The point is that there wouldn't be the same shortage if the companies would employ newly qualified drivers. You sound like you have no objections to this policy. If you are going to keep it as a closed shop for experience drivers only then it's inevitable that there will be a shortage in the long term.
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Bad manners on the roads
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90019
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The numbers of newly qualified drivers are very unlikely to make up for any shortfall.
I guess in a way it's a good thing for those of us who will be newly qualified as there may be more work available, but the whole thing is a bit of a joke. For those who are trying to get the HGV licences, it just adds even more money to an already expensive process.
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GearJammer
Member
Makes no diffrence, theres still not enough people coming into the industry to replace those that are leaving!
90019
Established Member
He's not suggesting it, that's what it's like just now. There aren't that many jobs available that don't require previous experience.
Some companies are generally less willing to hire younger drivers as well, due to insurance costs.
GearJammer
Member
I hav'nt said it is a good thing, everyone deserves a chance, but even if every newly quilified driver got the keys to a 44 tonne truck then its not gonna cover the shortfall of drivers..... just as 90019 pointed out!
I would think sitting on a motorway at 56 mph in a truck for hours would be quite boring though I'm sure there are some people that like it.
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Well it's just you asked me what my point was when I tried to explain a reason for the shortage but as you say, there would still be a shortage.
GearJammer
Member
Yes it can get boring, but i still prefer it to sitting in an office stareing at the same four walls!
Is there anything you do to stop yourself going into "zombie mode" when on a long journey?
GearJammer
Member
Listen to Radio2, polish dash, eat, drink, chat on phone or CB, pick a car to pull out in front of to overtake another truck, look for women wearing short skirts etc etc
....... of corse if things get that bad you can always concentrate on trying to not fall asleep!
GearJammer
Member
Even when in 'zombie mode' im concentrateing on something.
Driving at a set speed on a motorway without changing lanes is a sure fire way to lose concentration. I really have respect for lorry drivers who can't easily change lane or speed up - and are speed restricted.
I do try and adjust my speed, change lanes (overtaking - not just changing lanes for no reason). I'm not suggesting speeding as in exceeding the limit, but I'm always more alert at speed on big open roads than driving slow where everything moves slowly (or appears to as the lanes are wider, signs are bigger etc). Try driving in Germany at 150mph and you'll be highly alert!
Using your mirrors a lot also helps, which you should be doing anyway, but I find that being totally aware of everyone around me - even when there's not really much need keeps you alert. Identify the vehicle, the speed, what it's likely to do. Look ahead and predict if someone may want to overtake, so you can pull out to allow them to do it. All things that keep you thinking.
Oh, and look out for the numpties in lane 2 that aren't concentrating on anything and are complete and utter zombies. They won't see you approaching or even anything ahead of them.
If the lack of concentration is leading to tiredness, get off the road as soon as you can. Park up and take a break or power nap - there's nothing else you can do. Fresh air and a coffee will keep you going for a little while, but not long enough to get to your next stop or destination.
I do try and adjust my speed, change lanes (overtaking - not just changing lanes for no reason). I'm not suggesting speeding as in exceeding the limit, but I'm always more alert at speed on big open roads than driving slow where everything moves slowly (or appears to as the lanes are wider, signs are bigger etc). Try driving in Germany at 150mph and you'll be highly alert!
Using your mirrors a lot also helps, which you should be doing anyway, but I find that being totally aware of everyone around me - even when there's not really much need keeps you alert. Identify the vehicle, the speed, what it's likely to do. Look ahead and predict if someone may want to overtake, so you can pull out to allow them to do it. All things that keep you thinking.
Oh, and look out for the numpties in lane 2 that aren't concentrating on anything and are complete and utter zombies. They won't see you approaching or even anything ahead of them.
If the lack of concentration is leading to tiredness, get off the road as soon as you can. Park up and take a break or power nap - there's nothing else you can do. Fresh air and a coffee will keep you going for a little while, but not long enough to get to your next stop or destination.
anthony263
Established Member
I have recently done my cpc training done 35 hours over the year must admit out boses didnt like having to take us off duty and put us in a classroom while paying us instead of us being out on the road.
I do prefer driving at night as the road are a lot quieter that said there are a lot of drivers who take more risks at night so you do need to keep your eyes out.
I recently did a private hire where i had to drive from Cardiff to Bristol and take a choir to Hereford then back to Bristol before driving empty from Bristol to Cardiff, eventually getting back into the depot at 02:45 after doing my last drop off in Bristol at 1am, i decided to stop near a 24 hour tesco to get some food
I do prefer driving at night as the road are a lot quieter that said there are a lot of drivers who take more risks at night so you do need to keep your eyes out.
I recently did a private hire where i had to drive from Cardiff to Bristol and take a choir to Hereford then back to Bristol before driving empty from Bristol to Cardiff, eventually getting back into the depot at 02:45 after doing my last drop off in Bristol at 1am, i decided to stop near a 24 hour tesco to get some food
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