Reality of becoming a HGV driver in the UK | Trucker 🚚 

I’ve worked an office job the last 10 years Yorkshire based and I’m wanting a change of career. I’ve had an interest in HGV driving and this video has answered most of the things I wanted to know about being a HGV driver so thank you!

I've been an agency driver for 15 years . I pick and choose when I work and I try to work weekends as this pays the best . I only work 3 days a week .

As a factory worker i can see pro,s a plenty, no boss /supervisor looking over your shoulder all day, no annoying work colleagues who can't seem to shut up for the whole 8 hour shift, no sneakiness because you don't have any sneaky toxic workmates unless you're toxic to yourself all day 😂😂😂

I love my HGV Job I hope God will allow me to keep doing my current Role as I love it so much I wish I can do my Job until I’m 70 years old !! 🙏

Solid point about using audio podcasts. Like you say, listening to the educational ones can help you find your calling. Similarly, listening to more leisurely podcasts can put you in a more calm state of mind which may actually help your driving. That's one of the big pros for me in wanting to join this industry. There are not loads of other jobs in which you can do that and make good money.

Good vid . About sums it up for me . Not a great fan of HGV life after passing last year . If money was the same as my last job I would jack it in . Was stuck on 30 k for nearly 10 years , jumped ship to driving now on 40 k first job . For people mentioning no experience, bite the built and apply for nights far less people want it so employers have less options .Move to days when u have some xp

I’m a Canadian trucker and I’ve been contemplating trying to move to the UK as an HGV driver. I like your honest take on everything. Still itching my mind lol

Big bucks? You never earn big bucks on hgv’s bro 😂 and 40k a year is before tax and 40k is poor in this day of age

All of your videos, give me inspiration for going forward, despite of all the difficulties in my life! Today I got my driving card and my driving session starts on Monday. And, hopefully, my driving practical exam is on Friday.

Good video mate. Yes them first 18 month/2 years are hard. You just have to stick with it though because as you know eventually the penny drops with it all... I was lucky and Macintyre was taking on newly passed drivers when I passed my test and been with them ever since.

Wren kitchens take new passes all the time. They have depots in Bristol, stanstead, Manchester, Tipton, Rochester and larkhall ( Scotland )

Whilst it has its drawbacks, the bonus of this job is that you have the opportunity to see so much of the country that you wouldn't see if you were stuck in an office.

Once u done u licence the first year is the hardest to find work due to been a New Pass driver I Signed on with a agency for 6 months to get that first bit of exp doing class 2 work now it not reallly an issue the other pit fall is the insurance of been a new pass the excess is around £1000 some companies will try to take it off you wages if u in a accident or damage there truck but always ask them at the interview how does there insurance work and read the fine print......and check that the stock you delivering is actually covered.....some dont cover stock on a truck dvla can bring this up if they check....

I think the investment in a hgv licence is a good idea as u will basically have an essential skill to always fall back on. When i got my licence in 2012 i didnt use it till 2017 but i knew i had it to fall back on and thats what i did when i had enough of the job i was in i went and drove a lorry and because i did i changed to a few different firms and because of that i now work in a quarry driving plant. I personally think any skill or licence that u have to fall back on is good because it gives u options.

You can obtain a licence in a short period of time but it takes years to build up solid experience and the job isn't bad but like any job it comes with many stressful situations.

I'm 50 been in construction and been made redundant I'm going for it..starting lgv class 2 then in a few years go up to hgv maybe. Thanks for the video

Planning to move from management in hospitality to HGV class 2 driving.. Wage seems really good in comparison. I already work every weekend, bank Holiday, half terms (can't take half terms off as they're peak hours and I have two children) think the hours couldn't get much worse at all!

arguably you could do a logistic management/business degree and start your own hauliers more effectively if you already have the driver experience and or licence and a income to put towards it

As a 40 year old self employed joiner/carpenter of 23 years only ever worked mon to fri 7:30 -3:30 i thought about getting my hgv license for weekend work then full time when later in life. Big con for me is the hours hgv driver work

These days it's a minimum salary that should be 30k per year. I seriously respect everyone who works for less. The food bill is so expensive that you work for a living to survive . I myself am looking for something where I can earn more. I am currently looking into a class 1 job but have always been terrified of driving such large vehicles. I don't know if I would be able to drive if I got my licence. I know there's no other job that pays as well as this with my degree and that's why I'd like to pair up.

Hi mate how are you keeping 👍🏻 I just watched this vlog & I every thing you say is completely honest & genuine 👍🏻. I would say to anyone who is thinking about doing their hgv if you are keen but not sure if it's a life for you? Then at least you tried 🙂. For those who are definitely considering the life then you have done your home work you have watched vlogs. You are aware of the ups & downs in this industry ect & if you are still not put off about this career then we'll done you will enjoy every moment of it 🙏🏻 I am still relatively new on class 1. 7 months now night trunking. £30 plus a year 💰 straightforward work 👍🏻 an now I am looking to go tramping. Yes I have a partner but she's aware of my plans ! I always wanted to make this move an now I can with the full understanding of thing's to come. All I can say is bring it on lol keep safe & thanks for all your vlogs 👍🏻👍🏻

I've recently stepped up to the class 2s with Royal Mail after 30 years of being on the vans doing multi-drop (I started when I was 17 and I'm now 47) and there are definitely pro and cons. The pros are: 1: Much better money. I'm currently on night-shift working a 45 hour week and my annual pay has gone from £24k on the vans to £45k. It pretty much means all my money worries are gone and I don't have to be constantly checking my bank balance. 2: Ever since I was a young child, I always wanted to be a lorry driver so it feels great, even though I've waited until I'm almost 50, to be finally realising that ambition. The simple act of climbing up into the cab of my DAF 18tonner gives me a little twinge of pride and excitement. I don't doubt that will probably not last though! Now, the cons: 1: I don't like nightshift and there's no denying that my work / life balance has taken quite a big hit. I'd much rather forego the nightshift allowance (about £10k a year) and work a dayshift / backshift. Starting at midnight and finishing at 9am is definitely not the shift I would pick given the choice. Please tell me I'm not the only nightshift driver who always experiences an unpleasant jolt of existential dread every morning at 3am😂 2: I'm currently a reserve driver who flits from duty to duty depending on who's off on their hols that particular week. Some people prefer the variety of reserve work but I'd much rather have my own duty and know exactly what I'm coming into a doing on a daily / nightly basis. Overall, I'm really enjoying my new job and I'm blessed to have colleagues and managers who are supportive and patient with me as a bed in and get properly settled in my new workplace.

Finally a more positive video and not the usual "don't waste your time doing this" kind of video! Can't wait to get into this industry!

And whilst there's no supervisor hanging over your shoulder there is a twat if transport manager on the phone😂

It’s certainly a job I’ve thought about trying, I’ve done delivery jobs in box vans and car delivery work and besides being watched by “the office” I’ve enjoyed the job itself What I’ve learnt about any job you fancy getting into, think about “Can I put up with the crappiest parts of the job, the negatives if I can get through the negatives, the positives or Pro’s are a bonus!

I'm a hgv c2 driver and earn 37k py on home delivery in the North West. The pay is the only reason I'm still at it.

Let's put it this way: I'm stuck in McDonald's working myself to the bone for nothing. I was homeless as recently as 2 months ago, actually down to the day as I type this; I've got a stalker who's making my life hell and the police won't do anything about, which means I want to leave the county as soon as possible anyway, and I don't have or want a family. I am very much a night/evening person and have gotten used to working Friday-Tuesday, 8-10 hours a day which happens to be the opposite of what most people want to be working. I'm autistic and have always had a special interest in heavy vehicles, so really my best options are either this or driving trains or buses.

Been at it 8 weeks tramping and I absolutely love it. I genuinely think it’s one of the easiest jobs for the money your on. I make 52k a year and spend 4 nights out, no mider no misses going on. 🤣

I clearly don't understand when people complain about being away, working over 45h or doing different start times. Is not the best part of the industry but what did they expect when they were getting in? Some of them see job offers "from 35k" and they think it will be same like their office or warehouse work but more money just for holding steering wheel. Wish they left this industry to give way for those who likes it and deserves money they do

I would say passing a Class2 is equivalent of a degree and class 1 is Masters degree because what is involved and level of concentration involved in driving this Machine

I haven't got a driving licence yet but planning on doing that & I have thought a few times that it would be cool to be a lorry driver. I don't really have family commitments & I like travelling so I reckon it would be a good job for me.

1 thing you haven't added in this and I haven't read the comments so do apologise if its been said is that being on the road carrying 40 tonnes is draining on u and family life which is why wer payed so much. No offence to u but u make it out to be a job that is easy but its not. To always be aware of other people's actions and manoeuvre a wagon around tight and what normal car drivers corners is a skill that not everyone has the skill to do

HGV has such a wide spectrum… from multi drop to long distance to plant. The more specialised the more the pay. Don’t think HGV as class 1, you can do class 2 and earn more than class 1 especially plant work.

went from evri delivery driver to now asda home shop delivery. I love driving but these driving jobs aren't really it. They dont really involve much driving and they're really local. I want more long haul driving, see more of the UK, contemplating going to get my HGV license!

New pass 24/8/23 currently working 62 hours a week, got no energy left on evenings/ weekends. I'm on £12.12 an hour. Gonna stick with it for now, but don't wanna be on this pay forever.

worked in an office for 20 years mate done the test when i was 39...best thing i ever did...do it

I was at it 15 years was ok at first but ended up hating it and got out recently and feel so good now,recently read the CPC is gonna have a multiple choice answer test,costs nearly £100 and it's 50 questions and need to pass it to carry on driving,so glad I'm out.

I am a new HGV Driver having only gained my License back in April, Still have been unsuccessful in all job enquiries sadly due to the dreaded "Lack of experience" I have found a local tipper company that has been willing to give me the time of day and allow me to go out with there drivers once/twice a week off my own time to gain experience which I have been enjoying but like everyone you don't really enjoy working for free haha so It is hard to get up that early in the morning to work for free for 9/10 hours but I am hoping it will pay off and I can see myself in a full time job sooner rather than later but it is defiantly hard out there!

A word of advice stay clear of supermarkets I've had the misfortune of working for a few and there all crap, the transport office's in these places are full of idiots with no driving experience and they will work you into the ground and will expect you to get the job done in an impossible time ie expect you to fly about things like breaks and workloads arnt given a thought all chanchers and cowboys, your best either getting work with a family firm the pay won't be the best but you will probably get treated ok or better still get a job with a manufacturer who has their own transport operations not through a third party these jobs tend to pay the best with a good fleet and most people in the office are ex drivers so they know reasonably what you can and can't do

I've worked as a chef since I'm 16 years old and I'm 39 in a few weeks. I'm desperate to get out of the kitchen and strongly concidering trying for a truck licence

Great stuff mate, im gonna get brainstorming when i get home

I was planning on leaving my security job after I get my HGV license, 2 friends of mine keep telling me to go for it. Hope its worth it.

a week, when i did my learning back in 1994 i spent 14 weeks learning, then went on to to do 4 tests, passing finally on ther 4th, i cant see how you can get a hgv licence in 7 days, thats dangerous

I believe is the perfect job for someone who hate having much contact with people 😅 after retail I'm sick of speaking with all strangers and in time I become a bit antisocial , being by myself looks like a dream

I like driving Hgv ,have done it for a very long time, but you will be treated like dirt wherever you go at delivery points and by idiots in cars,It's definitely got far worse lately,I would say, don't bother it's really not worth the hassle, which is sad but true.

Nahhh... After a year driving HGV vehicles with the left side wheel and all possible trucks with automatic or manual gerboxes like 20 years old Volvo... So be a truck driver in the UK is pointless a bit like mostly everywhere else nowadays. Maybe a couple years before but definitely not today. Need to say enjoyed much more older truck where you could feel all power than new DAF or Scania.

At the end of the day, if you enjoy doing it, then whats the problem? How many people out there are stuck in jobs that they hate? I love been out on the roads, find myself looking forward to going to work, not many people can say that about their jobs.

I’d say no, it isn’t worth it. There’s so much stress and bullshit that would make most people quit. You’re buggered in every direction, and you’re lucky if you work for a decent company with decent management, but that’s so rare these days. You basically have to give up your life for it, the hours are ridiculous. (HGV driver of 8 years) Thinking about giving it up altogether. I was desperate for the money but it all seems pointless now. Sorry for the negativity!

Steering wheel attendant is a bus or coach driver. And where are you working to get £44000 per year

Don't bother mate Aldi warehouse job 17 ph better hourly rate than any hgv job

I'm 50yrs old always wanted to do this, am I too old? Thanks for the run down though.

Hy how to get visa sponsorship in perticular role?

I want to do a class 1/2 however im told the hard part is getting a job with no experience, is this true?

Can anyone tell me how long you'd need to have a normal drivers licence first before all of this? I like the idea of driving all day in a truck and it would be a good fit for me. I'm a total newbie

How do you feel about these class d to c+e intense courses? To much to fast? Not wise with such little experience? Thanks!

In my experience you have to work 4million hours to get money worth having ,it aint that good 😂

I have a degree, 4 As, 11 Os. My industry (print) has been wrecked. Hitting my 50s i’m experiencing ageism at its finest. I’m seriously looking into HGV work.

is the physical driving part actually hard? for example: staying in the lane, manoeuvring etc I get the long hours and mental state is pretty much similar with any job but as a new upcoming driver id like to know if it is actually hard to drive a HGV truck

Brother UAE truck driver license and 1 year skill A class iam move to uk pls tell me now how much pay in 1 hor ❤❤

I passed my class 1 in 1992 and I’ve been a hgv mechanic since 1985 . I’ve done a bit of driving to help out but can’t think of a worse job, I’d rather clean toilets with my bare hands

You do-do long hours ? Should have more fiber eat an apple once in a while

Can I ask do you interact with many people on your journey? I'm kind of tired with working with others in general and want a job that's a bit more introverted focus thank you

just sent my medical off and waiting for my provisional to arrive, anyone know how long to wait? anyone recently got theirs back ?

Just passed my Class 2 in Essex and currently looking for opportunities, have heard the insurance reason already as a reply. Anyone have any ideas of places in Essex that take on new drivers? My reason for Cl gaining my license was being stuck in retail as you said.

Government scheme through boot camp. ADR, is this worth getting? I work in social care, council. Look, its not the worse but I do sleeps et al. its a clean home, toilet etc. It can be negative, with colleagues and all and clients. I have a Class 2, completed 5 years back and never used, so if I have to drive for no colleague having a go then it sounds good. ADR

Are you living in suffolk - essex area? I`m based in Ipswich, we can do a podcast togheter about trucking? We can tell people about our situation in this industry as hgv drivers experience we had etc. Finally now got the dream job - 6/9h a day but usually max 7h a day trunking very easy and friday finish early jeje.

Can you compare the quality of life with other professions that you just mentioned ?

Can newcomers student get truck driver job

Do you think this job can be an option to do if we are young like 20 yo and juste did this job for a few years and stop after this, just for make "easy money" ?

I was going to get a truck driver job - until I was convicted for drink driving - I take it companies won't even touch you if you have a driving conviction?

Fair point I started on pants money. Now on 60 on the 1 lol has its ups n downs but I enjoy 80% of it

Hmmm, let's see how you feel after doing it for 20/30 years lol.

All depends on who you work for and what type of work you do,loads out there i would not drive for,

All I know after five years driving HGV is stress and long hours

I really dream of being a truck driver always have had an interest with lorries especially the scanias lol but I can’t get in control of my type 1 diabetes so I don’t think I’ll ever be able to drive a lorry which is sad

Hi mate, i passed in a automatic car many years ago roughly 10 years ago, can i still learn to drive HGV and are thry automatic aswell cheers

Hello just curious how long does each lorry driving journey take?

All this videos about how truckers life in uk are and i still love this job, love to drive, love to look at my truck, and love to bring 43k per year just by my class 2 !!!!

Another great video.

Retail to hgv and having no life

I had day jobs shift work then I got my bacon butty wings and I was a trucker from 89 2019 ups down happy sad but my house is paid off the firm I worked at for 23 years had a DB pension so after getting the sack with them I went on my own for 7 years and retired at 55 lots of long hours getting up when you should be asleep but money can be earned so looking back it was better than working in a factory and now I'm forgetting the 15 days 😂

How much does it generally cost to get an HGV class 1 from novice day 1 to licence in your hand ready to rock?

No def not worth being driver in uk, your always late because getting into the cities is a slow dragged out misery, and guess what your gonna do that every day, every morning and every night, tail backs everywhere, then people complain, why u not there yet , well you come here in this heavy traffic I'm sat in all the way to the city centre going very slow all the way and you try it for your self , then you got to do it for the next drop and then again for next drop and so in, and so on untill your day is done, then your gonna hit lots of tail backs all the way home , and you gonna do that the next day, and next day, and next day . Stuff that I got out early , sick of bloody driving , and moaners, and abusive public drivers , so I hung up licence , sick of exhausting long hours, sick of being stuck in massive tail backs, sick of extreme tight dead lines and stress of it all, in the end it affected my health and I suffered a lot if high stress, and I left it behind , best bloody thing I ever did ...

Love your channel watched nearly every vid. I'm going through the hgv training process right now. I've just dropped a video outlining every thing I've done so far and what's next. If you get the chance I'd love it if you could give it a watch and drop your thoughts in the comments. I'd be very interested in your point of view

Thank you 👍👍

so guy drive hgv 1 in week is madness i did the corse and my teacher pass me every day with 1 and 2 but i did feel safe it show when on the thirsday i drove in trafffic i had melt down of fear hgv 1 corse over week are danger to your self it best to do them over weekly 3 hours and take your test on reverse just before you feel ok because it last half year i did set the test after 12 hours told the guy he not pass me i i was more happy to be failure because week is no more 24 hours driving you cannot be hot with cars in hgv1 in 12 hourse you need like new car to learn the size how to drive it this man who has drive hilix with 12 ft trailer on it for 10 year for work hgv 1 cannot been done safe in week do not do it now take lessson weekly like i learn to drive a car it far better than the crash week i paid for with the school it give me time to learn slow and spread the cost over long period have paid 3000 for the week i would not have done this way had no i could do at my own pace put in to the test when i was ready

My advice is don't listen to those old timers & yes its worth it, if its something you want to do, I grew up with hgv drivers in family, use to hear how crap the job was, my biggest regret is not passing my test sooner.

Does a port ID card only work at 1 port or does 1 do all ports

What's the point of earning big money when you have zero free time it's a shit job

Not worth it!

£40.000 lol😂what planet are you on I’m not even on £30.00 absolute rubbish the job is now horrible used to be good I have 2 years left and I’m off thank god 😊

The DVSA comment os i like the "cops nothing better to do that speeding fines" dont breach the rules and you wont get done ....simples 😅

If HGV drivers had to do factory work or care work for the money they get, then I think most would be content with what they do and get

can u take your dog on the road?

it was ok before convid hit.

Jhvc

Truck driving is not a professional job!.