Hello all. Been around a while but not really posted much. Just taking in info more than anything.
I’m after some advice regarding my artic test if anybody knows the answer. Im currently training in a DAF XF semi-auto because the training school are struggling to rent a manual (theyve only just started back up under new management)). If they cant then I may be taking my test in the DAF. Will this restrict me to auto class 1 even though I have a full manual class 2 licence? Or will I be on manual due to it essentially just adding a trailer?
The school have said if they cant get a manual this week then I can sit my test but they will train me for free and pay for my test in a manual when one becomes available.
no no clutch fitted. so although I have a manual class 2, if I take my test in the semi-auto artic then my c+e entitlement will be restricted to auto (78)?
firehawk:
no no clutch fitted. so although I have a manual class 2, if I take my test in the semi-auto artic then my c+e entitlement will be restricted to auto (78)?
Yes, it will be restricted to CE auto if there is no clutch
But it’s interesting that we’re led to believe that an auto truck will give you a full manual licence from later this year. Presumably, this might well mean that anyone with an auto licence at that point will be upgraded to manual. So you may only need one test.
But why on earth hasn’t your trainer borrowed a truck from another trainer? Cos that’s what I’d do in the same position.
I can understand it could be tricky hiring a manual unit as they are not that common on hire fleets.
to be honest I don’t know what the trouble is. the people they borrow from are struggling to get hold of a manual for exactly the reason you just said. The problem I have is where I live (isle of ■■■■■■■ alot of the haulage guys use older trucks so more likely to be manual. The way I heard from one instructor is that from September, yes the auto boys will be upgraded to manual so won’t be long I know but long enough.
To be fair, the XF semi-auto is bloody nice to drive and will probably be easier to do a test in than a manual due to less thinking being needed. I havent driven a 4 over 4 for over a year. Only 6 speeds so would need to get used to the range change again. And with only 1 days training left before my test now then that’s going to be interesting if he pulled a manual out of the bag tomorrow or worse, on test day (Thursday). To be fair the work I am looking at hopefully doing is for Tesco through an agency here who are always looking for drivers and do take on newbies.
Did the coupling/uncoupling today and finally did some reversing. Got in the box the first time using a training area 3 1/2 metres narrower than the official test area (don’t ask). Oh and using a bloody coat as the yellow box which was erm, interesting. Hopefully wont have any probs with that but will hopefully bang some more reversing in tomorrow just to make sure.
