Driving lorries is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve now finally got the money to be able to do C and C+E so have taken the plunge.
First step was to find a decent local training school. Living on the Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire border have me quite a few options of where I could go. After making quite a few enquiries I visited and settled on learning with Peter Smythe Transport Training. They seem to have a great reputation not just locally but nationally and a good pass rate. Having PMd Pete on here for some advice I took the plunge and gave them a call and spoke to a very helpful and friendly lady named Tracey. Tracey invited me down for a look at he vehicles and yard and talked me through my training plan. As a bonus I also got a 10% discount for being a TNUK member, result! Medical was then duly booked in for that Saturday.
Saturday came and a few forms to fill in at the centre, made very easy and the doctor was there doing medical a for both learners such as myself and current drivers, all included in the starter pack price I opted for l. Medical done forms and licence were duly posted off recorded delivery on Saturday morning
Tracey then went into a bit more detail and set me up with the online theory account included in the starter pack price l. This allows me to track my learning and flags up anything I may be struggling with which is really helpful, also provides with both real video and CGI hazard perception clips which I have been practicing.
Cue 7 days later and my shiny new licence dropped on the mat, best birthday present this year! Only provisional but things are moving!
Cue Today and a few emails to Tracey and I’ve sorted myself an assessment drive with them next Tuesday in a manual rigid. Can’t wait! Also included in my starter price was the booking of the theory tests, all booked within 10 minutes of requesting so by email to Tracey, so also have Mod2, theory and HP booked for 17/09. Can’t wait!
Most people I am aware will not find this thread interesting but it may help someone and will be good for me to look back on.
Now turned 27 I’ve decided this is the career path for me and will put my all into it. If anyone has any tips feel free to share!
Best of luck with your training at managing the manual box I was a ■■■■■ and learnt in an auto as for tips look at my training blogs in my signature. Chris as for being 22 your young and have time to save and pay for your training, its a small price to pay for what you can potentially earn.
ash 001:
Best of luck with your training at managing the manual box I was a ■■■■■ and learnt in an auto as for tips look at my training blogs in my signature. Chris as for being 22 your young and have time to save and pay for your training, its a small price to pay for what you can potentially earn.
Thanks Ash, will have a good read this evening!
I was unsure wether to go manual or auto but as this is just the assessment it should help me decide. I know it sounds daft but I’d feel better learning with a manual then driving an auto as opposed to the other way around haha!
As you know if you learn in an auto you get both manual and auto licence as long as you have a manual car licence. Most trucks these days are auto ( the newer ones anyway) so not a problem learning in them after your assessment make a decision pal
Our CAT C fleet is equally split between auto and manual so we can offer the customer choice. It is always up to the candidate to choose which type to use. Naturally, if someone passes on auto, we’re happy to do a bit of training after the test on a manual for the experience and confidence but without the pressure of a test.
Glad you’ve had a good experience so far and I’m confident that it will continue.
If I struggle with the manual it will either mean I need a bit more practice or I c an consider doing th training in an auto. I’m not sure why but I’ve never been a fan of automatics but I’m sure my mind could be changed.
For me it’s all part of the challenge of passing to do so in a manual, not that I’m saying it isn’t challenging enough in an auto!
I guess there is 2 sides to it all, a manual is 1 more thing to have to think about come test day but I don’t like the feeling of not being fully in control!
NickW88:
If I struggle with the manual it will either mean I need a bit more practice or I c an consider doing th training in an auto. I’m not sure why but I’ve never been a fan of automatics but I’m sure my mind could be changed.
For me it’s all part of the challenge of passing to do so in a manual, not that I’m saying it isn’t challenging enough in an auto!
I guess there is 2 sides to it all, a manual is 1 more thing to have to think about come test day but I don’t like the feeling of not being fully in control!
You have go ■■■ in one there, one less thing to worry about! as for control I don’t know where you got that from as you still have full control of the vehicle I can promise you that.
NickW88:
If I struggle with the manual it will either mean I need a bit more practice or I c an consider doing th training in an auto. I’m not sure why but I’ve never been a fan of automatics but I’m sure my mind could be changed.
For me it’s all part of the challenge of passing to do so in a manual, not that I’m saying it isn’t challenging enough in an auto!
I guess there is 2 sides to it all, a manual is 1 more thing to have to think about come test day but I don’t like the feeling of not being fully in control!
You have go ■■■ in one there, one less thing to worry about! as for control I don’t know where you got that from as you still have full control of the vehicle I can promise you that.
I don’t think I worded it very well! I meant I don’t like the idea of a gearbox deciding what gear I need to be in. I’ve never driven an auto car so never experienced any type of auto box
Difference between auto car and auto truck is that a truck doesn’t “creep”. It will roll back on a hill unless some revs are applied. The reason is that an auto truck isn’t actually auto. It’s called Automated Manual Transmission. It has the same manual gearbox as it’s manual counterpart but also has a clever box of tricks fastened to the side of the box enabling it to change gear on it’s own. All very clever.
But, as ROG said, it’s well worth having a drive in an auto car or van just for the experience.
Peter Smythe:
Difference between auto car and auto truck is that a truck doesn’t “creep”. It will roll back on a hill unless some revs are applied. The reason is that an auto truck isn’t actually auto. It’s called Automated Manual Transmission. It has the same manual gearbox as it’s manual counterpart but also has a clever box of tricks fastened to the side of the box enabling it to change gear on it’s own. All very clever.
But, as ROG said, it’s well worth having a drive in an auto car or van just for the experience.
Pete
We’ll see how I get on in your iveco next week Pete! If I don’t get on with it I’ll have to see about giving an auto a try.
I changed cars last week and nearly went for an auto but I thought it’d just end up making me lazy in the car. Only 6 gears after all!
when i did my c i did it in a manual and glad i did, it was a slap box then when i went for my c+e i changed trainer so i could also do that in a manual 4 over 4 it is a added extra to think about i will admit and i found did make me make other silly mistakes while trying to fight with the gears to start with however a few days later it all flows, i got though both tests an im glad i did it in manual and as you said i like to me in full control best of luck with it all sure your in safe hands with pete
So I had my assessment drive today with PSTT at their new yard. Was greeted upon arrival and talked through what would happen. Met Peter Smythe and the team and made to feel very welcome. I went out with David who took me to an industrial estate local to them explaining what he was doing and how the gear box worked. The vehicle was a modern Iveco with a 4 over 4 gearbox. At first I was very nervous and hesitant but after a few minutes the nerves melted away and the gearbox started to feel natural. We had a drive round with left and right turns and roundabouts for good measure.
I never felt the size to be an issue and really annoyed myself. Training date is now provisional provided I pass my theories in a fortnight.
Would highly recommend Pete and the team to anyone . Can’t wait to get back out on the road!!
Cheers Ash much appreciated. I need to make sure I keep the nerves in check. I know it’s too early but I’m going to send off for my digi card as well so I don’t forget!
You see a gap, you press the pedal and nothing happens.
Then a second later it wakes up and off you go, generally just after you have missed the gap!
But saying that mate, I’d learn in an auto every day of the week!
I did my first day in a manual, and as a Newbie you have enough to think about without worrying about the gears.
The bloody great mirrors hanging of the thing for a start!
Like I said this afternoon, everyone will have a degree of toothache with a manual box. For some, the pain is over in a few minutes. For others, the pain lingers a lot longer. There is no generalisation with this - it’s just how it is.
But what is most important is that everyone is in the type of vehicle in which they feel comfortable, able to learn and subsequently pass the test.
And btw, anyone coming to the centre bearing home made cookies is gonna be extremely welcome!
Thanks for your booking - and all the best with your training and test.
best of luck with it all sure your in safe hands with pete 
