lgv training cat c

[fergusonforestry]

anyone else find it real hard going? id always fancied it but now i've got the oppertunity im no sure i can hack it, only on day two of training but really questioning whether im suitable for it i get very panicy in town situations and nothing is sinking in feel a bit overwhelmed by just driving the thing let alone doing it properly

[Peter]

I found it a very steep learning curve going from transits to 18 tonne lorry, but it did all come together in the end.

 

Stick with it.

[Goaty]

I was same initially it was intimidating, some instructors I had were stress pots. But 2 were very good. Most people have a casual attitude its only a bit different to other things, reality is quite a bit of adjustment.

You will get the hang of it, I only drive trucks occasionally now. But would prefer to drive a truck over anything else(not a dodgy one tho)

I did mine 16 years ago and only had to go for the C+E

Due to red tape I wouldn't go for it now. Its the easiest way to be fined I think, these days. Also the cpc which has to be done by every commercial LGV driver is a real off putter. 5 days off work. Around £500 in costs. You are looking at the thick end of £1000 at present rates then you need to do it every 5 years, when you reach 45 medicals are up to £150 every 5yrs (i think) after thats what I would be trying to justify. However if you are going to use it regularly give it a bit more practice. Its a good skill to have but not to waste.

[sillytrucker1980]

found it a little intimidating to start with but after a few days / weeks it just felt like i was driving a big transit van its just the gears you have to get used too,then if you go for your class 1 that will propa screw your head up! love lorry driving but i would not do it all again cos there just too much sh1t comes with the job now,hope i never have to drive one again but its always a good thing to have under your belt.

[carlos]

id say you should settle into it after a bit as getting used to the controls is a big part.

good luck ,should get easier with each lesson

carl

[cl3525]

I had the same problem but it will just click once you get over the initial shock of driving such a large vehicle (perhaps not best wording) if in doubt slow it down. I found the gears the hardest part s they tend to be stiff and clunky, and don't be afraid to talk yourself through what you are doing out loud, i find that helps.

 

Good luck

[agrimog]

just got to think positive, every move in a precise way, dont try to snatch gears, double look at every junction, be aware of the length at all times, and most important, especially in town...right of WEIGHT, takes priority...lol

[Treewolf]

I did my HGV 1 years ago (back in the days when you could go straight to HGV 1 from a car licence without doing all the intermediate levels). I did a week's intensive training with the test at the end, and I know exactly what you're feeling.

 

Day 1 was exhilerating but very hard work concentrating so hard for so long.

 

By Day 3 I was totally shattered and convinced that I was never, ever going to be up to standard to pass the test. It had got to the point where I was making silly mistakes (forgetting indicators, missing gears etc) simply because I was nearly brain dead from concentrating so hard for so long.

 

By Day 5 I was beginning to feel that there was a chance, since driving was becoming more instinctive and I was able to relax a little.

 

Day 6, test day, was the first bright sunny day all week, and got off to a good start. The reversing exercise went well, I relaxed, and the drive also went spot on. In the end I passed with 1 "minor" (the examiner reckoned I missed a mirror check; I reckon he just didn't notice me do it, but I wasn't going to argue). I was on cloud 9 for weeks afterwards.

 

My advice - go for it. It won't be easy (if it was everyone would do it), but put in the effort and make it happen. You won't regret it.

[ROG.]

As a LGV instructor from 2005 to 2008 I can tell you how it usually goes over a 5 day course of 1 to 1 half days or 2 to 1 all day

 

DAY

1 - instructor talks all the time

2 - instructor talks half the time

3 - it all goes to pot - DSA/LGV stuff gone in but forgot how to drive!!

4 - after a good night kip it all comes together

5 - test passed

 

Are you also having to pass initial driver cpc so you can drive LGVs commercially?

[fergusonforestry]

thanks fowks its been encouraging to know its not just me lol, due to fowk not turning up ive been by myself with instructor for 2 days don't think it helped on monday being in with someone just refreshing for a re sit

 

 

 

Are you also having to pass initial driver cpc so you can drive LGVs commercially?

 

yes aye done my case study got the practical to look forward to haha