HGV Driver: John Lane

How long have you been working in your current role?

I've been driving now for six years.

Which company do you work for and what do they do?

I work for a small company – Glevum Transport, which runs out of Swindon. The company has a fleet of about 20 trucks.

What does your job involve in a typical day?

We get paid an 11 hour day, starting around 6-7 in the morning and finishing around 5-6 in the evening. It varies a lot and we stay the night in various places across the country. The job's different for different drivers. Some drivers stay out all week but I like to get home a lot as well. I normally have about two or three nights away from home in the week. Each week I cover around 2,000 km.

How did you get into your current job, and what were you doing before?

My dad was a lorry driver all his life and I’ve grown up with it.

What qualifications did you need for the job?

I did my LGV test which consisted of two tests – the first for the 17 tonne and the second one was for an articulated lorry. The first part was paid for by a driving agency and then I worked with them for a year. It was my dad who put me through my second one and then I started driving for him because he had a business at the time.

What vehicle do you drive?

I drive a car transporter. It’s a really long vehicle and quite daunting to start with as there are loads of levels and cars to work with, but it’s fine once you get the hang of it. The truck's owned by the company I work for but I drive it all the time.

What does your day normally involve?

We get paid an 11 hour day, starting around 6-7 in the morning and finishing around 5-6 in the evening. It varies a lot and we stay the night in various places across the country. The job's different for different drivers. Some drivers stay out all week but I like to get home a lot as well. I normally have about two or three nights away from home in the week. Each week I cover around 2,000 km.

Where do you drive to and from?

I drive all over the UK - covering England, Scotland and Wales.

What sort of load do you carry?

We mainly work for Honda Cleveland Transport, so we carry cars most of the time, but we also do collections.

What do you like about driving?

I love the fact that it’s different every day – you never go to the same place and always come across new obstacles and challenges. I like the fact that no-one is looking over your shoulder and you’re your own boss – there’s no-one breathing down your neck. I like it particularly in the summer because you’re outdoors all day and I don’t like being in the office.

What is the worst thing about driving?

The mentality of some car-drivers! In the winter it can be difficult. If you’re trying to get home, a lot of your day is dependent on what the roads are like.

What has been the best thing you've done whilst driving?

When I first started driving, I went to the continent for six months and that was really fun. I really enjoyed the experience driving abroad and the different culture. Over there you’re treated very well and the facilities and amenities are much better.

Do you want to continue driving and where do you want to go with it?

Perhaps in the future I may work in a managerial position in the transport office – I’m quite open to it. But I’m enjoying driving for the time being.