The Morecambe missile John McGuinness swapped two wheels for four to achieve his LGV driving licence with a Carlisle training firm.
McGuinness, the second most successful Isle of Man TT racer of all time and current lap record holder, worked with SP Training to get his LGV licence.
We caught up with John to find out why he wanted to be able to drive an large goods vehicle.
Why did you decide to acquire your LGV licence with SP Training?
I have always wanted to get my class 1 Licence. I grew up around trucks a little bit with my uncle and he had an old six wheeler! I used to just love sitting with him and i always wanted to get it. I started motorbike racing and lots of other things going on so had different priorities. Always in the back of my head I wanted to do it and luckily the opportunity came along to do it with SP Training. It’s another box ticked – so that’s pretty cool and I really enjoyed it.
What did you find most challenging about the process?
Had to be the theory test! They sent me the online app to revise so I did my homework on it! After an initial panic and calling up SP Training worrying that I was going to fail, they advised my to just keep training, keep studying. So I did – and we got there!
Did you put a lot of revision in?
I did. Probably not as much as I should have done. Holding me hand up as you do. But I did. I did do a bit of studying and then when i did all three modules all in one day.
How did you find the practical test?
“It was superb. I thought the instructing was straightforward. It was precise, it was easy, they made me feel at ease. You know I’m a happy go sort of guy. I like a bit of banter, a bit of fun. Obviously when it gets serious, its got to be serious. So my instructor Carl, he was into his bikes a little bit so I always felt it was a bit easier. And I learned a lot. I actually learned a lot about the road. You think you know a lot, but you don’t. I got one minor and yeah it felt good. Felt like winning a race.
What advice would you give to people who are wanting to acquire an LGV licence? Any top tips?
I really didn’t know what to expect. I have done a lot of things in my racing career but again this was me out of my comfort zone but they definitely made me feel welcome and you know don’t stress yourself out about it.
Just listen to the guys at SP Training. If you want to do it you will do it. These guys will get you through it, they will talk you through it and if you listen and do everything as per what they say, you will come away with the certificate that says you have passed I’m sure.”
So now you’ve got your licence and your little truck. What do you plan to do with that?
“I have a big American motorhome l so it makes me feel a lot easier now that I’ve got it. It’s a big 18 tonne truck so now I’ve got the right licence, I can just sort of stick my head up high and cruise along.
Where would you like to go in your motorhome?
Well I use it all the time for the racing, so we’ve travelled everywhere in it. Been all the way through Europe…. Stay tuned to see where to next!
No actual holidays to relax?
Yeah the odd time we use it for holidays. When I was 30 when I did world championship racing I lived in one for two years with a small boy, new family and things, so I love it. I feel like king of the road!
In terms of your motorbiking, what’s coming up? What have you got to look forward to?
I think the diary is filling up with lots of things. I’ve just done a deal to ride for Honda, which is potentially a five-year deal. I’ve been flat out, over in the Isle of Man, doing some work over there for the oncoming TT.
So we’ve got the North West 200, we’ve got the TT, got some British Superstock, Championship racing coming up, we’ve got the Goodwood Revival, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Classic TT, maybe Grand Prix at the end of the year. We’re busy.
