About me
In 2019, I gave up my career of 4 years as a full time secondary school science teacher to become a HGV driver. Along the way, I set up a YouTube channel called "Truck Driver Hayley" and shared my experiences with the world. My aim was to do what I could to help and inspire new drivers or people wanting a career change. Over the years, I have made numerous tips and tutorial videos that have been greatly appreciated by new and aspiring drivers - I am very proud of the feedback I've received on those videos.
It seemed a natural progression for me to combine my two passions - teaching and trucks - to form my very own training school "TDH Training".
2012-2015
I studied at University and graduated with a degree in BSc Biomedical Science. My intentions were to work in a laboratory studying diseases and treatment.
2015-2016
Due to a lack of jobs in the Biomedical Science field, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course at University and became a qualified teacher. The course involved two placements in two different schools and a whole lot of coursework. I graduated for a second time.
2016-2019
I worked as a full time secondary school science teacher teaching biology, chemistry and physics to students aged 11 to 16. I enjoyed my time teaching, but I felt like I needed a new challenge. Teaching was my first job and I wondered what life was like outside of the classroom.
April 2019
I created my YouTube channel and filmed my first video "Quitting my job to be a HGV driver?"
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July 2019
I gave up my career as a teacher to become a HGV driver. That was the most common vacancy on the job websites! This photo was taken at the front of my classroom on my final day as a school teacher.
August 2019
I took out a loan, completed my HGV training and passed my category C licence in August 2019.
September 2019
I started my first job as a HGV driver driving a 26t rigid vehicle delivering stillages full of nuts, bolts and car parts. Hear about my first week here.
May 2021
I reached 5,000 subscribers on YouTube.
June 2021
Thinking about my future and how I could progress in my new career, I trained and got my C+E licence in June 2021. See my training experiences here.
July 2021
I filmed my first day as a class 1 C+E HGV driver and put it on YouTube. That video now has over 120,000 views.
October 2021
I reached 10,000 YouTube subscribers.
June 2022
I completed my Transport Manager CPC course in June 2022 whilst working as a full time HGV driver. The course involved two 3 hour evening sessions per week over 7 weeks.
July 2022
I completed my ADR dangerous goods licence in July 2022. I really enjoyed the course having had some previous experience in science & chemistry.
August 2022
I reached 15,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel. Wow!
September 2022
I started working as a self employed HGV instructor for a couple of local training companies. I train candidates to drive vehicles from C1 to C+E.
October 2022
I became an approved ADR instructor. I taught alternating weeks of ADR courses online via Zoom whilst continuing to work as a HGV instructor.
December 2022
I started work as a self employed Transport Manager - along with teaching ADR and working as a HGV instructor.
February 2023
I completed a training course to become a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA). See what it was like here. I'm pleased to say I am now a fully qualified DGSA.
April 2023
I became an approved SQA training provider through my own training school "TDH Training". I became approved to run my own Driver CPC and ADR courses.