Having been a trainer for over 30 years, today was a day I want to forget.
2 retests, the first failed not too bad but then 2pm arrived.
The lad had already failed Cat C twice. The 1st time reversed into the barrier with no attempt to slow down but still went out and finished with 7 faults and the reverse serious. Next time he stopped at least 4ft from the box and refused to go out.
Today at the end of a 2 day retest I still can’t believe it, 5 serious faults, 12 other minor faults and a verbal ETA. The reverse was perfect though.
I feel like my brains been cut out. I actually think this might be the worst 3rd test result in history. I know I’ve got to get back for the 2 new starters tomorrow but please believe me a trainer takes this stuff as badly as the poor guy. NO WORSE. I tried harder than him to get a pass today.
I can understand how it would be hard for a trainer to advise a trainee that this isn’t the right job for him, but it certainly doesn’t sound like he’s cut out to be a HGV driver does it.
It’s a verbal Examiner Took Action. And it’s an instant fail.
John. You’ve been doing this job a long time. We’ve all had brilliant days and runs of passes that we thought would never end. And, speaking for myself, I’ve had a run of fails that’s made me seriously question my choice of career!
But professional trainers will always give 100% of their expertise; it’s a really clever trainer who can get everyone through a test on the first attempt. And we’ve all had the ones who are going to take a few tests before they pass. And that’s not always down to the candidate’s lack of ability, skill or judgement. Neither is it always because of insufficient training. More often than not, it’s down to not coping with the test situation too well and this, of course, then shows itself as a lack of ability.
We all have methods to try and deal with this and, most of the time, we succeed. But sometimes, once in a blue moon, I’ve had to accept defeat. And, for the record, I have told some candidates that this really isn’t for them. If they then choose to continue and spend substantial sums to achieve the goal (which they do in the end) my ethics are not offended.
So John, wake up in the morning raring to go and with a determination to produce 2 clean sheets this week!
Well what a difference 4 days makes. Today at 10.15 Jeff passed Cat C with 3 minor faults and on the 2pm test James went a bit better with only 2 faults.
Normal service has been resumed. Roll on Sunday for the 2 day Cat CE course.
Even after many hundreds of students over several decades it still feels personal when it goes really badly.
A terrible day on the 11th May but now inspired after the 2 Cat C passes and today 2 Cat CE Passes. Thanks Gabriel and Matt.
Cheers also to Pete S who got me out of a hole with wise words.
I guess the purpose of this post is to say when it feels nothing will get better, get back on that horse and get the job done. That is fully intended for trainees not feeling too good
LGVTrainer:
…get back on that horse and get the job done.
Totally agree John and when I failed my CE the first time that’s exactly what you got me to do and I’m still very grateful. I’m now driving full time thanks to you and loving it!
I’m quite regularly going into Chelmsford Aldi and occasionally another firm on the same estate, always look out for you on the A12 and the double roundabouts!
