LGV Training. Made me cry.

[ROMANY 1959]

That is well out of order... your first LGV lesson on he road and he lost it with you...
report him to the police and get your money back. If you go back for a second lesson, then you are accepting what happened in the first lesson, and should something again happen it would be more difficult to get a refund ... but for sure report him.. my future D.I.L had similar with a driving instructor last year, it put her off learning till we found her a reputable well respected one..

 

[Abi90]

It is absolutely assault. Go to the police!

 

[Goldenstar]

Contact the LGV instructors register and make a complaint.
01952 520210

Definatly it’s not acceptable for him to touch you .

 

[Remi'sMum]

Poor you, this sounds a truly horrible experience. Definitely assault, completely uncalled for and utterly unprofessional.

Have you decided about tomorrow? As others have said, if you go back, it might constitute or imply acceptance of how he has behaved, and make a subsequent complaint harder. I know you’ve spent a lot of money on the training but your confidence, as well as your sense of justice, is priceless.

Sending hugs x

 

[View]

Demand your money back in writing, name and shame this bully.

Things have moved on since it was accepted for instructors on large vehicles to do this decades ago.

Part of my job involves mentoring and assessing brand new bus drivers - I would NEVER behave as this individual did. It's our role as instructors/mentors to find a way to keep you safe and relaxed because you can't learn if you are stressed and panicking. Yes, I sometimes give a swift, firm instruction to prevent a risk becoming a dangerous situation - but then we discuss it over a cuppa and use it as a learning experience.

Please, get your money back and find a real instructor - someone who will restore your confidence, not destroy it.

Good luck!

 

[Annie B.]

www.gov.uk have a page to make a formal complaint about a driving instructor. I hope you are ok, the man is an arse pure and simple. Do not let this stop you carrying on. Xx

 

[Mouse19]

Ok so. I called 101 and got some advice. The lady I spoke to said that if I wanted to take things further I need to go to the local police station. It does constitute as assault and they take it seriously.

I’ll be honest. I freaked out about doing this. I’ve spoken to my partner who has gone ballistic. He thinks I either go to the police tomorrow or I try again tomorrow and speak to the guy before I go out.

I know I should have gone to the police but feel like I’ve not had the strength to do it

 

[ROG]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us what school it is so others can make their own mind up as to whether they use them or not

No point in people only giving good reviews on companies

 

[Magnetic Sparrow]

If it was me I would be asking for a refund based on the fact that he assaulted you and lost his temper, then find somewhere where the instructor isn't a nutter who ruins his clients' confidence. I would mention that you have taken advice from the police. I would probably not prosecute, but I would be reporting the chap to his professional body.

I agree with Rog as well, the name of the company involved would be useful information.

 

[Sandstone1]

Its not acceptable. If you dont feel you can complain in person write or email the company and tell them you want a full refund.
Tell them you have taken advice from the police.

 

[BBP]

Honestly if it was menabd this has happened today I would struggle to go into a lesson tomorrow with the right mental state to make the most of a lesson, I’d be worrying about him kicking off again and it would put me off driving. Regardless of the physical contact he sounds incredibly volatile and unable to cope himself with a learner driver.

Completely different scenario but Ive been trying to get a refund from a dog trainer who was very harsh and unfair on my dog, which was not the kind gentle training I believed I was paying for. I too was in tears during the session (couldnt wait til after!) and felt too uncomfortable to speak to him about it so copped out and sent him an email instead. So far he has refused to refund me the remaining 4 sessions and is ignoring my follow up emails, so I am about to let loose with the clauses of legislation that I believe entitle me to one. Perhaps do a little research about the rules and regulations he has to operate under and figure out which he has breached (there must be conduct and/or misleading you into purchasing a service you would not have purchased had you known about this) so that you are better armed to ask for a refund.

 

[EventingMum]

I totally understand your reticence to complain but this really isn't acceptable. You are there to be taught and the way he reacted isn't conducive to learning apart from the issue of assult. IMO he really isn't the sort of person who should be teaching if he can't conduct himself in a professional manner.

If you do go back tomorrow you need to ask yourself if you will be in the right frame of mind to learn? It will take strenght of character to take this further but as others have said it may prevent him from acting this way in the future. I would suggest you write down exactly what happened as factually as you can while it's still fresh in your mind and you are not swayed by any other factors. I and I'm sure others too, would have huge respect for you if you do make a stand over this.

Truck driving is still seen as a male-dominated industry and I have heard of other females feeling intimidated. I was horrified of some of the conversations my son was party to when he did his test - the other learner he was partnered with was showing the instructor his home made porn video, the instructor didn't turn a hair.

 

[PapaverFollis]

Misogyny is alive and well indeed. I very much doubt this "instructor" would have hit and yelled at a male pupil in the same way.

*many many many swearing words*

 

[paddy555]

Ok so. I called 101 and got some advice. The lady I spoke to said that if I wanted to take things further I need to go to the local police station. It does constitute as assault and they take it seriously.

I’ll be honest. I freaked out about doing this. I’ve spoken to my partner who has gone ballistic. He thinks I either go to the police tomorrow or I try again tomorrow and speak to the guy before I go out.

I know I should have gone to the police but feel like I’ve not had the strength to do it

I would go back tomorrow, sit down with him and explain you were far from happy with your treatment today. Point out that you have contacted the police and it is classed as assault. You are undecided whether to take the matter further with the police.
Advise him that his training methods did not work for you today and to a large extent your lesson was pointless as it restricted your learning. Advise him that you intend for him to get you through the test as that is what you are paying for. Give him a choice. Either you can both start again, he keeps himself under control and realises that you need help not hitting and shouting. Alternatively, he can call it a day and refund your fees.

 

[DabDab]

Misogyny is alive and well indeed. I very much doubt this "instructor" would have hit and yelled at a male pupil in the same way.

*many many many swearing words*

Indeed
Which is why I'm afraid I would not have been as respectable as most of the lovely people in this thread - I would have walked out on the training when he did it and then gone back to get my refund with a decent helping of harmless but ugly looking 'muscle' as backup. Not the independent woman thing to do, but sometimes trying to reason with idiots is like filing your teeth

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would go back tomorrow, sit down with him and explain you were far from happy with your treatment today. Point out that you have contacted the police and it is classed as assault. You are undecided whether to take the matter further with the police.
Advise him that his training methods did not work for you today and to a large extent your lesson was pointless as it restricted your learning. Advise him that you intend for him to get you through the test as that is what you are paying for. Give him a choice. Either you can both start again, he keeps himself under control and realises that you need help not hitting and shouting. Alternatively, he can call it a day and refund your fees.

If you do go back, please make sure that you take a witness with you. I wouldn't advise you to go back though.

 

[milliepops]

Indeed
Which is why I'm afraid I would not have been as respectable as most of the lovely people in this thread - I would have walked out on the training when he did it and then gone back to get my refund with a decent helping of harmless but ugly looking 'muscle' as backup. Not the independent woman thing to do, but sometimes trying to reason with idiots is like filing your teeth

And me. My first thought on reading the OP was that I'd have got out of the cab there and then and got OH to help sort it after. No point trying to reason with someone that behaves like that.

 

[Bob notacob]

Misogyny is alive and well indeed. I very much doubt this "instructor" would have hit and yelled at a male pupil in the same way.

*many many many swearing words*

In all honesty ,I doubt if this is true.I would expect that he treats his male pupils exactly the same. I knew of one instructor who would rap the culprits knuckles with a ruler.When you start LGV training it is assumed that you are basically a competent driver and just need to learn the greater control and anticipation required for a far larger and deadlier machine. You caused a dangerous incident to all around you . You didnt just make a slight misjudgement as might be expected of a trainee lgv driver .It was the sort of action that would have required dual controls ( as in learning to drive a car) ta avert .

 

[Farmer Chalk]

I am afraid I have to agree with Bob... and I am not a misogynist..

Throughout my career I was trained by Police instructors and passed a Class 1 Police Pursuit course, a Class One HGV and a PCV course plus a whole variety of other specialist vehicle courses...It was common practice to get a ruler or a whack when making a mistake...it focussed the mind and made sure you didn’t do it again... it was never meant as an assault just as a memory jogger so you didn’t get it wrong again...
Some may suggest that today such behaviour is not appropriate...but I don’t agree this is an assault... tell the instructor that you don’t expect to be hit and move on and pass the course...!
Complaining and reporting to police isn’t going to help anyone...

The reason it was done is to get the learner to focus! Driving a LGV should never be taken lightly...you make a mistake in a car and you dent the car... you make a mistake in a truck and the consequences are far more serious!

I know this is going to start a deluge of abuse but driving a truck is serious business.

 

[meleeka]

I am afraid I have to agree with Bob... and I am not a misogynist..

Throughout my career I was trained by Police instructors and passed a Class 1 Police Pursuit course, a Class One HGV and a PCV course plus a whole variety of other specialist vehicle courses...It was common practice to get a ruler or a whack when making a mistake...it focussed the mind and made sure you didn’t do it again... it was never meant as an assault just as a memory jogger so you didn’t get it wrong again...
Some may suggest that today such behaviour is not appropriate...but I don’t agree this is an assault... tell the instructor that you don’t expect to be hit and move on and pass the course...!
Complaining and reporting to police isn’t going to help anyone...

The reason it was done is to get the learner to focus! Driving a LGV should never be taken lightly...you make a mistake in a car and you dent the car... you make a mistake in a truck and the consequences are far more serious!

I know this is going to start a deluge of abuse but driving a truck is serious business.

The OP has said It did the opposite and ruined her lesson so even if it was done for a purpose It backfired somewhat. I’m also quite sure that OP knows what a serious business truck driving is without her being assaulted to drive the point home. Reporting it to the police will make it easier to get a refund for the unused hours and honestly, it’s only right that there are consequences to treating people like that.

 

[Mule]

The OP has said It did the opposite and ruined her lesson so even if it was done for a purpose It backfired somewhat. I’m also quite sure that OP knows what a serious business truck driving is without her being assaulted to drive the point home. Reporting it to the police will make it easier to get a refund for the unused hours and honestly, it’s only right that there are consequences to treating people like that.

Agreed. Macho bull has no place in a teaching environment.

 

[Abi90]

I am afraid I have to agree with Bob... and I am not a misogynist..

Throughout my career I was trained by Police instructors and passed a Class 1 Police Pursuit course, a Class One HGV and a PCV course plus a whole variety of other specialist vehicle courses...It was common practice to get a ruler or a whack when making a mistake...it focussed the mind and made sure you didn’t do it again... it was never meant as an assault just as a memory jogger so you didn’t get it wrong again...
Some may suggest that today such behaviour is not appropriate...but I don’t agree this is an assault... tell the instructor that you don’t expect to be hit and move on and pass the course...!
Complaining and reporting to police isn’t going to help anyone...

The reason it was done is to get the learner to focus! Driving a LGV should never be taken lightly...you make a mistake in a car and you dent the car... you make a mistake in a truck and the consequences are far more serious!

I know this is going to start a deluge of abuse but driving a truck is serious business.

Still not acceptable. I train people to control Fast Jets over the UK (busiest airspace in the world) where if they make a mistake the consequences are again far greater than making a mistake in a lorry. It would be wholly unacceptable to smack any of the students to drive home the point! If anything, it would make things a lot worse.

Controlling aircraft is a very serious business and neither the military or civilian controllers get taught by being hit by their instructors! I imagine it happened 20 odd years ago but definitely not now, we’ve moved on, so should you.

 

[angrybird1]

Would anyone think it's acceptable to be hit by their riding instructor? Of course not! It's definatly not right in hit someone. I'd not go back. I would be talking to the instructor and demanding a full refund or taking it further with the police.

 

[Red-1]

I am afraid I have to agree with Bob... and I am not a misogynist..

Throughout my career I was trained by Police instructors and passed a Class 1 Police Pursuit course, a Class One HGV and a PCV course plus a whole variety of other specialist vehicle courses...It was common practice to get a ruler or a whack when making a mistake...it focussed the mind and made sure you didn’t do it again... it was never meant as an assault just as a memory jogger so you didn’t get it wrong again...
Some may suggest that today such behaviour is not appropriate...but I don’t agree this is an assault... tell the instructor that you don’t expect to be hit and move on and pass the course...!
Complaining and reporting to police isn’t going to help anyone...

The reason it was done is to get the learner to focus! Driving a LGV should never be taken lightly...you make a mistake in a car and you dent the car... you make a mistake in a truck and the consequences are far more serious!

I know this is going to start a deluge of abuse but driving a truck is serious business.

I was trained by the same people as you but, sadly for me in that situation, I am a female. We did the LGV class 2 in a 39ft wagon, my co-student was male. He got the time in an industrial estate car park to familiarise with the vehicle, then drove it on quieter roads, and by the end of the session was on a small road by the football ground in the city centre.


I was expecting to be driven back to a car park, but no, I was told to get in for my first time, on this road. 1 junction and a major roundabout later, I was on the main ring road for the city. I asked about it once the course was over and he said he did not want to waste a course on a female, and if he had scared me enough on the first day I would give up and a man could have the course.


He smacked my wrist, spat, swore, spoke about women etc etc. the whole course. I actually took it as a challenge and bettered myself (got the class 1 privately after a very few lessons), but that was no way to do it. I also tore a strip off him when it was over.


Truck driving is indeed a serious business, but even if he has touched her to get focus the abuse afterwards "losing it" was out of order.


However, I don't think anything will be gained by reporting him to the Police. They honestly have bigger fish to fry. I would, however, use the threat to get my money back.

 

[ROG]

NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY

I think I made my point !!

 

[Mule]

I was trained by the same people as you but, sadly for me in that situation, I am a female. We did the LGV class 2 in a 39ft wagon, my co-student was male. He got the time in an industrial estate car park to familiarise with the vehicle, then drove it on quieter roads, and by the end of the session was on a small road by the football ground in the city centre.


I was expecting to be driven back to a car park, but no, I was told to get in for my first time, on this road. 1 junction and a major roundabout later, I was on the main ring road for the city. I asked about it once the course was over and he said he did not want to waste a course on a female, and if he had scared me enough on the first day I would give up and a man could have the course.


He smacked my wrist, spat, swore, spoke about women etc etc. the whole course. I actually took it as a challenge and bettered myself (got the class 1 privately after a very few lessons), but that was no way to do it. I also tore a strip off him when it was over.


Truck driving is indeed a serious business, but even if he has touched her to get focus the abuse afterwards "losing it" was out of order.


However, I don't think anything will be gained by reporting him to the Police. They honestly have bigger fish to fry. I would, however, use the threat to get my money back.

That was disgraceful. He was probably disappointed you passed the course. It sounds like he didn't think woman should drive a hgv. I'm glad you let him have it afterwards.

 

[Rowreach]

I was trained by the same people as you but, sadly for me in that situation, I am a female. We did the LGV class 2 in a 39ft wagon, my co-student was male. He got the time in an industrial estate car park to familiarise with the vehicle, then drove it on quieter roads, and by the end of the session was on a small road by the football ground in the city centre.


I was expecting to be driven back to a car park, but no, I was told to get in for my first time, on this road. 1 junction and a major roundabout later, I was on the main ring road for the city. I asked about it once the course was over and he said he did not want to waste a course on a female, and if he had scared me enough on the first day I would give up and a man could have the course.


He smacked my wrist, spat, swore, spoke about women etc etc. the whole course. I actually took it as a challenge and bettered myself (got the class 1 privately after a very few lessons), but that was no way to do it. I also tore a strip off him when it was over.


Truck driving is indeed a serious business, but even if he has touched her to get focus the abuse afterwards "losing it" was out of order.


However, I don't think anything will be gained by reporting him to the Police. They honestly have bigger fish to fry. I would, however, use the threat to get my money back.

Same era I suspect, and my instructor spent his time either hitting me on the wrist or trying to grope me. But he had a very high pass rate so I simply wheeled in the big guns (friend's 6'4" brother who pretended to be my bf), made it clear I wouldn't tolerate that kind of thing, and the instructor instantly turned uber-professional and was brilliant from then on.

I think OP you decide if you are going to carry on, having told him you won't stand for it, or as above, use his behaviour to get a refund.

 

[henmother]

Sound very much like the bloke who trained me for my B&E, he screamed and swore at me . Are you in the north east? I even recorded one of his rants one day as I don't think folk believed how he went on. My brothers wanted to come with me so they could kindly explain his behaviour was unacceptable. He made me nervous to the extent that on the morning of my test he told me I was wasting my effing money going for it . Told him to get in the office and let me practice, I performed the manoeuvre PERFECTLY ! He came out and gave me a hug !! Had the audacity to ask or me to leave a review , ha !
Only stayed with him as I'd already paid for course and he was the closest instructor. I know how you feel , I hope he hasn't knocked your confidence , don't let him win . You can totally do this , I just thought of the end game and thought screw him, I will pass and I will never ever have to share the same air as you !

 

[ROG]

I cannot fathom out why this company has not been named ???????

Is it because the account of what happened is not totally accurate ?

Just my thought on this as I cannot think of another reason UNLESS other members can ..........

 

[StableMum]

NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY
NAME THE TRAINING COMPANY

I think I made my point !!

Please please do, if only to save somebody else from receiving the same treatment. This is despicable behaviour and could destroy somebody. I think particularly of my daughter who is seeking this type of instruction and if this happened to her I dread to think how it would effect her. You need to report this to some sort of regulating body, what if his tempter had escalated...?