I don’t think you could please everybody Pete, many years ago I spent some time driving Artics on and around elvington, loading them and taking them from one side of the airfield to the ind est all private roads and managed the gears ok on the 3 units we were using. ( DAF 3300, Iveco Turbostar and a Scania 143) I was also using a spec lift daily on recovery work up until a couple of years ago plus I have a twin axle pikeyvan that I tow. My problem and the reason I want the test as easy as possible is nerves! I remember doing my motorcycle test a few years ago and the sleepless nights and worry still haunt me. :-/ using an auto for the test gives me 1 less thing to worry about.
Ady there are thing you can do / get to help calm the nerves to help with this ( but know what you mean & how you feel as I am similar )
Well I passed my c & e about a year ago (with your outfit Pete 
)now and for the past 8 months have been driving artics.
I’ve got a Volvo fh with i shift , Friday I was given a fh with manual box for the day , as my truck was in the workshop ,.
For the first half hour it was like going back 3 years ago to my class 2 training days ! (Not with you Pete ,ten year old truck with 4 over 4 box) Especially as it was a 3 over 3 with splitter
A " Much more involved driving experience " especially running at 44 tonnes ,up hill. Down dale etc 
Those who train with a auto will be in for a shock when you need to drive a truck with a 'proper 'gearbox .
Just seems a dumbing down of the training process if you ask me 
I passed my C+E with Pete’s lot in the manual W&D. Loved it. Even more fun than the C training.
Was a bit nervous going for a class 1 driving assessment in an artic. Some of the comments on here about the W&D class 1 route have been pretty negative.
But my instructors advice re artic driving was spot on. Roll it forward a bit further on turns, watch the cut in, give yourself more space.
Artic/W&D not a big issue in my opinion (assuming a good standard of training) I think some experience of a manual box at cat C level at least is prudent though.The newbies biggest issue is having to think about every little thing while still driving safely… worrying about unfamiliar gears leaves the driver more exposed to risk of an accident.
C manual, C+E (artic or W&D) auto would be ok.
Having just read Pete’s original post , I would just like to add that manual cat c and c&e in artic with trailer as short as the regs allow for test , and auto box would be ideal.
Cheers mike
I am waiting for auto for last 4 months simple reason more chances of me passing first time. And also even if you pass it with manual then what are the chances that you will drive artics straight away agency tend to put u on class 2 first. And also if you are that worried of manual then watch youtube movie and learn it with a stick give 10 20 minutes every day. I am looking forward to c+e auto.
I respect all good quality trainers for teaching drivers to drive AND to pass a test.
It seems there is a lot of focus on training someone to pass the test and bugger how they get on in the real world.
Perhaps rather than changing the legislation to reflect changes in technology the powers that be ought to be changing the whole ethos of training drivers (from car upwards) to be better safer drivers.
Rather than bugging people down in the mechanics of moving a steering wheel or gear stick they ought to focus an awful lot more on the practical aspects of constant vigilance and situational awareness.
Peter I’m sure your idea will benefit new drivers and newly qualified CE drivers alike. Wether you can make them realise the benefit of learning your way rather than just passing the test I don’t know
I respect all good quality trainers for teaching drivers to drive AND to pass a test.
My opening words to anyone who I train are:
“I’m not here to get you through a test - I’m here to teach you how to drive a truck (or bus) and by the time I’m done, you’ll have no problems passing the test. We’ll spend the week learning how to do it - seeing the man with the clipboard at the end is just a formality.”
I’ve never subscribed to the “pass your test then learn to drive” theory. IME, the best drive is on test day - it’s frequently downhill afterwards!
Pete
Peter Smythe:
I respect all good quality trainers for teaching drivers to drive AND to pass a test.
My opening words to anyone who I train are:
“I’m not here to get you through a test - I’m here to teach you how to drive a truck (or bus) and by the time I’m done, you’ll have no problems passing the test. We’ll spend the week learning how to do it - seeing the man with the clipboard at the end is just a formality.”
I’ve never subscribed to the “pass your test then learn to drive” theory. IME, the best drive is on test day - it’s frequently downhill afterwards!Pete
My opening words to who I train are:
“I want you to listen to me and trust me”
Paul 
Peter Smythe:
I respect all good quality trainers for teaching drivers to drive AND to pass a test.
My opening words to anyone who I train are:
“I’m not here to get you through a test - I’m here to teach you how to drive a truck (or bus) and by the time I’m done, you’ll have no problems passing the test. We’ll spend the week learning how to do it - seeing the man with the clipboard at the end is just a formality.”
I’ve never subscribed to the “pass your test then learn to drive” theory. IME, the best drive is on test day - it’s frequently downhill afterwards!Pete
This just reinforces my opinion that should I ever be stupid enough to take my PSV or need further training you’d be the man to deliver it.
It also shows me that when I used to train recruits my opening gambit of
“You have two ears and one mouth use then in that ratio and you’ll never go wrong” was probably miles from the mark.
Peter Smythe:
I respect all good quality trainers for teaching drivers to drive AND to pass a test.
My opening words to anyone who I train are:
“I’m not here to get you through a test - I’m here to teach you how to drive a truck (or bus) and by the time I’m done, you’ll have no problems passing the test. We’ll spend the week learning how to do it - seeing the man with the clipboard at the end is just a formality.”
I’ve never subscribed to the “pass your test then learn to drive” theory. IME, the best drive is on test day - it’s frequently downhill afterwards!Pete
When the candidate passes the practical they’ve shown the examiner that they are at a good standard of truck driving.
IMO based on years of experience is that if you know where your going it makes the driving less stressful.
The introduction of sat navs have helped but the driver can get too dependant using them. Always plan your route by looking at a map before setting off and don’t just rely on a sat nav.
My advice to a newly qualified driver is to study a map of the British Isles.
Driving is the same as every job the more experience you have the better you will become at it.
Paul