I am after some advice as to whether the my different approach to training is an OK way to do things or not?
Basically, I’m not mega rich nor do I have access to the £1100 approx to pay up front for my Cat C license. So instead I have off my own back, taken a medical, got my provisional, and all the necessary learning material to pass my theory and hazard perception which I am about ready to take.
But my question is…are there any training providers will be happy to take me on to just teach me my practical?
I have taken this approach because I would not be comfortable paying all that money upfront for it to sit in the training providers bank while I practice, I think it would have made rush through it and stress about it. But also finding the money for just the practical training and test im sure will be a lot easier.
I am after some advice as to whether the my different approach to training is an OK way to do things or not?
Basically, I’m not mega rich nor do I have access to the £1100 approx to pay up front for my Cat C license. So instead I have off my own back, taken a medical, got my provisional, and all the necessary learning material to pass my theory and hazard perception which I am about ready to take.
But my question is…are there any training providers will be happy to take me on to just teach me my practical?
I have taken this approach because I would not be comfortable paying all that money upfront for it to sit in the training providers bank while I practice, I think it would have made rush through it and stress about it. But also finding the money for just the practical training and test im sure will be a lot easier.
Thanks in advance for your replies and advice.
Apart from brokers (middlemen) training providers take your money fairly close to doing the practical training although many do require a non refundable deposit so you do not leave them in the lurch
The normal way is to pay a deposit in advance then the rest of the balance maybe a week before the practical starts - the practical is done over a few consecutive days
Are you thinking that the practical is done like car training?
I did mine like that, sorted all the medical and theory tests myself then booked the practical.
I paid by cheque midweek during training, it wouldn’t have occurred to me to pay anything upfront…i.e. I wasn’t asked to and didn’t offer to.
You are not suggesting anything that unusual. In fact, some small trainers have no facility for medicals, theory training, theory tests etc and would tell you to go away and come back when you’re ready to train.
As ROG has said, the brokers would want your money up front. Genuine trainers will not want your money weeks up front. We ask for £150 on booking (that shows that you’re serious) and the balance 14 days before training starts (that means you wont “forget” to come). Most of the larger trainers work along similar lines. We wouldn’t entertain anyone paying by cheque part way through a course. If the cheque wasn’t presented as promised, then the course is finished and there’s nothing to take back. If the cheque is dishonoured by the bank, the situation is the same.
Sadly, these experiences morph into the terms and conditions that most of us work to.
But, to answer your original question, you will have no problem finding a genuine trainer to take your booking.
Make sure you visit first to make sure you’re happy with the instructor and the set up. The only exception to this should be booking on rock solid recommendation.
There is nothing wrong with sorting out your own medical & theory tests, what I would recommend particularly as money is not easily earned, is to go to a reputable trainer, (do Not use a broker!!!).
If you try going down the ‘cheapest’ training route & you don’t pass 1st time for whatever reason, you then have to pay more out to retest, plus more training etc, & you may not pass second time either! !. so your piggybank runs empty very quickly & you still may not have your pass
I worked & saved up hard, & after failing locally I travelled a long way up country to a reputable training centre of many years in Mansfield, I live in the south west a long way away. I phoned up Peter Smythe’s & discussed what test I needed to do & everything was sorted out for me including very comfortable accommodation included in the training package for the duration of the course. I passed my C test there , & a few months later I travelled up country again to gain my C+E first time clean sheet pass
I gained the passes I needed ,& no money wasted!!
I have since passing C+E driven all sorts of Class 1 trucks & a variety of different types of loads from containers , straw, curtains siders, temperature controled units, wool sheets, box vans, & more recently double decker cutainsiders , I was taken on by a company after redundancy. That’s how good training can get you on the right road
Happy Days many thanks to Peter and everybody at the training centre
When I done my cat C the training provider sorted everything at no extra cost including providing me with all disc etc passed
When doing my CE I travelled down country to Chelmsford Flair training ( LGV trainer ) passed no problem have since worked practically non stop driving Fridges Curtiansiders Containers
Well worth paying a little extra for better training as Bonnie lass says
I passed with Peter Smythe c+e just booked the practical course as had done all theory etc for class C , accommodation sorted and is free with the course , he will assess you and decide how much training is needed for you to pass , so you wont be ripped off with him i can guarentee that ,
pays to look around and just to make sure you take note of what everyone else has said , DONT GO NEAR ANY BROKERS , if you cant see the vehicles and have an assessment and meet the trainers , hang up straight away !!!
Peter Smythe:
Good to hear from you bonnie lass. Glad it’s going well for you and thanks for the kind comments.
Pete
I am up to my eyes in work these days Pete And all credit to the expert trainer & training I received , I’ ve been given a driving choice of 2013 plate vehicles too good training brings good opportunities for & in work
& you still may not have your pass 
, & a few months later I travelled up country again to gain my C+E first time clean sheet pass 
good training brings good opportunities for & in work