How I got in to Driving Road Trains 

Fantastic explanation of how we start working figuring out what we want to do, I am a sailor/captain, and started the same way. Passion for what we do, absolutely Alpha and Omega

I really like get into doing this and I really don't need to be at home at night either.

johno in all the year i worked on trucks and semis i learnt never be scared to ask if u dont no something if ur not sure about something always ask thats how i learnt wen i was doing trucks from old bedford trucks big kenworth and mack i miss working on trucks thats why i love watching ur shows cause u r a good teacher and people learn from u wen they watch ur videos your a good bloke johno

Thanks for the video Johnno. So informative, and your reversing skills are amazing as you showed us in another video a while ago!

Great video - about to make the jump into MC from HR - similar to you I've had this licence for 16 years and only drove a truck on a mining site once! I'm lucky in that I have the time to commit to learning and finding the right company to take on an older driver with not much transport industry experience (that's a little daunting I'll admit) - there's just something about getting on the road

Bloody bunks in the T-line Inters were not big either until I drove for Newman transport in a bigger cab T-Line, ACCO 3070 Eagle was like being on display to every one when trying to have a sleep

Hey John, thanks for a great video. I’ve always wanted to do trucking. Went to uni four bloody years but after I finished I knew it’s not for me haha. Got me HR and off I went. Currently working as a HR driver driving around in NSW, but I wanna drive interstate doing sydney to Brisbane or Sydney to Perth. Looking into going HC first to get used to trailer movements rather than rigid movements. You reckon it’s a good move?

What does HR or the other letters stand for regarding a truck driving license? Is that the Class A license and endorsements (Doubles, Air Brakes) that we have in the states?

Doe's Truck Company Have Any SCANIA'S 🤔. SCANIA'S Are Awesome & Way Better 😃

I’m currently working as a MR truck driver, got mr license in synchro hr in auto. All the companies I’ve seen advertising for on the job websites hardly say road ranger. I’m 20 making 1.4-2k per week 50-60 hrs on night shift, been working towards getting my MC license with a road ranger hopefully to have no conditions on heavy vehicles. Great video to learn from, would love to see more of this.

Thanks Johnno for your "start to now" journey. While listening to your story about not being taught correctly how to chain, then asking the other float driver questions, I recalled one of my early memories about folding tarps. I was working in the yard of a small trucking company that my brother was driving for. There were a lot of tarps just scrunched up at the back of the shed. My job initially was to clean up the yard. I asked how to fold them up whenever I had some spare time, so that the drivers could use them when needed. The boss wouldn't show me. The drivers had no time to show me, so I took it upon myself to fold them up the best I knew how. These were 40 foot trailer tarps. I dragged each tarp out into an open dirt space one by one, there were about 4, and it was a windy day. Weights had to be placed/moved on corners to hold it square. With each progressive fold, I would sweep off all loose dirt. It took a very long time for the first one. After folding each, I rolled it onto a pallet and stored it in an accessible part of the shed using the 5 tonne forklift. It looked neat and tidy, and I was happy. That way, the next time the drivers needed a tarp, ready, done. I used to help them tie down loads with chains and ropes, though never tie down tarps, so I never saw how they unrolled them. Well one day a driver needed a tarp. Big Oops. I folded all the tarps the same way I fold my sheets. This driver cursed me when the tarp did not unroll the way he expected it... I was in the yard helping him on the forklift this say, so he now HAD to show me. From on top of the general freight, he just rolled the blob of a mess of tarp over the side and laneded on to the ground. He said he had wasted enough time, from other delays. Together, in an open space, we unfolded this tarp, all the while his cursing became more and more. My only focus was, great I'm learning the correct way to fold tarps... yaaeee! Finally folded correctly, and on the pallet facing the way he wanted it, I jumped on the forklift, lifted the pallet up where wanted it mid load, he positioned then unrolled the tarp, THE RIGHT WAY this time. I was ecstatic. I also learnt that day how to tie down tarps using all those attached ropes. In my favour, I had replaced and respliced all the frayed ropes, much to the delight of the irate driver. He had a better respect for me from then on. I was always looking for ways to learn more by asking questions, and in doing so helping the drivers to shorten their load/unload/reload times.

G'Day Jonno. Do you know how old the prime mover is that you drive, and do always get to drive the same one ? Regards, Greg.

Hi, I live in Sweden and will be moving to Adelaide in December. Right now I work in the mining industry driving trucks and other machines. I'm a little nervous about my language and traffic culture. i never drove road ranger trucks, Mack, Kenworth or peterbilt or left hand traffic trucks. but i like driving trucks. I hope to find a job there. thanks for this video.

Congratulations on being such a good storyteller. Not everyone can just be themselves, but you do it so well.

Thanks for sharing your career path Johno! How many hours a week do you drive ? How often do you get to be home with your kids ?

Great story and video. I was an industrial sparky and found if you took on the hard/shit jobs now one else wanted to do, you could master them and everyone would leave you alone. I would use any and every resource I could find to learn about the task. The best part was the hard jobs become easy, and the others never knew. I did this during my career (15+ occupations) and it never failed me, I'm now retired. My only regret is I never did what you are doing, I loved driving and still do. I did drive Trans Perth busses for my midlife crisis for a few years and that was a hoot, all about having a good attitude. Thanks for the great videos.

Unreal Jonno.. Everyone's got their own story mate hey!! I told my dad at 3yrs old I was going to drive trucks for him lol.. He said not unless you have a trade behind you.. So I become a Heavy vehicle mechanic but have always been around heavy machinery.. I went straight from a car license to a Hc which I had for around 6yrs b4 getting my bdouble licence.. I had bdouble flattops bcs know one else wanted them.. I loved it mate,I run out of Nqx Wollongong to Nth Queensland weekly for about 10yrs.. Then had my own truck for a few yrs which was awesome.. Then in 2012 5 children later my marriage started falling apart so then I stayed at home.. Now a single father with the 5 children and I'd circumstances were different I'd be back out on the hwy chasing that dream.. Great content Jonno hope you are doing well mate 👍 👌

Great way of explaning!

Loved the camera position on that Johno. You have done well to be a truck driver.I think your positive attitude is your great point.Going into j9bs with a whingy winey attitide won't cut it. Thats what I would love too. The solitude and wide open spaces. Some peeps can't handle the loneliness. Thanks for sharing your story. Every one loves to hear your side of life. 🤗😎

Yep when you’re driving trucks warehouses Bitchin office politics you completely away from all that stuff that’s why I like it that’s what’s good about driving trucks There are some downsides time limits call be in places pretty tired at times but you more or less your own boss

Fantastic information....I have HC looking to expand my skills and licence,

Thanks for letting us know how you started and how you enjoy driving. Like you I love driving and always gave the boss a fair go as if I was working for myself. I had a HC license for years but only did some casual driving until the kids were older and I decided to get into it full time. So I drove semi's and big rigids for 20 years until I retired, I loved it and felt like I was a paid tourist seeing places and being my own boss once I left the depot and the sence of freedom I experienced. In a way I regret not going full time earlier but the kids would have been younger and I wonted to be there for them. It's a choice I made and others have chosen differently. Thanks for your videos, they get me back out on the road again. Stay safe.😎

I really appreciate what you are doing buddy it inspired to those who love truckies job. Thanks bro.& keep safe/be safe...

top bloke

😂🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁😕🙁🙁😕😕😕

Great insight, Johnno. I'm an older driver, but young in the head, my wife tells me. :-) I drive city buses here in Brisbane and decided to get my MC (Auto) back in 2020. That was the only time I drove anything but a bus. Looking at getting out and moving into trucks. Any advice on the Bruce Highway, if I can get work running up and down from Brisbane?

Funny i was thinking at the start of the video you must have some type of tech background or at keast an interest in it to do the videos you do. As for that back! I thought oh yeah, pretty straight forward, tight but easy enough. Then you panned and i seen you were still connected as a train! 😳😳

❤ please

Kia ora johnno I've been driving for over 35 years still get a out of stuff too learn here in New Zealand and I did drive over in Sydney over 20 years ago on a side loader great video

Cheers Johnno. Great info and advice. I'm a bit older, 52 but it's always been the dream and with the kids getting older it's my time.

Would have been better if you explained what the different licences are.

Can you give me the visa of your country, I am not that educated, please reply

I really need work but there is no one to help me I don't even have enough money to buy a visa please help me

I really need work but there is no one to help me I don't even have enough money to buy a visa please help me

Great chin wag mate i enjoyed the story (:=()

Your story Purity smear to mine but haven't gotten my Mc yet

Loved this video...wish I had done this trade when I was young. Does your wife watch these videos Johno...? The bit about family commitments made me ask😅

Im 55 do you think I’m to old to start driving trucks.

What engine? Sounds like a ISX.

John, new subscriber from the states. Love your channel man.👍👍👍

Learning off the more experienced is the best way to learn. Unfortunately most youngsters won't directly talk to you. And if you are old like me. They just reckon you're an old fart. And what do you know. We don't do it that old way. There is a new, better way. Working construction the last 42 years I have seen so many changes. Supposedly improvements. But mostly they aren't. The tools are better. Your trucks are better. But the basics of the jobs doesn't change. Ask, watch and learn. Easiest way to perfect anything. Shame I'm too old to start driving road trains.

I did 2 years on a Road Train Car Carrier , 2 trailers Brisbane to Darwin 1981/82, how I got the job was I was driving for RoadAir out of Wagga Wagga, C1800 Inter, after I left there went to Flemings Hardware/Transport, in Wagga Wagga, CK40 UD , anyhow the transport manager of Road Air had moved to Brisbane and set up a Car Carrier Road Train, ( I started trucking in a Car Carrier 1973 Adelaide/Sydney) he pphoned me and asked I would like to drive his, so I went up to Brisbane and went on a trip with him to Darwin, loved it, went back to Wagga Wagga and put the house on the market and moved to Boronia Heights. now back then the licence I had was I think an A Class , drive anything except a Motor Bike or Bus. yeh I miss it still now retired ...still bleed diesel when I stab a finger with a screw driver. do a bit of Pilot work now and then , got to get out on the road . That's how I got to call in Toowoomba and seen Terry.

Hit the thumb down twice 😂😂😂

Do you have a clutch in the Kenworth?

Johno it took me longer to read all the comments than watch the video 🤣😂🤣 Great video mate, I've got a 909 and older 4x8 Drake swingwing which I am painting now and hopefully plan to work my way around Aus. and enjoy the rest of my working life

Hi Johnno. Thank you for sharing your trucking journey. I'm trying to make that career change to the trucking industry as a newbie and not easy finding that initial breakthrough. I absolutely love your video with the drone footage. What type of drone and cameras are you using ? You have a new fan and subscriber all the way from South Africa 😁

Great video and enjoy all of them you put out. I have been an MC driver for around 10 years now. Loved the video on tarping a load. Next time you tarp the drop deck would love to see that one. Keep it up and rennet shiny side up

bloody awsome mate good onya

That was a great share Johnno , really enjoyed listening to your progression and what you enjoyed driving, must be very hard for you and your family not being home every other night, take care and thanks again for the video 👍👏

❤❤❤❤ Thanks for 🆕 uploaded

I am a teacher with a trucker inside me😢I always wanted to be a trucker, is it ok if I change career? 😢

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Another great informative video john'o 👍

The slogan of your company should be "We've got your back"😂

Wow insanity 😂 no hr Experian and straight to MC

Nice shifting

Good one johno been driving for 5 i still ask questions and still learning

great vid

David Hunn This explains how you were so confident about ripping the dashboard to bits a few videos back when the aircon packed up on your way north a few videos ago. I thought at the time that you probably had a trade or something behind you.

My biggest obstacle is myself being a foreigner. It's not easy trying to achieve driving even a simple truck in aus. SO I hoped one day I'd get the opportunity. Trucks here in Asia are nothing compared to the adventures and lifestyle, no matter how hard they are over there. 😢.

x❤

Привіт з України. Дивлюсь твої відео з захопленням. Супер довгий трак. Успіху тобі у твой роботі

Great video, it's good hearing someone else's story and how they got into the industry. I really wish I could find an interest in interstate. I'm single and 27 with a full MC license, but for the life of me I just can't seem to find any interest in doing interstate work. I live in Victoria and I haven't left the state once, yet other people my age have driven all over Australia in a double or even just singles and they love it. I guess it's not for everyone, but maybe I should give it a go.

Great work experiences shared. Thanks for that.

Noice story bro sounds like your a hard worker bro and having fun doing it

Attitude is everything in Road Transport, Easy Going Professional makes it so much more enjoyable for all involved.

Love the videos. I'm 22 driving road trains and practically live in the truck. Definitely a life style !

Im 23 in a HR (i wish i was in it more then i am) one of these days ill jump HC then MC and hit the road. done a couple interstate and intrastate trips in a HR and i was absolutely loving it, as you said with volvo bunk its tight but ive had the time of my life. Cheers for the videos🤙

good video mate and story of how it started. I'm 30 and been in the construction industry for over 10 years and wanted a change and have just been given a interstate role driving HC which I'm nervous but also can't wait to see and try it. I love driving and seeing the country side with my caravan so thought why not get a job to get paid doing the same thing. Only thing is my partner can't come with but they have offered my flexibly which is what I like. Least if I try it for a few months or so and build my experience up and I know its not for me, at least I gave it a go and can also move into local driving. Anyway cheers mate for the videos, have been really enjoying watching them. Keep up the good work

It used to be a 'C' class lic' in Qld before it was HR. In those days part of the test was change a tyre & bleed a diesel engine. You could do that 'C' class 12 months after holding a car lic'. After holding a 'C' (HR) for 12 months you could go get your 'E' (HC) class & 12 months after that E4 or E6 (MC). So by age 20 you had a road train lic'. Be careful asking what a Ring Feeder is ,i got told it was a sex toy! Good Show.

👍👍👍

Hi, thanks very much for all the videos you put on. Very informative. I'm in NZ and just finished 11 years as a milk tanker driver. Looking at coming to Australia. It seems there are plenty of jobs around.

Excellent and helpful video! I live in British Columbia Canada, and I am currently working toward my class 1 license which is our version of an HC license basically. Allocation of funds is currently the issue unfortunately as the training course for the license costs approximately $16,000 CAD. I am currently saving money the best I can, and hopefully I will be able to put myself through the course soon enough!

Hey John 👋great video really really enjoyed it 👍✅ I started out as a motorbike courier in 1987 I worked sub contract for fasta couriers. The good thing is it gives you great defencive driving skills and really good time management skills.then I went to a Ute 1985 Holden rodeo trayback with a 2liter desiel and 4 on the tree.but I never got anymore speeding tickets. Thanks again for making really great videos cheers 😊👍👌✅

Excellent job and story

I just loved your history & determination to learn more and ask questions about why this happened and can we fix this for next time around ,Well done Johnno @ Lumbars transport in Denni .luve your videing and drone shots .😅😅👍

Absolute rippa of a video Johnno. My original plan was to drive road trains so yep I thought try buses to get a bit of experience first. Lol that was 18 years ago. Even drove double deckers. But now I’m no spring chicken but would love to drive trucks but how on earth do I do that now

Great story and very intriguing. Moreover, it seems like I need to stay in touch. You seem to be the right person with whom I can understand and learn how to drive in Australia according to the rules. I have a year to organize everything before coming to your beautiful country. Thank you

I got out of trucking a couple years ago and sold my trucks and trailers. I got tired of the government, DOT and over regulation. It was a lifestyle and when it became a job I had enough. I do miss the driving, but not all the paperwork and headaches with running the business.

Sounds like fun to me because I am young, but also sounds like it is hard to manage when you have a family. Thanks for your insights into trucking.

I like your videos mate Thanks for all of them From a young french man making his dream come true by driving road trains in WA sitting behind the steering of a Kenworth 🇦🇺 🤙

How did you start with Lumbars Transport Also your videos are so informative. As an ex stocky you bring back a lot of memories

Yes. If I was 40 years younger I would be In a truck . But I know trucks back then we're different. Driving with Joey box was a dream. Lol

Reversing with two trailers may not be easy, but I imagine with enough practice, anything is achievable! again great video. love it thank you.

Hey truck driving isn't just for the young ones starting out..😉The older ones can also do it especially after your Children have grown up..Its a great way too see the huge country off ours.

I also did motorbike courier work for 2 years after I left school in Sydney in the late 80s summers were awesome, winters dreadful! Thanks for another great vid great to hear more of your story, I’ve always been around trucks as a kid and the open road and loved the idea of life on the road but never ventured into driving for a living, maybe one day? 👍

I'm glad you mentioned that you said you got your HR licence because you like to have all of the licences! I have been obsessed with having every type of licence since I was 21 and I'm now 26. I currently have my HR B licence and my motorbike L's. I also have a forklift licence, white card, H endorsement, boat licence, and Ochre Card. I am in the process of enrolling in the MC licence course next month. I'm the same as you, I got my HR licence but never used it. I got my MR then HR when I was 21-24, and I found it hard to apply for jobs because I was under 25. Now that I am 26 and I will soon have my MC licence, I will give job applying a go again. 🚛 It's great to see someone who likes to get all of the licences! It also gives me hope that I can get a heavy vehicle driving job with no experience too! 🚛

Great video, enjoyed your hearing about your experiences & 20:04 attitude. Thanks for shareing cheers

like this: Try not to look to dumb..a very honest statement, well done, had a similar experience in this matter..

The sound of the truck's engine is amazing. There is no engine sound like this in trucks in Europe or Turkey.

Very interesting dialogue there Johnno, and some sound advice too! Back in the early 80's when I started driving, we had to sleep across the seats, no night heater..... Today's trucks are really great, a home from home! Also, great advice about asking questions, never "guess" that you're doing the right thing ;-) Looking forward to the next vid. Stay safe 🇬🇧

Love your spirit!

Very interesting 👍. watching from northern Ireland

Thank you so much for delivering such a story

Johno very colorful driving history ive always believed a little experience and a lot of self confidence can take you a long way.But i think those days are gone everything today is so structured all the funs gone .But i enjoy the trips with you and Ken ,look forward to your next one mate Kym Adelaide

Excellent video mate. I love the inside stories and memories. It was exactly the life I always wanted here in the US

Awesome sound!

It not truck life that bad,it the log book,or work diary book,maybe do a video on the book.good video as always.

You ever get tired of over the road driving I think you would make an excellent instructor …

1500 for HC but $35 for MC 😳😳 How is that possible?