Becoming a trucker

[dollywobbler]

No, I'm not about to give up the day job (seen enough horror stories on here to become a pro driver again!) but I am considering going for my HGV/LGV licence just because I'd kind of like to. However, it doesn't look particularly cheap.

 

As there's a few real-world LGV drivers on here, how much am I looking at to get qualified up?

 

Have a random google-fu shite truck

[Cavcraft]

Lanky Tim and Warren are truckers.

 

Personally speaking (and I deal with truck drivers day in, day out) it's one of the last jobs I'd consider.

Pissed about from pillar to post, random nights out in shit holes, bosses seem to be mostly gobshites, traffic office staff who haven't a clue then there's the fact you're very unlikely to get a decent job until you've done a couple of years 'apprenticeship' behind the wheel.

 

Oh, and there doesn't seem to be many decent driving jobs out there and there's scores of drivers looking to find somewhere better or who are out of work themselves, so you'd probably be right at the bottom rung of the ladder and working for cowboys.

It doesn't help that many drivers get treated like absolute shit by bosses, customers, other road users and wherever they load or tip at.

[Albert Ross]

All that and inconsiderate car drivers unable to see you in your massive truck. Why bother. Go stacking shelves at Tescos, you'll feel more fulfilled from it.

[dollywobbler]

Read again! I'm not planning on becoming a trucker, I've always sort of just had a hankering to get my licence - just like Rowan Atkinson (only I've got less money and my jokes are crap).

[seth]

Rowan Atkinson

Thanks Dolly. Mentioning his name has enabled me to remember why I've just been humming a trucking song to myself

 

I'm no help obviously for answering your query...

[Albert Ross]

Buy one of these and drive it on a car licence.

 

http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/vehicles/wrv/vehaec.htm

 

Yeah!!

[Pete-M]

[Des]

Perhaps consider aiming to emulate Chriff Eubank.

[dollywobbler]

Ha! Thanks chaps. Technically, I can drive a three axle coach a la Italian Job as it's over 30 years old. I think classic trucks have the same rules.

 

Sorted then. Don't spend money getting a licence, just get a classic truck/bus/coach. The wife will be pleased!

[seth]

You obviously spent far too much time sat next to Peter Simpson!

[dollywobbler]

You obviously spent far too much time sat next to Peter Simpson!

Indeed I have! Though Fuzz Townshend is little better. Another secret bus nut.

[Guest]

I LUV TRUCKING & I LYKE 2 TRUCK

[warren t claim]

You will need at least a class 2 LGV even to drive a classic truck with a plated weight over 7.5 tonnes.

 

You have to take your test in a truck with at least 8 forward gears that's at least 8 metres long and ABS equipped. It will cost about a grand and after you have passed your test you will have to do a Drivers CPC immidiately if you passed your test after 1997 or within 4 years if before. That will allow you to drive any rigid vehicle over 7.5t including artic units providing you don't tow a trailer.

 

I was driving a '95 Iveco this week and believe me, they are harder to live with on a daily (no pun intended) basis than a series Landy. The week before I had a 10 plate Scania with an auto geabox but a manual clutch (yes really!) and the shock nearly killed me getting into an old nail.

 

Having said that if my numbers come in on Saturday I will be getting a 15 year old Scania 92d flatbed to use as a tat hauler.

[mouseflakes]

I've no idea how much it costs as my employer paid for mine (lucky me!). I just remember that four mornings worth of training to try and undo 15 years worth of bad habits was pushing it!

[Mr Lobster]

I think the rules have changed a bit, most of us older people have grandfather rights on our driving licences, allowing us to tow trailers, drive non psv minibuses, 7.5 tonners etc. without taking additional tests. Not sure when the rules changed but I know there has been some fiddling.

If you passed your test before 1997 then you will have entitlement for trailers, trucks upto 7.5t, minibuses etc. After that you need to take a test to get entitlement.

 

IIRC putting someone through a week of training culminating in a test costs in the region of £1500 to get to class 2 size trucks. If you want to drive articulated stuff then its more although I may not be 100% correct on this.

[dollywobbler]

Gawd, they don't make it easy do they? I'm a pre-1997 but I'd never even heard of a CPC.

[warren t claim]

Drivers CPC. Certificate of Prostitute Culling. We all have to do it eventually.

[dollywobbler]

Dang. I forgot about the need to murder. S'pose I'd better stock up on top shelf magazines too.

[warren t claim]

Nah.. Lymm Truckstop sells hundreds of them. Mind you, I used to carry porn bound for Ireland. 17 tonnes of it!

[Pillock]

Nah.. Lymm Truckstop sells hundreds of them. Mind you, I used to carry porn bound for Ireland. 17 tonnes of it!

Yet strangely only ever delivered 16.5 tonnes.....

[Jon]

DW, I think it's a great idea! I'm seriously hankering after a go in a Green Goddess and seeing them for £2000 seems almost too tempting. Fancy going halves?!

 

I drive mainly 7.5 tonne lorries, but only really as a sideline to my job (I'm an assistant grip and drive the camera truck to locations). However, I put myself through the Class C (formerly Class 2) licence, since I had a post '97 guff licence. Since I only passed 4 years ago, here was the process:

 

1). Get a medical. The requirements are apparently really basic, so it cost me £45 IIRC and was arranged through the driving school.

 

2). Pass the relevant theory test, which is part observational and part multiple choice. Probably about £40.

 

3). Have lessons. It really does depend on how quickly you get used to it. I had 3 full days then the morning before my test.

 

4). Pass your test. The booking fee should be available on the web somewhere, though I think it was approx. £120 when I passed.

 

I think it cost me around £1300 all in, which I knew wasn't the cheapest but I wanted to pass during my holiday break and the driving school had a good reputation. I also passed first time, which made a lot of difference cost wise! Chances are you'd be able to pass for less - say £1000 or so.

 

I've got to agree with all the negative points regarding the myriad rules of drivers hours etc. Especially when I have to work 13-14 hours a day and this week worked 4 periods between 12am and 4am. I swear I took more rest breaks than I actually worked!

[Dead_E23]

Yet strangely only ever delivered 16.5 tonnes.....

Or worse, 17.000005 tonnes

[Lankytim]

I enjoy trucking as they are basically big tonka toys, doing it for a living can be a pain though. Cavette has it summed up well. The driver Cpc allows truckers to drive professionally so for an occasional enthusiast it shouldnt be needed. Id tell u all about it but im using a phone and its v frustrating! oh yeah. I think i still have my theory books and assosiated shit if you want them.

[pogweasel]

PETER SUTCLIFFE SEZ:

TRUCKING IS FOR WINNERS!

[warren t claim]

Who's the guy in the bottom picture?

[Lankytim]

hey pog, the fenns prozza killa was a forklift driver was he not? Anyway, not all truckers go out murdering all the time. I havent killed for months.

[Station]

Drivers CPC. Certificate of Prostitute Culling. We all have to do it eventually.

 

You must see some interesting things on the road as a trucker. Bet it can be mind numbing though.

 

I wonder what happened here? Did something brake off, did he fall asleep? It's quite sad, don't watch if very easily shocked.

(Truck suddenly swerves across the central reservation, taking out two cars and another truck before a big explosion).

 

[Lankytim]

iirc they initially thought it was suicide but it turned out the n/s suspension broke. Note to remember- armco doesnt stop lorries!

[Inspector Morose]

Or buses...

 

This particular beastie fell off Hockley flyover in Birmingham whilst on staff bus duties back in the late seventies iirc.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Practice your trucking skillz by driving the 2CV at 44 mph in the outside lane alongside another 2CV, for miles and miles and fucking miles