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Driver Training FAQ
How do I pay for my driver training?
You do not need to pay for the whole process upfront. Payment is taken at each stage, so prior to your medical appointment for your Starter Pack fee then there is nothing to pay until you have received your provisional, passed your theory tests and a date for your practical training has been confirmed. The fees for your course will be due 5 working days prior to your course start date. The same applies to your Drivers CPC – whenever you book this for, the payment is due prior to it.
If you would prefer to be invoiced for the whole process and pay upfront, this is fine. If for whatever reason you decide not to complete the process a refund for any unbooked elements will be given as in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
You can also choose to pay the invoice weekly at an affordable rate for you providing it is cleared by the time your start your practical training course with us.
How long does the process take from start to finish for a C+E fast track?
Generally, it should take around 12 weeks from the medical date to complete your driving training and CPC with us. There are a number of factors that could effect this, including waiting from the DVLA to grant provisional entitlement, passing the theory tests the first time and individuals own commitment and availability
How much revision should I do for my theories?
There is a lot of material to revise for the LGV theory multiple choice and practice for the hazard perception tests so we would recommend setting aside 20-30 minutes each evening. Don’t wait to get your provisional licence back to start revising! As soon as you purchase our Starter Pack you can begin your revision. You will find that the program is easy to use, accessible and holds a wealth of information in order for you to pass your tests the first time. It tracks your progress and can identify subject areas your knowledge needs to improve on before taking the tests. Further E-Learning subjects such as Digital Tachograph can be purchased separately for more targeted subject knowledge if you find you need extra support.
Do companies take on newly qualified commercial drivers with no experience?
The introduction of the HGV Skills Bootcamp has seen many companies embrace taking on newly qualified drivers, not only does it bring fresh ambition, it give individuals an opportunity to progress and stay with their company long term. Each company is different though and other factors including company insurance will play a role in individual business decisions regarding new drivers but for the most part it is easier these days to find work as a newly qualified driver than it was years ago
Is a digital tachograph card required for driver training?
Training vehicles are exempt from requiring a Digital Tachograph so you will not need to have a tachograph card for your training course but it is worth applying for one as soon as you can – https://www.gov.uk/apply-driver-digital-tachograph-card
What type of CPC do I need?
Most new drivers will need to complete the Initial CPC (Modules 2 and 4) to gain their Driver Qualification Card, however, if you passed your Category B (car test) prior to January 1997 you will be required to sit the Periodic CPC (35 hours) classroom.
All drivers are required to keep their Driver Qualification Card up to date by sitting 35 hours of training every 5 years.
What does the drivers medical cover?
The doctor will carry out an eyesight test and check your blood pressure. They will ask you questions about any medical conditions and medication you take in order to fill out the D4 medical application form. There is no blood test.
If you book an appointment at the clinic held at our office in Wickford, our staff will help you complete the D2 form by applying for the category of vehicle you would like to train for.
What should I do when sending off my licence after my medical?
On completion of your Drivers medical, you will need to send the completed D2 and D4 forms, along with your photo card driving licence in the pre-addressed envelope that we provide. We recommend that you send this ‘recorded delivery’ from your local Post Office due to having your licence in it. You can expect your licence to be returned with provisional entitlement if it is granted within 2-3 weeks. The licence will not look as though there are any changes but you can go and check the entitlements have been added by going to https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence We will ask you to provide a licence heck code or screenshot as proof of entitlement before we book your LGV Theory tests.
What happens if I fail my 3a reverse test?
You will need to wait 24 hours to re-sit the test. The great thing about having our own concrete reverse area is we can get you in ASAP. You will not need to pay for any retraining hours as long as they are taken within your booked course hours but you will need to pay the DVSA test fee.
What happens if I fail my 3b on-road ability test?
You will need to wait 3 clear working days before you can take another driving test. A driving test report will be emailed from your examiner showing what faults you received, this will be used by your instructor, along with your training course report to advise if any additional training is recommended for you prior to taking another test. Additional training can be booked on a per-hour basis in addition to a Standard Retest.
Do you offer pass protection?
Pass protection is when you pay extra money when you first book your training course in case you do not pass your test the first time. Our first-time test pass rates are proven very high and there would be no reason why you would not pass the first time. We find going into the process with a positive mindset is far better than thinking of failing before you’ve even begun! Also, if you do pass the first time then you could have saved yourself a few hundred pounds. So it’s for this reason we do not offer Pass Protection but just a Standard Retest cost. All of which will be discussed with you at the time of booking.