I need to train and take a test than entitles me to drive a 7.5 tonne truck. I’m not 100% sure what test I need to take, whether I need a theory test pass, and also some recomendations of companies/individuals to do the training with preferably in Surrey or close by.
I’m looking for the cheapest possible route, so any experience you can draw upon would be great and much appreciated. I’ve driven tractors with trailers for years and am pretty handy at that as well as side loading JCB’s so i’m hoping i won’t need too many lessons…or am i kidding myself??
Think your kidding yourself…sorry but its not that easy? Know someone whos just done it, said its one of the hardest things hes had to do, he failed the first time, had to pay again (which is NOT cheap) and managed to get through…but only thing is, he now has to work for a agency and can only go in when needed? …sorry, not a good picture for you…dont know why but its so expensive to do those tests…possibly cos of the responsibilty involved i guess…
Big wheelers in Reading is very good, they will take you out for an assessment and tell you how many days you actually need training and then get you through your test at the end of it…i did mine (c1 up to 32 tons fixed body…) ie not an artic which is c1e
I think 7500 is B1 but dont swear me to that and i dont know if there is a specific test for that different to C1…
But Big Wheelers will let you know give them a call
plenty of schools out there, pick up truck&driver mag usually got lots of ads in it plus info on what you need glad I did all mine many moons ago doubt if I would bother now with the costs and legislation in the industry
I’m an LGV CE Driver, which is the old HGV Class 1. To drive a vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes, you need category C1 on your licence.
To drive any rigid lorry over 7.5 tonnes you need category C on your licence.
To drive any articulated lorry, or any rigid lorry over 7.5 tonnes towing a trailer over 750kgs you need category CE on your licence.
Since you have to payout for the training and test, I’d suggest going for Cat C (LGV C) which will give you entitlement to drive any size rigid lorry, rather than just a 7.5 tonner. I don’t know however, what the difference in price is between the two.
Just out of interest… you say it’s for personal use… make sure you understand EU Drivers Hours and Tachograph regs. There is also the RT(WT)R 2005 (Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005) to think about if you do move anything for anyone else, and there’s Operator’s Licence requirements too, if you run your own truck.
I’m pretty much upto speed on most of the regs, so ask away if you have any questions.
Cat “C” is over 21 if your over 21. Get a provisional Cat “C” from DVLA. You need the advice of a driving school tho as I can’t remember do you need the medical first to get the provisional. Not compulsary but no point in failing the medical after getting the Provisional.
The only difference in the price of the 7.5 C1 and the up to 32T cat C would be the extra diesel so not much.
It’s worth going to Big Wheelers in Reading as the tests in london are a nightmare and there a bit cheaper with the training. Then when you get the C licence get back in asap as the routes,training and man beside you will be still fresh in your mind and get a class C+E. It’s just the reversing that’ll need carefull attention.
Iggy - It’s never going to be used for anything other than pleasure. It’s a 7.5 tonne race lorry with a large living area etc. It’s also only licenced for private use.
