A complete novice insight to getting a HGV Licence - Part 2

After passing my medical, getting my provisional licence and completing the online tests I was now ready for the hard bit. Dulson's booked in my 16 hours of driver training over 4 days and my practical driving test.

On Day one I arrived at the yard and was told to wait by my car where my instructor would meet me. At my start time the instructor arrived and introduced himself, gave me a high viz and we made our way to the truck.

I had been nervous as I have only ever driven small cars and was worried I would have no spacial awareness, but the instructor put me at ease and told me they were there to help me gain the skills to pass.

We started the day with a walk around the truck and an introduction to how the truck works and how the next few days will go. Once I was comfortable and ready to start the instructor explained he would start by driving for the initial part and explain a bit about techniques etc during the drive, and then I would take over and start driving.

I have previously been out as a passenger in trucks so I did know what to expect, but it is helpful to hear where to position yourself on the road, tips for turning etc before jumping in the driving seat.

After a short drive as passenger where the instructor had shared his knowledge and prepared me for driving it was now my turn. We made our way to Dulson's Shrewsbury Yard where I was able to take the drivers seat and start my practical driving.

Over the following days we did various routes with a host of different scenarios to tackle. Routes that may arise on the test and general driving. I also practiced controlled stops and starts and learnt how to do maneuvers safety. Half way through the driving I also had to complete the reversing test. I was allowed a few practice attempts after being given guidance on how to do it by the instructors. I don't even reverse my car unless I have to, so I wasn't looking forward to this. I had quite a few practice attempts and I think I over complicated it in my head. However once the examiner got in and put me at ease, it seemed to click in my head and I completed the test and passed. One more part of the puzzle complete.

I had a few more hours training before the test day itself, and on the test day you get some time before to go out and have one final drive and go over anything you feel you need to.

I was extremely nervous before the test, and didn't feel confident at all. I tried my best remembering all the advice I had been given, but unfortunately half way through my test a car beeped at me on a roundabout as I mis-judged how much time I had to get round. Lorries are slower to move off and car drivers are often impatient, even through the trailer clearly displays it is a learner vehicle that drivers actions threw me and the rest of test so unfortunately I failed.

I was obviously gutted as I had tried my best, but I didn't give up, although I did consider it briefly. Think you just have to remember to be prepared for the unexpected as the test could always throw up unexpected challenges, or you could hesitate too long or move off too quick nobody is perfect it is all a learning curve.

I was also a little moody after the test as I had to then take the cpc module 4. I did my pre-test learning with a lovely bloke who had already passed his test and just needed this to get his licence. It involved learning the different methods of securing loads. Rachetts Straps, chains, bars, ropes etc. We were shown by an instructor how to fasten the different ways, and unfasten them and had the chance to try them for ourselves. We then covered a whole host of test questions we could be asked. The examiner then tested us both individually and we both passed first time and were given our pass certificates.

With just one piece of the puzzle left to complete, I am pleased to say a short time later after re-sitting my test I passed. It was an amazing feeling and made all the effort and stress worth it.

The examiner gave me a pass certificate and posted off my licence to be updated for me. With a couple of weeks I received the new licence and my drivers card. Although I had left to do was apply for my tacho and I was ready to go.

The experience was stressful at times, but the staff at Dulson's were all lovely and great at putting drivers at ease and sharing their wealth of knowledge. All come from a wide range of backgrounds and all have their own teaching style, but those I worked with all helped me reach that end goal.

If you are thinking about going for your HGV licence then I would say go for it. I had a 100 reasons I could have used as an excuse not to do it, but none of them were valid, it is all about believing in yourself and having the confidence to do it. I am so glad I had the chance to do it and may even go for my class 1 next.

If you have any questions about getting your licence I am sure Dulsons will be able to offer you help and advice https://www.dulsontraining.co.uk or if you have any questions about going through the process feel free to drop me a message.

Tips & Advice

• Ask questions and ask for help if you need it

• Don't let one mistake put you off

• Absorb information and be aware of your surroundings

• You can always resit if you fail

• Remember everyone was a learner once

• When job hunting once you have passed, think outside the box and approach companies direct. If you want to drive then find the jobs, they won't find you.

• Agencies are great to gain experience and get a foot into the industry

Check out my other blogs for some insights into different sectors of the industry. There will be a drivers job that suits your needs perfectly, where some just won't work, don't be afraid to try different ones until you find your niche.

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