Cant believe it really! We’ve spent a year building up the training centre at Peterborough but we’re totally stumped because of the lack of tests. So, rather than offer a second rate service, we’ve taken the difficult decision to close the centre during April.
Obviously, anyone who was considering using the Peterborough centre is more than welcome at Mansfield. And many thanks to all those who supported the project.
And … watch this space. More news coming soon.
Pete 
Sorry to hear this Pete, hope you can keep Dave busy.
Sorry to hear that I had problems re-booking there
Sorry to hear this, Pete. Best of luck to you.
So one for the trainers
Is this an example of the quota system creating a monopoly for the well established trainers in the area. How can a new trainer break into an area if they cannot get any tests?
For those who do not know, a trainer can book tests 10 weeks in advance. Each test centre has an opening day and for that day a trainer will be given a maximum they can book based on the last 10 weeks average. If you have no history then your quota will be 0! The following day you can book as many as you like but often there is nothing available.
Is this fair?
This is precisely the issue and, with Peterborough being amongst the worst in the country for test availability, we’ve really copped for it.
But we’ve managed to get more capacity at Mansfield so that makes me a happy bunny!
Pete
Realy sorry to hear this Peter.
As someone who has just completed their c and c+e at Paterborough with Dave I am gutted for you.
The standard of the company, the vehicles and most importantly Dave’s training was absolutly top notch and I feel very sad for the loss of such excellent training from the area.
I do hope you can find something for Dave to keep him going! I hear there’s a HGV test centre at Kings Lynn now, and no instructors in the area!
burnie1:
For those who do not know, a trainer can book tests 10 weeks in advance. Each test centre has an opening day and for that day a trainer will be given a maximum they can book based on the last 10 weeks average. If you have no history then your quota will be 0! The following day you can book as many as you like but often there is nothing available.
Are you saying that tests can be block booked without giving the details of the person taking the test ?
tachograph:
Are you saying that tests can be block booked without giving the details of the person taking the test ?
yep, thats exactly what they do
tachograph:
burnie1:
For those who do not know, a trainer can book tests 10 weeks in advance. Each test centre has an opening day and for that day a trainer will be given a maximum they can book based on the last 10 weeks average. If you have no history then your quota will be 0! The following day you can book as many as you like but often there is nothing available.Are you saying that tests can be block booked without giving the details of the person taking the test ?
Generally tests have to be named at least 3 days before they are due and its at that time that they can be handed back without penalty
That creates an issue for other trainers or individuals who cannot get tests and because they only know of cancelled ones a few days beforehand then that does not leave enough time for a course to be arranged to match a cancelled test date
Spunky:
tachograph:
Are you saying that tests can be block booked without giving the details of the person taking the test ?yep, thats exactly what they do
This^^^
+1
That’s surprising, I always assumed that with tests it was a case of booking tests as they’re required.
This system seems extremely unfair on newer training companies who are trying to get established, it also seems unfair on trainees and I imagine it helps to keep prices up as-well.
I would say that is virtually impossible for a new trainer to start at the moment!
You can buy trucks recruit instructors but if you have no tests then it is a complete waste of time and money!
burnie1:
I would say that is virtually impossible for a new trainer to start at the moment!You can buy trucks recruit instructors but if you have no tests then it is a complete waste of time and money!
Personally never really had a problem booking tests and I use Walton near Wetherby which is a busy test station.
Paul 
Tried to go for my CE in Mansfield, next available dates are in late May!
A ■■■■ shame!
What’s the other news, new unit? I can feel a competition coming up.
The whole town of Peterborough should close.
Tried to go for my CE in Mansfield, next available dates are in late May!
Try again; we’ve secured more tests and this has shortened the lead time here and there.
Pete
Peter Smythe:
Tried to go for my CE in Mansfield, next available dates are in late May!
Try again; we’ve secured more tests and this has shortened the lead time here and there.
Pete
I called yesterday. Tracie said late May was the earliest she could get me in. That being said, I haven’t had an assessment yet.
Sent you a pm.
Pete