Hi I’m wanting to do my class 1 I’m in Nuneaton/Coventry , some advice on who to use would be good and who to avoid thanks … I know not to touch brokers, so thanks in advance… 
For what its worth i used a1training based at kitts green in birmingham. There is an aproved trainerslist here somewhere
This might help
Coates in Coventry / Leicester or Data Academy in Leicester. I’ve trained with both but I did my C+E with Mr Smythe up in Mansfield, but you might not like W&D…
Either way, good luck 
Saratoga:
Coates in Coventry / Leicester or Data Academy in Leicester. I’ve trained with both but I did my C+E with Mr Smythe up in Mansfield, but you might not like W&D…Either way, good luck
How do you get on with Coates there the one I’ve been looking at?
Class 2 with them, using an 18t box out of Coventry just off Cash’s lane and Foeshill Road. Truck was an Merc with a 12sp gearbox; 1-6 then flick a switch and that 6 is 12. Trainer had very similar name which was interesting but he got me through it.
They run Merc for their units too, but I don’t think they use W&D from there.
Data Academy in Leicester might be better for you for your Class 1. I’ve driven their Daf 95XF with the twin axle box trailer and also have been up to their airfield for maneuvering instruction and the like and whilst it is a bit bumpy it is off road and you can relax a bit better.
However, if you suffer with nerves and worry about such things as I do then speak to Peter Smythe in Mansfield for W&D training; he does a residential course (accommodation in a pub/B&B)…
I have positive thoughts about all three of those trainers and think all are worthy of training with for your Class 1. Although I came across figures for Class 1 pass rates and that was lower than I would have liked for the Midlands area, but Mansfield was quite high. It also helps he has the DSA site for reversing too
Thanks for that, will look into Peter smythe, take it w&d is easier ■■ Or is that just preference …
I did WnD with Pete Smythe and would also sing his praises.
I found it easier to get the category on my license taking the test with WnD. I then did 4 hours in an Artic without the pressure.
As Saratoga says, the DSA accredited site makes it a lot easier to pass as you use the same reverse area (and helpful markers) in training as in the test.
Mansfield Woodhouse is a fairly quiet area so makes learning a lot less stressful.
Also the pub where he provides complimentary bed and breakfast is very nice.
Give him a ring and he will happily show off the facilities to you as we’ll as taking you for a spin.
Peter smythe would be my first choice due to the excellent facilities and vehicles plus in house test centre,
If your looking more local then defiantly Data academy Leicester .
Heard to many bad things about Coates, but you pays your money your choice , good luck.
Before you book might be worth visiting all 3 that have been recommended to see how you feel talk to the instructors have an assessment drive to see how you feel with each lorry
I have had advice of both Data Academy ( Rick he is on these forums ) & Peter Smyth ( also a member )
+1 for Data Academy. Class 2 booked with them in ten days time. See my ‘Ye Gods that was hard’ post a week or so ago on how I felt about my experience of being assessed first by Coates and then by Data Academy. We all respond differently, but I would choose Data Academy over Coates any time based on my experience. And incidentally A1/Hughes, also based in Leicester, took my number but didn’t bother to call back…
Data have both CE artic and CE W&D so you have a choice
loopyjuice:
For what its worth i used a1training based at kitts green in birmingham. There is an aproved trainerslist here somewhere
Are they the company that were close to a LGV test centre before that test centre closed a short while ago ?
ROG:
loopyjuice:
For what its worth i used a1training based at kitts green in birmingham. There is an aproved trainerslist here somewhereAre they the company that were close to a LGV test centre before that test centre closed a short while ago ?
Ahh, is it closed…? My previous thread suggests so, but J Coates are telling me they currently have tests ongoing there. Maybe confusion as the ‘old’ site has closed and moved across the road■■?
Garrets Green LGV DSA test centre has gone and unless a LGV school has set up their own ‘open’ DSA test centre then it will be a bit of a hike to the nearest one
The same is soon to happen with leicester LGV test centre but some schools either have their own (for them only) test centre or they have a reversing area within a reasonable distance from where the DSA examiner will start the test so that it can be used part way through the road drive
Wherever a test is started from the DSA examiners will need certain things like a designated office, phone line and toilets
One Leicester LGV school I know of is to set up an office for the DSA examiners at their HQ and start the tests from there, then after perhaps 20 mins of the road drive the reverse and/or un/couple will be done on a reversing area they have set up which will then be followed by the rest of the road drive ending up back at the HQ/office
dar1976:
I did WnD with Pete Smythe and would also sing his praises.I found it easier to get the category on my license taking the test with WnD. I then did 4 hours in an Artic without the pressure.
As Saratoga says, the DSA accredited site makes it a lot easier to pass as you use the same reverse area (and helpful markers) in training as in the test.
Mansfield Woodhouse is a fairly quiet area so makes learning a lot less stressful.
Also the pub where he provides complimentary bed and breakfast is very nice.
Give him a ring and he will happily show off the facilities to you as we’ll as taking you for a spin.
+1 to this ^
All the guys there really want you to pass ,atmosphere makes a difference believe me ,
and they like biscuits by the way
You wont find a friendlier outfit in my opinion with top notch training
ROG:
Garrets Green LGV DSA test centre has gone and unless a LGV school has set up their own ‘open’ DSA test centre then it will be a bit of a hike to the nearest oneThe same is soon to happen with leicester LGV test centre but some schools either have their own (for them only) test centre or they have a reversing area within a reasonable distance from where the DSA examiner will start the test so that it can be used part way through the road drive
Wherever a test is started from the DSA examiners will need certain things like a designated office, phone line and toilets
One Leicester LGV school I know of is to set up an office for the DSA examiners at their HQ and start the tests from there, then after perhaps 20 mins of the road drive the reverse and/or un/couple will be done on a reversing area they have set up which will then be followed by the rest of the road drive ending up back at the HQ/office
Garrets green has closed and is not likely to either as it is owned by the dsa
Vosa is stopping tests in Leicester. The dsa are carrying on untill the site is closed completly which could be some time of
Thanks for all the replys, I’m looking In to Peter smythe and data academy…both have come highly recommended…so once again thanks for your time and advice…
‘Garrets green has closed and is not likely to either as it is owned by the dsa’
Did you mean hasn’t?
ROG:
loopyjuice:
For what its worth i used a1training based at kitts green in birmingham. There is an aproved trainerslist here somewhereAre they the company that were close to a LGV test centre before that test centre closed a short while ago ?
They are about 5 mins drive from the centre