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[Essex_Andy]

I had my C+E driving test on Saturday.
(C+E = Artic HGV)

Passed all the tricky reversing and gear excercises. Drove the truck to the acceptable standard but I was failed due to the vehicle continually pulling left when the brakes were applied...I had to change road positions due to the unit pulling left...which also was part of the failure.

Now I noticed this fault the very first time I drove the vehicle (last Monday)....every day I complained yet nothing was done.

Also the yard is/was a breakers and one of the trailer tyres was punctured my a cylinder head valve. This was just snapped off and the tyre left un-repaired, with the remains of a valve stem still in the tyre.

Also my instructor refused point blank to drive around any of the test routes. Despite other HGV schools driving part of the routes.

I was told that the tractor unit wold be fully serviced Friday afternoon ready for my test on Saturday. However when I arrived at the yard on Saturday it was obvious that nothing had been done:

• The wheel nuts where still dirty evidence that a socket had probably not been on them.

• The threads on the wheel bolt studs were still dirty. Likely that the wheel retaining nuts had not been off.

• The tyre air valves dirty and dusty. Likely that an airline/gauge had not been placed on them.

• Still muck on the airfilter housing clips.....you get the picture that the unit was untouched.

The test examiner wanted to get the unit inspected however the testing bays are closed on weekends. He also told me that although my driving was acceptable some of the things my instructor had me carry out where not required and could cause confusion to other road users. This was a known problem with the firm I used.


I raised my concerns politely and decently with the company owner when I got back. He just started swearing and gobbing off. He did offer me a re-test and use of the truck for free but I feel that the firm is 'known' by the examiners and I feel that I'm more likely to fail due to the company's reputation where I may be less likely to fail if I used another training school.

I am very tempted to claim a full refund for the course (£900-ish).

What would you do?

[Darth Loo-knee]

I would find out who and where I need to complain to then write a letter......

My Dad is a Bus driver and apparently the drivers have to check the tyres, torque tabs on the wheel nuts and water before taking the bus (if they actually do is another thing)... In the event of an accident the driver could take some of the blame for driving an un road worth vehicle......

I think they should give you a retest  

[Danny]

refund or free retest in a fully serviced vehicle are both good enough options, providing one of them is approved!

[Essex_Andy]

Although the free test is on offer....the school is 'known' to the driving test examiners and not thought that much of. Hence why I might cut my losses and go elsewhere? ? ? ?

[JamesV6CDX]

Although the free test is on offer....the school is 'known' to the driving test examiners and not thought that much of. Hence why I might cut my losses and go elsewhere? ? ? ?

Demand a full refund...

[Baron Von Spongebob]

I had a similar issue with my training but i did get the brakes corrected,,Also i was taken on a route which should have been cancelled out that particular weekend due to roadworks..I failed..

As for refusing to drive the test routes thats wrong,,It is everyones right to drive the test routes and this should have been applied,, did you mention this to the examiner ?

a free retest in the same truck with the same faults is not going to get you through your test, I would get a full refund and go with a more reputable driving school..

After all the hard work training and then failing it feels like the end of the world but chin up, sort it out and try again..

Good luck..

[Essex_Andy]

Cheers chaps

Just need to speak to trading standards tomorrow.

Not bitter or angry just want to get through my test

[CaptainZok]

I think trading standards is the way to go Andy. I bet the local transport commisioner might take an interest in the use of an unroadworthy vehicle for training/test as well, address should be the same as where you applied for your test.

[Ronald_McBurger]

Andy

My advice now is from three standpoints. Firstly from the owner of a driving school, secondly from that of a former HGV and LGV class 1 driver and lastly from someone who campaigns for decent recourse ion the events of blatelt rip-offs.

So, from the instructors point of view? You cannot really claim a full refund as you have indeed had the training. Now some of that training would have been of great benefit as you can now drive a lorry. But clearly some of it has not been up to scratch. The problem you have now is that you became aware of a problem with the vehicle on day one. It is easy with hindsight, but the fact that you are presented with a defective vehicle from a professional training company should have got alarm bells ringing. My school car is checked every day for lights, water, oil, tyre condition, tyre pressures and is cleaned every working day if possible.

Secondly from the professional lorry driver/bus drivers view? Well, as a bus driver I was hated by the company because I did everything by the book. I would actualy check every tyre and every light before going on duty. When I raised problems I was sent to Coventry and made to feel like a trator. All the same, I have a thick skin and would not stand for shoddy busses or drivers for that matter. I had a driver sacked for driving whilst drunk.... a long story, but I tried to help him. He crashed and injured people so I grassed him up. I have no regrets over that.

Last point, from that of a consumer. Well, you have paid for professional tuition in a vehicle fit for that purpose. Clearly this vehicle wasn't. As an untrained lorry driver you didn't know, so could not be liable for that. However as a trained dfriver you are now aware. Having failed your test because the vehicle is defective you are now financially out of pocket. You will have to use someone elses lorry as Mr Attitudes helpful training company are unlikely to improve matters before your next test, so that means further training and expense.

I would write to this comnpany by recorded delivery explaining that in view of their cavalier attitude you do not feel it safe to continue training with them and have little alternative than to employ the services of a reputable training company to get you through your next test. I would mention that you expect this company to pay for that training and test.

I expect they will ignore that request. However, in the meantime report them to DSA in Nottingham. Also contact VOSA and tell them they are using an unroadworthy vehicle for training. If they are proved to have a defective vehi9cle by VOSA, they will jump all over them. It would also help any couyrt claim you make in the future. DO NOT warn this company that you are doing that.

I hope this helps. Not all companies are the same. i get a lot of pupils from rogue instructors and I am often shocked at their lack of skills. You sound like a smart guy and I am sure you will succeed, just get a new instructor. This may sound mad, but talk to lorry drivers. There is a great transport cafe opposite the Circus Tavern on the A13, just before M25. Go in there, have a cuppa and talk to the guys. Some will tell you to p*ss off, but most will help.

If you get stuck give me a PM. I will make some calls for you.

HTH

[Essex_Andy]

Cheers chap, apprieciate your words of wisdon  

[amigov6]

Cheers chap, apprieciate your words of wisdon  

hello mate. I'm HGV positive but was lucky to be put through both my tests by a good school with modern trucks. The only thing which i do'nt believe has been mentioned is, should you re -sit your test with a better school will you be driving the same configuration of truck & trailer?
     As you know we all learnt our reversing exercise parrot fashion so if you failed in a unit & 45ft trailer but re-sit in a wagon & drag then you must be compensated for re-training in a different vehicle.
      All the best mate & keep us posted.

[Essex_Andy]

I was in a 4 over 4 renault magnum pulling a twin wheel twin axle 40 footer full bodied trailer

I dont think I'll have much of a problem 'learning' a new 'box