Dirty Trucker
What’s all this about?
Subscribers of old (pre-August 2008) would be aware that I have an embarrassing secret. I used to be heavily, and I mean fully immersed in the preservation of old cars, buses, fire engines and other noisy, smoky, filthy things. I used to spend countless weekends in Cork (1), Wicklow (1) (2) and anywhere else where there was an old relic in hibernation; tinkering around with them, learning how to drive them, repair them, restore them etc. — Yes it’s a weird hobby, but it was my hobby nonetheless, and one that I shared with close friends and family. Inevitably, the group dynamics broke down as I thought it would be best to take some time off to focus on more important things — the Leaving Cert.
Well since my Leaving Cert is over, my abstinence from noisy stuff is over, and now I’m looking to further my horizons and cast my net further afield into the depths of obtaining a category ‘C’ driving license, which would entitle me to drive Rigid Lorries. However, unlike the acquisition of my category ‘B’ driving license, there is a lot more to becoming a dirty trucker.
- I need to book & pass a theory test for HGVs.
- I need to book & pass a number of CPC tests (Competency Tests).
- I need to get a medical and be signed off by my doctor to ensure that I’m fit enough to drive a HGV.
- I need to obtain an eyesight report.
- Following the above are in order, I then need to apply for a Learners Permit for the ‘C’ & ‘C1′ categories.
- I need to book lessons from a certified and credible instructor on driving a truck, protocols etc.
- I need to book & pass a driving test for the category ‘C’ license.
The above is a mean feat, if I thought obtaining the car license was a challenge, I am sure obtaining a truck license will be 10 times as hard! But I think I’m up for it, and my graceful youth and enthusiasm should help my drive and driving! Basically, since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by HGVs, for some strange reason. Yes, I am still a petrol head, but I prefer the simplicity and presence of a larger vehicle. So now I’ve come of age, and qualify to take the HGV theory test (you need to have a full category ‘B’ license before you can take it), I thought that now is as good a time as ever! My motivational flame has been fuelled with my excessive playing of Euro Truck Simulator in my spare time 
Wish me luck. I’m sure I’ll keep you all updated — whether you want to be kept updated or not 
