Sounds like your provider failed to tell you if you fail your theory or hazard perception on line exams you wont be allowed behind the wheel of a truck even with an instructor and L plates on until you pass those exams. 
. So better get your A into gear 
And I failed my PSV CPC , think I got bored of checking seat belts. 
Also if you don’t like your first job just specialise Moffit or HiAb 
PS it would be good to hear what happens to you and how this all works out for you
Hayley293:
albion:
I’m answering this as a woman that used to drive UK and Europe but only a mere van or 7.5, but then went on to run a haulage business for 28 years and about to retire (in 6 daysWow, now that’s an inspiration right there! Thank you for answering my questions, it’s nice to get a chance to hear from a business point of view. Can I ask how you managed to get into running a haulage business? Did you set it up from scratch? Maybe I can follow your footsteps one day
Started with a couple of elderly vans. I’d been working for a forwarder so had some work from them, got a couple of other customers one of which was just starting but grew nicely and I ended up with three vans on for them till they sold. Got lucky and got an actual contract with a blue chip after doing a bit of ad hoc with them and they became my biggest customer, did close on 25 years with them. I needed a 7.5 for the blue chip and then they let me run the main site and I needed trailers.
As anyone that has ever run a haulage company will tell you, success is a mix of working harder than you thought possible and all the stars aligning for some lucky breaks.
Or for an even easier life become a tipper driver. I see plenty of female tipper drivers as we dance round mini roundabouts and in the m way services.
Update
Good evening folks
I thought I’d post an update considering some of you asked and were so kind to help me. I booked my medical and sent off my licence. After what seemed like forever, it finally came back and my training company was able to book my multiple choice theory test at short notice… I did have to travel to another city for it though!
The good news is I got 92/100 so I passed, though I am a bit disappointed to have got 8 wrong! Maybe that’s the teacher in me. Haha.
The hazard perception is booked for this Saturday and the CPC case studies for the 30th July. Driver training begins on the 23rd July.
There are 2 teaching weeks left of term and I am so excited to start the next chapter of my life. I can’t wait 
I recommend 8x4 tippers when you pass. Home every night and no manual labour. Good luck!
Good luck with your first drive out!
dieseldave:
Hayley293:
… For ADR, do you need to take some sort of test at the end of the course before you get your certificate?Hi Hayley293,
Yes, you will need to take exams at the end of an ADR course in order to obtain your ADR Card.
Depending on which provider you choose, ADR exams are either online OR paper based, but ALL questions are multiple choice.
Hayley293:
I’d certainly like to flex my chemistry knowledge and show off a bit thereYou won’t need any knowledge of chemistry to pass ADR exams.
Hayley as you obviously have an ability to study and pass exams, you could think of getting your DGSA qualifications (Dieseldave isn’t getting any younger ) and Operators CPC in the future, this would give you options to move away from driving into other areas of the transport industry should you so desire.
muckles:
(Dieseldave isn’t getting any younger
Quite right too!!
I’ll have you know that I’ve never been this old before.
Hi Hayley, its a bit of a late reply from me, as I hardly use forums cause of long hours etc,
I was a Security Guard before becoming a truck driver, but I didn’t leave my job until I had my licences in my hand and done a couple of shifts just to see what’s its like out there,
Just one thing I want to say is that I know you had to give 3 months notice at your current job, but wouldn’t you had waited a little longer to make sure you got what you needed to move on in next phase of your future, As depressing as it sounds, but what if you don’t pass it first time etc?
I am only saying cause I failed quite a few times, but I had something to relay back on money wise doing overtime and save money etc,
I hope you pass first time, and also just be careful Class 2 is a proper hard graft, get yourself a class 1 as soon as possible for an easy Lazy bone idle life in future, Good luck.
As ignorant as the post above is, not all class 2 jobs are hard graft, and not all class 1 jobs are “lazy, bone idle” jobs! Both are available for both classes. It all depends on who you work for, and what you do.
As for ensuring you’re going to like the trucking industry, until you do it permanently, you’ll never know if it’s for you. The odd day or two maybe fun/enjoyable etc, but 2 or 3 months down the line, you might think completely differently. Keep your options open, but to really get a feel for the job, you must have a proper go first!
Whatever you do, however you do it, good luck!
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Hayley293:
HelloI am currently a full time secondary school teacher that is in need of a career change!
About me: I’m 25 years old and in good health. I am also a female! I’ve been a science teacher for 4 years and had excellent attendence and punctuality. I have a degree to work in a hospital laboratory, but I feel I would be bored working in this area (that’s why I ended up being a teacher). I have to work 3 months notice before I am released from teaching. I have had my driving licence for 3 years this year and have had no claims or fines, etc. I do a lot of motorway driving to see my partner that lives an hour away. I have driven a 3.5 T van that I used for moving house which I found easy. I also ride a motorcycle that I have had for 6 years, so I am very road aware.
I have been looking into getting a category C licence during the 6 weeks holidays with a local company and then hoping to find work before September. I’ve also seen adverts on job sites that advertise to train you and find you work, then take monthly repayments when you’re employed - but I worry I’d be treated badly by them!
I have a few Qs if you professionals wouldn’t mind helping me?
Will the licence training teach me about loading/unloading and theory test content? The training I have seen is 4 days and then a test on the 5th day, it also includes the CPC part (which I don’t really understand too well).
Is the CPC 35 hours training classroom based or driving based / how does it work? I am completely confused about this… If someone could explain it, that would be great.
What are the hours like? I am hoping to be able to work days and be home for the evenings. My partner lives an hour away so I’d need a weekend or two consecutive days off to visit him like I currently do. I also wouldn’t be able to spend nights away. Is that possible?
How do multi drop jobs work? Do you drive long distances between drops, or is it more like local deliveries a few mins apart? Is multi drop work better or long distances (in your opinion)?
Are there many facilities for females? Also, would I be looked at as incompetent being a woman by other drivers/companies (be honest!)?
What are agencies like? Am I best to go full time with a company or work with an agency? I have a mortgage so I’d need a regular guaranteed wage.
What kinds of manoeuvres do you do on your test? I’ve read something about reversing into a bay, but what else is there?
Do you plan your own routes to deliveries or are you given them by the employer? Would I need to sit and work out where I’m going before I leave the depot?
What stresses you most about the job? As a teacher I have many stresses and lots of work to do when I get home. I am willing to give up the holidays to live a happier and less stressful life on road. What are the stresses of being a truck driver?
Last of all - would you recommend HGV driving as a career for me taking into consideration all of the above?
If you’ve got to this point… Thank you! Sorry it’s a long post.
Thank you in advance.
Hayley [emoji4]
Hi Hayley,
I see you have been inundated with replies from many more experienced people that I but thought I could give some perspective from someone who recently transitioned from a professional career into HGV driving and just got my first job.
I was in construction management for which I had also studied a degree, prior to that I worked in trades but have worked all manner of jobs.
I was earning a very good wage in my last role, was in a so called professional role yet I hated it. I was under incredible pressure and stress, working without breaks, walking 10 miles a day some days on site, trying to manage a 50 man work force and the production of around 40 houses at any one time with bit enough hours in the day or pairs if eyes and hands to do it all. It was soul destroying work that you took home with you every night, worrying about your targets and schedules all weekend and yet never really in control of the factors that success depended on.
Like you I needed a change of direction. You as a person know when that’s needed and no amount of money, status or education is worth your happiness. So to you I would say if you’ve thought it through and done your research go for it.
Agencies are a nightmare, let me say that. If you do use them be firm with them as they will waste your time, they will have you filling masses of forms out and registering with them over promises of a start tomorrow or Monday that never materialises. Be ready for that. Also be aware that some of them use umbrella companies and try to make you go as a self employed person. I’d recommend that you only work on a PAYE basis personally but do you research on that and decide accordingly.
I passed my class 2 in June and got my first job this week, starting Monday next week.
The class 2 training is not so hard. Once you get used to the increased size of the vehicle and what your road position needs to be it starts to fall into place. I learned in a manual so once the gears fall into place the rest becomes easier. Much of it is getting used to all the mirror checks they want and driving in the manner they want you too. Always aim to be smooth in everything you do and take your time, no rush, you have all the excuse you need to take it slow. Your in a big L plated wagon. I stalled mine at some busy lights and no one was beeping me like when I passed my car test 14 years ago!
The reverse manoeuvre is straight forward once you are taught how to do it. If you are used to reversing using side mirrors only you wont struggle I shouldn’t think.
Anyway best of luck and go for it, you always have teaching to fall back on if you hate it.
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Smiffys trucking:
As ignorant as the post above is, not all class 2 jobs are hard graft, and not all class 1 jobs are “lazy, bone idle” jobs! Both are available for both classes. It all depends on who you work for, and what you do.As for ensuring you’re going to like the trucking industry, until you do it permanently, you’ll never know if it’s for you. The odd day or two maybe fun/enjoyable etc, but 2 or 3 months down the line, you might think completely differently. Keep your options open, but to really get a feel for the job, you must have a proper go first!
Whatever you do, however you do it, good luck!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ignorant comment you say? All I wanted for her to carry on in her life in a safe possible situation,
I failed 4 times and luckily mine was in all inclusive, and I didn’t worry as I was still saving money by doing overtime etc, but she has given her notice in, and what if she fails, she will be in more pressure than before,
I hope She pass with a flying Colours and Prove me Wrong Absolutely 100%,
regarding Class 2 jobs, how many easy jobs are there compare to hard ones, And Specially when you are a new Driver, and same applies with Class 1, To me general haulage etc is peace of ■■■■ sorta like job, cause that’s what I been doing,