I’ve been following this closely as I’ve recently done a D4 medical and I am waiting to hear back from DVLA regarding provisional entitlement for a C licence.
From my perspective, I’m looking to fund my own training to eventually sit a class 1 test. If this consultation goes ahead and I don’t need to sit a class 2 test first, then I’m all for it. Prior to now the biggest thing I’ve driven is an XLWB van which is similar in size to a small bus. As for an artic, I’ve never driven one. I have in a game but that’s hardly realistic. If this consultation goes ahead I’d probably look to have at least one day training in a rigid, with the rest in an artic.
I’m interested to hear thoughts from the experienced drivers here. Are you for this or against this? I regard myself as a fairly confident driver, but I understand not everyone is.
I posted this here rather than the newbie driver forum as I think it will get more visibility here.
I expect those that went straight to class 1 will swear by it. As has been mentioned, realistically, the training would be the same length overall, with perhaps only a test fee and hire of the vehicle and instructor for the actual test day being saved.
I suppose there is the chance of not passing and being left without C in that case. It really depends how confident you are. Personally my C was a bit of a non-event because I had been driving large 7.5 tonne for years, so going straight to class 1 would have been a good option for me. I expect that I could have done it with 2 days one on one training to be honest (in an automatic). Going straight from van driving, perhaps 4 days one on one is realistic to get to pass standard.