I’m a bit late - but very well done mate! Great result.
Congratulations mate ! You must be over the moon ! 
Congrats Evil 
Bigger IS better Evil.
eagerbeaver:
Bigger IS better Evil.
Agreed, even when it comes to bellends! I’m sure your missus agrees! 
I hadn’t given it any real thought before, but now I’m starting to wonder what setup I’d prefer to do my C+E in. Do I go for a Wagon & Drag? i.e. stick with the vehicles I’m already familiar with, and slap a drawbar Drag on the arse! (that sounds perverted! 
) Or do I jump in a new vehicle and have to get used to that first…
I’ve a little time to think about it though, as I need to buildup some funds first! 
I also initially thought it would be good to get some Class C experience anyway, as the more practice I get with big heavy vehicles, that have huge “wingnut” ears (mirrors! ) the easier the test should be. I should be able to handle the vehicle better due to practice, and free to concentrate on perfect procedures. Plus I really want to get my minors as low as possible, I’ll be aiming for zero, but accept that being a bellend at times will be a handicapping factor!
My instructor advises me to go W&D, which I agree with, as I’m used to towing around the same size and width as my car. So think I’ve got a pretty good handle on how an up-scaled version of this will be. But my examiner (the nice lady who said “passed” ) said she’d go for the Artic every time, and preferred the drive… 
If I do go for the W&D, an Artic conversion course (about £200) would be something I’d consider mandatory, as I wouldn’t want to have a licence to drive an Artic, and never driven one!
I don’t think I’ll have my view changed regarding my preference for the W&D, but i’d be interesting in other peoples opinions of choice. Along with whether you should do C+E as quick as possible, before you forget the full and proper procedures your instructor taught you. Or is it maybe better to improve your skills and comfort with the vehicle size and handling, and do your very best to maintain examination quality driving as a “professional” driver.
Someone even suggested to me we should always drive like the test! A shocking suggestion!
P.S. Thanks th2013 (just rolls off the tongue that! 
)
Yes I am Truth, now i need to get feet back on ground and get a Class C job!
Cheers Ramon, i’m glad it’s in the bag! ------- (Along with my axe and a severed head! 
)
Just spoke to 'er indoors mate. She says that being a bellend is something I excel at.
As regards W+D vs Artic, that has been done to death on here. From reading your post I get the idea that you want a bit of class 2 experience before going for CE. Personally, I think that is the best way.
I chose an Artic with a manual box for my lessons/test on the basis that 90% of the work is on artics. I now hate driving rigid’s because IMO, artics are much nicer to drive. Rigid’s have a dreadful turning circle, and as you have noticed, have cabs fit for a mouse. ( Or like a caravan in an artic, as you put it lol ). Good luck with whatever you decide anyway mate.
The discussion of w+d versus artic rumbles on like a runaway train! As you know, either will give you the same licence and you’ve already said you realise that a short conversion course, post test pass, would be a good plan.
There is no doubt that it’s a bit easier to pass in a w+d - especially one with which you’re familiar. Equally, there’s little doubt that you’ll end up driving an artic - though this isn’t always the case.
It’s more expensive to do w+d plus conversion. But, given that it’s a bit easier to pass, it’s cheaper than an artic course and a possible retest.
It really is down to what makes you comfortable. You have already discovered that I place a huge amount of importance on making sure folks are happy with what they’re doing so I really do believe what I say.
Another option is to have assessments in both configurations and see how you feel. In our case, this is completely free of charge.
There is a value to gaining experience in CAT C provided this is not outweighed by the collection of bad habits which you then have to pay to get rid of. That, IMO, is self-defeating.
Pete
That’s pretty good of you Pete to offer a drive in both combo’s FOC. How long do you have for an assessment drive, and I assume its the same duration in each combo?
Is this something other trainers offer in your experience?
Blimey Pete, you’re lightening!
Agreed that there are a few ways of looking at it, and that’s why I’m pondering them… I agree with what you say, as that’s what you said to me in person yesterday. But it didn’t help me with the answer!
I’m 99% W+D with an Artic conversion. As it may be a little more, the odds are better and I’m a bit boring them it comes to gambling!
I think my experience with big trailers on my car is also influencing me, as the pivot point of a W&D would be very similar, yet the pivot point on an Artic is up front.
Sorry for keeping this debate trundling Pete But i’d not seen it for a while, and it needed a bump!