Should I become a HGV driver ~ Manuel or Auto
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2017
- In this episode I discuss if its worth becoming a HGV driver, HGV training cost and potential salary, also should you do your training in a manual or automatic HGV.
I'm a class 1 articulated lorry driver, after becoming bored with 9-5 office work I started my HGV training in December 2015 and received my HGV licence in February 2016 including the certificate of professional competence (CPC) and I can safely say it was a great decision.
I currently work for The Watercress Company delivering fresh watercress around the country in a refrigerated articulated lorry. Every job is different but in these video's I try to give you an insight into my experience as a HGV driver.
Instagram: / kevteetrucking
Twitter: / kevteetrucking
Facebook: / kevteetrucking
Email: kevteevlogs@yahoo.com
For more information on TWC please visit the links below
Website: www.thewatercresscompany.com/
CZcams: / channe
l/UCGk6HfzjeDREmmTntmssl3Q
Facebook: k / lovewatercress
Music: / sweet-holidays - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I'm really glad I came across this video. I'm sick to death of being in the same building, with the same morons, day in day out. I often wake up and think 'I really can't be arsed with going to work!' I love my job (Wood machine engineer) but over the years I've been slowly worn down by other members of staff who are just ignorant, abuse equipment, don't know what they're doing and will argue till they're blue that they do, employers that take the piss constantly, won't provide correct equipment or follow correct (And legal) procedures. Having to often work around 14-16 hours to make sure things are done and working because of the above. Drove me mad. Drove my poor missus mad with my bitching. So, I,m now in debt moving forward with my HGV tests. I love driving long journeys and thought HGV would be a good idea. So i did a bunch of research(And still am) into the job, and I got the ball rolling. My point here is that I had a little chuckle listening to you describing exactly how I feel. It's nice to know there are others who just think 'Fuck it! I'm doing this!'
Hey Jay, thanks for the fantastic comment, this is the exact reason I made the video and I'm glad you could relate. nothing worse than working with people that haven't got a clue when you take great pride in your job.........unfortunately you will get that in every industry and you will see plenty of it in transport.
Good luck with your journey, it's not for everyone but you will never know unless you give it ago. if your not sure of anything, just ask and keep us informed with your progress
🚚💨
Jay Leonard There is light and the end of the tunnel. Hang in there.
This is the same attitude most potential drivers face when deciding on entering the industry. A lot of companies treat drivers like crap but no one seems prepared to do anything about it apart from bitch and moan, if you don't like it don't do it, but most can't be bothered and carry on putting up with the same crap. I've been very selective with who I work for and have been very happy since joining the industry. I don't get f$#ed about by my company, if I get fu$@ed about delivering the boss is straight on the phone sorting it, I'm only blamed for mistakes I actually make and I'm happy to hold my hands up if that's the case. There are good companies to work for that value there drivers, you've just got to be skilled at sniffing them out and that's what interviews are for, any doubts Just walk away.....
Jay how are you getting on? I've done the same... but I've left the desk life and a career in IT to do this. I just couldn't stand being cooped up in an office with all the meetings and conference calls and projects. I've done my class 2 and 1 and I'm on my second week of agency work getting some experience. It's tough at the moment doing crappy jobs for shit money but if I can get the trucking job I want I'm pretty sure I'll love it.
Drove your missus mad with your bitching haha
This video is just what I needed to hear. I am a recent Thomas Cook Airlines staff casualty . I've lost a good job in Flight Operations but I have always been interested in Trucking. I used to envy Lorry drivers when travelling home from nasty shifts. I only tolerated office life. It was never for me. For the moment I am retained staff, but as soon as I finish I will be starting school towards a more enjoyable worklife. Thanks Kev.
I really enjoy your videos, good info. I've just done my class 1 refresher today and cpc booked next week ;-)
Just taking up trucking, just done my CPC,,, most of the guys in the classroom had been driving for many years they hated being there.. I thought what the hell am i doing here.. but then fortunately there is people like yourself who put a bit of perspective about the Job... thanks for that, its much appreciated.. thanks for uploading your trucking video's.. it keeps thing more positive ..
Thanks Kev for the info, thinking of doing what you did the HGV licence and job, thanks for you advice it was great and insightful how to do it and the process of becoming a HGV driver. Great advice.
Glad I found your channel. Thanks for the insight. Had been thinking of getting my HGV license for over 5 years now; I will get to it soon. I really enjoy your videos.
+Obed Jugoo thanks mate and welcome to the channel. Get it done.....
Very helpful video. Answered the all the questions honestly. I will be looking into getting my trucking licence!
Glade you found it helpful, good luck and enjoy the journey 👌
I'm about a year late but, thanks a million fella. I watched the negative video you did on this topic first and still wanted to do it and even more so after watching this. All the best!!
thanks Kev another fab vlog counting the days to starting my first full time truck job 5th March :)
Thanks Paul 👌 Congrats on the new job and good luck...... It's an amazing feeling when you first get let loose on your own for the first time 😉
Hey Kev, very much appreciate you sharing this video. Great tips. I can relate to some of what you’re saying and it’s helping me to see I’m making a good move by changing career from a self employed biz owner to becoming a HGV driver. I’ve passed my theory test last week, got my practical class 2 next week 😎 and then plan after the CPC to do class 1 immediately after that. Great videos. What gave me the idea was when I was helping my son move and realised how much I liked driving large vehicles. Was a bus driver in London before!! But you had to stop too much lol! Then I came across all these vlogs, and it’s inspired me a lot more. Thinking of getting a go pro but I’m awful on video 😂
Thanks Kevtee starting class 2 driving job on the 1st of July in a daf cf 230 auto roll on
Passed my Class 2 last week, can't wait to get my Class 1!
Big career change, but for the better. I absolutely love driving too, so getting paid for it seemed like a no-brainer!
I'm likely to be on a salary triple to my current job. So excited to get my first job and start clocking the miles. Your videos are an inspiration, up there with the other great CZcamsrs! Thanks Kev - keep up the great work!
Hey Warren, that's awesome news mate congratulations. Just remember it can be tough getting that first drive, just take what you can to get that first year under your belt. I took a pay cut 😂 but I think it's more important to do something you enjoy. Keep me informed with how your getting on and thank you for the very kind words, there much appreciated 👍
I've been really want to have a career change, ive looked at trucking for a long while because ive always loved trucks and the whole working by yourself and kind of being your own boss in a way.
I had so many questions like the manual and auto choice, the whinging you see so much on forums like you talked about.
And just watching this video and having such a honest and genuine opinion about it all has knocked every little doubt about doing this as a career change.
So thank you Kev, this video has helped a great deal.
Thanks for the excellent advice I'm a bus driver and thinking of doing H GV work
Can definitely relate to being stuck in an Office wanting to get out. Watching your videos has persuaded me to go and get the licence. I've got the loan just need to do the licence and find work. Cheers for the great vids.
+Matthew Carpenter best thing I did mate, just wish I'd done it sooner. Glad the vids have inspired you, keep us informed on your progress and if your not sure of anything just ask 👍
Here's another subscriber. I will be watching your videos. Thank you
Thanks Gary and welcome to the channel 👍
Hi Kev all i can say is that this is a great video my friend stay safe
Hi kev. I know this is a old video but hearing what your saying about a career change is exactly my situation. Since I was 17 iv been in the security industry, iv been a guard. A bouncer and until recently a dog handler . I can no longer get my security badge because of a fight in a nightclub where they basically threw the book at me for doing my job. I was training to do my class 2 a few year ago but got my dog handling Job and kind of just got lazy In that job. The career change is happening and I'm literally just waiting for my drivers licence coming back then going in for my lessons and tests. I love driving love meeting new people, enjoy a challenge, and most of all I love to work . I was doing 98 hours a week as a self employed handler . Your videos and lukes and jays have helped me loads and I feel I have a good insight into the industry. Just want to thank you for the way you explain things and your general mind set for the job. Keep safe and hopefully I'll bump into you at a service station some time down the road
Will watch more of your trucking dairies I like them.
i used to feel just like you when i passed my hgv tests. got a job quickly after passing class1. 9yrs later walked away from trucking due to crap money, long hours, idiots on the road & dickheads in the office telling me how long a journey from a to b should take when they have never even driven a truck.
@David, what do you do now?
Thanks for this video! I am about to start my Cat C training next week and this video came in a good time for me. 15 years working for the same company locked inside a building doing the same thing every day... With the lockdown, I was made redundant and this actually made me act outside of my comfort zone. So I will become a truck driver soon. And I am very happy for this. 😊🚛
How is your progress so far?
Hello @@kkovaltsuk ,
I got my CAT 2 driving license last September and two days later after my pass exams, I was working driving an 18 tonnes lorry. I bit scary and challenging at the beginning. So far 5 months later I still driving for a very well known company and building my skills and experience.
---
Here is one topic of important training nobody worry much about, and the driving school does not teach you. How to operate a tachograph! For the first month, I made tachograph infringement every day for not knowing how to operate the equipment. Luckily I was never stopped by the police and this did not put me in trouble.
Here one topic idea for you to cover in one of your future videos.
Have a good day!
Luis
Well done 👍
Thank you so much Kev !
Cheers Kev. I know this is an old video but still. I'm currently training for my HGV and I genuinely cannot wait to get down the road. Currently sat behind a desk and it's far from ideal
Cool, I had that question re manual or auto, I was thinking along the same lines too.
My college lecturer once said to me if you’re miserable you’ll meet more miserable people if you’re happy you’ll meet happy people
Hay kev, have just watched hour vlog "should I become a trucker" I related to every word you said.. I'm a manager of a multi-national and feel drained every day by the thought of "work" 😩 I look forward to long drives and tour Europe most years (motorbike) mostly.. I have grandfather rights and have just done my cpc... I have been edging towards making the leap for a while.. your thoughts on the matter cleared up the dilemma I was stuck in of heart or head! Keep up the content 👍
Thanks KT....
I've always wanted to be a HGV driver and I'm going to start on an 18 tonne rigid for a while next year and progress from there. Like you I love driving, I currently have a driving job but want a change in career
Like you, I decided on a career change. I spent over 30 years in IT, got made redundant when my department was outsourced to India. While thinking about what I wanted to do next, I realised I did not want to go back behind a desk. I love driving, so a driving job was the obvious answer. I used some of my redundancy pay to get my Class 2. I have spent 2 years driving in and out of Heathrow, and now changed to a new place with a lot more actual driving on offer. The change was the best thing I have done for a long time. The new company will also help me get my Class 1 done too, so win-win, I reckon. Keep up the videos, great stuff to see.
Hi Ian glad to hear it's going well, my only regret was I didn't make the move out of the office sooner 😂
Late response, however...
I'm in the same position as Ian after about 20yrs in IT. The difference is that I got my HGV license and the swedish eq. to CPC about 10yrs ago.
There was no jobs availabe then so I ended up in the IT swamp again. Now I really feel for driving. Thanks for the video and also for Ian's response showing that I'm not thr only person from IT that acually have those thoughts. 🙃
L
@@niclaspalsson5409 It was quite a culture change, but I am glad I did it. Just working towards getting my Class 1 licence now. All the best.
Hi Kev. Just come across this video and very glad I did. I’m a baker currently. Absolutely loved the job when I first started but now it’s just got to the point where I feel like I’m the only person who wants to put the effort in, management don’t have a clue how a bakery works, the people I work with are amazing and we’re like a family but I just feel as though I was the only person who cared about the job. Due to my age, I’m on one of the lower pay grades but get asked to do the most. I’ve had enough now. Lost all passion for it. I’m looking to start my HGV training soon. Work my way to class 1 all in one go. My dad is friends with the owner of a large haulage company near me and knows a few high ups in agencies that he’s done work for so in that respect I’m in a pretty good position. Originally I was going to apply to train with a haulage company in my area who take people on, pay for their training and you then work for X amount of time to pay them back. I decided I’m going to go the bank loan route as I don’t want to be stuck in a contract with a company I may not like working for. Hopefully when the lockdown and social distancing subsides I can get straight on with it. I’m passionate about driving. Love my cars and lorries. I used to go out with my dad in his truck when I was a kid. Used to spend 5-6 day’s a week in the truck and I always loved it. I’m excited to get it started!
Thanks for the feedback, I really need to do an updated version as it's slightly out of date. Wise decision paying for it yourself, maybe try for a 2 year 0% interest credit card rather than a loan, so you have 2 years to pay it back interest free. Good luck with you future endeavours 👍
Worked in the industry for 5 years now and finally decided to put up the cash for my Licences and couldn't be more excited at the thought of getting out on the road.
I totally agree with you I just did my class 2 assessment in a manual and did quite badly which lead to a bit of bad experience with the trainer. After I emailed the company to complain I got a phone call profusely apologising and they said I can do the training in a auto, if I had been aware of that I would have gone that route in the first place. So hopefully next time I go out it won't be a stressful time
+Rob Anderson yeah an auto can make things much easier for the test, one thing I will say is that if you struggled with the manual, after you have passed maybe spend a couple of hours in a manual doing a small conversion course.......sods law says your first truck will be a manual against all odds lol
Something me and you have in common I get bored really easily in one job and would much prefer trucking
i was fortunate to have the tractor unit before my licence so taught myself to drive around a farm
First week in the job & industry. Enjoying it so far. I deliver building materials around the south east. Also my salary has doubled 😀great video & channel
Cheers Andy, that's great mate, proper learning begins now as they all say. Safe trucking 👍
KevTee cheers - still trying to get my head around taco machine (don't think mines working correctly) keep up the videos. Very informative for a newbie like me
Hey Andy, as long as you know your basic driving regs the details will come with time. Thanks for the kind words, it's much appreciated and glad the videos help.
Taco is a highly spiced Latino snack that frequently causes problems with one's rear end !!!
A Tacho is an EEC creation that has similar effect LOL !
Some very good pointers given there. Great video. Just about to do my class 2 lessons next week, I wasn't sure wether to do them in an auto or manual. Now decided I'm going to have a couple of hours in an auto get the feel of being in a truck then cover a couple of hours in a manual and take my test in an auto. Hope I pass 😁
Very good idea mate, good luck for next week 👍
@@KevTee thanks buddy
Thanks kev auto it is get through start earning 👍😊
Well said KevTee.....
Thanks Rich 👌
Easy to get into - hard to get out of.
+Paul M I'll let you know when I'm trying to get out Paul 👍
We've decided for me to go for my C+E just this weekend....
Excellent news goldfinger, keep us informed of your progress and any if your not sure of an thing just ask bud 👍
Hi kev I've watched my first video was excellent I've been in a job for 11 years now and sometimes when I wake up I shall I call in sick lol I'm a welder so been looking at hgv jobs for a while pay is better and same hours what I do now. After seing ur video it was a big help I've been on the Facebook as well reading the fourooms. If it was possible could do one shift how to do ur driving times thanks kev. Paul
hi Paul, glad you enjoy the content. the days can be long in transport but it certainly don't feel like I'm doing 13-15 hours a day sometimes. I use to work in engineering so I know how the days can drag and be pretty monotonous. if it's what you wanna do then go for it dude, be warned......it's addictive though 🤘
Hello Kev, first-time commenter but long-time lurker from Scotland I have been watching your videos for a while, but on this particular occasion I felt compelled to comment.
I started a new job in an office. I won't go into details about what I do, but the short of it is that it pays quite well, and I work consistent hours from Monday to Friday with a not too unreasonable commute either by car or bike. I have a respectable title and I have some autonomy. The problem, however, is that I am quite bored with it, and I'm not sure if it is something I want to do long-term. From time to time, I have been feeling as though I'm even struggling with this job as I'm a neurodiverse individual and can't help but feel HGV driving would offer me what I'm looking for in a career. I find it challenging to work with other people and often feel overwhelmed by things other people don't, and it's frustrating they don't understand. Like you, I love driving. I love the excuse to drive from Scotland to England for a holiday, for example, and for me, it is one of the best parts about going away. I always had some interest in trucking, but I always put it on the back burner. I have an honours and masters degree, and I make good money, but at present I just feel depressed and do fancy having a go at HGV driving. The upfront cost of training for me would be no barrier; it would just be finding the time to do it. The short of it is that I'm conflicted and I worry I start HGV driving and find I'm rubbish at it. It took me three attempts to pass a driving test in a Ford Fiesta, and they're much easier to drive! Being on the autism spectrum, roads and maps have always been a bit of an obsession of mine, and I love discovering new motorways to go on.
Anyway, just to say that your video, despite being quite old, has given me some serious food for thought. Thank you, Kev, for making this video. It was kind of what I needed to hear.
I'm really glad I have come across this video. I am interested in becoming a truck driver, and I'm happy to know that you can learn to drive in a automatic trucks. But one thing I would like to know is can you learn in a automatic truck with a automatic car licence.
Yes you can but you will be restricted to driving auto trucks, not that it matters too much as 90% are autos nowadays anyway 👍
Very informative video
+Dennis Robinson thanks mate, much appreciated 👍
Great post👍👍
You still happy in the job?
Iv retired from trucking 30 yrs in it went in a flash never understood people moaning about it I pasted in a manual cos that's all there was and part of the test was crashing the box never done that ever again 😆 and when autos came in no one wanted them but boy is it much better and two things that really helped the job was mobile phones and satnavs used to have a sack full of A to Zs but driving round listening to the radio and getting paid for it marvellous
Hi KevTee.
I’ve done all my medical theory hazard ready to go. Done my research on training and had lots of advice from fellow CZcams vloggers, some you know well. So today chose my instructor and had the choice of manual or auto. Some may say why why why have I chosen manual ? The answer is simple. I don’t want to pass my hgv in a auto then the next day out on the road in a manual having to learn how to use a gearbox fully loaded trying to figure out what’s what. But that’s my choice of what route I feel is best for me and in no way to say this is the correct route for others. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the advice. Drive safe 👍
Yep you have to do what's best for you. I found myself in the exact situation you describe passed test in an auto bet then found myself faced with a loaded 44 ton manual Volvo, to say I pooped myself was an understatement but after a quick demo from another driver and a couple of missed years, a few miles up the road and I was banging it up and down the box and you never would of know I'd never drove a manual 😂🤘
KT Parker Transport and Tom Hobbs in the thumbnail!
I had my first day out by myself last week in my new job. I learnt C2 in an auto and ended up driving an 8 speed. Had a go in a 4 over 4 and a six speed and the gearbox was horrendous in both of them. I didn;t think I would take to manual but it's really not that bad.
Glad it's going well mate, the manuals are fine, no different from a standard car really, just a few extra slots 😂
The truck I'm in is a 6 speed gear box. It's a Mercedes Axcor 1823. She's getting on in years being a 56 plate. She can be a pig to get in gear sometimes but we get the job done. Personally I'd learn on a manual as then nothing comes as a shock to you. But if you want to pass the test & moneys tight go auto.
Hey Andy, the old ones are always the worst, not a fan of the Mercedes gearboxes, manual or auto. Which you do your training in is always going to be a personal decision, I'd always go auto and worst case scenario do a few hours conversion course with your driving school after you've passed, that way nothing is at stake and you get the best of both worlds. Thanks for watching
I qualified for a temporary, military truck driving license during my national service (laws as to converting military driving licences to civilian ones changed as I was under arms, possibly due to "slight" lobbying pressure from for profit driving schools; which is not to say I completely disagreed with some of their arguments) on a "proper" manual.
I.e. a 3 position, non-synchro gearbox, with range and split, operated by mechanical levers and doing the whole double declutch, rev-matching, malarkey.
And, you know, it wasn't all that hard. It just required you not to rush things and get into a rythm. I had, like, 3 hours of just getting used to handling the truck, while practicing other, minor things relevant to the test.
I don't know if a civilian program is more condensed or not, but I do agree that: if one has some experience of driving a manual transmission, driving a manual truck is "just getting used to it", rather than a pre-requisite.
Great video Kev , some very good points , I’m 48 now and been driving lorries since I past my test age 21, was straight into class 1 test back then so I was lucky with just 1 fee to pay back then.
I cut my teeth on Eaton twin splitters , 13&18 speed fuller manual boxes which were all crash boxes back then nothing like the manual gear boxes today, the manual boxes now are so much easier with the synchromesh which is great , this doesn’t make me a better driver , I just had no choice lol.
Truck driving can be very bitchy at times , if some drivers see a driver be it new or old struggling in anyway be it reversing on a bay ,tight yard, blind side reverse , struggling to know how to operate some kind of kit on the trailer , curtains, wot button does this do etc , a lot of them just snigger or laugh ,,, Y though if you’ve got time help them out if u can , Jesus none of us are perfect drivers , it’s always nice to be nice and help if u can , we are all learning to the last time u turn the wheel lol.
Anyway I’ll get to my point I’ve only drove artics for 10 yrs which was just after I passed my test many a yr ago , was on a bulk tipper tri axle trailer wiv the above manual crash boxes in , mostly local work ,, the odd night out , I used the same trailer all that time so I’ve only ever backed onto & hooked up to 1 trailer really apart from a few flat trailers as & when , then the rest of my time it’s been 6&8 wheeler brick crane wagons on the heavy building side of things , again mostly local work, anyway I’m due a change now due to reasons beyond my control , been on a couple of semi auto/ auto boxes last couple of weeks , hated them at 1st but they are growing on me now no stress cus none of us need that in our job , forgot to say my wagon was off the rd which still had a manual ZF box in which I love , I’m still on paper tachos lol , on my 3rd digi card but only used it a few times so I’m not up to speed wiv manual entries and so on , anyway I’m goin for a driving assessment this week for a new company so all of this new kit is new to me , wiv me only running local for years my drivers hrs and WTD I’ve not had too worry tbh ,,,, so now I’m like the new trucker again , got to swat up on all the red tape stuff , there’s so much more stuff nowadays besides turning the wheel , I love driving wagons and always will , everyone gets bored and moans at times so u either want in or out ,,,I want in , I’m goin back on the artics self employed , I shall work when I want , what suits me , so there’s so many options out there these days for young and older truckers so wish me luck and keep up the good work my man
All the best Chris 👍
Hit the nail on the head Chris, love hearing people's trucking stories, glad you still enjoy it after all these years and good luck with the new direction 👍
I got the job kev , just looked back on my records and it’s been 16/17 yrs since I drove class 1 so I ain’t done too bad on my assessment lol just got brush up on a couple of things , goin av a buddy wiv me first couple of days just show me ow operate the different tail lifts they use plus I’ve never done tautliners , but apart from that I’m really pleased , just purchased a garmin 770 dezl , couldn’t get updates for my old garmin as it’s no longer in production, should come in handy as I think I’ll be on double decker trailers just as the high winds come in , typical 😩😩 all the best Chris 👍
Good video KevTee 😊 Like you were I currently work a office job, earning good money, but I hate it.....
Looking into doing my HGV, scary thinking of taking the plunge and leaving the security of my current job...😕😣 U should be proud you made the jump and went with your heart, good on you...
How long ago since you started driving HGV out of interest?
Regards.
+LEE COURTENAY thanks Lee, best move I ever made, my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I passed my test this week 2 years ago in fact, I'm not really much better off financially but I'm much happier out on the road, I was even prepared to take a pay cut but that wasn't the case.
My advice would be to do what makes you happy, if you've always wondered what it would be like out on the road and something you've always fancied doing then go for it. As I'm sure you know though, it's not all fun and games, you have to take the rough with the smooth especially in your first 12 months when you don't have much choice of employer and some of them really can take the piss but keep weeding out the bad apples until your happy doing what your doing 👍
Thanks for the pointers. I have been wanting to do my HGV license for over 8 years and keep postponing it. Gonna go for it soon. Great help, thanks.
Just do it 🤘
very good video m8
Good Vid.
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
HSBC offers £7-15k loans at 3.3% at the moment.
Is that including a company like Stobarts? I know they do the finances options.
I’m 14 and want to dedicate myself to getting my hgv class 1 already I’m think I’m the right sort of person for the job I don’t mind my own company or being alone. I feel I can do this
If you feel it's for you then definitely do it! I'm going to go for my c and c+e in April or may this year and can't wait! I've known it's what I've wanted to do since I was about 10 or so when I got in my uncle's lorrys
Great video. Got my Class 1 back in february and have had a hard time looking for work, being 19 is the main cause though and things are looking up. I passed in an auto both Class 1 and 2 with Scania, did an assessment with an agency in a 6 speed split shift Merc and got on fine with that. Had an assessment with Stobart, 4 over 4 so it was new to me and whilst I got used to it they still wanted me to get some experience first. Hoping on getting some work soon, but defo do your training in an auto!
how much did it cost ? after doing your class 2 can you do class 1 straight after or wait 6months ?
You can do it straight away, you've just got to wait for the DVLA to return your licence. Class 1 cost me the same as my class 2, about £1200 If I remember rightly.
From what i was told in a driving School , you can only take a class 1 when your 21,,, and class 2 at 18,,, So you did well..
you've been able to do class 1 from 18 for many years.
Haven"t read all the replies but at my last CPC module it was discussed that so long as you had a Manual Car License you could pass your LGV test in an Auto and be covered for both Manual and Auto LGV.
+MADTASS that's exactly right mate, passed class 2 and 1 in an auto and occasionally dive a manual 👍
Hey mate, what's the best thing about driving? Any company suggestion and if there is any good driving schools?
Im a new truckers..my company have all manual truck..i work almost 4years..someday i try find company with auto trucks here..its really tired when on traffic jam with manual..
If u pass your driving test in a auto can u stil drive a lorry in a auto or does it have to be Manuel only ? Thanks
So,you've been an HGV1 driver for just over a year.....I think that you've got a lot to learn. Yes,us 'old soaks' moan sometimes....we have good reason. The problem these days is that a lot of 'managers' continually try to micro manage everything,certainly at the major companies......usually by people who have only ever driven a desk ! The world of road haulage is not like it used to be,where you could use your own common sense.....it used to be a sort of 'adventure'.....not so anymore. Too much regulation and micro managing,for not nearly enough reward,these days ! This from someone who has 40 years experience,including running my own company,so yes,I do know it from both sides....
Hi Jayen, I'm learning everyday, the day you think you know it all is the day you come a cropper........I know exactly where your coming from and coming from management I can understand the pressures that are put on managers and drivers to increase productivity and cut costs but this is the same across all sectors in this day and age, with all the competition and consumers wanting to pay less and less profit margins are so much tighter than they used to be.
There is so much negativity from fellow drivers nowadays and I just wanted to let other potential drivers know that it's not all that bad especially if coming into driving from flipping burgers at Mcdonald.
Cheers for watching and your feedback, safe trucking bud 👍
Hi Kev, Oh none of us ever know everything.....just that some of us have been around for long enough to see the unfortunate decline. You've actually said it above...'profit margins'......It's now become a 'race to the bottom'......and we have people like Stobarts to blame for that ! I know that you're trying to help,but in all honesty,I wouldn't recommend ANY youngsters to go into the world of road haulage. Nothing in it for them really.....
Jayen4
Boss please don't take this the wrong way but I don't think you should try and put a downer on truck driving for new drivers. For the likes of Kev myself and others this is our second bite at the cherry having already had one career and most of us have spent a fortune to get to our class 1 and 2 licences and we don't know the good old day's and to be honest that's in the past and we are looking to the future. All sectors of working life are now swamped with regulation not just trucking. Being a parent is a tough job at times but I would never tell someone not to have children or try and put them off. All you can do with all of your experience is pass a little on to help the next generation. Please don't be offended as this is not my intention.
+Jayen4 I think you need to look at it from a modern point of view rather than a yesteryear point of view. I was a mechanic years ago but couldn't do it now with fix times, fix rates etc etc.......things have changed in all sectors so you need to compare from a modern perspective and hgv driving is still far more attractive than many other careers with low education entry if that makes sense lol
Not offended.....just saying it how I see it......
I passed my class 1 in 2003, trucked until 2011 and decided to become a driving instructor. 8 years later in 2019 im returning to class 1 driving. Missed the job
It gets into the blood mate, welcome back and good luck 👍
Yeah it is, cant beat the feeling of freedom
Started my class 2 training on Monday, thinking I was learning in a auto, but was given a manual.
The first day was bit of a nightmare, but by day 2 it i was fine, no issues driving a manual after two days training.
If you can drive a manual car you can drive a manual truck, no problems.
Yep, agree completely mate, glad you're getting on ok and good luck with the class 2 👍
Good to experience manual boxes, not every job has automated boxes. The bread and butter jobs do have automated boxes but the interesting jobs may not.
A few years ago I did some trade plating and even with my experience on manuals I found myself delivering a STGO unit with more splitters than I'd ever seen before. I had to get a mechanic to show me how to set it up for straight six position hi/low box before I could get as far as the gate.
Fortunately there are only double de-clutch trucks on the vintage scene now!
Wish I was as lucky as you in finding a job. I'm currently in an office job (14yrs) and desperate to get out and be a HGV driver. Passed class 2 in Nov 2016 and all I get is "no experience, no thanks" which is annoying.
Hi Steve, yeah that's pants, I never come across the experience thing, maybe there just more desperate down this end of the country. You thought about doing a bit of agency work to get some experience, this was going to be my port of call if I had problems getting a job. Maybe getting your class 1 would help, would give you many more options.
steven popov go on wincanton.co.uk see what's on there
uk trucker cheers for that I'll see what they have.
They will probably be less fussy when the summer holiday period kicks in...or failing that,Octoberish,when as we all know,Christmas begins LOL !
I can only say as I’m due to do my module 3 class 2 at the start of March I am excited to be getting passed and employment. Perhaps I may have enjoyed the job even more 30+ years ago but you don’t miss what you never had so I’m as happy as I am despite things in the industry being as ‘bad’ as they are.
Try running your own company with a £1.3M turnover and not being able to pay yourself for 2 years because the franchise company your working with are doing you for over £4,000 per week operating charge when we started out the operating charge was £720 per week. That’s when you know what you had and lost and you can’t just walk away when your working 2 months in arrears.
Yep you've hit the nail on the head, I've never experienced the "good old days" so I'm never going to miss then. you've also got to find a position that suits yourself, don't spend life doing something you hate but most still do 🙈
Wow auto truck,luxury, when I did my test it was all manuals, I remember the test having to go up and down the box,auto much better can drink or eat while driving “sweet”
Yeah there pretty easy nowadays, just got to point it in the right direction 😂
Driving a hgv is a hassle job nowdays and I've been driving for 33 years
I'm looking to do my hgv in auto and even the owner of the company I've booked with said to be honest they don' make manual no more all modern trucks are auto so chances are high your first truck will be auto if your with company who updates everything
nice one kev i was in 2 minds about the manual /auto thing auto it is then gonna be starting in a couple of months cheers
Yes legally you can pass your HGV in an auto and yes almost all general haulage trucks are auto's so by all means pass your test in an auto anything that helps is good what i would add is if you get the chance have an hour or two in a manual as it may help you gain future employment do so. But a couple of points if i may firstly as an old hand. Am i envious of new lads and girls going through their tests today?. Am I buggery i passed both of my test's in manuals but that was the norm for the time. The process through which i and others of similar vintage and older gained their licences was very similar to today though in many respects less technical (No CPC) most of what you learned was after and was very much hands on experience again similar to today When i was starting out the older boys would show you the ropes quite literally with sheets attached because they took the time and then you got on with it and god help you if you mucked it up as the guy who taught you would get an earful for not teaching you properly and he would then pass that onto you. Is the job easier than it was in some respects yes in others definitely not. I can still remember a load to the Royal festival hall in London when neither pallets or fork lifts were common on building sites and i had 4 tons of bricks and you can guess how they came off. Though there are jobs out there that still involve hard physical graft most these days do not. Having said that delivery times are ever tighter traffic and driving standards are getting worse adding to the mental pressure we all face. Years ago most British haulage companies were family owned and run where you as an individual were a person not just a number on a piece of paper and the bosses gave a shit. Those who ran the office had years of experience behind them and you used a call box to keep in touch ( ah the days before mobiles) Generally nowadays we work for large nationals who have under paid youngsters staring at computer screens not knowing how far one point is from another being hassled to get loads shifted as quickly as possible passing their stress on to us there are exceptions to this rule the company i work is one of those but I've also worked for the other kind. though we old farts have been behind the wheel for longer than most of the youngsters now taking their test have been breathing almost to a man or woman will tell you we have never stopped learning and neither will you. This should in no way discourage you young ones coming in to this maddest of professions it can be the most frustrating irritating job on earth but when you are on a roll you are the king of the highway sitting high and proud above all around you with a bloody great grin on your face.
Andrew thank you so much for your input, what a great post and we'll deserved pinned post!
my "envious" quip was aimed at the old hands that seem to be dead against doing the test in an auto rather than a blanket statement and I completely agree with your points, the manual conversion course is a great idea if someone is lacking in confidence. I don't know what it used to be like years ago but from my point of view it seems much harder back then although I think things have switched from being physically hard to a mentally more difficult job. one think I'd like to see a return to is the camaraderie between drivers and a willingness to lend a hand to each other, we can only hope.
thanks again and safe travels.
if you a manual car licence holder you can pass hgv test in semi auto and be legal to drive a manual truck, as for it being easier now i like to see these young ones do a gearbox exercise
Really Scott? don't tell me, you've also done more miles in reverse, oh younger drivers are no more than steering wheel attendant too 😂😂
@@KevTee your saying that not me but i do think it was harder years ago to pass you had to stand up sometimes to pull steering wheel around, powersteering was not allowed then, thats why theres more disabled and women in trade now no strength needed, and driving is a small part of a truckers skill strapping down (i dont think most drivers know straps come with weight restrictions) route planning knowing the motorway infrastructure so if you need to change route on the fly because you cant go that way doing it from your head comes with experience most newish drivers could not get to the city there going to let alone the premises with out a sat nav, old school drivers can drive any city and most major towns of the top of there heads with a back up route aswell, the time with no phones the good old days,
@@SOB821 Having read your comments, I can agree with most. I did my tests in the early 80's, no power steering, sat nav's, no air lift suspension. Have to "Double de clutch" on every gear change etc. So in that respect you actually learnt to drive the vehicle. They had just stopped the forward drive exercise that had to be carried on the test ground before you were allowed on the road. It was deemed unnecessary as you drive forward on the actual road test. I latter became a HGV 1 instructor. Gear changing exercise, pulling away from the kerb, having to use your right arm out of the window to indicate that you were trying to move, just in case your trailer lights were blocked by vehicles behind you. All that stuff learning was hard but, I believe worthwhile.
I gave up on the roads a long while back as it seemed that all the transport managers had never sat in a truck let alone driven one, or know the limitation of one, due to weight, speed, distance and size restriction.
Anyway, after being out of a truck for some time, I missed the driving so I got a job with a very famous company. On my driving assessment I claimed into a new Volvo FM12. I looked around the cab for a minute or two then the assessor asked my what was wrong. I had to asked two questions:
1. Where is the gear-level. Ans. Its automatic, and the switch is there.
2. Where is the air-brake. Ans. Oh that's electronic and its the button on the dashboard.
He laugh and know that I was only used to manuals.
During the drive, I missed that actual gear change and what I was most unhappy about was pulling away uphill and the electronic handbrake. It just didn't feel right or safe to me. But after joining the company I got used to it and when driving in London I was quite glad I didn't have to do all those gear changes.
Every changes in life and we have to accept it. However I do believe that the standard of HGV driving has dropped. In 20+ of driving I have never know anyone in the companies I worked for have a bridge strike. Yet the very last company I worked at (very famous), they had 7 bridge strikes in 5 days all out of the same depot.
And to KevTee, I do like your vblogs, there are interesting and amusing. I like the way that you emphasise so issues with HGV driving. The lack of parking spaces for truck, which are required by law to stop and rest. Car driver just parking where they like, causing traffic jams in towns when trucks are trying to make deliveries. Blind side reverse etc. Keep the vblogs coming.
How old were you when you packed in your managers job and trained to become a HGV driver?
Hi Nick, I was 36 when I started HGV driving.
I see what you are saying about learn with an auto. But I would warther learn manual with the instructor than from a breath at the yard of employer, and have a protectential accident due to messing up gears and flapping eg all you attention is on gears NOT road. I learnt allot of my instructo about Driving a manul and some of the different ways of shifting dependent on the load. And know driving top end manul V8 580 Scania.
But it is up to the person learning to make the choice..
With my Automatic car driver license. Am I still allowed to train to become a HGV . I don’t really want to drive a manual one anyway tbh ? But can I get an Auto HGV license?
Having spent the day with a I shift in a Volvo on thursday it has changed my mind about the i Shift, It has to be the best auto on the market.....However I will always prefer manual and long for a twin Splitter.....My idea of a proper gearbox. And I wouldn't advise anyone to do it unless they really really want to but other than that No. Agencies have ruined this job as have the employers that are too lazy to employ people.
+William Stevens I love I shift, definitely the best auto by far. I did enjoy my short time on a manual but on today's congested roads I prefer a good auto.
Hi could you recommend a hgv school? i'v done my medical/theory. once i have my class 2 how long would i need to wait to do my class 1 ?
Just avoid brokers and visit a few schools in your local area. You just have to wait for your licence to return from the DVLA with class 1 provisional entitlement, usually couple of weeks after you send it off to have the class 2 category added.
What did you do as a job before hgv driving. Iv got my class 2 coming up soon really cant wait.
I was an office based supervisor for a team of maintenance engineers. Good luck with the class 2 👍
Thanks mate.
Hi kev thinking of getting me hgv license currently a bus driver have been for 12 years also got tacho and cpc card. What best work to do i.e supermarket work or general haulage?
+Tractor3Thrasher Hi mate, for the first year it might be a case of getting what you can due to a lot of companies requiring experience. General haulage is good for experience as you will be doing a bit of everything but night's away usually and not a lot of money in it nowadays. Supermarket work will be better money, usually home every night, and better condition but expect to be just a number on the payroll rather than a name in a family run business.
So swings and roundabouts really, whatever will suit your needs and family life at the end of the day 👍
kev you are a hgv driver lol.
Class 2 four over 4 manual... class1 Automatic. My reasons are there are still a lot more rigids with manual gearboxes than class 1 trucks....having said that I'm driving a 4 over 4 with a splitter at the moment. Hope your well buddy.
Well that was very truck geeky LOL. I believe the rule of thumb as they say is any vehicle manufactured before 2016 is likely to be a manual.
It was 2016 that all euro 5/6 engines were manufactured as automatics as standard (Because manuals suck) and auto are generally more economical.
fastasfox ha unfortunately people don't search "should you become a HGV driver".........I don't think there's harm in learning in an auto, it just amazes me that the old school think it's such a bad thing......like how hard is it to drive a manual for the first time, the theory is the same as a car, just different methods of selection. anyway I'm fine thanks mate. hope your well and getting the technical issues sorted.
GrahamsLife24 hey bud, we like geeky lol. I think 95% of trucks from 2012 onwards I've driven have been auto. our only manual on the fleet was 2004 and that retired this winter.
KevTee , passed both in auto's but drive manual's too sometimes.., piece of cake, just split years in half when needed or block change.., if you have a bit of savvy there's no hassle.., we have experienced drivers here been driving for eternity & they still fu*k up a lot...., & moan!..., we're all learning with changing times.
no sign of an eaton twin splitter lol
Do you think any truck schools would train you in an auto and then let you learn manual once you pass your test ?
I don't see why not mate.
The thing that I find most conflicting is whether companies require experience first before offering anything worthwhile, or whether companies are so desperate they will take on anybody with a licence new or not.
sounds like your saying hes a s**t driver LOL.
No I am trying to gauge the current driver shortage situation so whether companies will now consider newly qualified drivers or whether they require 2 years experience first which probably means going down the agency road first.
Oh they proffer no experience so they can give you "low experience pay" ie £9 a hour to drive a class 1-should be illegal as far as im concerned.
Pay people a decent wage and people will work.
GrahamsLife24
Thanks. I will allow my instructor to forward my details to his contact in Evesham then. All seem to be newish Dafs and Scanias on fridge work which seems easy enough to start off with so we'll see what happens 😉
Hello. May I ask how long does it take to complete both categories c and c+e? I am considering to give up my job as chef. Thanks
From start to finish it took me 3 months mate.
Thank you. May I ask how long does it take to get a job as beginner hgv driver in your opinion and experience?
You can if you can get a job
I've only got a class 2 but I've now become a single parent for my three daughters all under the age of 8 so I'm screwed I'm use to always working but now I'm stuck trying to find a driving job that allows me to work around school hours pick up and drop off 😔 I'm doomed
Sorry to hear mate, not easy to find a job around school hours let alone driving work. Hope things work out for you mate 👍
Have you thought about doing tanker work (more £ per hour) less hours potentially but same or more money.
+GrahamsLife24 I wouldn't mind giving tanker work ago, the money is supposed to be pretty good but there is no one nearby that does tanker work.
Yer just thought I would ask as for me I would move to the area where the work was. More money better life hopefully.
+GrahamsLife24 fortunately I live in a beautiful part of the country with a job I love doing on my doorstep so don't yet feel the need to chase jobs around the country just yet lol
👍
No point in asking that question, its auto as standard and trucks come out of the factory as auto as standard.
The question was aimed at the training where you still have the option of manual or automatic.
Great vids Kev. As someone looking at booking my class2 lessons/test soon, I have a question about first job stuff. Obviously as a brand new driver, when a company/agency gives you work, what is the usual protocol? ie: on job training for loading, unloading, securing loads, and do you usually have a 'mate' or be a 'mate' for a whilst?! Coming from a factory background I know the score whenever I land a new factory job but am slightly nervous about getting my first driving job! Thanks in advance
Hi hew, when I started my first job job I was put with an experienced driver for a week. He trained me in loading/unloading and any hints and tricks with my general driving which I found very helpful. My second job I went out with a driver for 1 day, just to asses I was capable of driving and I wasn't going to write the truck of as soon as I left the yard. I won't be the same with every company but that's my experience. Cheers 👌
Totally agree pal, I had enough of being a mechanic after 25 years!.., (the last 5 years as a roadside assistance tech on Mercedes) I always wanted to drive trucks from childhood but never had the cash & the cost kept going up!.., I reached 40 & thought it's now or never!., paid for back 2 back course on interest free card & paid it off in that free period. I passed C in Jun 14 & C+E in Sept 14, done all 35hrs cpc in one go & got a local job driving 32t tipper (took hiab course also for grab lorry) Mon - Fri, home at 5' every night & take home more per week than I ever have in the motor trade!.., I really wanted artic work but because of working hrs, high wages etc I can't afford to leave!, its just as well I really enjoy it!, I've never looked back & so glad I did it. Great Vlog matey & a lot of truth in it. Safe driving👍
Hey Mate, you hit the nail on the head, I think a lot of potential drivers are put off by all the negativity but the jobs what you make of it.....my only regret is I didn't do it sooner. Cheers for the kind comments 🤘
If anyone in Ireland is in this position dont fall for what i did an auto licence over here is an auto meaning your restricted how i know, im the only driver in my company with an auto only licence. And i driver a manual car but restricted to auto Cat C. Was gutted to bw honest but im fetting used to the 2 trucks i can only drive so basically you can say im a day tramper 😁 i use the same truck day after day. But its a big pain for operations to organise it.
Sorry to hear that mate, I'll put a disclaimer when I do an update.
Doing the theory for my class 2 at the moment, medical next week, then I'll get my tests booked after that. I am getting nervous about moving such a big vehicle around, any advice from anyone on how to deal with that?
Passed my class 2 yesterday. All I can say is listen to your instructor and grow eyes on the side of your head. It's relatively easy to drive the trucks, getting through gaps is just a question of appropriate speed and mirror use. Take your time and pay attention. The other person learning at the same time as me didnt listen to the instructor at all and hit every curb she could find. She failed her test miserably. And not because shes a woman, but because she wouldnt listen.
@@jaymanleonard, thanks for the reply and the tips! I'll take what you've said on-board. Is it best to over exaggerate mirror/blind spot checks, like the car test, so they can see you doing it?
I've picked up points on powered pump truck tests for going too quick so I'll definitely slow down for this one :)
@@Dunescaler I was told to exaggerate the mirror and blind spot checks. And as far as speed goes, you'll be marked down/ maybe fail for approach speeds. Come in too fast (Even under the speed limit) not leaving your self time to mirror/signal/ gear select etc youve had it. Im very excitable and my first day was spent being told to 'calm down, take your time, you're still coming in too fast, you're not leaving yourself time to respond to a situation'
@@jaymanleonard, fair enough :D, I'll be careful.
Congrats on passing your test by the way, hopefully I'll pass mine in a month or 2, and good luck with your trucking :)
@@Dunescaler Thanks bud. You shouldnt have a problem if you do as your told. My instructor was incredibly blunt, dry and sarcastic. In other words, down right rude! I learnt very quickly ha ha ha. Good luck to you too. Let us know how you get on. For me now the real learning starts...
The job's not what it used to be??? I was class 2 in 2003 at £5.85 p/h and now i'm back at 15!
Hi kev i passed my class 2 10 years ago 1 year after that i never did the medical can i still go and do my medical now and get my cat c back
I'm pretty sure you can mate but I'd check with DVLA 👍
Hi kev thanks for the reply I rang Dylan and they are sending me the forms d2d4 fill out go for medical and cats will be reinstated thanks mate
DVLA
Will it be possible to be a hgv driver and ONLY drive autos ??
absolutely mate👍
KevTee thanks , I have my training / test booked for the end of November , I have a manual car licence but I’ve been driving an auto car for the last 7 years as I hate driving manuals.. especially in London
Can a truck driver in the states get a license to drive an HGV in Europe??? Like do companies ever hire overseas drivers.??
Think you would have to take a hgv test just like we do if we want to drive trucks in the states 👍
@@KevTee so go to school and all just like in the states ?? My only issue I think would be getting used to driving on the left side in some countries. So all the exits and stuff are on the left instead of right like here.
A 5 day course with a driving test on the 5th day is pretty standard over here. I often drive on the opposite side of the road in the rest of Europe, strange for the first hour but after that you don't even think about it 👍
@@KevTee so you drive on the right side like in the u.s
We drive on the left in the UK but the rest of Europe drive on the right.
If you learn in an auto truck can you drive a manual legally?
+Matthew Carpenter you most certainly can mate, as long as you have a manual car licence you can pass in and auto truck and still drive a manual 👌
KevTee great. I'll probably go for an automatic to make it easier to pass first time.
+Matthew Carpenter I did the same mate, manuals are no longer that common and if you do come across one, there really not that difficult to get to grips with.......just getting through the test is what's important, you can iron out the details after 👍
manual every time, after you can drive an auto but not the other way round, just like cars
I learnt on an auto but can still drive a manual without any problems, not a lot of point learning something that's mostly obsolete 😂