Hello, decided back in march to go for my HGV licence as self employed but wanted some regular money coming in that’s lockdown proof. Done the medical, sent the forms off. Had a big mix up by DVLA, sent the forms off again. Eventually got my provisional C licence back after a very long time. Passed the theory tests but stuck at a crossroads of what to do next. The original school I planned to do my C licence training and test with is busy till 2022.
Now the rule change is coming in to go straight to C+E I’m thinking of going that route. Done my B+E test a few years ago but have been towing and manouvering trailers for twenty years behind 4x4’s and Transit vans so not completely new to towing.
Also have a couple of offers of work on rigids at companies I’ve done some van driving work for in the past.
So main thing I want to ask on here is am I making life much more difficult for myself wanting to go straight to a C+E licence or is the fact that the test is being broken up into separate segments for reversing etc going to make it easier to pass?
As we all know this is an expensive process whichever way you go about it so want to give myself every advantage possible.
The reversing principals are the same for car and trailer as they are for artic so I would go for CE
ROG:
The reversing principals are the same for car and trailer as they are for artic so I would go for CE
I think so too. Now I have to find somewhere that does C+E training without a C licence and update my provisional.
Well worth a call to the form sponsor- Peter Smythe Transport Training on 01623 555661. Full range of courses on offer including residential at no extra cost .
Car to artic is £2750. 10% discount for Trucknet users which makes it £2475.
Strongly recommend Pass Protection @£375. This covers the costs of 3 x reverse test retests plus 3 x driving retests. This is the closest to a guaranteed pass you’ll get.
And, as forum sponsor, they can’t afford to screw up!
Out of interest, a DAF LF with a shorter trailer is being added to the fleet.
Must be worth a call. 
Pete S
I sounds like a good choice. A C+E licence gives you good scope and if you stay healthy, it is always something to fall back on and it looks like there will be plenty of work for the foreseeable for anyone wanting it.
It can be a hard boring job at times, but to a large extent it is what you make it and a lot more notice is being made of conditions and pay levels at the moment too. Don’t know how long that will last, mind you.
You don’t have to do it forever, but it is always there as an option. I kind of take the attitude that if I was going to start a business I would have done it by now, so just satisfy myself with keeping the wolf from the door driving and doing it in a safe and responsible manner.
Pete S:
Well worth a call to the form sponsor- Peter Smythe Transport Training on 01623 555661. Full range of courses on offer including residential at no extra cost .Car to artic is £2750. 10% discount for Trucknet users which makes it £2475.
Strongly recommend Pass Protection @£375. This covers the costs of 3 x reverse test retests plus 3 x driving retests. This is the closest to a guaranteed pass you’ll get.
And, as forum sponsor, they can’t afford to screw up!
Out of interest, a DAF LF with a shorter trailer is being added to the fleet.
Must be worth a call.
Pete S
Going to call them as soon as I see what happens with my provisional C licence on the 15th. The pass protection is such a good idea considering others charge around that for a retest anyway and knowing I’d have the chance to get three more goes would probably take the pressure off to help me pass first time, so definitely worth the extra.
Noremac:
I sounds like a good choice. A C+E licence gives you good scope and if you stay healthy, it is always something to fall back on and it looks like there will be plenty of work for the foreseeable for anyone wanting it.It can be a hard boring job at times, but to a large extent it is what you make it and a lot more notice is being made of conditions and pay levels at the moment too. Don’t know how long that will last, mind you.
You don’t have to do it forever, but it is always there as an option. I kind of take the attitude that if I was going to start a business I would have done it by now, so just satisfy myself with keeping the wolf from the door driving and doing it in a safe and responsible manner.
Exactly my thoughts too. The CPC must be a pain for people who dip in and out of the job though but no major drama. I’d be happy with the rigid job for a good while but nice to know I’ve got the option of towing too.
Pete S:
Well worth a call to the form sponsor- Peter Smythe Transport Training on 01623 555661. Full range of courses on offer including residential at no extra cost .Car to artic is £2750. 10% discount for Trucknet users which makes it £2475.
Strongly recommend Pass Protection @£375. This covers the costs of 3 x reverse test retests plus 3 x driving retests. This is the closest to a guaranteed pass you’ll get.
And, as forum sponsor, they can’t afford to screw up!
Out of interest, a DAF LF with a shorter trailer is being added to the fleet.
Must be worth a call.
Pete S
Just out of interest to compare how much is the C course at Peter Smythes?
Just out of interest to compare how much is the C course at Peter Smythes?
With Trucknet discount, £1350.
Includes:
Fully qualified and registered instructor (not a legal requirement and surprisingly unusual WHY?)
Up to date fleet
Proper premises which is also the test centre
Reversing tested by in house examiner
Mod 4 tested by in house examiner
Full back up and support from the customer care team
Pass Protection (covers 3 retests) £395 - bargain!
There’s cheaper about. But cheaper is rarely better.
Pete S
Pete S:
Just out of interest to compare how much is the C course at Peter Smythes?
With Trucknet discount, £1350.
Includes:
Fully qualified and registered instructor (not a legal requirement and surprisingly unusual WHY?)
Up to date fleet
Proper premises which is also the test centre
Reversing tested by in house examiner
Mod 4 tested by in house examiner
Full back up and support from the customer care teamPass Protectiton (covers 3 retests) £395 - bargain!
There’s cheaper about. But cheaper is rarely better.
Pete S
Thank you. Will call them next week. If possible will want to do C+E depending on what happens with the provisional licence. But if not happy to do my C licence with them.