Chris Wilson Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Passed my LGV rigid test (ooh err, mother..) yesterday, and I found it a LOT more difficult than I had imagined, and quite stressful. I was surprised just how fast "making progress" was expected to be in difficult situations. Was thinking of having artic lessons now, whilst all the stuff is still fairly fresh, and before I forget how to properly operate a damned 4 over 4 dual range gearbox How much more difficult was tha artic test over the rigid? Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallshinyant Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Got my C+E while in the army, about 5 years ago or so... its not much harder the only bit that can catch you out is the coupling/decoupling. apart from that your using all the same skills. best do it while your still fresh and have not building up your bad habits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soaruss Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Why didnt you just go for artic in the first place?? could have saved £££££'s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboBrett Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Why didnt you just go for artic in the first place?? could have saved £££££'s you cant just do the C+E anymore you have to do the C first, the artic C+E test is the same tough, i have been doing my cat C, unfortunately i have not passed yet, been one serious every time, it really is hard my step dads a lorry driver and i always took the piss after he cam home from a 10 hour day at work (sitting on his rear all day) but he was knackerd i now know why:d driving forward in an artic is easyer as they bend and whilst the rear axle do under cut you, your already drived to compensate that in the cat C truck driving backwards in alot harder but once you can do it well you dont forget lol, id go for it whilst your still squeeky clean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Yep, have to take them separately these days, more money for the various "bodies" I thought, before I had any training, the Category C test would be a walk in the park, believe me, it has been one of the most stressful 2 weeks ever. I could have driven the thing to Lands End and back after being shown the gear box, without accident, butmeeting the DSA's standards are another thing. It's SO easy to miss something out, waver over a white line, fluff the mirror usage, blah blah, it's been hell, and that's after driving 7.5 tonners for donkey's years! I think I will take the C+E test, before I get even older. For sure, once past 50 it is harder to retain new information, and VERY hard to break old habits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soaruss Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 you cant just do the C+E anymore you have to do the C first, the artic C+E test is the same tough, i have been doing my cat C, unfortunately i have not passed yet, been one serious every time, it really is hard my step dads a lorry driver and i always took the piss after he cam home from a 10 hour day at work (sitting on his rear all day) but he was knackerd i now know why:d driving forward in an artic is easyer as they bend and whilst the rear axle do under cut you, your already drived to compensate that in the cat C truck driving backwards in alot harder but once you can do it well you dont forget lol, id go for it whilst your still squeeky clean Oh right!! I didnt realise that. It was a long time ago when I took mine on car licence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrickTT Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Chris, I think you have to wait after passing your rigid test before you are allowed to do your C+E. Also new drivers have to do an NVQ in Driving skills, and starting from next year a CPC which involves 1 day training every year or your licence will lapse. Not sure if this applies for personal use as well, but definately being a artic driver for a living is going to get very expensive and complicated soon. Driving an artic is way harder than a rigid, its a different set of skills. Get some experience first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absz Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I found the artic much easier to drive than the rigid. you can take tight turns with comfort the backend just follows you around:D took my test over 4 years ago now. reversing was the only part i had to practise on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Well done Mr Wilson! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Thanks Pete Beer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Thanks Pete Beer? I'd love one! A visit is overdue. Nothing planned this weekend so I should be able to make the trip if you're out to play Fri or Sat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev.O Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Well done Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konrad Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 You have 9 days to learn how to drive a bus, wasn't easy either, especially overhanging part and fact that front wheels are behind drivers seat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraHuman Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Passed my LGV rigid test (ooh err, mother..) yesterday, and I found it a LOT more difficult than I had imagined, and quite stressful. I was surprised just how fast "making progress" was expected to be in difficult situations. Was thinking of having artic lessons now, whilst all the stuff is still fairly fresh, and before I forget how to properly operate a damned 4 over 4 dual range gearbox How much more difficult was tha artic test over the rigid? Cheers. Artic units are very easy to drive Chris.They demand a little more room when going around bends and roundabouts.Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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