Who can supervise a B+E learner? +few other questions!

[1928sky]

Having read all the info I think that the updated rule to have passed the actual test currently only applies to C, D and C+E categories which are all lorries and trailers and that I would be fine to tow with a superviser with "grandfather rights".
Do I need to tell insurance company I will be using the vehicle as a learner for a different category?
I had an assessment drive and actually found the reversing relatively easy and road driving was not too horrific, instead of 3 days as originally advised for someone with no towing experience they thought 2 days training would be sufficient- Given the cost I have been considering taking the test in my own vehicle after having a few more hours + own practice. Just wondered if anyone knew anyone who would teach in my own vehicle and is familiar with a test area as my biggest worry is unfamiliar road layouts- choices of test centres for me would be leighton buzzard, Enfield or chelmsford near parents home or watnall, nottingham near my own.
Thanks

 

[competitiondiva]

Yes grandfather rights do still apply for B+E (car/trailer) drivers, BUT you will have to notify your insurance company that you will be driving under the provisional part of your licence when doing this and have them send in writing that you are covered, there was an accident at a test centre when someone was driving their own set up and it wasn't covered therefore all test centres insist on seeing confirmation of insurance cover on the day or you won't be allowed to continue.

Secondly, I've done the test, my friend did it too, she went down the route of doing it without a professional instructor etc, she failed first time and then when she knew exactly what she was supposed to be doing passed second time. As I was confident of driving and reversing a trailer, doing it for years on private land etc, I found an instructor who would do one morning of training and then straight onto test, it made doing the test much less stressfull as I'd been going through it all morning! And the mornings training cost the same as a test fee, I passed first time, so both my friend and I ended up paying the same amount! I did have to hunt high and low to get an instructor to do just a morning, most wanted at the minimum 2 days, but I was confident in my ability and took a gamble. I also got a very good instructor!!!!

 

[pip6]

Yes grandfather rights will be enough. Personally I would tell your insurance company.

I teach people in their own rigs, being a fully qualified driving instructor (ADI) & had many years towing experience, but I am based in Devon/Cornwall area so not much help to you! Will happily answer any questions you have though.

You need an instructor who is familliar with the test as it is easy to fail on some minor points (such as the hitch/unhitch part) rather than the driving bit. However, do be aware that not all instructors offering tuition are qualified like an ADI where they have taken 3 exams, including an ability to teach exam, nor are their teaching abilities reguarly reassessed by the DSA. As such they can be of variable quality, from excellent to not. I would go with personal recommendation from someone who has had a good experience with a company.

Also avoid sharing lessons with other people. Many will advertise a days teaching, but you will share the lesson with another pupil (spending half the time watching from the back seat). This does show you their lessons, but is a poor substitute for 1-2-1 tuition where it is your faults which are being worked on. It is done to increase profit, not for you benefit. Having a lesson with an instructor in your rig will hopefully be 1-2-1.

Hope you pass!