Bad luck on the fail Jennie, i passed my C around 3 1/2 years ago and at the time was happy to recommend the training school i was using until that is i started C+E training.
Im still not quite sure what changed in the few weeks between the courses but there was parts of it, the reverse included, that the instructor just couldnt explain in a way that made sense.
I finally passed in October with Pete, the way he puts things worked for me, no shouting or fuss he just does it!
Best of luck next time, im sure you will be fine.
chunky monkey:
Bad luck on the fail Jennie, i passed my C around 3 1/2 years ago and at the time was happy to recommend the training school i was using until that is i started C+E training.
Im still not quite sure what changed in the few weeks between the courses but there was parts of it, the reverse included, that the instructor just couldnt explain in a way that made sense.
I finally passed in October with Pete, the way he puts things worked for me, no shouting or fuss he just does it!
Best of luck next time, im sure you will be fine.
Sound like a few of us have had this problem
Maybe a trainer can explain some reasons why
animal:
Sound like a few of us have had this problem
Maybe a trainer can explain some reasons why
UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE
I can tell my 3 year old grand-daughter that 10x10=100 and get her to repeat it but she does not understand what 10 or 100 is !!
The explanation of the CE reverse and then letting the trainee do small bits at a time so that explanation makes sense to them is the way to do it
This might mean starting with a very slow straight line reverse and doing minor adjustments to keep it straight along with explaining why each of those adjustments makes a difference
It could mean letting the trainee stand outside facing forward at the side of the instructor who is driving and then letting the trainee instruct the instructor because the trainee can then see what is happening to the set-up
Letting the trainee make a big but safe ■■■■ up and then asking how they are going to resolve it even if that means the trainee getting out and working it out from taking an overview of the situation can be useful
IMO the wrong thing to do would be for the instructor to tell the trainee to place it here then do this then do that then do X and look for Y then do Z etc etc because the trainee does not learn the WHY
Sound like a few of us have had this problem
Maybe a trainer can explain some reasons why
To me it’s quite simple. The industry is riddled with “trainers” who have never been trained to train. The vast majority are well intentioned ex truck drivers who have come into the job as an easy option (beats nights out, handballing etc etc). I am approached quite regularly by such people who are under the impression that because they taught their daughter to drive a car then they can teach folk to drive trucks. Being an excellent truck driver is a pre-requisite to being a first class instructor - - but not without the required training. One of our instructors was trained by myself for the job and it took a year, part time, before he was able to go for his instructor qualifications. It’s well known that the vast majority of instructors are not qualified as it is not compulsory. Similarly, instructor training is in no way compulsory. So this may explain why some instructors are quite inept when it comes to explaining the complexities of truck driving in an understable manner.
Then there is the issue of truck condition. This is major. There are many trucks used for training that first saw an L plate when they were 7 or 8 years old and well past their prime. In short, they’re worn out - which is why the previous owner moved them on. A trainer recently told me that he struggled to change gear himself in his training vehicle. Sadly, he thought this was amusing. But he’s a little less expensive than other trainers. But that’s what is on offer at cheap prices.
Then there is the matter of infrastructure. Not many trainers have access to a properly marked reversing area. Those that do often travel 20+ miles to get to it and then maybe have to form an orderly queue to get on it.
Many trainers are 1 man bands. Nothing wrong with that provided they pay full attention to their trainee and not to their mobile. Sadly, it means that people phoning for info wont be dealt with efficiently as the trainer is busy with a paying customer. Unless he neglects that person to deal with the phone call. So an adminstration system (could be a wife at home) is important.
Good trainers - and yes I rate myself as one - will have bang up to date vehicles, DSA Accredited Centre status which enforces the employment SOLEY of fully qualified and registered instructors and a proper reversing area available for use at any time. The differences are glaringly obvious.
These are some of the reasons that the industry is in the state it’s in. Until somone realises that it needs sorting out, it’ll not improve. There are, of course, trainers using very well maintained older trucks and they are to be congratulated. I am only talking in general terms.
As always, customers should visit the trainer unless they have rock solid recommendation. Good luck all, Pete 
Peter Smythe:
To me it’s quite simple. The industry is riddled with “trainers” who have never been trained to train. The vast majority are well intentioned ex truck drivers who have come into the job as an easy option (beats nights out, handballing etc etc). I am approached quite regularly by such people who are under the impression that because they taught their daughter to drive a car then they can teach folk to drive trucks. Being an excellent truck driver is a pre-requisite to being a first class instructor - - but not without the required training. One of our instructors was trained by myself for the job and it took a year, part time, before he was able to go for his instructor qualifications. It’s well known that the vast majority of instructors are not qualified as it is not compulsory. Similarly, instructor training is in no way compulsory. So this may explain why some instructors are quite inept when it comes to explaining the complexities of truck driving in an understable manner.
Spot on there Peter
Steady on Rog. Is that you agreeing with me!?!?!
Hello Pete, i think i’ll be giving you a call sometime in the new year. just failed my c+e for the second time on Tuesday, as with all things its not not all the trainers fault, as i was behind the wheel. but for the amount of money i have shelled out for both classes , even tho i passed cat c first time with only 3 minors, i dont feel i had value for money 
as for reversing i had to work that on out for myself thankfully i cleared it both times without any shunting . so as i say i’ll be calling you soon 
sorry jen keep your chin up you will get there 
Hi all!
I just thought I would also send my best wishes to Jen (and anyone else currently going for the C+E licence). Sorry to hear to you failed first time Jen, but hey, you are in a better position than me because you already have the experience of taking a C+E test, and are therefore more prepared. I haven’t…yet!
I start my training tomorrow morning! I passed my Cat ‘C’ back in 2004 then my PCV in 2005, but have not used those licences all the time since then. In 2007 to 2009 I was driving buses, then for the past year I have been driving a Cat ‘C’ curtain sider doing general haulage all over the UK.
I will also post my diary on the forum for others to see.
Regards,
Liam.