There's no work for new drivers
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AFTER 23 YEARS' working in an offiee.1 wanted a new career challenge. I read in many papers about a mass I-1G V driver shortage,and thought that road transport looked like the industry for me.
Sot took the medical and theory test and passed mv Class 2 on the third attempt. I was ecstatic: finally I could take one of the thousands of jobs that were available.
How wrong could! be? I've found that if you're a newly passed HGV driver with no previous experience of 7.5-tonne driving. you have no chance of obtaining a job.The reply 1 received from every agency 1 contacted was:"1'm very sorrv,,,si r. but you'll need to have had your licence for at least two years before we can offer you work. Please call us then.
Even when I explained that I had a good work record, would he taking my CPC in March. and was happy to fund any further coursesliillOt need (H I AB,ADR etc), I still received the same reply.
So I thought I'd become an owner-driver. But even then. I got the same reply.
I must say that from where I'm sitting, it's impossible to gain employment as a driver. Anyone thinking about becoming one should think again. especially when you consider how much it all costs.
Finally.' should also confirm that I did think about taking my HG V Class I [C&E licence], but that's another four years to wait. And did I receive any kind of help from the driving school 1 took my test with? None whatsoever.And they don't even return my calls.
Steven McGowan South Bentleet, Essex