Operations

Another day in the life of a driver... Well nothing happening at the moment as I have had two operations on my shoulders and am awaiting the possibility of another on my right shoulder.... Bloody arthritis!

A New Start

Today, Tuesday 8th February 2011 sees a new start for me, an unexpected, and welcome day off gave me the opportunity to don walking boots and with camera in hand I set off over to Upton Heath.

The morning mist hung over the landscape like a badly fitting blanket. Frost clung on, desperate to ward off the morning sun's grip and the woodland beckoned me onward.

 and each step

 brings another image

Bit quiet

Sorry for the lack of contact, and, oh yes! Pinch punch first of the month!

I am going out today to see if I can sit in a Mercedes lorry cab and practice the gears (8 speed splitter), ready for a driving test next week. The driving test is a Tesco Passport test which involves a written theory test, followed by; blind side reversing, normal reversing. The test ends with a 35 minute drive.

In practise I am getting 98% on my theory. I am confident with the normal reversing, however I will be getting 1.5 days of practice in an Articulated lorry this Friday and Saturday to make sure that I am up to scratch.

The kids (18 & 20) have been down from Preston for an extended weekend and are going back today. Once they have left I’ll spend a couple of hours tidying the house… How can two people make so much mess? Or, am I getting boring?

Work, and a bit more work!

Today I was working in London, got back home at 6.30 and rang DVLA and my license was issued yesterday and is in the post! Go DVLA

So what’s going on with Student Loans? 
Read the Guardian’s report here

First LGV Drive since 1989!

Today I drove down to my sisters stables and drove her lorry to the M5 and back (40km – 24 miles). I need a bit more practice :)

No news is…

The saying that “No news is good new” is not always correct! This morning I phoned the DVLA to find out about my Driving License and was told that nothing would be done until at least 3 to 4 weeks time…

I rang them again some 15 minutes later and asked if there was any way for my application to replace my Drivers license with a Photo License and to include my HGV qualification on it as I was loosing work, due to the delay. 10 minutes later they kindly agreed to fast track my application and would have it ready in 2 days.

Tomorrow I am off down to my sisters stables, to have a practice driving her lorry, just to remind me how to set up the Tachograph and starting procedures.

Thursday I have work with my current employer and Friday will see me driving up to Swansea to collect my license and digital tacho card.

DVLA – What the ?*$!

So I rang the DVLA to see what was happening with my driving license… I was told that it wouldn’t be dealt with for another 2 weeks as they are so far behind. There goes at least two well paid jobs… Damn and blast