Just looking at their website C2 from Jan will be 35 + VAT = 42 and C1 37 + VAT = 44.40 still remarkable prices. I don’t see mention of free B+B so that maybe explains some of it. I’ve wondered if the accommodation offer means local customers are subsidising out of towners, or if bringing in the extra custom is actually favourable to the locals in the long run because of increased total revenue.
Peter Smythe:
If that’s 1:1 I have no idea how they stay in business! That is way below my operating cost so I’m baffled.Pete
Me to Peter, maybe they are running on red lol.
If i was 3 hours closer to you i would have gone with you but i am 40 mins from lancs training. Same as you own site very nice level marked out reverse area trucks are fairly new ex condition and trainers are fantastic. 3 months waiting list though. prob same as you.
wanderingstar:
Just looking at their website C2 from Jan will be 35 + VAT = 42 and C1 37 + VAT = 44.40 still remarkable prices. I don’t see mention of free B+B so that maybe explains some of it. I’ve wondered if the accommodation offer means local customers are subsidising out of towners, or if bringing in the extra custom is actually favourable to the locals in the long run because of increased total revenue.
I saw a sign in canteen area for B&B close by £10 per night, im sure they have details if needed. but i guess it all boils down to yourself and distance etc.
You’ve chosen a trainer with a great reputation so your only worry is how you’ll take to training.
I’m not a fan of the auto rule, it’s fine if you’re lucky enough to walk into a job with just autos. I hope you’re dedicated enough to find yourself some time in a manual as there are a huge number of manuals out on the roads.
The question of artic v w&d rather depends on what you want to drive. I chose artic for this reason and was very glad I did. Getting work with zero experience is hard enough without no actual driving time in the vehicle you’re applying to work with.
All things to consider. Best of luck with it. [FOUR LEAF CLOVER]
TheMissus:
The question of artic v w&d rather depends on what you want to drive. I chose artic for this reason and was very glad I did. Getting work with zero experience is hard enough without no actual driving time in the vehicle you’re applying to work with.[FOUR LEAF CLOVER]
Doesn’t matter what combination you choose to pass in. You’ve got the rest of your working life to master the trade.
Yes I do train in a W&D outfit but never heard any of my previous candidates not being able to handle an artic.
Paul
True, you do. As I stated I chose the artic as I wanted to walk into an artic job. Likewise I have plenty of time to learn w&d should I want to try it.
All the posts bemoaning lack of work for newbies shows it can be hard to find work with no experience. For me, having the confidence of training in an artic, I was far more relaxed on my assessment drives.
I also know people who have swapped between the two modes, some say it’s easy, some not. It is something to think about for each candidate, in my view.
Thanks guys for the additional thoughts. I’ve decided to make my priority the maximum chance of passing. Auto must be easier than manual and I hear W+D is easier than artic. But I definitely take the point that I will have some big learning humps to go over once I start work. As you say I think it’s down to individual situation. I’d rather get the passes under my belt and then pay for additional training after if I want that confidence boost in different vehicles. A very personal decision as you say. What you’ve done is helped map out the territory to make me more certain of the pros and cons and to then make a more informed decision. Thanks for the feedback on the school too. This matches what I have heard and also what I felt on my two visits to the site (also went for medical and theory training). And thanks for the good wishes. It puts a spring in your step to get some support here. So much better than having doubts and questions rattling around in your own little head.
On a separate little note I had a mock car driving test yesterday with an instructor and failed. I thought of myself as a good driver. It just goes to show how either my initial car driver training was inadequate or how I’ve forgotten elements of it. I’ve now realised I need to brush up basic driving principles as well as learning about a different vehicle. Going into LGV training without being tip top on observation and signalling, etc could eat into valuable LGV training time. A waste no matter what the hourly rate. The instructor said that most people who have been driving for years would fail a retest without refresher training.
I had my trial drive today in a W+D, so much easier to drive.
Radar19:
I had my trial drive today in a W+D, so much easier to drive.
Cool, glad you’re feeling confident mate!
You booked up then? 
Done class 2 test and mod 4 (free) both on same day (today). Done the weekend crash 14hr (7hr each day-from scratch) over at PSTT and passed with 2 minors. Top outfit, and big thanks to Martin and the whole crew down there. Much appreciated!
Nelson1011:
Done class 2 test and mod 4 (free) both on same day (today). Done the weekend crash 14hr (7hr each day-from scratch) over at PSTT and passed with 2 minors. Top outfit, and big thanks to Martin and the whole crew down there. Much appreciated!
Congrats Pal, Nice one!
Nice one fella start mine thurs can’t wait!
Great result - well done. It’s been a really good day today with 4 out of 4 passes on practical tests (one with a clean sheet and the highest number of minors being 3) + 8 out of 8 Mod 4 passes.
It’s the combination of a great set up and hard working candidates. Well done all.
Pete
Thank you Evil…Good luck Chunck… And I’d recommend you any day of the week Pete!
Hopefully this puts to bed any talk that 14 hours over a weekend is a bad thing!
Congratulations again on the pass. Well done. Pete
Peter Smythe:
Hopefully this puts to bed any talk that 14 hours over a weekend is a bad thing!Congratulations again on the pass. Well done. Pete
Give it a few weeks Pete! 
Congrats! 
Go for it mate! I did similar but I would recommend some time in class 2 before steeping up. If you can, get lorry loader (hiab) or moffet etc. so you can boost your earnings a bit. Oh and stay away from home delivery if you can, unless you fancy long, back breaking days all the best!
Hooper_j:
Go for it mate! I did similar but I would recommend some time in class 2 before steeping up. If you can, get lorry loader (hiab) or moffet etc. so you can boost your earnings a bit. Oh and stay away from home delivery if you can, unless you fancy long, back breaking days
I tend to disagree, if class 1 is your ultimate goal, fill your boots ASAP.
I can see both sides of the “get CAT C experience” and “go straight to CE” discussion and neither are wrong. I tend to lean very slightly towards going straight for CE for two reasons: still in learning mode with no bad habits (you would be amazed how quickly they creep in) and the cost is not likely to go down.
Extremely smart Trucknet users will get their deposit in by the end of Feb to secure free cpc on top of the normal 10% discount. So anyone who has already got their deposit in for CAT C could, if they wished, get the deposit in for CE and get another lot of cpc (subject to eligibility) and the current price - which will increase March 1st. Training can be taken anytime in 2016.
Just a thought.
Pete