I took a coal lorry to the test centre to take my test. For the passenger seat there was just a beer crate with a cushion on.
I was a big lad and a coal merchant wanted someone on his lorry to help him fill the bags and carry them to houses.
After a few weeks he said “I’ll let you keep having a go on the lorry, if you like – driving”. He taught me to drive.
I took a coal lorry to the test centre to take my test. It was a real speed wagon! For the passenger seat there was just a beer crate with a cushion on. My boss said “I’ll take the cushion off, I’ll not make it too comfortable … he’ll get out quick and not give you a long test”.
I think at that time if they thought it was your living, they gave you a better chance of passing. I passed first time.
In 1938 the territorials were advertising for men, and they were short of drivers. So I joined – along with the coal lorry!