Smart Mart:
Maybe we could get the ‘official’ word from an examiner or the DSA?
There is not an officai way to do this - I have already asked but feel free to make your own enquiries.
I don’t think that doing the job for a specific period is any way to form a conclusive opinion.
Many drivers experience many different types of trucks and loads in a short period whereas others may have one truck doing one sort of load for years - the same can be said for instructors - some may only experience one or two test centres and a few examiners whereas others may do the job for a shorter time and experience a greater variety.
ROG:
I don’t think that doing the job for a specific period is any way to form a conclusive opinion.
I agree, Rog.
However I have checked my records of test candidates for examiners that have conducted +E tests over the years and there have been 16, and whilst they have all conducted tests for my trainees at Peterborough, the majority of them have been visitors from other test centres (Norwich, Ipswich, Northampton (Weadon), Nottingham, Purfleet and Wrexham at least to my knowledge), so I would think that is a fair sample to base my opinion on.
Just an afterthought:-
If as you say there is no official way, then it must just be down to the way instructors teach the recouple
Smart Mart:
If as you say there is no official way, then it must just be down to the way instructors teach the recouple
Most instructors would inform their trainees to ASK the examiner to check the trailer lights after the couple-up and as long as the trainee is also informed that the examiner may do this in their own way then the trainee is not surprised at any method used or is prepared for the examiner to say that they cannot be bothered and leave it up to the instructor after the test has ended (this usually only happens at the very end of the test - if un/couple is done first then the examiner will check as the on-road part will follow)
That was my point, Rog. However, the way you wrote the post infers that you are the oracle on the subject, when in fact there are other trainers on here with far more experience than you - indeed far more experience than me. Maybe we could get the ‘official’ word from an examiner or the DSA?
I didn’t read it like that at all. He simply stated in his experience he has encountered both routines and they both passed. Why start getting funny about it as you are RIGHT not wrong?? I know for a fact that at Purfleet the examiner stands at the back of the trailer (u have to ask him) to check your lights. I passed doing it this way and many others have aswell.
That was my point, Rog. However, the way you wrote the post infers that you are the oracle on the subject, when in fact there are other trainers on here with far more experience than you - indeed far more experience than me. Maybe we could get the ‘official’ word from an examiner or the DSA?
I didn’t read it like that at all. He simply stated in his experience he has encountered both routines and they both passed. Why start getting funny about it as you are RIGHT not wrong??I know for a fact that at Purfleet the examiner stands at the back of the trailer (u have to ask him) to check your lights. I passed doing it this way and many others have aswell.
Cos the trainers are itchin for a fight, 3 whole pages ffs
Well i did once start a thread that was suggested specifically for those connected with driver training etc. to discuss matters, but it was a flop with little interest.
Maybe its time for a subforum heading? It could be open for all to read but those with no interest would not need to visit.
Driveroneuk:
Well i did once start a thread that was suggested specifically for those connected with driver training etc. to discuss matters, but it was a flop with little interest.
Maybe its time for a subforum heading? It could be open for all to read but those with no interest would not need to visit.
Usually this sort of training debate is kept to the newbies forum where we usually all lurk
ROG:
I don’t know whether this applies to all vehicles but the ones I have driven where an indicator is not working have a different sound or pulse to the normal operation
Maybe, but if they have become cross wired, which does happen occasionally, the above warnings will not show a problem.
Smart Mart:
If as you say there is no official way, then it must just be down to the way instructors teach the recouple
Most instructors would inform their trainees to ASK the examiner to check the trailer lights after the couple-up and as long as the trainee is also informed that the examiner may do this in their own way then the trainee is not surprised at any method used or is prepared for the examiner to say that they cannot be bothered and leave it up to the instructor after the test has ended (this usually only happens at the very end of the test - if un/couple is done first then the examiner will check as the on-road part will follow)
In Your opinion, Rog.
This thread is getting away from the original, as has been stated by others. However somtimes one has to read all the posts carefully before making comments. Lights are checked with the examiner at the back of the trailer - there is no difference of opinion there, but this is purely to check brake lights as we all know you cannot do this without his assistance.
The difference of opinions/experience are just that and if one knows who has the most experience then I would think that would be more accurate.
BTW I’m sure trainers are not itching for a fight. I did think that these forums were for meaningful discussions and advice either asked for or volunteered - am I wrong?
Smart Mart:
Lights are checked with the examiner at the back of the trailer - there is no difference of opinion there, but this is purely to check brake lights as we all know you cannot do this without his assistance
I agree - the brake lights are the one thing that is difficult for the trainee to check and, this is only my opinion, the examiner finds it quicker to check the indicators and side lights as well rather than wait around for the trainee to do it.
Smart Mart:
I did think that these forums were for meaningful discussions and advice either asked for or volunteered
You are correct - doing otherwise just looks unprofessional.
Smart Mart:
If as you say there is no official way, then it must just be down to the way instructors teach the recouple
Most instructors would inform their trainees to ASK the examiner to check the trailer lights after the couple-up and as long as the trainee is also informed that the examiner may do this in their own way then the trainee is not surprised at any method used or is prepared for the examiner to say that they cannot be bothered and leave it up to the instructor after the test has ended (this usually only happens at the very end of the test - if un/couple is done first then the examiner will check as the on-road part will follow)
In Your opinion, Rog.
This thread is getting away from the original, as has been stated by others. However somtimes one has to read all the posts carefully before making comments. Lights are checked with the examiner at the back of the trailer - there is no difference of opinion there, but this is purely to check brake lights as we all know you cannot do this without his assistance.
The difference of opinions/experience are just that and if one knows who has the most experience then I would think that would be more accurate.
BTW I did think that these forums were for meaningful discussions and advice either asked for or volunteered - am I wrong?
I’m sure you aint itchin for a scrap mate . Unfortunately, as usual I posted in haste. Been a ■■■■ week, lost a lifelong friend on boxing day at the tender age of 34. Life’s too short, happy new year to you my friend, I wish you and your colleagues a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Smart Mart:
BTW I’m sure trainers are not itching for a fight. I did think that these forums were for meaningful discussions and advice either asked for or volunteered - am I wrong?
Right that’s it!!
So it’s to be clipboards at dawn on the reversing pad… and don’t forget your hi-viz
Right that’s it!! 
