Ive just passed my class 2 ( rigid ) driving test. i had only 3 minors.?

Question

i have my class 1 test in 4 weeks on friday. this job will make my life so much better so i need to pass. any truck drivers or any one got any helpful tips. all would be greatful. thanks in advance and sorry for any bad spelling

Answer 1

dont worry about your minor mistakes, in real life  "Lorry Driving" is a complete different thing then the driving test. especially artics, you got to be very punctual(according to the job, but 90% u got to). you simply can not afford to be late or to get lost. try to get a simple and easy job by an agency and gain experience, thats what its all about. and don't be afraid to say that you are new to this job and inexperienced. maybe start by trunking then multi drops and/or long distance, according to yourself.

good luck.

if u can get a job like; local delivery in a rigid class2, or 7.5 tonner permenant, the i would go for it, trust me. cheers

Answer 2

Well done.

Please listen here.

Do not drive for a bonus it will make you rush, drive for a local firm and tell them from day one , you will not break the law for them, if they are a good firm they will agree with you, explain to the other truck drivers you are a new boy and you will be suprised what you will learn, we actually like you new guys coming along. good luck. do not speed and do not drive tired.

Answer 3

Hello, Can I just inform you that the names have infact been changed. The term HGV has been replaced with LGV.

Class 'C' - This is a rigid vehicle (lorry only, not PCV)

Term  'E' - This means a trailer, a general term used

Class 'C + E' means a lorry and trailer.

You have passed the C part, but are now taking C and E.

As you have only recorded 3 minors, I think that you will pass the trailer test with flying colours.

You just have to consider that the lengh of the vehicle is in fact longer, and where the trailer connects to, the cab will turn whilst the trailer can be stationary.

There may also be a 'Coupling' excercise involved within the test, where you have to connect the trailer up to the cab, the preparations to be made before it is ready to be towed away.

Gemini_DJ.

Answer 4

You need to master the art of reversing... or you waste time getting out the yard... be slower than fatser... wont fail for slow... will fail for fast... expect everyone to be a twit around you & do prepare to stop at all junctions & roundabouts & use those mirrors like a meerkat! good luck...

Answer 5

Test advice;

Make good use of the mirrors well before;

1.  speeding up or slowing down (every gear change)

2. before and after bends/ turns/lane changes/ passing parking areas etc.

Keep a good safe distance between you and the lorry in front.  You often see lorries on motorways driving in convoy at 56mph 15 feet apart from each other.  

It sounds obvious to keep your distance but its suprising how many dont.  When you drive that close your view of the road ahead is completely gone.

If one of the lorries ahead has to slam his brakes on for some reason (eg dog or something runs into his path, or person/vehicle swerves or brakes hard into his path), you will be dead.  You wont see the problem develop and wont have time to react.  (My next door neighbour lost his life like this 4yrs ago).

Stay well back and you will see well ahead.  Its the best piece of advice I can give you.  If a lorry overtakes you, drop your cruise control down a notch or two to help him pass you, if he cuts in front, come off the gas a bit to build up a safe gap.  People will tell you that if you do this all the time you will never get anywhere but its a load of c**p.  I do it and I'm always on time.  Be safe, (you'll fail ur test if u dont anyway).

Lane discipline;

As you approach left hand bends put your front wheels as close to the centre white line as possible.  Do this before the bend for the back end not to clout something on the left hand side.  For right hand bends, stay well left on approach.  Be left before you turn, keeps the back end in lane as best you can.

Keep your speed up only if its safe, and slow down in plenty of time well before hazards, eg bends, junctions, people, animals, parked cars, moving vehicles,  bad weather etc.

Examiner will ask you to separate the truck from the trailer, you need to follow the correct procedure.  Learn this to help you;

BLACKBN     (Think BLACKBURN, a town in the north of England).

B = Brakes

L = Legs

A = Airlines

C = Coupling

K = Kingpin

B = Brakes (trailer brake again)

N = Number plate

Just think BLACKBN as you walk round the vehicle, it will help you follow correct procedure.

When you pass;

Invest in a quality sat nav and a truckers atlas.  NEVER TRUST YOUR SAT NAV ON ITS OWN!

always double check and plan your route using the atlas.  Truckers atlas shows all low bridges and keeps you off narrow lanes and side roads.  Can buy them £15 in motorway services.

Sat nav is useful if you plan to overtake, because your speed is limited, its useful to know how far the next roundabout is before you begin an overtake, eg if it says 2 miles to next roundabout on your sat nav then the overtake may be on.  It also gives you info on distance to go etc and can help put you back on track if you miss your exit on a roundabout etc, things like that.

But NEVER use it on its own to plan your journey, always plan using truckers atlas.

You'll probably work for sh*t firms at the start, tramping can give you good experience, stick with it, and after 2yrs you can work for the good firms, agency work with supermarkets is good money, around £600 a week for 5 days.

Work is not guaranteed  and start times can be a pain but over the course of a year you can earn a lot, and most supermarkets are very fair and good to work for, and you can stay clean and be home every night.

Good luck.

(Driver-Trainer 13yrs)