Cat C driving - big lorries and trucks

[Firefightress1]

Hi, im just wondering if anyone else is in this line of work. I just passed my test yesterday and I'm a wee bit nervous about being let loose without the L plates. I loved the course and even the test.
Just looking for some advice and tips.
Cheers

Just randomly stumbled upon this whilst searching for another thread. You may now be a month in, but you'll still undoubtedly have lots to learn so happy to help if I can.

I'm also a Class C driver. Passed a little over 3.5 years ago and have been driving 32t recycling trucks for the last 2.5 years - bigger version of the dustcarts the council use, basically. Just about to start on volumetric mixers in a fortnight which are rigid vehicles but as heavy as an artic (classed as mobile plant so have different weight limits despite being able to drive them on a Class 2 license).

I'm pretty good at manoeuvring as I mostly work around the city centre and industrial estates, and I'm usually reversing in the dark in winter due to working the evening shift.

Main tip is don't rush or worry about workload while you're new - better to bring back work than a bump card). Get out and look if you need to. If you don't have a reversing camera, find a spot on the floor which you can see from the cab and use this as a gauge of the distance. Also, it's much easier to gauge the distance from something behind you by looking out the window as mirrors can be deceiving (hence why you see drivers popping their heads out the window).

Decent money in the right job once you've got some experience. My new job will be around £40k with my bonus, and will be only 5-6 hours a day during the winter slow period. Can do overtime/Saturdays on top if wanted.

Not director level money but good for a job I really enjoy and in the future there's also crane trucks which pay £50k+ and can be driven on a Class 2 with additional crane training. With the driver shortage there's never been a better time - my new employer usually require two years mixer experience but decided to give me a shot as struggling to find drivers.

Also look at Trucknet if you haven't already.