7 Questions to Ask a Driver Agency Before You Sign Up

Most drivers have a story about an agency that promised the earth and delivered a wasted week. The frustrating part is that you can usually tell in one phone call — if you know what to ask. Here are the seven questions worth asking before you register anywhere, including with us.

1. When do I actually get paid?

Not "how often" — when. Weekly is the answer you want, and it should apply whether you are PAYE or invoicing through your own company. If the answer involves waiting several weeks, or different rules for Ltd drivers, factor that into whether the rate is really as good as it sounds.

2. Do you deduct breaks?

This is the big one and it is rarely volunteered. Ask whether you are paid card in to card out, or whether breaks come off. Over a month the difference is significant. We do not deduct breaks — you are paid from tacho card in to tacho card out.

3. What happens on my first shift at a new client?

First shifts are where things go wrong — wrong gate, no keys, nobody expecting you, fuel card missing. Ask what support you get. At BWN someone from our team meets you on site for your first shift, whatever time it starts. Four in the morning or seven at night, we are there to sort keys, paperwork and fuel arrangements so you get away cleanly.

4. How much work is there, really?

A high rate on two shifts a week loses to a solid rate on five. Ask how many shifts a week they can realistically offer someone with your licence and experience, and in which areas.

5. Will I know the details before I accept?

You should be told the start time, the rate, the vehicle type and the kind of work before you say yes — not on the morning. If an agency is vague up front, expect vague later.

6. Who answers the phone at 4am?

Things go wrong at unsociable hours. Ask what happens if you break down, cannot get on site, or need something sorted at five in the morning. If the honest answer is an answering machine until nine, you know where you stand.

7. Do you actually specialise in what I drive?

An agency covering everything from vans to artics is spread thin. We only place Class 1 (C+E) drivers — no Class 2, no 7.5 tonne, no vans. That means the work we offer is work you can actually take, and we know the clients properly.

The warning signs

• →Cagey about pay timing or break deductions.
• →Will not name the client or the type of work before you commit.
• →Pushes you to register before answering anything.
• →Nobody available outside office hours.

“Everything was organised properly, and I knew the start time, rate and type of work before agreeing to it. Friendly, professional and easy to deal with.”