Everyone is different, but on average how long should it take to get Cat C and then CE back to back?
I’m looking at maybe 4X4 hours then test on Day 5 so about 20 hours to pay for. Can I expect to need the same again for CE?
I know its a “how long is a piece of string question” so how did you get on?
1968kg:
Everyone is different, but on average how long should it take to get Cat C and then CE back to back?
I’m looking at maybe 4X4 hours then test on Day 5 so about 20 hours to pay for. Can I expect to need the same again for CE?I know its a “how long is a piece of string question” so how did you get on?
average is a course over 5 days with test on day 5
They would be 5 x half days 1 to 1 or 5 x full days 2 to 1
The C+E may often be a little less - perhaps by a day or two in some cases
No such thins as back to back in the true sense as the licence needs to come back from DVLA after passing C
ROG:
1968kg:
Everyone is different, but on average how long should it take to get Cat C and then CE back to back?
I’m looking at maybe 4X4 hours then test on Day 5 so about 20 hours to pay for. Can I expect to need the same again for CE?I know its a “how long is a piece of string question” so how did you get on?
average is a course over 5 days with test on day 5
They would be 5 x half days 1 to 1 or 5 x full days 2 to 1The C+E may often be a little less - perhaps by a day or two in some cases
No such thins as back to back in the true sense as the licence needs to come back from DVLA after passing C
Controversial.
There are trainers on here that pass people first time with 2 days training 
To answer the OP…
I had 4 days of 2:1 on Cat C which I felt would benefit. Test on 5th day but failed. Passed 2nd time.
Deciding factors should include learning style and how you cope with nerves.
If you are a fast learner it’ll probably come easier and 2-3 days maybe enough.
Assessments can help to assess your level as well as how you get on with the instructor / school as a whole.
Thanks for the replies,keep them coming!
I’ve been contacting local schools and getting estimates of 4,5 or 6 sessions for each category. The best price is for 160 a session with no VAT. Which means a total of 915 inc test if I pass first time, but they don’t do CE and the next best is 220-240 + VAT for CE which would be fine if I can do it in 2-3 sessions, 6 seems over the top to me.
I don’t really get nervous in test situations.
Is it worth practicing reversing with a van and trailer in the meantime? I could set up the test layout to scale at work.
1968kg:
Is it worth practicing reversing with a van and trailer in the meantime? I could set up the test layout to scale at work.
Yes - the reversing principals are the same
ROG:
1968kg:
Is it worth practicing reversing with a van and trailer in the meantime? I could set up the test layout to scale at work.Yes - the reversing principals are the same
… for CE. But you would just over complicate things for C.
dar1976:
ROG:
1968kg:
Is it worth practicing reversing with a van and trailer in the meantime? I could set up the test layout to scale at work.Yes - the reversing principals are the same
… for CE. But you would just over complicate things for C.
I assume he can still reverse a car on its own so that would be the C practice
I just shut my eyes and stop when I hear a crunching sound, I’m sure its just the same in a truck.
For my C I had 16 hours, 3x 4 hours with the test on the 4th day. I passed second time.
My CE I had 12 hours, 2x 4 hours with the test on the 3rd day. I passed first time.
In total from medical to CE pass it took about 6 months. Failing the Hazard Perception twice put me back a bit (constantly waiting weeks for a retest), same with the C, I had to wait about 5/6 weeks for a retest date. Worth it though. You could probably do it all in 3 months easily I reckon if you have available funds and pass everything first time.
ROG:
1968kg:
Is it worth practicing reversing with a van and trailer in the meantime? I could set up the test layout to scale at work.Yes - the reversing principals are the same
I wouldn’t bother until you pass your C test. Even then, as long as you can get it in your head about the reversing it’ll be easy enough when it comes to the CE.
Tarrman:
ROG:
1968kg:
Is it worth practicing reversing with a van and trailer in the meantime? I could set up the test layout to scale at work.Yes - the reversing principals are the same
I wouldn’t bother until you pass your C test. Even then, as long as you can get it in your head about the reversing it’ll be easy enough when it comes to the CE.
Many tow trailers on a B+E before they go for LGV and I have never heard of any issues
Most trainers will offer a course that they know, from experience, produces positive results.
If a candidate considers that they may need less - or more - training, then ask for an assessment. For example, some people have been reversing trailers for years. Doubtful if they need the normal course for CE.
IMO assessments have a value, albeit limited. Yes, we can see what you’re doing at the moment and we have a good idea how long it generally takes to get from whatever that is to test standard. BUT, and it’s a very big BUT, it’s impossible to forecast the learning curve. There’s a lot of talk on here about the “dip” normally on the 3 rd day. Personally, this is not something I’ve come across on a regular basis.
Also consider the folly of a CAT C assessment. Potentially, someone who has never sat in anything bigger than a Fiesta is now being asked to keep a truck on the tarmac and change gear with a gearbox that they’ve probably never heard of. Just how wonderful will that drive be? It’s essential to teach use of the gears, even for an assessment. Which means it’s no longer an assessment - it’s actually a first lesson. This is how we get the horror stories of people being told to drive around Nottingham ring road having had virtually no instruction. This leads to nothing short of terror and often shakes the candidate’s confidence beyond belief.
IMO there’s a couple of ways of dealing with this.
The really smart way to deal with all this is to book a 2 hour session. At 2 hours, the candidate should be able to stay on the tarmac (use of mirrors) and change gear most of the time. NOW it makes sense to assess the drive.
Or find a trusted trainer and take their advice. My view is that, on an “average” course, most people will be ready without any problem. Some will be more comfortable than others - and that’s fact.
Having found a good, professional trainer, take their advice. I have assessed some as low as 8 hours and then they’ve wanted to book just 6. My response is always, “which 6 would you like? The first, middle or last 6?” I wont accept the booking. If, in my judgement, the candidate needs xhrs then that is what they need. And to book less is to look failure fairly and squarely in the face. More often than not, the candidate will book the “full” course in the hope of making sure. There is no promise, of course, that this will work.
My views on this topic are contrary to the general industry views but are formed on the basis of 40 years in the training industry.
Hope this helps, Pete 
A very informative post Pete.
It’s always useful for all the newbies to see it from the other side.
Personally I found the jump from ‘fiesta’ to cat C was the most daunting. I panicked and couldn’t find the brake within a minute of setting off on my cat C assessment. Within ten mins I felt a lot more in control. As Pete said, students learn at different paces and from differing backgrounds. So every assessment will be different from the trainers point of view.
I can’t sing the praises of Pete Smythe’s training school highly enough. A very professional outfit and a pleasure to be trained by them. It makes so much difference too that you practice the reversing on exactly the same area as the examiner asks you to do it on in a few days time.
Peter Smythe:
Most trainers will offer a course that they know, from experience, produces positive results.If a candidate considers that they may need less - or more - training, then ask for an assessment. For example, some people have been reversing trailers for years. Doubtful if they need the normal course for CE.
IMO assessments have a value, albeit limited. Yes, we can see what you’re doing at the moment and we have a good idea how long it generally takes to get from whatever that is to test standard. BUT, and it’s a very big BUT, it’s impossible to forecast the learning curve. There’s a lot of talk on here about the “dip” normally on the 3 rd day. Personally, this is not something I’ve come across on a regular basis.
Also consider the folly of a CAT C assessment. Potentially, someone who has never sat in anything bigger than a Fiesta is now being asked to keep a truck on the tarmac and change gear with a gearbox that they’ve probably never heard of. Just how wonderful will that drive be? It’s essential to teach use of the gears, even for an assessment. Which means it’s no longer an assessment - it’s actually a first lesson. This is how we get the horror stories of people being told to drive around Nottingham ring road having had virtually no instruction. This leads to nothing short of terror and often shakes the candidate’s confidence beyond belief.
IMO there’s a couple of ways of dealing with this.
The really smart way to deal with all this is to book a 2 hour session. At 2 hours, the candidate should be able to stay on the tarmac (use of mirrors) and change gear most of the time. NOW it makes sense to assess the drive.
Or find a trusted trainer and take their advice. My view is that, on an “average” course, most people will be ready without any problem. Some will be more comfortable than others - and that’s fact.
Having found a good, professional trainer, take their advice. I have assessed some as low as 8 hours and then they’ve wanted to book just 6. My response is always, “which 6 would you like? The first, middle or last 6?” I wont accept the booking. If, in my judgement, the candidate needs xhrs then that is what they need. And to book less is to look failure fairly and squarely in the face. More often than not, the candidate will book the “full” course in the hope of making sure. There is no promise, of course, that this will work.
My views on this topic are contrary to the general industry views but are formed on the basis of 40 years in the training industry.
Hope this helps, Pete
I can relate everything said above to my job as a motorcycle instructor, and as I often have to give new customers assessment rides I know that it’s hard to predict.
I don’t expect to have huge problems, I’ve driven vans for years with and without trailers, this is just the next step up.
So the way forward for me? I have booked in for my Cat C starting on 1 April and test on the 5th and my instructor is going to give me the numbers of some other instructors he knows for CE.
It’s a shame Pete that you are so far away or I would definitely pay you a visit.
Pete does include b&b if you pay for a full course and live a distance away.
dar1976:
Pete does include b&b if you pay for a full course and live a distance away.
The thing is if I stay local I can do half days and still get something done at work and save on travel costs etc.
1968kg:
dar1976:
Pete does include b&b if you pay for a full course and live a distance away.The thing is if I stay local I can do half days and still get something done at work and save on travel costs etc.
Fair point.
Just thought I’d mention in case you weren’t aware.
dar1976:
1968kg:
dar1976:
Pete does include b&b if you pay for a full course and live a distance away.The thing is if I stay local I can do half days and still get something done at work and save on travel costs etc.
Fair point.
Just thought I’d mention in case you weren’t aware.
I was and thanks, I’m considering all options.
For Cat C I did 3x4 hours, 8am-12, with test at 8.30am on fourth day - so just an hour or so drive from yard to test station beforehand. Passed first time, and my licence has just taken two weeks to return from DVLA with C+E entitlement.
C+E is booked for middle of next month as trainer is booked up until then and will be 2x4 hours, 8am-12, with test again at 8.30 on the third day
I took my theory and hazard perception in November, but delayed in booking training until after Christmas and I had got the money together, so hopefully it’ll be around five months from start to finish if I pass C+E first time.