C Driving License

Fighting Irish

I have a full B driving license, how would i go about getting a C license? Do you have to take a test?

Thanks

timmywex

i think you need to sit it again which is a pain in the arse cause i need to get a b,c and then a D license for my future job!!

Fighting Irish

timmywex wrote:

i think you need to sit it again which is a pain in the arse cause i need to get a b,c and then a D license for my future job!!

when you say "sit it" do you mean theory test and driving test, or just theory test?

Bogger77

to get the prov license, you'll need to apply with doc's cert, and if you haven't done the theory test before, u need to pass it.

To get the real license, you need to do the test.

Fighting Irish

Bogger77 wrote:

to get the prov license, you'll need to apply with doc's cert, and if you haven't done the theory test before, u need to pass it.

To get the real license, you need to do the test.

So if i have my full B licence, to get my full C i will have to just do a driving test?


Whats different between the B and C driving test?

Bogger77

U have to get the doc's cert first! get a prov license, then apply

The size of the test vehicle is the difference.

rockbeer

Fighting Irish wrote:

Whats different between the B and C driving test?

They'll want to see you're confident driving a big vehicle. There are also some specific things you'll need to demonstrate you know about driving a vehicle of that class e.g. proper use of the mirrors, keeping the correct distance on your edges, avoiding overhead hazards (and of course overtaking on the motorway at 1mph faster than the vehicle you're passing )

Best thing if you're not sure is go for a rigid truck assessment at ISM

http://www.ism.ie/lessonsartic.php

They'll be happy to tell you your chances of passing the test.

Del2005

Fighting Irish wrote:

So if i have my full B licence, to get my full C i will have to just do a driving test?


Whats different between the B and C driving test?

You will need to do the Theory test, get a medical done and then apply for a provisional licence.

The C test is longer then the B test but basically all the same stuff. The good thing about the C test is the wait is only about 6 weeks.

Most Diving schools will tell you after your first lesson if you have the apptitude for driving a truck.

Wishbone Ash

Fighting Irish wrote:

Whats different between the B and C driving test?

Apart from the test itself, the vehicles must meet different requirements.

Category B

Four wheeled vehicle having a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500kgs, with passenger accomodation for not more than 8 persons, and capable of a speed of at least 100kph.

Category C

Vehicle with passenger accomodation for not more than 8 persons, having a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000kgs, a length of at least 7 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80kph.

The category C test is similar to the car test but the candidate must also be capable of:

1. checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems.
2. using the various braking systems (where fitted).
3. using speed reduction systems other than the brakes (where fitted).
4. adjusting course when turning to allow for the length of the vehicle and its overhangs.

Bogger77 wrote:

U have to get the doc's cert first

Medical Report Form D.501

TheDriver

I must get a D1 licence and not impressed having to go through all the theory bits etc. One thing, is the test handier than the B test i.e. do they consider that you can drive a car and failure rate not as high??

hobochris

TheDriver wrote:

I must get a D1 licence and not impressed having to go through all the theory bits etc. One thing, is the test handier than the B test i.e. do they consider that you can drive a car and failure rate not as high??

as its a bigger, heavyer and in turn more dangerous vehicle you would obviously have to prove that your driving skill level is of a higher standard... as it works and handles much different to a car then you would have to prove an ability and understanding of how to operate that vehicle...

same way that despite people having b licences which "cover the operation of work vehicles", to operate a forklift truck they still need do a specific course and pass a test in order to get a forklift licence.

Wishbone Ash

hobochris wrote:

to operate a forklift truck they still need do a specific course and pass a test in order to get a forklift licence.

Normal driving licences are only required while driving a vehicle in a public place.The licence to operate a forklift truck is different. It is usually required by the relevant employer's insurance company and the Health and Safety Authority. It is totally different from the normal road licences as it is required whether on private or public premises and is more connected with the purposeful operation of the machine rather than simply driving it from A to B. (It's the same with most plant and machinery).

PeteK*

When you're doing an actual test for the Full C license how long does the test last.. and what do they do in place for a three point turn, say?

And, is it through a town and all. I'd hate to rub off a car or something going around a bend Lol.

mondeoman

Chatmaster wrote:

When you're doing an actual test for the Full C license how long does the test last.. and what do they do in place for a three point turn, say?

And, is it through a town and all. I'd hate to rub off a car or something going around a bend Lol.

The test is nearly 1.5hrs all in ie questions,vehicle checks etc.actual driving part is just is just over an hour.
there is NO 3 point turn but you will have to do 2 reverse turns 1 from the left & 1 from the right;) (this is for Gorey)

PeteK*

Oh my God lol. I didn't know about the questions and all.


To get the actual provisional license... is it just a theory test in a test centre on a computer?

Wishbone Ash

Chatmaster wrote:

To get the actual provisional license... is it just a theory test in a test centre on a computer?

You must pass a type C theory test and apply for a category C provisional licence.

PS - you must also be over 18 years of age.

mondeoman wrote:

you will have to do 2 reverse turns 1 from the left & 1 from the right

Generally they request just one reverse around a corner, either nearside or offside. I've never heard of anyone being requested to do both!

mondeoman

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Generally they request just one reverse around a corner, either nearside or offside. I've never heard of anyone being requested to do both!

I did the test in may & had to do 2.even every lesson i had the instructor made me do 2:)

Wishbone Ash

mondeoman wrote:

I did the test in may & had to do 2.even every lesson i had the instructor made me do 2:)

It must have changed a bit since I did it back in the mid 1990s. Was requested to do one reverse in the rigid, artic and bus. Perhaps it was because it is not always practical in busy Dublin traffic. (The test centre in Finglas has a reversing bay though - not sure about other centres)

PeteK*

mondeoman wrote:

I did the test in may & had to do 2.even every lesson i had the instructor made me do 2:)

Would it be in a special area? Or any road with a corner?

Del2005

Where ever you are doing your driving lessons for a truck, if using a school, they will usually bring you to the place they do the reverse and then get you to practice what is usually tested. Where I did my rigid they only did nearside, but where I did my artic the rigids and artics did both

knnedy

hi are you going for your rigit license you have to sit another theory license then get your rigit truck lessons and do a cpc. im doing the same as you so let me know how u get on. thanks

Faith+1

knnedy wrote: »

hi are you going for your rigit license you have to sit another theory license then get your rigit truck lessons and do a cpc. im doing the same as you so let me know how u get on. thanks

Wow this thread is old!:eek:

jimmyw

Del2005 wrote: »

You will need to do the Theory test, get a medical done and then apply for a provisional licence.

The C test is longer then the B test but basically all the same stuff. The good thing about the C test is the wait is only about 6 weeks.

Most Diving schools will tell you after your first lesson if you have the apptitude for driving a truck.

.I wish someone would have told me, because I done 20 lessons and 3 tests before I passed.I am still not confident I could do it right, and am in 2 minds if I want to



Generally they request just one reverse around a corner, either nearside or offside. I've never heard of anyone being requested to do both


Well I done both in Waterford anyway, albeit off road in the test centre but still done both.

Faith+1

jimmyw wrote: »

Generally they request just one reverse around a corner, either nearside or offside. I've never heard of anyone being requested to do both

I'll correct you there Jimmy. Did my test in April and had to do a reverse from both the left and right. Did my test in Finglas where they have a reversing bay on the RSA grounds.

Del2005

jimmyw wrote: »

.I wish someone would have told me, because I done 20 lessons and 3 tests before I passed.I am still not confident I could do it right, and am in 2 minds if I want to

There's a big difference between aptitude and confidence.

Maybe get some more lessons to build up your confidence, the testers are much stricter for large vehicles so you have the ability. No point in wasting the money if you really want to drive

If you don't feel confident driving a HGV don't, they are too big and potentially dangerous for nervous drivers.

Generally they request just one reverse around a corner, either nearside or offside. I've never heard of anyone being requested to do both


Well I done both in Waterford anyway, albeit off road in the test centre but still done both.

Faith+1 wrote: »

I'll correct you there Jimmy. Did my test in April and had to do a reverse from both the left and right. Did my test in Finglas where they have a reversing bay on the RSA grounds

This thread is 3 years old, they've changed the test a lot since then.

Faith+1

Del2005 wrote: »

This thread is 3 years old, they've changed the test a lot since then.

It's changed alot since April 2010????:rolleyes:

Del2005

jimmyw had quoted a post by Wishbone Ash from 3 years ago about doing one reverse. That's what I was trying to point out. Most of the info in this thread is out of date.

Faith+1

Del2005 wrote: »

jimmyw had quoted a post by Wishbone Ash from 3 years ago about doing one reverse. That's what I was trying to point out. Most of the info in this thread is out of date.

You quoted me which is why I replied to you.

jimmyw

Faith+1 wrote: »

I'll correct you there Jimmy. Did my test in April and had to do a reverse from both the left and right. Did my test in Finglas where they have a reversing bay on the RSA grounds.

We must have got our wires crossed somewhere cause I agree when I done it I done reversing from both sides too in the test centre as I have stated earlier, or else I edited the quotes wrong:rolleyes:

Faith+1

jimmyw wrote: »

We must have got our wires crossed somewhere cause I agree when I done it I done reversing from both sides too in the test centre as I have stated earlier, or else I edited the quotes wrong:rolleyes:

I'm doing my Artic test soon and It's a bitch to do the reverse. Rigid test was nothing when compared!:eek:

jimmyw

I don't know how all you arctic guys (and girls!) manage to drive such a large and long vehicle.The brother drives one. Good luck with the test, faith.

P.S is the volvo fl6 trucks the only trucks that are used for driving schools since they don't have the splitter box or are they other trucks with that box?

Faith+1

jimmyw wrote: »

P.S is the volvo fl6 trucks the only trucks that are used for driving schools since they don't have the splitter box or are they other trucks with that box?

I'm not sure. I learned in a Scania which had a spillter box i.e 4 over 4. I wouldn't recommend anyone doing lessons in a straight 6 gearbox as the majority of trucks are spiltter boxes. It's all very well passing your test with a standard gearbox but what do you do when your employers trucks are 4 over 4?? Anyone will tell you that you need training to master the split box as it's a bitch to get used to.

jimmyw

Faith+1 wrote: »

I'm not sure. I learned in a Scania which had a spillter box i.e 4 over 4. I wouldn't recommend anyone doing lessons in a straight 6 gearbox as the majority of trucks are spiltter boxes. It's all very well passing your test with a standard gearbox but what do you do when your employers trucks are 4 over 4?? Anyone will tell you that you need training to master the split box as it's a bitch to get used to.

Oh I see, I thought every school does them with the non splitter box.I think it is a bit stupid doing it that way cause as you say 99% of trucks are the splitter type so that's the type that should be used.I think I barely remembering my instructor mentioned why they use the other box, but it was something like it been too hard or slow, not sure cant remember could be wrong.It is silly though.I did go out with the brother one day ONLY:eek: on a splitter box scania again and did find it a bit hard right enough.I'd say with a bit of practice it could be mastered though.I do remember the brother saying that he learnt in a straight box and got a quick crash course (pardon the pun!) in a splitter box from his first employer, and then off you go;).

triple-M

i did a few lessons in an 03 mercedes atego lorry that was a straight six gearbox