Any HGV drivers here?

[Gottabesomethingbetterthanthis]

I'm going to be based in Sheffield - currently a PA, but seriously considering a career change from the sofa office to the open road. I know it's more than just 'enjoying driving', but how easy is it to get a job, what are the challenges, is there an age limit to start out driving HGVs. How long does it take to learn/take test and start driving? Costs? Safety for female drivers?

Pros and cons?

Hello I had previously worked in transport and shipping for many years. Can be a couple of thousand to learn and get your licence but believe there may be some Gov funding soon due to the shortage. There is a drivers CPC to complete I believe all can be done with your learning provider. Good money on the whole. Safety no issues were ever raised to myself our female driver loved her role was great at it. Always park somewhere safe and designated if doing nights. Some trucks are V cosy and comfortable inside with beds fridges all sorts. I have seen some wonderful bunks with fairy lights and fluffy cushions 🙂 never out of work, all in all listen to the boss, drive well (economically) try not to bump things and enjoy the views

Challenges = reversing with a trailer!

Perhaps in my 50s i'm too old! Where does one go to get advice about this?

There's loads and loads of info on the web - have you googled anything?
I just googled "how to become a hgv driver - uk" and hundreds of sites came up.

Regarding jobs, there are currently over 90,000 vacant HGV driver positions in the uk. any company would snap the hand of someone looking for a driving job at the moment. It's one of the reasons shops are low on stock, not enough drivers to deliver everything.

DH has a class two license. That cost £3k back when he did it and his employer paid for it. He did a weeks intensive training followed by a test at the end.

I don't think age is a factor. You can drive loads of different vehicles with the licence without having to do any heavy lifting etc.

There is definitely demand for drivers at the moment. Lots of drivers have been poached from where DH works and he is looking at moving too. Lots of companies are offering 10k pay rises to retain and attract drivers.

What about bus driving? All bus companies are desperate for staff and will pay you whilst you train.

Thanks all... I'll look into it. Hubby pooh-poohing though..!

@Gottabesomethingbetterthanthis

I think it a fantastic career choice, and it is that, it’s a career. There are so many options in logistics that just because you would be a hgv driver doesn’t mean it would end there. You have options then to work in the transport office/warehouse and much more.

Life on the road can be tough. This can dependably hugely on the type of driving job you took. Local work, where you are home each night are few and far between and you will be expected to reach your weekly and daily maximum driving hours. 9 hours driving, 45 min break and up to 13 or 15 hour days depending on time speak on POA on your tacho (sat on loading days/waiting on sites etc)

Tramping is a whole other kettle of fish and in my opinion what the job is about. Your planner in the office will again maximise your hours, but you will be parking and staying away from home. Often lay-bys, service parking is extremely expensive at around £35 per night including meal voucher. A lot of companies pay this as part of your expenses so it’s added to wages the week after. Other have an account and your reg would ping and they pay automatically. Depending on what your carrying you may be required to park in a safe place also

I could type all night about the job and have a wealth of information, if you have any questions at all please feel free to PM me

I saw Aldi were offering £19+ an hour for drivers. I nearly considered getting my HGV licence too.

Thanks everyone for the comments.. it's certainly food for thought. I'm at a real crossroads in my life career wise - want to do something completely different to what I've always done, and get out of the office. Will look into this much more once I've moved and see what's available around about.

I have an LGV C licence and the health requirements are quite strict. You also have to have a medical every 5 years after a certain age in order to keep the licence and my GP charges over £100 for this 🙈

I'm interested to know if you're still considering it. I work the NHS and I am considering the same job.

I've been considering leaving the Nursing profession and becoming a HGV driver for a while now. Following this post to get some ideas.....

TruckNetUK

That's where you all need to go. Huge forum with a special forum just for newbies etc

Word of warning, in the Pro Drivers section you'll see a lot of posts from ppl that hate the job but most have been doing it thirty + years and have had enough now

That's interesting. I'm in Speech Therapy. I haven't told anyone about my idea to change to this career. I think they're going to think I've lost my mind so I might wait once I've done the training but I think I'm going to love it.

Did any ladies take the plunge and start a hgv driving career? I have been considering it myself for a while now!