Idiots guide to lorries

MistletoeMegan

MistletoeMegan

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Hello,

I wondered if any kind souls could give me a simple, idiots guide to lorries and licenses?

Basically, I am looking to be able to drive a 3+ horse lorry in the future (not too near unfortunately!) and as I am quite dumb I cannot work out what license I will need for this and what tests I need to take
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I just have my car license atm and passed my test after 1997 if that is of any relevance.

Thanks
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If I was you I would do the HGV test - not bother with the 7.5t one as it is the same price and then you can drive anything up to an artic but still not tow.... Once you've got that one it is about the same price to do your artic as the trailer test and then you can also tow trailers.

I am sometimes really glad I am old.
 
Firstly the term HGV is dead and buried long ago, along with class 1,class 2 or class 3. The New categories are C1 up to 7.5 ton or category C over 7.5 ton and up to 32 tons or C+E artic tractor unit plus trailer or lorry and trailer.
If you are over 21 years of age then you are best adviced to take category C test . You need to have a medical to get your license this your doctor will charge your for, and you need to pass a lorry theory test plus hazard perception test both at the same time. Then you can apply for your category C test. From September 2009 a C1,C or C+E license will be much harder to get and a lot more expensive. Good Luck.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Firstly the term HGV is dead and buried long ago, along with class 1,class 2 or class 3. The New categories are C1 up to 7.5 ton or category C over 7.5 ton and up to 32 tons or C+E artic tractor unit plus trailer or lorry and trailer.
If you are over 21 years of age then you are best adviced to take category C test . You need to have a medical to get your license this your doctor will charge your for, and you need to pass a lorry theory test plus hazard perception test both at the same time. Then you can apply for your category C test. From September 2009 a C1,C or C+E license will be much harder to get and a lot more expensive. Good Luck.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you for your reply
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What are the changes from Sept 2009? That would probably have been the cheapest time for me to do it otherwise, as I will get a bonus then that would cover the cost of an intensive course and test, as costs stand at the moment.
 
Hello there,

I too passed my test after 1997- it was 1998 to be exact- ggrrr!

I have had my own lorries for many years and have always had to have someone "sit me up" to drive- all my shows are at least an hour away and take all day so I needed my own transport.

I splurged and bought a fab 1999 new build merc a year and a half ago and (even though I still have another 6 years loan to pay for it) thought I really need to do my test.

As I had my own vehicle I did not do the HGV, my lorry is lovely to drive and after getting my provisional and passing the theory, I am proud to say I passed my test first time in March 2007. It cost me £600.00 to get the licence.

The problem with HGV's, is that the law has changed and even private now have to comply with commercial licences- i.e tacograph chart keeping, 15 min breaks every 4.5 hours, only able to drive 6 days a week etc. I showjump and need my transport every week, but as my horse is 17.2hh I needed a big lorry with 8ft headroom.

The 3.5 tonne lorries are no more than vans, IMHO, they are fine for some ponies but not for big horses. The little renault master ones seem fairly stable but you may as well have a trailer, as there is no living in most of them.

The cost of running a lorry with the tax (which is actually cheaper than my car!), insurance, plate and so on is really high. But, having said that, I love my lorry and we have had such fun at away shows like Bicton, it is an absolute must for me.


Good luck to you, get your licence. The freedom I have now I have it is quite wonderful. Although, I must say I would not want to do that test ever again so make sure you pass first time!

Enjoy!

XXXXXXXXXx

I bo
 
Just to correct what Mellissa said after 4.5 hours driving you must take a minimum of 45 minutes break and your daily work period must not exceed 11 hours and records kept for 2 years. The fines are massive. Beautiful horses.
 
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