Recently passed Cat C in Birmingham, where I’ve lived all my life. Now looking to choose a provider for artic training (from the recommended list here, of course!). I assumed I’d stick to Birmingham as it’s convenient and I’m familiar with the routes. However, having contacted a few providers on the outskirts of Brum, I heard the same thing - “I wouldn’t choose Birmingham” - because it’s deemed more difficult (and the lower pass rates seem to back this up). So, pros and cons of going elsewhere…
Pros
Higher pass rates, easier routes (I’ve heard Swynnerton is favoured)
Cons
Unfamiliar (to me) routes - which I think counts for a lot - probably saved me on my last test
Why try to make it easier - am I looking to pass a test, or learn to drive (that’s a whole separate debate!)…if Birmingham is tougher, maybe I should welcome that…better to be challenged while there’s an instructor with you than on your first drive by yourself!
Looks like there’s about a 10% difference in the pass rate between Swynnerton and Birmingham (Garretts Green). I know you can argue it’s up to you how well you drive…but chances are you’re going to get more stressful traffic situations in the likes of Brum than other, quieter, areas…and that can mean more chances for errors. What do you all reckon?
I found the centre at Mansfield Woodhouse great because you learn on the same Tarmac (not muddy yard) as you take the test on. Markers for judging length are in the same place.
Only downside for some is it is a WnD setup. But it got me the category and I’ve been driving Artics regularly since Easter.
Is Bromsgrove the ‘Birmingham’ test centre you refer to?..reading the ‘Need some advice’ post would certainly suggest Bromsgrove are a bit harsh on tests
Tazbug:
Is Bromsgrove the ‘Birmingham’ test centre you refer to?..reading the ‘Need some advice’ post would certainly suggest Bromsgrove are a bit harsh on tests
Tazbug
The ‘Test Center’ I went out of today is actually the yard of Phil Brown HGV Training. He has examiners come in every Tuesday and Thursday to conduct tests. Think most people from Worcester, Redditch, Droitwich, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove use this Centre.
Any further afield, they use birmingham I think.
Its great because you used to have to go down to Gloucester from here to do your test. Also you can use all the marking you usually use for the reverse during your training, in your test.
At 34.16%, Garretts Green has one of the lowest pass rates for LGV tests in the country. Try Rookley test centre on the Isle of Wight, with a massive 87.09% pass rate
Harry Monk:
At 34.16%, Garretts Green has one of the lowest pass rates for LGV tests in the country. Try Rookley test centre on the Isle of Wight, with a massive 87.09% pass rate
Lists Garretts Green (Birmingham) as CLOSED! Only passed my Cat C there a few weeks ago, never heard it was closing.
Also doesn’t appear in the Test Centre search on DFT site.
Looks like they’ve decided for me!
Called VOSA and it is closed forever which usually means that the DSA will have also vacated the site
This is due to happen at VOSA leicester in the next few months
Many LGV schools will now be having difficulties in finding testing facilities however, if a school has an area suitable for the reverse then a DSA LGV examiner can use that either before, after or during the road drive
There are other factors which also need to be in place but those affects the schools more than the trainees
British LGV near Cannock. Great Training provider. New Trucks, Friendly staff. I’ve just driven the test routes for the last 2 days. Mainly open road, not much residential or built up areas. Test station used is Swynnerton.
