Roughly 12 months ago I passed my Cat C test (ref. an earlier post). I really enjoyed my training and managed to pass on the first attempt.
Despite this success (and reassurance from my instructor that C+E was achievable); I was still worried that progressing to the next level would be a step too far (and perhaps one that I couldn’t afford).
12 months later, with some extra funds in the bank, the what if thoughts got the better of me, so I decided to book the training and give it a go - a decision I’m glad I made, because on Wednesday I passed my C+E test; again on the first attempt.
The reason for the post is to offer some encouragement to anyone else like me; that was in two minds about trying to progress on to Class 1.
Clearly there are new things to learn (such as reversing, coupling and uncoupling) when training for the test; but it’s not as big a step as I had feared.
Having now gone through the process, with a good instructor and a little bit of research I would have thought that most (if not all) Cat C drivers are capable of going on to get their Class 1 License.
To prepare for my training; again I referred to the various driving/test information on Trucknet, as well as a copy of Mind Driving (by Steve Hayley) as suggested by ROG (great call — thank you) and of course an up-to-date version of the Highway Code.
Whilst not purposely written for new driver training; I also found Tachopack’s Driver Handbook (vital information for commercial driving on UK roads) quite useful too.
Personally I tend to remember things better if I write them down, so I jotted all the most important information from each of these resources into one notebook, which I referred back to for revision purposes.
So for approximately £15 and a few hours of studying, I got myself a basic understanding of what was required before I’d even got behind the wheel.
Once on the road, it just takes a little while to get used to the extra road space and awareness of other traffic that you require to safely drive the larger vehicle.
I’d just like to thank Paul at Elmet Driver Training (Yorkshire) who provided great value for money training and Trucknet (all contributors on the New and Wannabe Drivers forum) for helping me pass my test.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
And good luck to anyone that is about to take an LGV test or is about to start their training.
Kind regards
Simon
)