/ am employed as a civilian driver with
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the RAF and I passed the RAF tests to drive a Leyland Hippo and trailer, and Queen Mary-type vehicles three years ago. Since then I have been driving the Hippo and trailer regularly. Could you tell me whether I should qualify for an hgv driving licence for this vehicle? The Queen Marytype vehicles are artics and are in the hgv licence Class 1 for which I have not got enough driving experience.
Our officer has said that driving a Leyland Hippo and trailer does not enable us to qualify for a hgv driving licence Class 1 without passing the test. The combination is 50ft-long and is a six-wheeled unit and eight-wheeled trailer carrying 20 tons. Is this classed as a semi-attic type and if so are we entitled to hgv Class 1 licences We drivers and our TGWU representatives think we are entitled to the licences.
AFrom the information which you have
given it would appear that you are not entitled to a Class 1 hgv driving licence based on your experience. You will have to take a test with an articulated vehicle to obtain a Class 1 licence. The vehicles you have been driving regularly should enable you to qualify for a Class 2 licence. A lorry and trailer is not counted as an articulated vehicle.