Artic Lessons/Test in Galway

I did my C+E/artic lessons/test (well actually, rigid+trailer) in Athlone, and while there I heard that artic tests are no longer conducted in Galway due to complaints from locals along the test route.

I did my C+E lessons with this school (excellent tutor btw!) - http://www.aclearsteerdriving.com/?page_id=46

Bull McCabe. wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Silvera.
I'll look into them. Isn't it shocking to think there is nowhere down here I could do it. I don't even think there's any body doing them in Limerick anymore either.
I wonder how people fair out with Advance Drive in Galway, they do lessons but do the test in Athlone. Bit risky not knowing the routes and junctions etc.

Yes, it's much better to do all your lessons on the test routes imho.
'Advance Drive' is the school in the link I provided.

Yes, strange that Galway doesnt have a test route anymore!
Having said that, I travelled up from Wexford to do my lessons and test in Athlone (because I wanted to do it in a rigid+trailer, rather than a 'normal' artic).

There is also another school who use a smaller rigid+trailer for the C+E lessons/test. I dont recall their name, but I think they are based in Galway. I saw their truck/trailer doing the routes in Athlone. White and blue truck iirc.

Bull McCabe. wrote: »

Good stuff.
So you would obviously recommend doing the lot in a rigid and drag rather than the usual tractor unit?
I have plenty experience with trailers ( builders trailers and caravan and the like) so maybe that Wud translate somewhat to the wagon and drag.
How is at globe route wise? Not too familiar with the town.

For me I much preferred the wagon+drag set-up. I tried two lessons in a 'normal' artic but found it a bit tricky tbh. I've no doubt, if I stuck with it, I would have mastered the artic, but I just found it easier to 'get my head around' the truck+trailer set up. From research I did beforehand, it seems that many drivers in the UK learn on a wagon+drag, pass the test, then get a lesson or two on a regular artic, if required for a driving job.

Have a look at these two truck forums for info/ideas -

'Irish Rigs' Truck Forum - http://www.irishrigs.com/
'Trucknet' UK Forum - http://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/index.php

I found the Athlone routes to be fine tbh. Like any other route there are some junctions which can be tricky, but the more lessons I took on the route the less difficult it became. The reversing part takes place in a semi-industrial area - the reversing takes a bit of getting used to, but will come together in time.

I wasnt familar with Athlone either, prior to taking the lessons. It's a very 'fair' test route, if that makes sense. It's all about taking you time, not trying to rush things, and listening to what the instructor tells you (John, the instructor I had, is a gentleman).

Are you seeking the C+E licence for a job, or to add the extra categories to your licence? I did it to get B+E, C1+E, etc on my licence (rather than just do a B+E test, and be restricted to a maximum of B+E).

Bull McCabe. wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Silvera.
I'll look into them. Isn't it shocking to think there is nowhere down here I could do it. I don't even think there's any body doing them in Limerick anymore either.
I wonder how people fair out with Advance Drive in Galway, they do lessons but do the test in Athlone. Bit risky not knowing the routes and junctions etc.

Hi Bull McCabe, Philip here from Advance Drive in Galway.

The RSA stopped testing Artic's in Galway back in 2006, since then we've done Artic truck lessons in Galway & on the day of the test we give a 2 hour pretest lesson around the route in Athlone (there is only one test route in Athlone which can easily be covered in two hours). We have a 98% 1st time pass rate in the Artic, so there's no risk involved, we don't just teach you to pass a test, we teach you how to manage an Artic truck!!

We have a Volvo FM9 with a modern rear command steer trailer, very nice vehicle to drive & the command steer trailer really takes the work out of getting around tight corners & makes reversing a dream.

If I can be of any help or you need any information don't hesitate in contacting me 091524689