Over the past few weeks, we’ve been following 21-year-old Skye Taylor’s journey to gaining her Class 1 licence with Streamline.
We caught up with Skye to discuss how she found her LGV Driver CPC case study test, the large vehicle driving theory test, and the large vehicle theory and hazard perception test – and also to find out what it’s lke finally getting behind the wheel of a delivery vehicle.
Orkney general manager Vanessa Robertson said: “We are delighted that Skye sat and passed her theory tests first time! That’s quite an achievement in itself, and she is already doing really well in her practical lessons. She’ll be out on the road making deliveries in no time at all!”
Last time we spoke, you were about to sit your theory tests. How did they go?
I had three theory tests to sit, and they are all about double the size of a car test. So it was pretty scary – but once I actually got in there and in the zone, I flew through them faster than I expected.
In your car theory test you get 50 multiple choice questions. But for LGVs you get 100, so it doubles in size. The hazard perception test is quite a lot longer too, with 14 examples.
Vanessa also put me through my CPC theory test [Driver Certificate of Professional Competence], which is the qualification you need to get paid to drive. That was very situational – they present a scenario to you, and you have to answer eight questions about it. It’s
It was a huge relief to pass them all first time.
Now that you’ve passed your theory tests, what are your driving lessons like?
I love driving a big vehicle. It’s so much fun!
Because I’ve been out hundreds of times with the Streamline drivers, I’ve seen how they take corners or approach specific situations. I’ve seen these drivers in action so many times, and seen the proper way to handle a large vehicle on the road, so I know how I should be reacting.
Without sounding too cocky, when it comes to the actual driving I’m not worried. It’s coming pretty naturally to me.
What’s next on your journey to gaining your Class 1 qualification?
I’ve got two more lessons until my first test. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but we cover so much in each lesson.
There are three practical tests and the first one is the off-road test. That’s not taking the van on dirt tracks, though! It’s more about covering the basics of coupling and uncoupling a trailer, and reversing manoeuvres (like parking in a bay).
Then I’ll have a few more lessons before my first on-road driving test.
It’s all very exciting, and I can’t wait to complete my training and take my career with Streamline to the next level.
