Deaf Steph hits the road as a trucker
Steph Burns has achieved her lifelong ambition, to become a trucker.
Deaf Steph, 25, sailed through her lorry test at the first attempt as the examiner used sign language and placards to give her instructions.
Determined Steph feared she had failed until he scribbled "you've passed" on his notebook.
She always yearned to be like her lorry driver father who took her around in his cab when she was little.
No-one would let Steph, a single mum from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, sign up for a truck course and she had to settle for driving a NHS van. But she pestered Job-Centre staff until she got a £1,500 grant for training.
Steph, who has a son Ely, two, has written to 30 haulage firms for a job. She said: "Being unable to hear is not a problem. I can concentrate without the distraction of a radio or phone."
Instructor Paul Adlington said: "Steph was a brilliant pupil."
Comments
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone could help me. I work for the BBC's 'See Hear' programme and was trying to get in touch with Steph Burns to talk about her HGV achievement. Does anyone have her contact details? - I would be most grateful.
I am also looking to get in touch with Paul Adlington, her instructor.
Regards,
Karen
Posted by: Karen Kirk | January 5, 2009 08:28 PM
Hi there Karen
Thanks for getting in touch.
Paul Adlington should be contactable on 01302 832831. He may be able to put you in touch with Steph.
Good luck!
Nicola
Posted by: Nicola | January 5, 2009 09:33 PM
Hi Everyone - This is a fabulous story, as deaf people in the USA are not allowed to drive trucks in most States.
www.MyDeafLife.com is now launched and we have articles and resources in the website for people learning to drive. We would love to receive your stories, so that we can translate them into sign language for the website. www.MyDeafLife.com is YOUR website - take a look!
Posted by: Susie | January 7, 2009 05:32 PM
Hello.
1st I would like to congratulate Steph for passing her HGV test and wish her all the best in getting a job.
I'm also deaf from Luton,Beds and passed my HGV test back in August 2008 and am finding hard to get a permanent job as a HGV driver, especially as the credit crunch doesn't help.
Regards
Kev
Posted by: Kevin Brown | January 17, 2009 02:01 AM
Hello there I have heard alot thatmost states not allowed deaf truckers and i find this new to me and they have changed and allowing deaf truckers in most states but mostly Canada is allowed deaf truckers that ihave met several deaf truckers and is enjoyable
Posted by: Bob Lapshioff | July 20, 2009 05:12 PM
Getting a job as a Truck Driver can be dificult. The haulage industry has also been affected by the recession. Employers can pick and chose the best Drivers. Congratulations on passing and good luck with the job hunting
Posted by: hgvlgvtraining | March 4, 2010 10:36 PM