Why is learning on a DRAWBAR AUTO LGV C+E so much easier?

The driving test that your examiner will take you on is the same for an artic or a drawbar.

We offer a choice of either Articulated Vehicles or Drawbars, however it is quicker and easier to pass a Drawbar test because:

1.  Drawbars are easier to get round bends and corners as the position of the vehicle on the approach to the junction or turning is not so critical.  The combination trailer follows the prime mover (the front lorry) along in almost the same lines.

It’s completely different on the longer trailer of an articulated truck as they tend to cut the turn or corner, so it takes more time to get to the test standard to do this on an artic

2.  Drawbar drivers can see where the trailer wheels are in the vehicles’ mirror, for more of the time when steering round bends.

On longer articulated trailers it’s much harder to see the positions of the wheels at the end of a 13 meter trailer.

3.  Drawbars are particularly easy to reverse as Close Coupled Drawbar trailer wheels are positioned in the middle of the trailer, as you reverse the trailer through the chicane on the DVSA test exercise, the trailer reacts in a gentler manner. 

This allows you more time to control the vehicle, make gradual steering movements, and this helps you position the reversing trailer to exactly where you need it to pass your test.

Close Couple drawbars also much easier than 'A' frame Turntable Trailers to reverse.

When learning to reverse articulated vehicle trailers, you will be trying to take it slowly, but they have a tendency to whip round quickly and you’ll find that the trailer begins to bend away from the direction you want to it to go.  Imagine trying to reverse a jelly!  

4.  Close Couple Drawbars don’t react to bumps and humps in the road in an unexpected manner.

With an Articulated vehicle the pivot is just behind the cab (tractor unit) which is lighter and much shorter than the trailer. 

As you go over a raised roads, like a humped back bridge, if you are in any way rough with the brakes, clutch, accelerator or steering you set off a rocking motion, like an untamed horse. 

So you must allow much more training time learn the new skills to handle the vehicle and drive it to test standard.

We are happy to teach you all the additional driving and reversing skills you need to prepare for your test in an articulated vehicle – however please be prepared to put in the extra time and money to do so.  Regretfully, the driving test examiner will not cut you any slack just because you have chosen to take your test on a more difficult vehicle.

If you are short of time or money then take our advice and choose the less risky alternative to get your LGV C+E / HGV Class 1 licence and pass first time. 

And remember, when you pass with our Drawbar Training vehicle, we give you a FREE 1 hour Taster Session on our Articulated Vehicle

Some drivers choose to top-up and convert the Taster Session and book a 4 hour Driver Development Session.

Taking the option of Drawbar & Free Taster Session or 4 hour Top-Up Articulated Development Lesson means you will be still be ahead both in time and money than if you do all your training and test on the Articulated Vehicle. 

The choice is yours

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