I am getting more used to the 4 over 4 gearbox, only a couple of incidents of crunching the gears and forgetting which gear I am in. I need to try and be more aware of checking mirrors before changing position and speed, just a case of focusing on it more I think …a bad habit I have developed since passing my Cat. D test.
Apart from those 2 areas I had a pretty good drive today, feel fairly comfortable with the vehicle size and positioning at junctions and roundabouts etc.
I have my test on Wednesday so still have a few days to work on my weak areas!..just a case of more practice I think, but I am really enjoying it so far.
Really tired after today’s training so a soak in the bath and a few beers tonight I think.
After having the weekend to think about the previous 2 days of training I returned today for day 3. I seem to have got to grips with the gearbox now, I think the weekend break really helps to consolidate what you have learned on the 2 days preceding it (certainly for me anyway).
Had another go at the reverse and managed to get the truck where it should be in the box, however I was too far over to the left before starting the reverse on one of my attempts, mental note not to do the same thing on test day!
Driving around I am quite happy with positioning etc. however I need to make sure I indicate coming off roundabouts and check those mirrors more frequently!
I have decided that once I have passed my cat. C I am going to go straight on to the C+E, people on here have said that it is a good idea due to the fact that you are still in the learning mode. Also if I leave it any length of time I will start getting back into my bad habits
I have discussed this with the instructors and came to an arrangement to fit the 5 day C+E training course around my work pattern, so I will not be loosing money at work and can still get on with the training. So in general all is progressing as it should and I am enjoying the training.
Night Spirit:
Had another go at the reverse and managed to get the truck where it should be in the box, however I was too far over to the left before starting the reverse on one of my attempts, mental note not to do the same thing on test day
Not a fault - the examiner will ask you to rectify it
Being too far right and examiner will say nothing but you will be in trouble
Night Spirit:
After having the weekend to think about the previous 2 days of training I returned today for day 3. I seem to have got to grips with the gearbox now, I think the weekend break really helps to consolidate what you have learned on the 2 days preceding it (certainly for me anyway).
Also works for many more - a good sleep will do the same
Night Spirit:
After having the weekend to think about the previous 2 days of training I returned today for day 3. I seem to have got to grips with the gearbox now, I think the weekend break really helps to consolidate what you have learned on the 2 days preceding it (certainly for me anyway).
Also works for many more - a good sleep will do the same
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I have to say Rog, even though I drive a bus 8 or 9 hours a day, I was utterly exhausted after my first day training. Must have been the concentration, So I was ready for a good sleep!
Congrats!
Well done with two minors!
My one is on tuesday. Today was second day of training
and I am already bored! On a day one nailed the 4 over 4 box
and slower aproaching speed on junctions and bends compare the buses.
Today felt bored after one hour of driving
Good luck with C+E
.
Mario
Thanks guys for the congrats but I found it quite straight forward really, I was already used to the size of the vehicle from driving buses so just had to get to grips with the gears.
I know what you mean Zanfta, about being bored but use every opportunity you can to become aware of the size of the vehicle and get comfortable with your positioning on the road. I found myself taking corners and roundabouts far too wide because I usually drive a bus which is a lot longer than the truck and obviously the front wheels are further back. The instructor said it is usually people hitting kurbs which is the problem. So don’t become so bored that you switch off, use every moment at the wheel to get your positioning right!
I actually found myself getting very resentful of the other trainee who was with me as I felt he was getting more driving than I was because he was not used to the size and the instructor obviously thought that he needed it, at the end of the day we have both paid the same amount and just because one trainee is in need of more training does not mean that the better one should miss out on the training which they have paid for. However, I got through my test and I am very pleased.
Good Luck to Zanfta for Tuesday and Yas4u for the 31st October, hope it all goes well for you both.
Night Spirit:
I actually found myself getting very resentful of the other trainee who was with me as I felt he was getting more driving than I was because he was not used to the size and the instructor obviously thought that he needed it, at the end of the day we have both paid the same amount and just because one trainee is in need of more training does not mean that the better one should miss out on the training which they have paid for. However, I got through my test and I am very pleased.
This being the exact reason when I did mine I chose a school that only did 1 on 1.
At last - someone who has got the sense to see that 2:1 is flawed! What you describe is absolutely normal. More training to the weaker candidate whilst the better one has paid the same and is now left watching someone else use HIS time.
I actually found myself getting very resentful of the other trainee who was with me as I felt he was getting more driving than I was because he was not used to the size and the instructor obviously thought that he needed it, at the end of the day we have both paid the same amount and just because one trainee is in need of more training does not mean that the better one should miss out on the training which they have paid for.
When I started training in the early 70’s, 2:1 was the norm. I broke the mould and all my peers said I was crazy, would go broke, couldn’t work etc etc. And now it’s easier and easier to get 1:1 training from many trainers. It’s not as profitable - but IMO it’s better for the candidate.
Really pleased you passed - but you would probably have saved money on 1:1 not to mention saving time.
Peter Smythe:
At last - someone who has got the sense to see that 2:1 is flawed! What you describe is absolutely normal. More training to the weaker candidate whilst the better one has paid the same and is now left watching someone else use HIS time.
I would not say 2:1 is flawed. Our preference is 2:1 although we offer the candidates the choice. The vehicle is out from 8am-4pm either way so there is no covert reason we recommend 2:1. The reasons we recommend it are;
Both candidates obviously see more test routes and more traffic situations in 8 hours than in 4
If a candidate is struggling with a particular point they are able to see it far clearer from the passenger seat than to continue under pressure unable to grasp the concept in question.
Each training point only needs to be explained once to both candidates together. This saves time that can be used developing more advanced skills.
Most candidates take complete days off work to attend the training so why not use the whole day being under instruction instead of sitting at home for half the day.
Sitting in the left hand seat each candidate gets to see the other one driving from the examiner’s viewpoint. I point out how easy it is for the examiner to spot mistakes and they seem to take that point in quite well.
As for one student getting more hands-on training than the other that may happen with some trainers but we change over drivers at the test centre and then complete another test route with the 2nd driver. Then we change over at the test centre again and repeat the process. Both candidates get exactly the same amount of training. In fact the weaker candidate (if there is one) actually benefits more by having the trainer explain his weaknesses during the stronger candidates drive. In my experience many serious faults are committed in the 1st 5 minutes or the last 5 minutes of a test. The method we use gets candidates completely comfortable with the immediate area around the test centre so that these danger 5 minutes have been practiced over and over and become 2nd nature.
The object is to get 2 people to the required standard in the alloted time. I feel this works really well with a kind of team bonding atmosphere in the vehicle where we are all rooting for each other to do well.
I do however respect trainers that have a different view and to be honest each method has its merits. Its all about personal preference.
…a bad habit I have developed since passing my Cat. D test.
