Cowbit teenager will be hitting the road after passing HGV test
A teenager will be fulfilling a childhood dream to get behind the wheel of a lorry after becoming one of the youngest people to pass a HGV test.
Jack Turnbull (19) received an early Christmas present last week after learning that he had passed his truck test - just two years after getting his driving licence.
The Cowbit man is now FreshLinc’s youngest driver after completing the company’s training programme over the last two months.
Pinchbeck-based FreshLinc is running a number of courses in order to attract more drivers into the industry.
South Holland, like many areas of the country, has suffered with a shortage of lorry drivers due to changes in tax rules and Brexit over the last year.
Delighted Jack said of passing his test: “It is like an early Christmas present. It is amazing, I have achieved so much in such a short time.
“I couldn’t have done it without the team here at FreshLinc.
“It has always been a childhood dream to drive these trucks.
“I struggled at school with exams but I think what driving has given me is independence and freedom.”
Jack was inspired to take on the driving training after feeling confined by working inside.
FreshLinc, with its team of trainers and driver mentors, are providing Apprenticeships and Fast Track LGV programmes.
The training courses cover theory and practical teaching including hazard perception.
Within his training, Jack had to undertake 35 hours study in five years.
Moving onto the practical side, Jack also looked at safety features as well as practising reversing, coupling and uncoupling.
Jack said: “I am getting to the stage that I can reverse a truck better than I can a car.
“I prefer to be out on the roads. I enjoy it and like driving.”
Compliance manager Andy Tubb has praised Jack for his determination to succeed.
He said: “Jack is currently our youngest driver, he has achieved so much in such a short time, going from being a car driver to a fully qualified artic lorry driver within five weeks.
“He is now starting his career in haulage and has the opportunity to progress further by gaining additional qualifications within the business should he wish.
“Jack has impressed since his interview and has been extremely driven and has been a pleasure to teach.
“FreshLinc is extremely proud of Jack and all our other trainees. These drivers are the future of the industry and it’s down to leading hauliers like FreshLinc to inspire young people like Jack into joining such an industry which has a lot of potential.
“FreshLinc is also very pleased to have several lady trainee drivers in its programme.”
Jack has also been congratulated by his proud parents Rebecca and Stephen.
Mrs Turnbull said: “We are really proud of him. He has worked so hard and this is something that he really enjoys. I can’t believe he is 19 and driving lorries.”
