Hi I have a few questions:
I just did a pre assessment with a local training provider j Coates and got behind a truck for the first time. It was a manual and I was quite suprised as other providers do automatic. Should I take it in an automatic?
Also does anyone know the best value for money training provider in the south east area of the U.K. I’m Bucks based.
Thanks in advance
davebo99:
Hi I have a few questions:I just did a pre assessment with a local training provider j Coates and got behind a truck for the first time. It was a manual and I was quite suprised as other providers do automatic. Should I take it in an automatic?
Also does anyone know the best value for money training provider in the south east area of the U.K. I’m Bucks based.
Thanks in advance
Doesn’t matter what you train in its the quality of training that counts.
Paul
elmet training:
Doesn’t matter what you train in its the quality of training that counts.Paul
Sort of does matter if the trainee doesn’t have manual car entitlement, then restricted to Auto only in LGV as well.
If they do have manual car , then go for whichever you find most comfortable with
dcgpx:
elmet training:
Doesn’t matter what you train in its the quality of training that counts.Paul
Sort of does matter if the trainee doesn’t have manual car entitlement, then restricted to Auto only in LGV as well.
If they do have manual car , then go for whichever you find most comfortable with
Ok fair enough but I don’t think this was the issue in the post do you?
Paul
JLD Banbury + oxford 
Personally, I don’t have any worries about learning in an auto as an awful lot of trucks these days are autos or semi-autos and it does take away one less thing to worry about in your test. However, if the instructor only has manuals and from what I’ve heard, J Coates are no cowboy outfit, then they obviously believe they can teach you to do the gears and drive to test standard. Can’t comment on whether employers notice or even care if you’ve learned in a manual or auto but not heard anyone mention it.
If you’re looking for a good instructor / company, there’s a few threads at the top of this forum which might help. Also one thing that’s mentioned here quite a bit is DVSA registration for the trainer or school. It’s not compulsory, but the list below are companies who’ve been assessed by the DVSA (driving standards people) for quality of facilities and training. Not saying anyone on that isn’t good, but it might help a little.
I did my class 1 and 2 in autos then I did a 2hr day in a manual and wished I’d never bothered cause didn’t find any harder the only thing the auto does is give u one less thing to think about on test so it’s upto u or you could do class 2 in a manual and class 1 in a auto then u have a bit of experience on both
I’d bet the folk I trained with are still running the manuals, perfectly good trucks, and I can’t knock them for it
Even in an auto there’s still plenty you can fail on. The test route seems to be one of the most important factors. Enterprise use autos but I read on here that the test route in stockport is hard and the pass rate for the centre is around 35%.
I did auto as I felt it was one less thing to worry about especially as it was so long since my last driving test! I’m thinking of booking an hour or so if poss with a trainer to pop my cherry on a manual, or might just re read ROGS post and wing it 
spacemanZ10:
I did auto as I felt it was one less thing to worry about especially as it was so long since my last driving test! I’m thinking of booking an hour or so if poss with a trainer to pop my cherry on a manual, or might just re read ROGS post and wing it
DieselDave isn’t going to be happy with you young man! 
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24700
Manual, 4 over 4, none of this auto ■■■■■■■■ lol
Originally I trained in a crash box manual, psv class 1 and hgv 3…yup, i am old
but I only recently passed class one and passed in a manual box, now I had never driven an automatic wagon before and never thought I wanted to but I was given an automatic artic just before Christmas (old faithful rigid was part ex for it ) and I love the auto (once I was used to its foybles) though reversing the auto is in my opinion not a smooth experience compared to our other three manual units.
mine is a scania two pedal opticruise and it just lacks that refinement and control when reversing.
People slate them at pulling away at roundabouts but you soon develop a feeling and technique to get around that. Plus AP option helps
all that said I am really glad I did manual as it’s good to know the gears and jumping from my old 4over4 to my new auto and the 3over 3 with the splitter I can do it confidence.
Evil8Beezle:
spacemanZ10:
I did auto as I felt it was one less thing to worry about especially as it was so long since my last driving test! I’m thinking of booking an hour or so if poss with a trainer to pop my cherry on a manual, or might just re read ROGS post and wing itDieselDave isn’t going to be happy with you young man!
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24700
Your right evil, many apologies Diesel, a great thread!
I learnt in an opticruise automatic Scania. First job I got was in a 4 over 4, truck I drive now is a 12 speed (6 gears but each with a split).
Think many instructor places will use automatic as it’s just plain easier to learn and pass in if you’re just stopping and going not messing around crunching gears.
I much prefer driving a manual though, always feels like you’ve got more control and you can use the gears to your advantage in ice & snow or off-road on a field.
I passed with manuals just before the auto rule but am very glad I did, people who say that “most” trucks out there are auto have an easy life. There are a lot of manuals out there. It’s scary being given a set of keys and left in charge of an artic, even worse if the gears don’t make sense! Whatever you decide get yourself some experience with gears before you get out there, it will help you in the long run!