7.5t or 18t test - where to train etc

[zoeshiloh]

I seriously need to get off my backside and take one of these tests as we are ordering our new lorry in the next couple of weeks (once we decide exactly what colour we want it, how many horses etc - decisions decisions!!)

I have looked around at various trainers, and there are so many out there I m totally bamboozled. Part of me thinks that taking my 18t makes more sense as then I can decide on a bigger lorry and not have to worry about weight restraints so much. The other part of me thinks I would do better to get experienced at 7.5t first and then decide if I want to upgrade in a few years.

Then I need to decide if I want to take an intensive course, or have weekly lessons. Personally I would prefer a course, but not sure if that is the best way or not - does anyone have experience of either?

And lastly, where to train? Does anyone know of a good, reputable trainer in the Suffolk area? Most of the training lorries I see about are from Hertfordshire or Essex. I don't mind travelling, but it would be silly to if there were someone more local. I have looked on various websites but information seems to be very limited.

Thanks in advance for all your help

 

[cjdjivanovic]

I took my HGV about a year ago and found a school in Yellow Pages. I asked what their pass rate is (ie what percentage pass first time) and that seems a good question to ask.

I don't know how old you are; but if you think you will want a 3 horse lorry, definitely go for the LGV - ie HGV; the training will cost much the same and you don't want to pay all over again in a few years time to upgrade. I'd been driving a 7.5 tonner for 15 years and still had 3 full days' training before I took the test on the 4th morning; if you are starting from scratch (ie not driven anything bigger than a car) you may need 5 full days. Mine cost about £1300 inc VAT, test fee, etc. I think everybody does it the intensive way - I've never heard of anyone having weekly lessons for LGV.

Can't help with a specific recommendation; when you are next at a competition maybe ask the local pro riders / their driving grooms where they did theirs.

 

[moiragedge]

Def do the 18t its the same test will cost you the same approx £1000 for 5 day course and will cover you for all eventualities in the future from 10th Sept this year the test can be taken by an 18 year old. Good luck have done both my rigid and artic so go for it !! I would highly recommend NTS in Norwich they have modern trucks and good instructors not sure where in suffolk you are.

 

[Suffolkangel]

I've not done my test either but have been looking into it. below is the contact details for one in Thetford. They have been very good at answering questions and sending information. Their prices seem reasonable too...
Might be worth sending them an email to see if they can help...

THETFORD TRANSPORT TRAINING
2 REDGATE, THETFORD, NORFOLK, IP24 2HA Tel: / Fax: 01842 762274
www.lgvtraining.com e-mail: enquiries@lgvtraining.com

 

[ladyt25]

As others said, I would def do your HGV as opposed to LGV to be honest for the difference in money. If you've not driven anything bigger than a car then maybe see if you can get some practice with driving something bigger first but in my mind def the HGV makes more sense in the long run.

 

[miketdt]

I would advise you to do the LGV Cat C test and not the LGV C1 test, but you would be best advised to pass your theory test first before spending money on driver training. Then you will understand rules about tachographs and horseboxes over 7.5 tons before you order one.