Name: Paul
Age: 62
Current Job: Live-in Carer
When Paul moved to the UK from South Africa, he came with a 3 year plan. Like many people starting a new life in a different country, his priority was to build a stable future for himself and his family.
His first role in the UK was as a live-in carer, giving him the opportunity to settle in and find his feet. But with more than 30 years' experience behind the wheel as a rep back home, Paul always knew that driving was where his passion lay. Gaining his HGV licence offered the chance to start a new career while also spending more quality time with his family.
Paul approached his training with determination from the very beginning, passing both his theory and hazard perception tests with no faults. To complete the practical training, he booked a week's annual leave from work, knowing there was added pressure for those few days.
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With more than 45 years of driving experience, along with years spent towing caravans and boats in South Africa, Paul was able to draw on plenty of transferable skills. Even so, learning to drive professionally on UK roads brought its own challenges as they are very different to what he has been used to.
His hard work paid off, and Paul passed his Class 2 test first time.
Now fully qualified, he's actively looking for his first HGV driving role. While he doesn't have a position lined up just yet, he's taking a proactive approach by contacting employers directly and making the most of every opportunity to begin his new career.
How did you find the whole experience?
The theory questions are worded quite differently in the UK, so it took a little while to understand exactly what they were asking. The roads are also very different from what I was used to in South Africa, so that took some getting used to as well. But overall, I found the whole experience really positive.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting their HGV licence?
Commit to it and see it through. There will always be challenges, but if you stay focused and put the effort in, it's absolutely worth it.
Duslon Training offer job finding support to their students and will connect new pass learners with employers.
They are currently working with household names like Stobart and DPD to help recruit over 600 driving roles nationwide.
These arrangements allow new pass drivers access to to C1, C and C+E driving roles.