, and it piqued my interest in driving HGV’s - I have always enjoyed driving and sought a job that involved driving. Having driven C1 category oversize box body ‘vans’ for 2 years now I feel very comfortable with them and would like to somehow try driving a full size C class or ideally C+E class vehicle, to understand how they drive and if I could potentially enjoy such driving.
The only options I can see seem to be a 15 minute “experience day”, paying for full licence training or hiring a 7.5 tonne curtain-sider for a weekend. I am now regretting not obtaining my C class instead of the C1 but time was tight and the higher likelihood of passing was the overriding factor.
There appear to be rumours regarding a shortage of HGV drivers in the country and if, due to recent developments, some of our eastern friends are no longer able to drive so freely in the UK I can understand driver shortages becoming real? Do many employers offer training as part of their contracts, even if it is lodged as a debt to be repaid?
Given the amount of people obtaining their licences off their own backs I think I’m being very optimistic here, but I have a job so am not in a situation where I need to rush into obtaining my C+E.
Any advice is welcome.
Thanks,
Andy
You could take one step at a time. Get provisional entitlement added to your driving licence for category C. That doesn’t cost anything unless you need a medical. You shouldn’t have to pay more than £50 if you do need a medical. Then book module 1a multiple choice test £23 and module 1b hazard perception test £11. You might be surprised how easy these are to pass. You have to book the theory tests on the gov.uk website:
gov.uk/book-theory-test
You won’t be able to book the theory tests unless you have provisional entitlement added to your licence.
If you passed your car test before 1997 or your C1 test before September 2009, you won’t have to do module 2 and module 4, to get your DQC (Driver Qualification Card). In this case, you have the option of doing module 2 and module 4 or 35 hours of CPC training. Or you could do module 2 and module 4, and then 35 hours of CPC training, which would make your DQC last for 10 years before you needed to do another 35 hours of CPC training.
I believe you may already hold a CAT C provisional as you would have got this with your C1 pass. That being the case, book assessments with trainers and see how you get on.
You can check your licence entitlement online at gov.uk/view-driving-licence
Hope this helps, Pete 
Thank you, I applied for provisional entitlement for all categories when I did my C1 and completed my hazard perception and theory tests although this was more than 2 years ago so they have probably expired.
The assessment drive seems like an interesting option, thanks.
I notice a lot of employers give armed forces personnel special programs for obtaining their C+E but haven’t noticed this extending to emergency services staff. I wonder if having driven 5.5 tonne vehicles on blue lights on a daily basis would count towards “driving experience” when applying for jobs? If anyone has any recommendations?
Thanks again,
Andy
Having passed your theory tests for C1 and gained your licence, you will not require further theory testing. You simply complete the driving course and test. You will need driver cpc; some trainers can offer credits towards cpc as a result of completing the driving course. This is something we do and you should ask your preferred trainer. Saves time and money.
Any driving experience has value and it should always be made clear on any job application.
Pete
I’m assuming you’re from a similar background to me Andy.
Certainly your experience with additional driver training, hazard perception, spatial awareness and forward vision and planning would help, although think of your driving more along the lines of giving Doris with a NOF a smooth ride rather than travelling to a paed R1…
What I’d suggest it might be worth considering/researching if you want to test the water, look in to options of getting your cpc, which will be an outlay of cash to start with, but would then allow you to sign up with agencies as a C1 driver. You’d have to be aware of WTD and the hours you can work, but if your rota is anything like my services then you’d be able to fit in 2-3 shifts a month easily.
You can’t go straight to C+E, but at least this way you’d get a foot in the door while you keep job security etc, and if circumstances allowed you could take the same approach once you’ve got your C
Thank you for your replies Peter, I appreciate it.
Greenman, yep we do share similar backgrounds. I’ve found myself enjoying the quiet contemplation on the steady drives in that take 30-40 minutes in our rural areas, and feel I would enjoy driving large/larger vehicles in a relaxed manner more often. I’m still on a relief “rota” so my shifts are all over the place but an average of 12-14 a month means plenty of time for part-time LGV/HGV driving to trial. I wouldn’t want to quit my current job completely in any event.
The C1 driving is something I explored, however most of the work seems to be multi-drop and pays less than an overtime shift at work on band 4. After investing a significant sum in the CPC I’d feel cheated working for less money than I could at work - hence looking at direct C+E entry which seems to pay band 6 equivalent. I seem to be being a bit too optimistic with this and perhaps I should look at getting my CPC and doing some C1 work - ideally long distance in a box/curtain sider 
.
Do you feel LGV/HGV driving supplements your work or is it something you feel you may move into fully? Although we are dealing with increasing volumes of 111 related ‘nonsense’ that isn’t taxing I feel the 12-14 hour shifts plus commuting takes its toll when working 5 in a row!
I’m in the process of doing my cpc and looking at jumping ship completely.
Whether that’s the right thing or not is any ones guess, but I’m at the point where I can’t see me staying as a para much longer, and I know I’m not the only member of staff feeling the same.
which ever way you go you’ll need to pay out something before you drive professionally. If you did your cpc as a stand alone and found that agency driving fitted along side work both time wise and satisfaction wise, then you could look at doing cat C and (I think) you wouldn’t have to do any cpc immediately.
If you were an experienced C1 driver with your ambulance D2 I would imagine you could get a relatively short C training course, but that would be a case of going for an assessment drive with a training school and seeing what they think.
If you’re in a position where you can afford for your overtime to be cost neutral so to speak I’d explore C1 and accept there maybe some hard days work along the way.
*edit it occurs to me, as Pete said, some of a C training course could be counted as cpc if you can find an appropriate instructor. Might be worth seeing what the cost difference would be between getting your cpc on its own and getting your C and some/all of your cpc done.
Thank you, I will explore the C1 agency options in my area.
I was seriously considering our Tech > Para course a few months ago, it was my original intention of joining, but something has made me feel it isn’t quite worth it, maybe times will change, maybe I’ll be a C+E driver first .
Thanks again,
Andy
That’s the route I went down many moons ago, I was a tech for 4 been a para almost 10.
I wouldn’t put anyone off doing it, I just think that as the workload increases exponentially that you have a limited shelf life.
I’ve reached the point where I’ve lost my confidence and motivation, and it’s having a noticeable effect on my health hence wanting to jump ship completely.
If I had recognised this and thought about it fully 3 or 4 years ago I’d have resigned and taken a bank contract and signed on with driving agencies too. I can see a lot of appeal in that.
I’m not intending on burning any bridges with my trust, I’ll maintain my registration for a while I may end up using it, but right now I really hope I don’t.
I’m booked on my cpc course in a few weeks time, it includes a days first aid training, you just know I’m going to make a ■■■ out of myself with a triangular bandage dint you?! 
The bank contracts do look like a good idea for part-time work, although I was advised it would be the nights/weekends that were available as the good shifts go to rota/overtime first…still it’s money. I’ve noticed workload increase in just the 5 years I’ve been familiar with the emergency side, where it’ll go next is beyond imagination.
Haha, first rule of an external first aid course…never raise your hand when they ask if anyone has any first aid experience .
Best of luck with it, I hope all goes well for you.