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HGV: it is fair!

11th August 1984, Page 24
11th August 1984
Page 24
Page 24, 11th August 1984 — HGV: it is fair!
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IN REPLY to D. Armishaws' letter (CM July 28) "HGV; It's not fair". I can only agree with him on one point. The hgv test fee is extortionate. I wonder where the associations were when it was announced that the hgv driving test fee was to rise to £65. Probably trying to find Dover to help the strike-bound drivers!

Hgv test standards are such that pupils should be able to demonstrate their driving skills in varying traffic and road conditions and also to manoeuvre their vehicle with accuracy and full control at low speeds through a set course, both in reverse and forward, which it seems Mr Arm ishaw was unable to do correctly. Scrapping or lowering the hgv standard would only cause chaos.

I have driven hgvs in most European countries and found that our standards are second to none — and rightly so.

Mr Armishaw's remarks on obtaining an hgv licence with the armed forces hint at the "Twice round the parade ground, don't hit owt and here's your licence" myth. The forces' hgv driving test standards are as stringent as those of the Department of Transport and the length of training required, in money terms, is well above what Mr Armishaw paid.

The answer to correct hgv training is simple: choose a school that employs qualified instructors, and by qualified I mean those who have taken a recognised hgv Instructor's course. They will be only too pleased to show proof of this. If you have little or no experience of hgv driving, don't expect to take a 20-hour class 1 couse and pass your driving test at the first attempt.

At least 30 to 40 hours is required on a one-instructor, one-pupil basis. That is probably one of the reasons why the North has a high failure rate (if, indeed, it does). Finally, the right attitude goes a long way towards absorbing the instruction given. Experience is one thing, and maintaining the correct standard another.

wish Mr Arm ishaw better luck in the future. Remember! Don't blame the examiner, he only works there.

IAN BANCROFT Proprietor, B and B Heavy Goods Driving School Oldham.

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