This is my first post and I would like to introduce myself. I’m Rik, 33, and I’ve been in Ireland for 3 months now. I’ve decided that I’d like to learn to drive an artic and have read 200+ posts on this board soaking up valuable information.
I’ve made two enquiries about training in the UK as I hold a UK licence and I’m still technically resident there. The last place I lived in was Staines and I worked as a minibus driver in Windsor (holding a restricted D1 but that’s another story). I have spoken to Wallace in Wembley and they kindly sent me forms and leaflets. I have also contacted Ritchies in Glasgow to find out their costs.
I got the doctor round the corner from me to complete the D4 medical form. It took him longer that expected as he wasn’t familiar with the form and cost me €75.
I sent off the form via “Courier Post” to the DVLA in the hope of reducing at least some of the postal delay on getting my provisional back round to me as regular post can be anything from 3 days to 14 days even when the RM aren’t on strike.
I’ve order up a new Highway Code, Theory Test CD-ROM and DSA Guide. Hopefully I’ll receive these before I get my licence back so I can do a bit of cramming for my theory test.
After I’ve passed that, I plan to fly over for a week to do some training/test for a cat C, then return as soon as for the C+E.
Here’s my questions:
Is there anything to suggest that doing applying to the DVTA to do a theory test in NI is a problem? (I’ve been told it’s okay, but just double-checking)
How SLOW is the HPT? (I’ve never sat one and I fear my reactions might be too good for the computer! )
Does anyone have any experience of either of those companies mentioned above? (I’m originally from near Glasgow and know the city quite well and could stay with friends there, also have friends/know West London/S Bucks/E Berks/Surrey quite well)
How long do you guess it might take to get my licence back given the present RM issues?
Is there any other companies that might be worth looking at in those areas?
Should I concern myself with test centre pass rates?
Welcome macplaxton
Try this for some pre training tips trucknetuk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=23857
ANOTHER NEWBIE wrote: “Can anybody explain the process over the forum as to what I have to do to start with so I can tick off on paper?”
LGV C (Rigid) formally Class 2:
Anyone who passes their car driving test and wants to drive a large goods vehicle will need additional training to be brought to the DSA standard. The vehicles used will also have to conform to the standards as set by the DSA.
The vehicle must conform to the following:
Boxed/curtain sided vehicles
Length 8 metres
Width 2.4 metres
8 forward gears
Tachograph
ABS as standard
Requirements:
Stage 1
Have a medical to prove you are physically fit to drive a Large Goods Vehicle using
Form D4 of the pack (obtainable from various driving schools). Please contact you’re GP or www.driversmedicals.com who can provide low-cost medical examinations.
Stage 2
Obtain your provisional licence. Having completed forms D2 & D4 send with your licence to the DVLA in the enclosed envelope, I recommended that you send it record/registered delivery. Your licence with provisional entitlement will normally be returned within 2 to 4 weeks.
Stage 3
Pass the theory test. This is carried out at local test centres and made up of two parts; Part 1 is multiple choice, 60 questions and Part 2 is hazard perception, 14 video clips.
Stage 4
Book your training course with LGV Training School. Once you have passed your theory.
Test Criteria:
Answer approximately 5 questions on basic vehicle checks.
Reverse into a marked bay.
Controlled brake test.
Drive for approximately 1 hour around the town. Test may also include hill starts and motorway driving.
Theory - get book /CD rom + HPT (Hazard Perception Test) again, you can get CD rom to practice. Best idea - get in touch with LGV school and, for a fee, they will train you and may have cheap medical.
Read posts on this site before booking any LGV school course - if in a certain area ask about a school near you on here. It may be worth you considering a B&B elsewhere in UK to do a course.
The driver CPC is not the same as the other CPCs.
Digital tachos are usually required by agencies if you work for them but you are responsible for getting one. If you work for a non-agency they might be nice and pay for it but don’t hold your breath!
For some idea of cost try trucknetuk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic. … highlight=
I trained with Wallace in Wembley. They have an extremely good reputation and I found my training very good, even though I didn’t pass my C+E first time, but they’re not cheap. The training costs 49.50 an hour and normally training ‘days’ are 3 or 4 hours individual or 6 hours for 2 people (both pay half the hourly rate) AFAIK All their instructors are DSA ADIs and they use Yeading test centre where IMO all the examiners are very fair.
Thanks to all for the replies. Just in case it was missed in the original ramble:
Is there anything to suggest that doing applying to the DVTA to do a theory test in Northern Ireland is a problem?
How SLOW is the HPT?
Does anyone have any experience of either of those companies mentioned above?
Is there any other companies that might be worth looking at in those areas?
Should I concern myself with test centre pass rates?
Thanks pettaw for the opinion of Wallace. It’s difficult to gauge how much training I need as I can’t just pop-in for an assessment drive. I’m just going to have to book a week and nip over and back. Anyway, I should have enough to get the training down providing I don’t make too much of a pigs ear of it.
I’m sure I’ll find some sort of work afterwards. Just need to familarise myself with the Rules Of The Road book here and deal with the appalling combination of Irish/Polish/Lithuanian driving when I start trucking here.
DVLA received my licence last Friday (12th) and the postman delivered it back this morning . 3 working days?! To Dublin?! Quite shocked to get it so quickly! Unfortunately whilst the Highway Code and DSA Manual arrived yesterday, my CD-ROM seems to be delayed as that sort of stuff apparently has to go through customs.
I’m booked up to take my theory test on the 1st Nov in Newcastle. Couldn’t book one in Newry, was misinformed. Still, the upside is the return flight to Newcastle only cost £12.
)
