Hi all, I have been reading this site for a few months and have to say that your help to new drivers is second to none.
As i was currently unemployed and going through a seperation i decided to use what was left of savings and take my Class II. I passed my medical in december and once the january skintness was past i went for my hazard and theory tests passing both very well. I then went to Red Rose training in Stoneclough for a driver assessment where i was told i would need 12 hours. Not bad i thought at first. So 2 weeks ago i got hold of the money and phoned RR up and booked in for this week, 4 hours training mon, tues and wednesday with test on thursday.
My trainer Frank was a great teacher. Seemed to have lots of experience, was very friendly and was a good teacher.
Monday went well, apart from footache similar to when i weas learning to drive cars years ago.
Tuesday was a good day as well, Mastered reversing exercise and Frank told me i was almost at test standard so was very happy.
Wednesday was going well until some idiot decided to undertake me on a roundabout and come within 3-4 inches of touching front bumper. This kind of unsettled me and 10 minutes later mis clicked the shifter and ended up in 8th not 4th gear at a junction and stalled in the middle. Frank said not to worry, although that would have been a fail on test day better to have that mistake on a lesson,
Test Day, I turned up at RR at 7.30am with an 8.30 test start. Did 1 reverse to get me going then a nice drive on to the test centre in Atherton. Frank gave me some encouraging words then we went into the office and i waited nervously. Then the examiner came in and first impressions seemed friendly enough so i took a huge breath and out we went. 2 mins of vehicle questions and a quick reverse and then out onto the open road. Well i have to say that luck was on my side. Even in busy school times everything went my way. Pedestrians didnt step out, traffic lights didnt change last minute etc etc. Test seemed to fly by and when we pulled up i was confident i had done ok. Then “I’m pleased to tell you that you have passed” i was overjoyed and i had only 4 minor errors.
I owe all this to Frank and RedRose who were very professional the whole way through and i can’t recommend them highly enough. Maybe a tad more expensive than others in the area but you get what you pay for. Lovely clean lorries, excellant customer care and a good coffee machine 
Anyway waiting for license to come back and have phoned a few agencies and found joy with 1 who has told me for now he could guarantee me 3-4 days a week which is a start.
So 1 question for you guys. I have sat nav, safety boots etc. But what other things should i have in my possesion for taking out on the roads. Any help you can give a newbie would be gratefully accepted.
Thanks all for reading
Bfcduck1
was a right palaver to sort out !!