This past June (2015) a group of students boarded a double-decker bus on the way to Abbey College in Ramsey. Much to their surprise, driving the bus was fellow student Sam Dew, representing the fourth generation of the Dew family to drive for Dews Coaches. At just 18, Sam is among the youngest drivers in the UK to earn a PCV licence. He is evidence that you are never too young for PCV driver training – as long as you have a B licence, that is.
How strange it must have been for these young people to see someone they sit next to in class driving them to the day’s studies. But what an inspiration he must have been as well. Witnessing one of their fellow students having accomplished something so extraordinary hopefully motivated some of them, if not all of them, to pursue their own dreams. Sam’s dream is to carry on the legacy of the family business.
How It Is Possible
You might be wondering how it is possible for such a young man to earn a PCV licence and go to work driving a double-decker bus when he is not old enough to do certain other things. Don’t worry, no laws were broken here. Anyone with a legally valid class B licence over the age of 18 can undergo PCV driver training with a qualified training company. Upon completing the training, the student is eligible to take the practical skills test in order to earn a commercial driving licence.
There are some things that need to be considered:
- Good Health – Every future PCV driver must be in reasonably good health. A routine medical exam is required before beginning training, and then every year thereafter to remain licenced.
- CPC Training – Regular CPC training is now required by law in the UK. New drivers undergo initial CPC training as part of earning their licences; veteran drivers undergo repeat training once every five years.
- Getting Hired – We assume most 18-year-olds would have no trouble finding work as PCV drivers due to the tremendous shortage we are now experiencing. However, there may be operators who prefer to hire only older drivers with more experience.
It should also be noted that Dew has the added advantage of being part of a family-owned business. His family certainly knows his character and capabilities in a way that another employer could not. They are obviously comfortable having him behind the wheel of one of their vehicles.
Start Your Training
If you are inspired by what Sam Dew has done at such a young age, perhaps you might also consider a career as a professional driver. You can begin the process of setting up your PCV driver training by contacting us here at the HGV Training Centre. We will guide you through every step of the process from start to finish. In a matter of weeks, you could be ready to take your test.
Sources:
Hunts Post – http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/teenager_sam_behind_the_wheel_of_double_decker_bus_for_abbey_college_school_run_1_4115156
