C/D licence material

finnharpsboy · 20-11-2017 6:44pm

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

That seems like a good price.

Was that a package deal paid for upfront?

Yeah paid for upfront, as you may have seen from another thread my boss paid for mine so i didnt have a big outlay.

Hire of the truck on its own is €200

boardsuser1 · 20-11-2017 6:49pm

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Yeah paid for upfront, as you may have seen from another thread my boss paid for mine so i didnt have a big outlay.

Hire of the truck on its own is €200

Yes we discussed it over there

TallGlass · 20-11-2017 7:30pm

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Yeah paid for upfront, as you may have seen from another thread my boss paid for mine so i didnt have a big outlay.

Hire of the truck on its own is €200

Did you pass? I think it was yourself, the tester called in sick or something..

Are Swilly any good? I don't want to race to the bottom on price, but if they are good and at that price I won't complain.

Yeah Rome wasn't but I have the itch to get started.

Do I have to wait six month to schedule a test?

boardsuser1 · 20-11-2017 7:38pm

TallGlass wrote: »

Did you pass? I think it was yourself, the tester called in sick or something..

Are Swilly any good? I don't want to race to the bottom on price, but if they are good and at that price I won't complain.

Yeah Rome wasn't but I have the itch to get started.

Do I have to wait six month to schedule a test?

Finnharpsboy passed his test

I did my own rigid test with Swilly and got it

Stephen Sweeney looked after me.

The race to the bottom is what the trucking industry has become in many area's.

It is slowly recovering but not by the standards of years ago, and it never will as automation comes ever closer.

There is no 6 month wait for categories C,D,CE.

I know the CPC isn't part of your initial plans at present but it might be wise to have it even if you don't plan to do it straight away, it will work out cheaper in the long run for you.

finnharpsboy · 20-11-2017 7:46pm

TallGlass wrote: »

Did you pass? I think it was yourself, the tester called in sick or something..

Are Swilly any good? I don't want to race to the bottom on price, but if they are good and at that price I won't complain.

Yeah Rome wasn't but I have the itch to get started.

Do I have to wait six month to schedule a test?

Yeah I passed

I didnt do lessons with anyone else but the instructor i had, Francie, really was good. The odd little bollocking if you did something silly but nothing over the top.

Pre-test before the test i made a right mess of setting up for the left hand reverse round the corner, Francie not so much roared at me but gave me a right WTF are ya at..... Exact same corner in the test, not a single fault.

Four Lessons was enough for me but take your time and find an instructor your happy with and it will all fall into place for you.

Gerrup Outta Dat! · 20-11-2017 7:48pm

I have the current disc. Is it easy to make a copy? If so, I’ll email it to you in a zip doc.

boardsuser1 · 20-11-2017 7:49pm

Gerrup Outta Dat! wrote: »

I have the current disc. Is it easy to make a copy? If so, I’ll email it to you in a zip doc.

Edition 8?

Gerrup Outta Dat! · 20-11-2017 7:51pm

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Edition 8?

The most recent one. I bought it a couple of months ago. Is ed 8 out yet?

boardsuser1 · 20-11-2017 7:56pm

Gerrup Outta Dat! wrote: »

The most recent one. I bought it a couple of months ago. Is ed 8 out yet?

Same cover as this?

http://www.bookstation.ie/bestsellers/115-official-driver-theory-test-q-a-book-6th-edition.html

Gerrup Outta Dat! · 20-11-2017 8:05pm

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Same cover as this?

http://www.bookstation.ie/bestsellers/115-official-driver-theory-test-q-a-book-6th-edition.html

Christ. I only bought it earlier this year (March perhaps?) in Easons in Swords.

Didn’t realise there’d been two whole editions since!

boardsuser1 · 20-11-2017 8:21pm

Gerrup Outta Dat! wrote: »

Christ. I only bought it earlier this year (March perhaps?) in Easons in Swords.

Didn’t realise there’d been two whole editions since!

Usually every 2 years around October.

Your edition says Edition 6 October 2013, so yeah edition 8 is out,7 was well out when you got your one.

Gerrup Outta Dat! · 20-11-2017 9:04pm

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Usually every 2 years around October.

Your edition says Edition 6 October 2013, so yeah edition 8 is out,7 was well out when you got your one.

Christ, why were Easons even selling it? I might dig out my bank statements and complain. Someone should be severely punished for selling out of date software. The updated and new questions could be the difference between a pass and a fail for candidates using the old disc that was sold.

TallGlass · 20-11-2017 10:54pm

Gerrup Outta Dat! wrote: »

Christ, why were Easons even selling it? I might dig out my bank statements and complain. Someone should be severely punished for selling out of date software. The updated and new questions could be the difference between a pass and a fail for candidates using the old disc that was sold.

That syllabus was still active up until the 13th of Nov I think. In fairness, I think Prometric made an arse of the switch over. I was in a panic thinking all the questions would be different, but the bank still has the same questions and a few updated/added in.

TallGlass · 20-11-2017 10:56pm

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

I know the CPC isn't part of your initial plans at present but it might be wise to have it even if you don't plan to do it straight away, it will work out cheaper in the long run for you.

To be honest with ye, I haven't even looked at anything to do with CPC, I just seen a load of case studies and didn't really get the idea of what was going on.

I have module 1 done of the CPC with getting the learner permit, is that correct? What's module 2 then, is that another test with Prometric and then module 3 is with the RSA while I do the driving test?

boardsuser1 · 20-11-2017 11:15pm

TallGlass wrote: »

To be honest with ye, I haven't even looked at anything to do with CPC, I just seen a load of case studies and didn't really get the idea of what was going on.

I have module 1 done of the CPC with getting the learner permit, is that correct? What's module 2 then, is that another test with Prometric and then module 3 is with the RSA while I do the driving test?

You have module 1 done? : confused:

Modules are only done by those who hold a licence.

There are 6 modules in total.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Professional-Drivers/Driver-Hours/Getting-your-CPC/

The above link is how you get your CPC.

2 x theory tests
A cases studies exam, a total of 3 of them.

And a show and tell,a walk around of your truck/Bus.

TallGlass · 21-11-2017 12:56am

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

You have module 1 done? : confused:

Modules are only done by those who hold a licence.

There are 6 modules in total.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Professional-Drivers/Driver-Hours/Getting-your-CPC/

The above link is how you get your CPC.

2 x theory tests
A cases studies exam, a total of 3 of them.

And a show and tell,a walk around of your truck/Bus.

Sorry on mobile but talking about this;

To become a professional bus or truck driver and obtain your ‘initial CPC’ you first must pass:

The new truck, the new bus or the new Combined Truck and Bus theory test as appropriate. (This new test permits successful candidates to apply for their learner permit as well as counting as a Pass for CPC Step 1)
Two-hour case study theory test (Known as CPC Step 2)
The standard 90-minute driving test (Known as CPC Step 3)
30-minute practical test (Known as CPC Step 4)
Please note: If you obtained your bus or truck learner permit before 30th September 2014 you will need to complete the CPC Step 1 theory test (set out at No 1 above).

In addition, you must then maintain your Driver CPC by completing the periodic refresher training of at least 35 hours of training over each five year period. If you are maintaining both a bus and a truck CPC you must complete 42hours training over each five year period.

So am I right in saying as above, I have step 1 done? I passed the combined bus/truck theory test.

boardsuser1 · 21-11-2017 11:42am

TallGlass wrote: »

Sorry on mobile but talking about this;

So am I right in saying as above, I have step 1 done? I passed the combined bus/truck theory test.

Jasus that's all changed.

It appears you are correct in what you are saying though about step 1.

TallGlass · 21-11-2017 12:06pm

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Jasus that's all changed.

It appears you are correct in what you are saying though about step 1.

Aye, changed quite a bit it seems, so I might be better doing the step 2 just before my driving test as then I would have step 1/2/3 done? Then step 4 would have me have a full CPC then?

boardsuser1 · 21-11-2017 12:21pm

TallGlass wrote: »

Aye, changed quite a bit it seems, so I might be better doing the step 2 just before my driving test as then I would have step 1/2/3 done? Then step 4 would have me have a full CPC then?

It has changed alot since i did mine,having just looked further into it :eek:

Yes, if you follow steps 1-4 you're sorted

If i compare the new system to the way i did it, step 4 can be done before step 3 in this case.

In my own case i did the CPC after the test for the rigid and before the test for the bus.

In the rigid i started off the shpw and tell from the drivers door and showed the tester what i would do as part of my daily walk around check, the below is not an exhaustive list,but just a sample of some of what i said:

Steps
Mirrors
Glass
Under the arch for contraband
Wheel nuts present and undanaged
Tyres with no cracks,buldges,abrasions & thread dept not below 1.6mm
Wipers
Lights
Tax,Insurance,CVRT.

In cab then is:

Indicator stalk
Turn on dipped lights/full beams
Heater switches
Hazard lights
Open down the window to give hand signals

Show them the calibration plate, usually just inside the door under the drivers seat.

Tachograph to be inspected every 2 years, calibrated every 6.

http://www.naascvrt.ie/services.html

TallGlass · 21-11-2017 7:08pm

On that. Would you do the Cab first? That you could start it up, leave lights on, indicators etc.. so you could check them while you do the walk around, and also check exhaust, and unusual noises?

Yeah might do the CPC if it isn't too much hassle. Also actually do you don't do a walk around check with the RSA tester before the test? I had to do one on the Motorbike.

finnharpsboy · 21-11-2017 8:33pm

TallGlass wrote: »

On that. Would you do the Cab first? That you could start it up, leave lights on, indicators etc.. so you could check them while you do the walk around, and also check exhaust, and unusual noises?

Yeah might do the CPC if it isn't too much hassle. Also actually do you don't do a walk around check with the RSA tester before the test? I had to do one on the Motorbike.

The RSA scheduled my CPC Practical for before the driving test. There was no starting up the truck or anything like that for the practical, more show me or tell me questions.

For the driving test the tester asked me to sit into the cab and he checked the lights and the front and back. I might be wrong but as far as I know, if it is just the driving test you are doing there will be no walk around check.

boardsuser1 · 26-11-2017 11:46am

TallGlass wrote: »

On that. Would you do the Cab first? That you could start it up, leave lights on, indicators etc.. so you could check them while you do the walk around, and also check exhaust, and unusual noises?

Yeah might do the CPC if it isn't too much hassle. Also actually do you don't do a walk around check with the RSA tester before the test? I had to do one on the Motorbike.

It can vary, some testers do the CPC beforehand,others do it afterwards.

In cab checks are done before the test itself.

As for the bike, you might refresh my memory a little please

P: Petrol
O: Oil
W: Water

E: Electrics
R: Rubber

S:

finnharpsboy wrote: »

The RSA scheduled my CPC Practical for before the driving test. There was no starting up the truck or anything like that for the practical, more show me or tell me questions.

For the driving test the tester asked me to sit into the cab and he checked the lights and the front and back. I might be wrong but as far as I know, if it is just the driving test you are doing there will be no walk around check.

The CPC practical is a walk around check essentially.

TallGlass · 26-02-2018 5:58pm

Back to this again. So bit of an update, got the licence (learner permit) so ready to go with a few lessons!

Just wondering what to expect for my first lesson?

@boardsuser1

P O W D E R S
Petrol
Oil
Water (Coolant topped up to required level, no leaks obvious from system)
Damage
Electrical
Rubber (tyre dept/condition)
Safe not 100% but I think it's 'Safe', as in are you fit and well to drive!

finnharpsboy · 26-02-2018 9:53pm

TallGlass wrote: »

Back to this again. So bit of an update, got the licence (learner permit) so ready to go with a few lessons!

Just wondering what to expect for my first lesson?

@boardsuser1

P O W D E R S
Petrol
Oil
Water (Coolant topped up to required level, no leaks obvious from system)
Damage
Electrical
Rubber (tyre dept/condition)
Safe not 100% but I think it's 'Safe', as in are you fit and well to drive!

The first lesson I found to be the easiest and the hardest if that makes sense.
The hardest in the sense that you don’t want to make a fool of yourself but the easiest in that there is no pressure because it’s the first one.

On my first lesson he asked me had I ever driven a truck before and I was lucky that I had, nothing major but had a couple of years of driving it up and down the yard in Work, parking it up in the sheds at night, not real driving but had a feel for the size of a truck.

If no is the answer, he will outline the buttons in the cab and all that stuff but the main thing will be the gearbox, it won’t be the usual 5 or 6 gear one in your car, it will be similar but will have extra gears.

The gear box in the swilly truck I used was like this:
1 3 5 7
2 4 6 8

After 4th it was push the gear stick into neutral between 5 and 6 then into 5 and carry on up the gears.

Once you start though you will get used to it fairly quick

TallGlass · 26-02-2018 11:36pm

finnharpsboy, thanks for that. I'm excited about it to be honest with you little nervous about it!

finnharpsboy · 27-02-2018 5:46am

TallGlass wrote: »

finnharpsboy, thanks for that. I'm excited about it to be honest with you little nervous about it!

I was the same but once the wheels start rolling and you get the first one or two dodgy gear changes out of the way you start to enjoy being on the road in a truck.

The nerves go until you have a date for your test and they start to come back a bit as your lessons get closer to test date but just do as you learn and you will be grand .

TallGlass · 27-03-2018 1:03am

Well got the first lesson out of the way. I found it okay, instructor seemed happy. I am a bit 50/50, my breaking was awful, he was saying to feather the breaks, I assumed that to mean go lightly on them, to me it just felt like the truck wasn't doing anything, que me then going to hard on them.

Gearing was okay got the hang of it, had alot of trouble with the fourth gear mainly dropping down from 5th to 4th and up from 4th to 5th. It was like hitting the button down wasn't engaging anything and while I felt the truck moving it was just coasting along. He was saying to always take off in 3rd too? It worked fine infairness but seems a bit odd.

Then, some of the people overtaking the truck, Jesus Christ. Now I don't mind people over taking me, doesn't bother me just some of the overtaking that was performed was utterly shocking I mean, over taking a rigid truck on a bend. Along with people also driving way to close behind as in you'd look and the next there in your blind spot.

The main thing is the breaking. If I iron that out I should make some real progress. Size didn't bother me to much, I just need to remember the size more so on tighter roads, and entrances/exits from/to tighter roads. One exit on the Jamestown Road got very hairy lol. Won't make that mistake again. Along with so emergency breaking due to a guy who took a corner without seeing the big rigid coming on the other side of the road, amazing how people still can't see trucks and buses haha.

Any tips anyone? Another one this week.

donkey balls · 17-04-2018 11:25pm

Mirrors check them every couple of seconds get the big picture see what is ahead of you so you can slow down etc if needed too, Get use to were the controls are lights/wipers are etc adjust the the seat & steering so that you're not stretching to reach controls.(Remember in the real world you be stuck in the cab for up to 10/15 hrs a day so you need to be comfortable)
Even drive the route in the car ( I did the night before my artic test back in the 90s) the gear changing will improve with time I often got into units that I didn't normally drive and struggled to select a gear, Same can be said for cars it is all about getting use to the gear box, Saying that the majority of trucks these days are automatic /semi must be eight years since I was in a manual.

TallGlass · 24-04-2018 9:57pm

Thanks DB, have to say I am improving much more. Been out with two of the guys, both really nice and both have told me to go ahead and book a test.

Think I will, the only thing is I sometimes slip on my mentality in that I keep on thinking I am in a car with regards some corners and stopping times. All can be ironed out I guess with a few more lessons.

But all in all, enjoyable so far and from driving the truck, it certainty isn't an easy job.

HappyDaze007 · 24-04-2018 11:30pm

Thinking of learning the ropes too...
I’m a complete beginner but we all gotta start somewhere..

Best of luck with your test

C/D licence material

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