Dawn's journey to realising her driving dreams

Dawn Stanyer is an LGV Driver based in Thorne who typically does trunking runs across the UK five nights a week. She drives an Iveco artic with curtainside or box trailers… and occasionally containers. She’s been with Gregory Group since December 2023, but driving hasn’t always been her trade. She tells us more…

How long have you been driving HGVs for?

I got my licence in August 2022. I worked for another company first and then came to Gregory Group in December 2023.

What were your first few weeks as a driver like?

I found the driving quite easy to pick up but the paperwork and learning all about the tacho system and working directives took a while to get my head around.

It was a big shift because before I worked as a secretary and security guard, so very different careers!

What made you change careers?

I’ve longed to be a lorry driver since I was 4 years old. I used to say, “when I grow up, I am going to be a man, grow a tash and drive a lorry”! But it wasn’t the done thing for a girl to do years ago, so I became a secretary for 20 years!

Then I switched to a different job, initially working in the warehouse and then in a security role. That’s where I met Andy, my partner, who is an HGV driver. Over time I got to know all the drivers and I was constantly asking them questions about driving and the mechanics of the vehicle. So, with my partner’s help, I decided to follow my childhood dream, and I finally became an HGV driver at the age of 48!

How does being an HGV driver compare to your previous jobs?

It doesn’t! I was stuck in an office for 20 years, now I’m driving up and down the UK. It’s completely different and that’s what’s brilliant about it!

How have you found Gregory Group?

I’ve been made to feel very welcome and everyone is really supportive. It’s the best job.

In fact, I’ve clearly been talking about it a lot because my eldest stepson has also decided to get his HGV licence and give it a go too!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The freedom and support from everyone - we have a real laugh.

What are the biggest challenges in your role?

I’m quite small so reaching the doors on the containers can be difficult.

What do you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?

That I can achieve whatever I put my mind to.

What would you say to other women thinking about becoming an HGV driver?

If you prefer being outside in the fresh air rather than being stuck in an office all day, do it. It’s the best job you’ll ever have. Everyone is really supportive, and we can do the job just as well as the men!

Thank you to Dawn for sharing her career journey. If you would also like to find your perfect HGV role, have a look at our Current Vacancies to see if there is an HGV role near you.