I appear to have been made redundant, twenty years in the same job, seemingly time wasted . Warehousing and sales coordinating? I now find myself having to look for other work, but after such a long time doing the same job it pretty much feels like I have zero experience and no use moving forwards. Feels like a change is needed.
I’m probably going to sound a little naive here but stick with me. In the past I’ve seen drivers on the motorways, out and about, seemingly with a certain degree of, or at least a feeling of freedom.
So, to go through the initial process for becoming an HGV driver… is this a simple process? Can car driver go straight to training for a week and then have a chance of passing?
Yes you can pass with no experience. I did both 1 and 2 and I have zero experience and I haven’t started driving yet for a living. Of everything the thing that troubled me the most was the class 1 reversing.
The other tests such as theory harzard perception are relatively easy however the CPC case studies I found there was very little I’d prepared for when I was getting the questions and I had to guess a large number of them.
CPC is for me the difficult test and reversing is the difficult physical part
It’s a pretty straightforward process, get in touch with a few training providers in your area and arrange to go in and see them to see which you think will be best for you. Proper training providers can help you arrange theory tests, medicals etc.
Adamufc1:
Yes you can pass with no experience. I did both 1 and 2 and I have zero experience and I haven’t started driving yet for a living. Of everything the thing that troubled me the most was the class 1 reversing.
The other tests such as theory harzard perception are relatively easy however the CPC case studies I found there was very little I’d prepared for when I was getting the questions and I had to guess a large number of them.
CPC is for me the difficult test and reversing is the difficult physical part
Thanks, Adamufc1. Thanks for your reply. I’ve been watching a few videos on YouTube, all I’ve seen so far have indicated that it’s all too easy. If it is, fair enough.
I remember taking my driving test years ago and all seemed straight forward, but if I had to take my driving test again now like the youngsters, I’d probably struggle with all the theory stuff they have to deal with, and then having to take tests again if they haven’t passed their test in time.
I know this is different, I’ve already got my driving licence, it’s just a little daunting going into things with no experience at all.
CookieMonster:
It’s a pretty straightforward process, get in touch with a few training providers in your area and arrange to go in and see them to see which you think will be best for you. Proper training providers can help you arrange theory tests, medicals etc.
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Straightforward, I’d like to hope so. I think it might be time for a career change for me. The thought of getting on to open road, my own boss to a degree seems appealing.
Larry500:
I remember taking my driving test years ago and all seemed straight forward, but if I had to take my driving test again now like the youngsters, I’d probably struggle with all the theory stuff they have to deal with, and then having to take tests again if they haven’t passed their test in time.
I know this is different
Unless I’m missing something, it is not different at all, you have hours upon hours of learning to do in order to pass the theory, Mod 2 case studies and Mod 4 test, but it is of course doable, you will just need to put the time in!
Don’t be disheartened if your first lesson goes badly, there is a steep learning curve with this game, it sometimes goes like this:
Day 1 of training: hits every kerb, can’t do anything right, feel useless
Day 2 of training: hits some kerbs, still don’t feel good
Day 3 of training: oh my god I have a test tomorrow, got no chance
Day 4 of training with test at the end: not a bad days driving… well maybe I have a chance after all… then hopefully you pass
It all comes together quickly. (Well, the basics anyway, it can then take months or years to gain full experience but every new starter is in the same boat there!)
Larry500:
I remember taking my driving test years ago and all seemed straight forward, but if I had to take my driving test again now like the youngsters, I’d probably struggle with all the theory stuff they have to deal with, and then having to take tests again if they haven’t passed their test in time.
I know this is different
Unless I’m missing something, it is not different at all, you have hours upon hours of learning to do in order to pass the theory, Mod 2 case studies and Mod 4 test, but it is of course doable, you will just need to put the time in!
Don’t be disheartened if your first lesson goes badly, there is a steep learning curve with this game, it sometimes goes like this:
Day 1 of training: hits every kerb, can’t do anything right, feel useless
Day 2 of training: hits some kerbs, still don’t feel good
Day 3 of training: oh my god I have a test tomorrow, got no chance
Day 4 of training with test at the end: not a bad days driving… well maybe I have a chance after all… then hopefully you pass
It all comes together quickly. (Well, the basics anyway, it can then take months or years to gain full experience but every new starter is in the same boat there!)
Thanks for the support SJB. By different, I think I just meant that I already have a driving licence, and years of driving experience, so (fingers crossed) I’m partway there already - as opposed to having to learn to drive from scratch.
Larry500:
I remember taking my driving test years ago and all seemed straight forward, but if I had to take my driving test again now like the youngsters, I’d probably struggle with all the theory stuff they have to deal with, and then having to take tests again if they haven’t passed their test in time.
I know this is different
Unless I’m missing something, it is not different at all, you have hours upon hours of learning to do in order to pass the theory, Mod 2 case studies and Mod 4 test, but it is of course doable, you will just need to put the time in!
Don’t be disheartened if your first lesson goes badly, there is a steep learning curve with this game, it sometimes goes like this:
Day 1 of training: hits every kerb, can’t do anything right, feel useless
Day 2 of training: hits some kerbs, still don’t feel good
Day 3 of training: oh my god I have a test tomorrow, got no chance
Day 4 of training with test at the end: not a bad days driving… well maybe I have a chance after all… then hopefully you pass
It all comes together quickly. (Well, the basics anyway, it can then take months or years to gain full experience but every new starter is in the same boat there!)
Thanks for the support SJB. By different, I think I just meant that I already have a driving licence, and years of driving experience, so (fingers crossed) I’m partway there already - as opposed to having to learn to drive from scratch.
Before you can get anywhere in terms of learning to drive a wagon, you will need to pass a medical, a theory test and a hazard perception test.
Having car driving experience is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to driving a wagon. Ok, you should know the rules if the road, be aware of dangers etc, but the difference between driving a car and a wagon is huge.
An average car weighs less than 2 tonnes, is about 6 feet wide and 10 feet long. A class C rigid (you need to pass in a class C before you can do your artic by the way), is about 12 tonnes, 8 feet wide and 30-35 feet long.
Wagons require much more space to be able to manoeuvre, space that most car drivers are not willing to give, just like they won’t allow the time either.
People respond differently to large vehicles, always trying to get in front of them, trying to squeeze into spaces etc. so you have to drive more defensively than you would in a car.
Overall, it’s worth doing, but don’t take it for granted that a good car driver will make a good wagon driver. Listen to your instructor, be aware of what’s around you and finally, and I can not stress this enough, LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR!!
Larry500:
I remember taking my driving test years ago and all seemed straight forward, but if I had to take my driving test again now like the youngsters, I’d probably struggle with all the theory stuff they have to deal with, and then having to take tests again if they haven’t passed their test in time.
I know this is different
Unless I’m missing something, it is not different at all, you have hours upon hours of learning to do in order to pass the theory, Mod 2 case studies and Mod 4 test, but it is of course doable, you will just need to put the time in!
Don’t be disheartened if your first lesson goes badly, there is a steep learning curve with this game, it sometimes goes like this:
Day 1 of training: hits every kerb, can’t do anything right, feel useless
Day 2 of training: hits some kerbs, still don’t feel good
Day 3 of training: oh my god I have a test tomorrow, got no chance
Day 4 of training with test at the end: not a bad days driving… well maybe I have a chance after all… then hopefully you pass
It all comes together quickly. (Well, the basics anyway, it can then take months or years to gain full experience but every new starter is in the same boat there!)
Thanks for the support SJB. By different, I think I just meant that I already have a driving licence, and years of driving experience, so (fingers crossed) I’m partway there already - as opposed to having to learn to drive from scratch.
Before you can get anywhere in terms of learning to drive a wagon, you will need to pass a medical, a theory test and a hazard perception test.
Having car driving experience is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to driving a wagon. Ok, you should know the rules if the road, be aware of dangers etc, but the difference between driving a car and a wagon is huge.
An average car weighs less than 2 tonnes, is about 6 feet wide and 10 feet long. A class C rigid (you need to pass in a class C before you can do your artic by the way), is about 12 tonnes, 8 feet wide and 30-35 feet long.
Wagons require much more space to be able to manoeuvre, space that most car drivers are not willing to give, just like they won’t allow the time either.
People respond differently to large vehicles, always trying to get in front of them, trying to squeeze into spaces etc. so you have to drive more defensively than you would in a car.
Overall, it’s worth doing, but don’t take it for granted that a good car driver will make a good wagon driver. Listen to your instructor, be aware of what’s around you and finally, and I can not stress this enough, LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR!!
Larry500:
In the past I’ve seen drivers on the motorways, out and about, seemingly with a certain degree of, or at least a feeling of freedom.
Err yeah, if you turn the phone off then maybe. Motorways are ok except for German cars, but little residential streets are a slightly different matter.
Its alright, but its no Smokey and the Bandit or Convoy. Mostly because we cant crash the gate doing 98…limited to 56, and thats no good!
As for training, it can take a little while to get through medical, theories x 3 and get a training slot but is it worth it, oh hell yeah, usually. Except if you screw up like I did yesterday and pull off the airlines (Chris at Peter Smyth facepalms and denies ever teaching me ).
Yes is the simple answer. Choose a training company with genuine reviews and if they offer it, go for an assessment drive and see what you think.
I had driven nothing bigger than a LWB Sprinter van (think G4S size cash van) and cars, motorbikes I last took a test in 1990!!
I passed Class 2 first time with 2.5 days intensive 1 to 1 training. 4 minors. So yes you absolutely can pass Class 2 with the right training company.
Takes a few months due to waiting for theory test dates, DVLA to return licence, medical etc but any reputable training company will metaphorically “hold your hand” through the entire process.
I picked up the phone to enquire about training in June and passed Class 2 in August and am now paid driving in September.
Larry500:
I remember taking my driving test years ago and all seemed straight forward, but if I had to take my driving test again now like the youngsters, I’d probably struggle with all the theory stuff they have to deal with, and then having to take tests again if they haven’t passed their test in time.
I know this is different
Unless I’m missing something, it is not different at all, you have hours upon hours of learning to do in order to pass the theory, Mod 2 case studies and Mod 4 test, but it is of course doable, you will just need to put the time in!
Don’t be disheartened if your first lesson goes badly, there is a steep learning curve with this game, it sometimes goes like this:
Day 1 of training: hits every kerb, can’t do anything right, feel useless
Day 2 of training: hits some kerbs, still don’t feel good
Day 3 of training: oh my god I have a test tomorrow, got no chance
Day 4 of training with test at the end: not a bad days driving… well maybe I have a chance after all… then hopefully you pass
It all comes together quickly. (Well, the basics anyway, it can then take months or years to gain full experience but every new starter is in the same boat there!)
. Warehousing and sales coordinating? 
I now find myself having to look for other work, but after such a long time doing the same job it pretty much feels like I have zero experience and no use moving forwards. Feels like a change is needed. 
In the past I’ve seen drivers on the motorways, out and about, seemingly with a certain degree of, or at least a feeling of freedom.
