LGV HGV PCV PSV FORKLIFT HIAB TRAINING
Lorry Driver Training (Steve Robertson DTp. A.D.I.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
- How do I apply for an LGV Provisional licence ?
- Are there any grants available ?
- I drive a 7.5 ton lorry.......will I need a full course ?
- What is the pass mark for the LGV Theory Test ?
- Is there any COMPULSORY waiting time between C and C+E training ?
- How long is the test ?
- What if I fail ?
- Is the test any easier in a flat bed lorry?
- What is best.........one to one or shared tuition?
- What is the difference between LGV and HGV?
- Where is Steve Robertson Training Services Located?
- What are the new Show Me & Tell Me questions?
- Do you offer "Guaranteed pass" courses?
- What other courses do you offer?
- What if I have to cancel?
- How long does it ALL take start to finish?
- Do you accept credit and debit cards?
If your question is not here please email us at: lorrydrivertraining@talktalk.net
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How do I apply for an LGV Provisional licence ?
For a Category C provisional licence you must be 18 years or over and hold a FULL Category B (Car Licence).
Minimum age for Category C1 (7.5 ton lorry) is 18 years
Minimum age for Category C1+E (7.5 ton lorry & trailer) is 18 years
The Post Office should have a stock of the application forms you will need, ask for a VOC pack (vocational licence pack).
The first stage is to contact your Doctor to arrange a medical. The Doctor will complete the form D4, send forms D2 & D4 to Swansea.
Doctors offering a reduced rate for the LGV Medical
The provisional licence you need to apply for is Category C.
Send the above forms, (ALL LGV & PCV licences are currently FREE) and BOTH parts of your existing car licence to:
DVLA, SWANSEA, SA99 1BR.
see also TEN STEPS
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Are there any grants available ?
We are registered Learning Providers for the DfES,
The Department for Education and Skills http://www.dfes.gov.uk/index.htm
Career Development Loans CDL's http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/
Candidates residing in certain North Devon Rural Areas may be eligible for a grant, please contact Lisa Downie at http://www.leaderplus.co.uk/ for details
Torridge Parishes
Abbotsham, Abbots Bickington, Alverdiscott, Alwington, Ashreigney, Ashwater, Beaford, Bideford, Black Torrington, Bradford, Bradworthy, Bridgerule, Broadwoodwidger, Buckland Brewer, Buckland Filleigh, Bulkworthy, Clawton, Clovelly, Cookbury, Dolton, Dowland, East Putford, Frithelstock, Great Torrington, Halwill, Hartland,High Bickington, Hollacombe, Holsworthy, Holsworthy Hamlets, Huish, Huntshaw, Landcross, Langtree, Littleham,
Little Torrington, Luffincott, Merton, Milton Damerel, Monkleigh, Northam, Northcott, Newton St Petrock, Pancrasweek, Parkham, Peters Marland, Petrockstow, Pyworthy, Roborough, Shebbear, Sheepwash,
St Giles in the Wood, St Giles on the Heath, Sutcombe, Tetcott, Thornbury, Virginstow, Weare Giffard, Welcombe, West Putford, Winkleigh, Woolsery, Yarnscombe, Lundy.
North Devon Parishes
Ashford, Atherington, Bishops Nympton, Bishops Tawton, Braunton, Burrington, Chittlehamholt, Chittlehampton, Chulmleigh, East Worlington, Filleigh, Fremington,George Nympton, Goodleigh, Heanton Punchardon, Instow, Kings Nympton, Landkey, Mariansleigh, Marwood, Meshaw, Newton Tracey, Queens Nympton, Rackenford, Romansleigh, Rose Ash, Satterleigh & Warkleigh, Shirwell, South Molton, Swimbridge, Tawstock, Westleigh, West Pilton, Witheridge.
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I drive a 7.5 ton lorry.......will I need a full course ?
Probably Yes, Although it is an advantage to be familiar with the difference in width and length compared to a car. The actual driving style you will be taught is TOTALLY different to driving a car........and most drivers pick up at least a few bad habits over the years !
......The majority of our customers upgrading from a car to a Category C Large Goods Vehicle opt for a full five day course, you could however have a shorter course if you wish.
Remember, it could be false economy to "cut corners" with a shorter course and then attempt the driving test when not properly prepared.
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What is the pass mark for the LGV Theory Test ?
The LGV Theory Test is a multi-choice exam, read the questions carefully you will sometimes be asked to select more than one answer !
There is not an actual exam paper, the test is sat at a computer, by simply touching the screen at the answer(s) you have selected. If you are not sure of an answer you can "flag it" and come back to it later. Don't worry, no need to be a computer expert !
The time allowed for completing the LGV Multi choice part of the Theory Test is 2 hours, this should provide ample time to read through and check your answers.
The LGV multi choice part of the theory test exam fee is £35.00
From 4th. August 2008 The multi choice part of the LGV or PCV Theory test is 100 questions The pass mark is 85 correct answers.
Also from 4th. August 2008 the Hazard Perception part will be a separate test. Time allowed is 30 minutes. This is designed to test your hazard perception skills. Basically the earlier you respond to a developing hazard the higher the score ( maximum of 5 points per hazard ). Each developing hazard may require the driver to take some form of action.....such as changing speed or direction. You should respond by "clicking" the mouse button ( either one ) as soon as you detect the developing hazard that may need action.
The LGV hazard perception part of the theory test exam fee is £15.00
There are 20 hazards from 19 video clips the pass mark for the hazard perception test is 67 out of a possible maximum of 100 points.
It is advisable to study the *recommended DSA book before applying for the test. To book an LGV Theory Test telephone 0300 200 1122
* "The Official DSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles" July 2008 edition
The current price for the book is £15.99
We offer a 1 day LGV Theory test training course, covering multi choice and hazard perception elements of the test. Including lots of practice with mock exams.
LGV Theory Test Training course 1 day ONLY £95 + VAT
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Is there any COMPULSORY waiting time between C and C+E training ?
No. As soon as you receive your licence with full Category C Entitlement (Rigid vehicles) you may start lessons to upgrade to a Category C+E (Articulated vehicles).
A full Category C entitlement automatically provides for a provisional C+E.
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How long is the test ?
The LGV practical driving test is conducted over a route of about 26 miles, covering a variety of road and traffic conditions. Routes used could include Dual Carriageway, Motorway, Main 'A' roads, Country Lanes and congested City Centre roads.
The driving test lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes some special exercises. The reversing and controlled braking exercise takes place at the Test Centre before going out on the road. There are other exercises whilst out on test. Candidates for C+E (Artic) tests also have to physically un-couple and re-couple the trailer, this is usually done on their return to the Test Centre.
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What if I fail ?
If you were to fail, we would encourage you to take an early re-test. Suggesting any remedial training that may (or may NOT) be required. From past experience candidates that have failed knew EXACTLY the error committed the moment it happened.........
and DID NOT REQUIRE ANY FURTHER TRAINING BEFORE A RE-TEST
This suggests they had been fully prepared and ready for the test.
Rest assured you would have been taught and practised everything (and more) that you need to know to pass first time........it really is up to you on the day.
Our first time pass rate is about 70%.
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Is the test any easier in a flat bed lorry?
No. The test is marked to the same standard regardless of type of training vehicle. We believe a realistic sized vehicle can actually help, it certainly makes candidates more aware of the size and the need to frequently perform their mirror checks. Another factor to consider is what you will be driving once you have passed, even a flat bed lorry will be carrying a load !
Finally, in my opinion, the DSA driving examiners prefer to see that candidates are capable of safely handling a "proper" sized vehicle........
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What is best.....one to one or shared tuition?
There is no quick answer to this one! At the end of the day it is down to personal choice, I have included some factors to consider below:-
Some students learn better by watching, some by practical experience, most learn by a mixture of the two. When learning, one student to one instructor, students do not always fully absorb the information being explained.........it is very difficult to concentrate fully on driving AND listen carefully to what the instructor is explaining during the drive.
However, when learning two to one there are several advantages. You get a break from driving when the other student drives. When not driving it is easier to "hear" the instructor and plan how you would have approached the situation or hazard. You will learn from each others mistakes, (everyone makes mistakes). Discussion with your fellow student can help alleviate any pre-test "nerves" and worries.
In the interests of safety we restrict one to one training to 4 hours per day.
We offer ONE to ONE or SHARED tuition......The choice is yours.
What is the difference between LGV and HGV?
Absolutely NOTHING ! Its just a name change.
I don't actually know WHY they changed the name, but it was changed in 1992 !!
LGV is the new name for HGV, instead of Heavy Goods Vehicles they are now named Large Goods Vehicles.
HGV Class 1 (Artics)..... is now named LGV Category C+E (Minimum age 18 years)
HGV Classes 2 & 3 (Rigids)..... is now named LGV Category C (Minimum age 18 years)
7.5 Ton lorry..... is now named Category C1 (Minimum age 18 years)
7.5 Ton lorry with trailer..... is now named Category C1+E (Minimum age 18 years)
Where is SRTS Limited Located?
We currently have 2 training centres:
EXETER and PLYMOUTH
We regularly train students from the following areas:
Exeter, Okehampton, Launceston, Cullompton, Taunton, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton,
Plymouth, Saltash, Liskeard, Bodmin, Truro, Totnes, Dartmouth, Barnstaple, Torrington, Bude,
Honiton, Bideford, Holsworthy, Tavistock, Tiverton, Crediton etc.
Established 1989
Sorry, We do not have training centres nationally, Just in the South West !
We are NOT a national franchised operation but an established local family owned business, big enough to cope and small enough to provide personal service.
What are the new Show Me & Tell Me questions?
These questions are normally asked at the start of the practical driving test, for Category C licence (Rigid vehicles) there are a combination of five questions.
Category C+E (Articulated vehicles) there are a combination of two questions.
The actual combinations of the questions can be viewed by clicking the link below:
Show Me & Tell Me Combinations
Do you offer "Guaranteed pass" courses?
Sorry we do not offer these courses. I do not know how anyone could honestly offer such a guarantee. It really is up to the candidate to get it right "on the day".
Missing one mirror check or striking the kerb could result in a fail.........Any instructor could train a candidate for weeks or even months and the candidate could still make a mistake on the test.
Our guarantee is you will be taught everything you need to know to pass first time.
And if you guarantee you won't make any mistakes I GUARANTEE you will pass !
Our overall pass rate is more than 90%, First time pass rate is approximately 68%.
Current DSA
figures for the Overall National U.K. Driving Test pass rates are:
42.3 % for Car (Category B)
44.1
% for Bus (Category D)
46.7% for Lorry (Category C)
What other courses do you offer?
CSCS Health & Safety cards for the construction industry
Forklift Truck Training and Certification at our training centre or at Customers premises
FLT Training available in the South West, The Midlands & South East
Rough Terrain Telescopic Handler training & certification
Lorry Mounted Crane ( HIAB ) Training and Certification
LGV Cat. C or C+E refresher courses, suitable for someone who hasn't driven an Artic or Rigid Lorry for a while and needs a confidence boost !
Specialist reversing training (Artics & Rigids)
PCV Bus, Coach and minibus (D1) driver training
Advanced LGV Driver training
Scissor & Platform Lifts
Digital Tachograph Training
Mini Diggers using OUR Machine or yours
Manual Handling
If it is a last minute illness or accident, providing you can supply a copy of a Doctors certificate, there would be also be no charge for cancellation. If, however, the candidate simply failed to appear at the start of training without contacting us or notifying us in writing, the full training cost would be still be payable.
There is nothing worse for any training establishment than to have a candidate booked to start and just not turn up.........our training vehicle is booked for the course, the instructor's wages would still have to be paid, it is then too late to arrange a substitute candidate and the DSA test fee would also be lost ! ( The DSA require 10 CLEAR working days notice to cancel a driving test, not including weekends, otherwise the test fee is forfeited )
How long does it ALL take start to finish?
Well it really depends on how motivated the candidate is !
It is quite a long process, see our page TEN STEPS.
The start point is from when you have your LGV Medical..........
LGV Provisional licence can be back from DVLA in 5 to 10 days
Whilst waiting for your provisional licence to be returned you could be studying for the LGV Theory test, when your provisional arrives you can book the LGV theory test.
Next is the 5 day intensive driving course.
To give you an idea we trained an ex-BA Pilot Captain Rick Fitch, Rick passed everything...........in about 9 weeks from taking medical !
When I say everything it included:
LGV Theory & Hazard Perception test
Cat. C Rigid vehicles
Cat. C+E Articulated vehicles
ADR Hazardous goods course, for the transportation and carriage of dangerous goods
Lorry Mounted Loader Crane course (HIAB) etc.
Do you accept credit and debit cards?
Yes, all major credit & debit cards are accepted