Gareth T.
5/5
I recently gained my C+E Licence (HGV Class 1) via 2 Start Ltd, Theale base.
I booked a 6-Day intensive course to go from a standard car licence to Class 1 via an agency who basically arrange it all for you including theory tests and CPC.
Having the agency handle it all for you is convenient in many ways as it’s quite confusing to begin with, but in hindsight I’d just book direct with these guys (2 Start).
The main reason I say this is because they’re able to advise you on the type/length of course you’ll need. For example, I was sold a 6-day package when actually the reality is when going from just a car licence you’d benefit from more time behind the wheel of a HGV prior to the test, therefore a 2-week would of been better. I hope that makes sense!
I had Andy as my instructor, who I would highly recommend. He has a lot of experience across the industry. As an instructor I found him easy to get on with and very approachable when you have questions. When out on the road he has a good manor so no need to feel any pressure - yet he’s always got an eye on everything you’re doing and his other eye on the world outside the cab!!
The reversing/manoeuvring test is carried out on-site, which I passed first time after tuition from Andy. After this I had about 9 hours of training driving on the local roads and around the test area.
I also had a couple of hours tuition with Matt who again, I would highly recommend.
Overall I would rate 2 Start Ltd as really good, hence the 5-Star review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The only negative aspect I feel the need to mention is that for 90% of my training I had the Mercedes Actros which aside from being a little long-in-the-tooth has a tricky (read poor) gearbox. Yes it’s automatic, but it can be very slow to respond for example when trying pull onto a round about it can decide to go into neutral then when you press to accelerate it doesn’t respond, you end up frantically pumping your foot and eventually it finds a gear….. but as you start to move by then you’re pulling out in front of another vehicle now coming around the roundabout!!
When you’re trying your absolute best to show the examiner on the test that you can competently use a busy roundabout this is far from ideal..!!!
A quick Google search on the Mercedes Actros gearbox shows that it’s just how these trucks are but really, very unsuitable for test conditions!
I later used the yellow DAF CF which is a far smoother vehicle. My understanding is that 2-Start are about to retire the Merc and replace with 2x new Dafs which will be like a dream for future students!!
