51 years old and just passed Class C practical

[stevielew]

Hi folks, I am 51 years old and passed my Class C practical test this week. I found lots of great advice in the LGV Training Tips post on this site, which really helped me with my test (thanks to ROG for taking the time to compile the guide).

I wanted to share a couple of things that might be useful to anybody currently practicing DSA driving techniques in their car ahead of starting training.

1. Get used the Push/Pull Steering technique.
   I thought that this was just about not crossing your hands, then discovered that I had not understood it on my first day in a lorry. There is a link below to a video that explains how to do it properly.
   https://youtu.be/1gqMxU35AJU

2. Pass Through Mirror Checks
   I failed my first test, as I did not do a single pass through check and the repeated minor faults became a major. The pass through checks are:
   Checking the off side mirror when oncoming lorries, buses or other large vehicle pass you. The check is to make sure that the other large vehicle passed you safely.
   Checking the near side mirror when you pass pedestrians or other hazards close to the edge of the kerb to make sure that they are safe. Also check near side mirror after passing parked cars (even if they are in a lay by if they are close to the carriageway).

[dead_duck]

I was told about the pass checks as soon as I got behind the wheel. When I had cars parked on my left I was told to check the first passed car, then somewhere in the middle and then the last one. When I forgot to look in the mirror, I was immediately reminded. Every single fault was mentioned to me and explained.
When I failed my CE it was because of me panicking and not slowing down to gain a second to think again.
I didn’t pay a lot of money to have a nice chap sitting next to me enjoying the drive but to be told about all mistakes/faults I was making.

[rog]