I have been driving Class 1 for over 40 years. The biggest faults of new drivers is grabbing armfuls of steering wheel and doing everything too fast. There is no substitute for time and experience, be patient, it will come. Old sweats don't give a toss about poor reversing newbies, we all had to start the same. As long as the truck goes into the slot without hurting anybody or bending anything, it doesn't matter how many shunts it takes. Keep a positive mind set and if anybody does take the piss, remember it is because they are needy and probably a total a***hole. Keep on truckin'.
wish this was true! its not. arctic drivers will judge any mistake you make. old blokes who laugh if you cant get into a bay first time. or you get a friendly polish bloke who will guide you in doing a blind side reverse.
Thankyou so much for the vid, very useful. As a new driver myself, I totally agree that the test procedure is flawed. When I did my test I only practiced the reverse that morning before and luckily passed, but it meant I was completely unprepared for work in a busy yard. I found it to be 50/50 between driver that sympathise and help, and those that enjoy watching you fail. Got into a few awkward spots, but was lucky enough to fix my mistake without causing damage. This helps so much thankyou 👍
As a forner DRIVING INSTRUCTOR in cars and 12 years experience doing class 2 ive just passed class 1 first time, the reversing test is pretty much a fix and virtually impossible to fail😂,but the reality of reversing in real life as im finding out already is a nightmare 😢, most informative video, thank you
The best advice I was given when I first started, treat the reverse like a game of snooker, the cab being the white ball, use the same principle and you’ll get it right 1st time, every time
all of a sudden the reversing will become second nature,everything will click and you will wonder what all the fuss is about,oh and btw,ive been driving artics for 35 years and i still sometimes fuck up,the man who hasnt made a mistake hasnt been born yet.
When you first start off reversing there always seems to be a lot of people about and they watch you sweaty times but you get the hang of it in the end
The best four words that I ever got taught was “don’t know, don’t go”. It applies to bad junctions, tight manoeuvres etc and generally any situation where you’re not certain.
Take your time, line up first as best you can,before reversing to make it easy on yourself,don't be afraid to ask if you don't know,good luck you'll be fine.
I've been driving class 1 for 3 weeks now and I am getting better each day with reversing 👍🏻 there are still many situations I have to look at and do what I can to make it simple and smooth as I start the stearing ect. A lot of Drivers can see you are new and gladly come and help out making sure you are clear or anything or anyone 👍🏻 I also check everything I get out as much as possible if I am not sure? But every day I improve and I love every minute of it too what a career to have 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Been driving hgv 5yrs now, reversing takes a little time to get it, but slow and small moves of the steering wheel helps, and dont be afraid or embarrassed to get out and look,. Better that than clipping something.best of luck.
Really helpful. I started to drive HGV a few days ago. Reversing is a real challenge. I find this video helpful, and comments encouraging. I'm not the first and not the last one who struggles with reversing. Kuba, Rugby
I’m on my second week of driving an artic and majority of my delivery places are new built homes construction sites. Most of them require you to do a 90 degree reversing (T JUnctions) on site and I tend to oversteer it and I kind of panic due to the insufficient space but I’m getting there. I believe that actually taking your time to give a better judgement will reduce mistakes. Like Mike Tyson said “fear is an illusion” at the end of the day you still going to park it regardless how long you take.
Thank you very much for quoting Mike Tyson's brilliant quote. It's so helpful. I appreciate your comments my brother. I'm from Bradford, passed in January and still looking for a job.
Thanks for sharing this mate. I’m only driving class one for about a month and I’m really struggling with my reversing. I over steer and once I’ve realised I have I start to panic. Hopefully it will come.
@@simonwilliams7497 Its pretty much part of the job, so dreading it isn't good. Dave advice is good, especially at 4:18, about assessing the reverse. Look at the area you going into and the area you have in front to line up, set up the reverse the best you can with the space you have, the aim is to try and get the rear of the trailer pointing into the reverse area. Then try and keep the steering inputs to a minimum. Mostly take your time, keep looking, don't be afraid to abandon it and set yourself up again, if its really going bad. And don't be afraid to ask for help and tell them you're a new driver. Although there are some b**end drivers, most remember we were all there once and I at least struggled like hell at the start.
It is a skill that does come with practice. Try to keep both unit and trailer as straight as possible and remember; watch your rear wheels because wherever your rear wheels go, that's where you're going. Bays have painted lines, or the yellow raised strips to guide you in. Your trailer should have around 6 inches spare on either side, so you can just watch one side and make sure you're six inches within the lines and know the other side will be equally apart. It does come with practice, honestly.
Great informative video.Atm i'm only class C but will hopefully be taking class1 soon.This is one of the big fears i have reversing into a bay say on the services and all the other drivers watching if you make a mistake..Great tip to keep your rear wheels close to the line and only turn the steering wheel a 1/4 turn so that your not obscuring your mirrors with the body.will definately remember this if and when i ever get round to doing the class1.Thanks v much...
great video im about to start class 1 the other good thing is the comments make you realise everyone struggles to begin with and everyone has the same fears
I have to say the reversing in a straight line advice in this video is spot on... I currently only drive a box van and use the same technique and it always works... nice a slow and a bit at a time.
Nice video that, i've only been class1 for a few months and my reversing is poor on a good day lol. I am getting betting but it's frustrating because im coming along way slower than i expected. Your right about taking your time and ignoring others, i delivered to a supermarket depot and messed up a few attempts at putting it on a bay then realised a shunter and a driver were waiting and it all went downhill from there. After a few more even worse attempts i though i was going to come apart at the seams, so stopped, pulled off and went around the yard letting everyone else carry on and had another go on my own. Not enough of videos on here giving advice like this for new passes
Kenny Johnson, I totally agree, It’s very daunting at first. At night you might as well shut your eyes and guess. Keep practicing and if you can ask to go into the yard one day and spend some time practicing. One guy told me “we’re all rubbish at reversing, just some days we get it right first time” keep up the good work.
Kenny Johnson had a similar situation myself up at Farm foods Cumbernauld. I’m a new pass and when I landed at the depot after 4:15 driving was under a little pressure to back it up to the bay. Was my first time reversing since pass. Took me a few attempts as they had those yellow tyre barriers built into the ground. Scottish fella came out the office having a go saying he had another trailer for me to couple up to. I told him if he didn’t get back in the office I would get out the truck and comfortably go through him. Didn’t see him again until after my 45 break when I told him now I’m ready for your other trailer. People should be offering help, which can be difficult itself as they probably don’t want to offend you. I later found out this fella is disliked by his own office. NEVER take any nonsense from a fat bastard who views you as fresh meat to massage his ego. It’s your learning experience in the truck, which is not to be interfered with by some fat gob shite who’s been in the game too long. They either fuck off or get ko”d very very simple in my book. If it takes 20 minutes to get the truck backed up to the bay then it takes 20 minutes. Fuck em youl get better
I just wrote myself up for CE here in Sweden, havent gotten to drive yet, all Ive done is practiced in Euro Truck Simulator 2 xD. Im nervous tho how it will be in real life, we dont really drive these arctics, we have combos that usually measure 24m, or as longest 25.25m long (rigid+semitrailer on dolly). So reversing is different and vehicle is much longer overall so will see how that goes..
@@Wiikendzgoodmix To be honest it sets you up well playing a sim. At least it did for me. Found it easier than the game when I did it for real since you have better all round vision and perception of distance.
That's great advice! Especially keeping the trailer wheels on the bay line, I often over shoot the bay/parking space & spend ages trying to straighten it out
Cracking video mate, sound advice, I'm a new pass and have found this video really useful. Hoping to stick it on a bay Monday without making a tit of myself! Cheers buddy, keep the videos coming!
I have never drope professionally in my life but i had my first day driving in a 44 foot long trailer, lets just say the reversing took a long long time i had to check about 20 times lol this video helped alot with thr advice about the right side trailer wheels being on the line thats where i got it wrong and not driving past the bay enough.
Great . If only been passed a week . Really struggling with going back . I'm watching this whille I'm in a truck stop . So I can try get some what of a reference point so I can have a better day tomorrow. Kind regards Andy
Hi thanks for the video. I felt an absolute idiot today, I failed my class 1 driving assessment with one of the biggest well respected organisations in the uk. They supposedly take a great pride in training and development. I passed my test in 2015 and only drove a drawbar for a while, I've had other jobs since. The ability to reverse an articulated lorry has left me. Embarrassed to be honest never really failed so badly at something. I worked for the London Fire Service for many years. I'm angry with myself I wont be beaten by this. The assessor just stood there gave no advice or any guidance made it worse. Thankyou again for the advice.
@Steven Hickman: Really, no sweat !! I've just failed test number FOUR!! I asked DVSA if they could do me a Season ticket, or maybe a Loyalty Card - you know, do 9 tests get the tenth test free of charge!!
Great idea using the model artic . I did the same and it helped understand the position and angles ! Ask a shunter to guide and help as they are the experts .
I passed my class 1. First time in a class 1 with my firm and its nights. Night time reversing is fucking hard. Much easier during the day when you have light and can see where your wheels are going.
First C+E shift on my own tonight. Been a while since I passed my test so I've forgot most of it, been driving C for a couple of years now. Looking forward to it. I've always remembered one thing: "Nice and slow". If you make a mistake while going slow, you're much more likely to catch it before anything goes seriously wrong, rush and you'll end up causing an accident.
Well that was a shit show :D First back seemed to go nice and easy, 1 shunt. Happy days. 2nd back, I just could not get the angle right, took me nearly 20 minutes of flapping around. Ohh well, at least I get paid by the hour!
When the old guys say it will come - they are right. I reckon it takes about two years,,,,I've done about two years now (full time) , and I'm just finding that about right - probably why the old request for two years experience in banded about a bit.....The straight forward - good side - reverse onto a bay is fair enough, but all the other complications of blind side, and cab swing, and this that and the other, after about two years, you get competent enough to stay calm, and take your time....good video , thanks dave
Nice one pal, it’s kind of you to take the time to help others, I’ve had my C+E 12 years and have only done 3-4 runs in that time, I get to the point I where doubt myself so much on the reversing I just stuck to working on Rigid’s, it’s sad the way it works in the U.K. should be more support from firms, after all you invest in drivers it only pays you back with competent staff. I’m hopefully gonna give it another try soon, will try your tips and hope for the best.
Boss 313 had my class one 11 years and have used it extensively so plenty experience but not used it for over two years, i was recently went at a interview and driving assessment with a big company and failed the reverse. I managed to do it with 3 /4 shunts but struggled my arse off. The assessment guy described me as a little ‘rusty’ and that I’d need a few hours/day to get back to standard, Companies don’t give a toss and they wonder why there is a driver shortage.
Don't give up guys. I know it is intimidating in a busy yard but it is a catch 22 situation. If you don't overcome the fear and just get on with, you lose. A positive mind set is key. A lot of new drivers are beaten before they get into the yard because they worry too much and get inside their own heads.
This advice looks sound. Will give it a go next time im on bays. Ive only been driving class 1 for nearly 2 months but up until now ive only done work with bays about 6 times. Main thing with me is i seem to kind of go in at 45 degrees going straight through the nearside bay and then over cooking it into the far side. Unfortunately i have already had one hit and it was backing into a parking space that are usually opposite bays. Just clipped far side trailer. As i really struggled with not being able to run over all the bays as i go.
Thanks for the video, very useful tips but I was hoping you’d elaborate more on the steering once you get the trailer turning in the direction you want. I’ve seen drivers turn the steering wheel left to make the trailer go right, then I watch the front wheels straighten up so the tractor unit follows the trailer, then they make small adjustments until they have the perfect line so that the back 6 wheels of the trailer slip right in between the “bananas”. If you could somehow do a video on that, that’d be great!!
Good vid but if you are a new driver my advise to you is just practice practice practice. If you can find the time find a quite service station or a big yard and practice. It will come. I've been driving over 25 years and I still take every opportunity to reverse wherever I can. Instead of driving into a parking bay I always take the reverse option if I can. Instead of doing a u turn I would reverse into a space if possible. Yeah sure it may take longer bit what the heck I'm hourly paid! Practice makes perfect.
Getting out is very helpful... can get so disoriented sometimes and after getting out and looking you can see... oh... plenty room, panic over, pressure off... no problem... ✋😌
Great video. Difficult skill to learn and daunting at first (I failed my first shunter test) but with a good instructor you should be fine. Top tip for learners: practice shunting/reversing trailers in an area with limited forward movement even after you pass because on the job there will be times when you have little room to manoeuvre.
@andrewjohnson582 Exactly. Like it or not, it's going to happen at some point. If you've got the room, use it. If not then just take your time, it doesn't matter if you take several shunts to drop the trailer, most important thing is don't hit anything. Reversing an HGV trailer is a fine art, not something anyone will learn in a few days, it takes time and experience. If it's any consolation to anyone I've actually encountered a fair number of lorry drivers that are terrible at reversing! It's a very difficult skill to learn so my advice to any newbie would be to just practice reversing in an empty yard when it's quiet. That will help any learner immensely.
good man a lot of the older chaps just laugh and wont pass knowledge on dunno why prob cos they dont want younger ones to take over but that gonna happen eventually well done boyo x
Thanks, I've been class 1 on and off for two years but still struggle from time to time, I guess I've not helped myself by swapping between rigid and artic, sometimes I look and feel like a pro and other times look like an idiot. 😊 Safe roads
What a great video. The first minute or so couldn't be worded more accurately by anyone. I recently got into such a state, in my second week of Class 1 driving, that I left the job. Felt embarrassed and disillusioned. Although I know the science behind reversing, tying it all together was something else, especially when you're dealing with bays that are as tight as can be. My general driving is sound. As is the coupling and uncoupling. And I got some good experience strapping loads. BUt now I'm worried the reversing bit is going to make it a non-starter for me.
LSJ Shez Don't give in mate. You've got to stick at it and just remember that repetition is key. The more you do it the better you're going to be. (bit like teenage sex) oh, the memories lol
Cheers mickey taker. I think one of the problems was the £2500 insurance waver I had to sign, when I joined up. Having that albatross round my neck didn't help pressure wise. I signed up with an agency recently, who informed me that my insurance would be £1 per shift, which compared to the previous surprised me.
@@andrewjohnson582 Hi Andrew. I was surprised to get a reply to my post. A post I’d forgotten all about. Sticking with it is key. After quitting that job, I got on with another firm. The transport manager was an ex driver and a pain in the arse, but knew how to push: “Yeah, you’ll get a trailer in there, crack on” type stuff. Over time I got stronger, to the point of pokey little yards being my specialty. Just keep at it.
Exactly right mate the test reverse is a joke and leave many of us new drivers without ability or skills rendering us a little bit dangerous at times. It really is a part of the test and lessons focussed around reversing
Very good information, I have just passed my class 1 and it's true I messed up on my reversing into a bay so I'm going to try your technique thanks for the upload...
I've got class 1 and 2 but never properly reversed class 1, I'm a master at class 2. I am starting with a big company, and I am crapping myself about reversing articulated on to bays and reverse parking.
Great advice had my class 1 years but drive wrecker with spec lift so getting in artic is summat else. Totally blind with bend on so take bend off in panic and then youre miles out! Not easy and anyone in a car saying i could drive em needs to have a go coz they couldn't they aint easy and ot takes a lot of practice and that sinking feeling when you get stuck! Great advice tho!
Great advice , I’m 2 wks in and struggling over steer etc I’m not the only one messing up I do find it daunting I’m driving on nites Wen it’s wet I really struggle Some drivers and bay Marshall’s have been really understanding Roll on wen improves
Chris Shaw, through experience it’ll take around 6-9 months before you will be able to get it properly, at times you’ll get so frustrated that it’s just not happening but one day it’ll click, even 2 years on I still have bad days. I know it’s difficult but when people are rushing you but “take your time”. You will hit things but that’s life from time to time (try not to very often lol), having an understanding boss helps. Eventually you will get an imaginary line to follow and it’ll work nearly every time. When new stick your head out of the window and keep looking (check mirrors). Never blind side, do everything to avoid it, if you do blind side adjust your electric mirror as you reverse or just take a shallow angle. Good luck.
Thanks for the video, very helpful.. When I'm reversing a rigid or van, even car. I use the same principle. Once my OS rear wheels are over a line, ( Bay or parking ) I keep them to the OS line. I haven't done my class 1 yet but can see the similarities though tractor would be steered in opposite direction. Thanks.
Best tips and explanation on RU-vid 👍 just one question. When is the best time to start bringing the tractor unit around? I herd people say use the middle axle as the reference.
You say turn which way you want the trailer to go on the text you’ve posted. But it’s opposite? Turn the steering wheel right to make the trailer go left.
This is sound advice buddy (you have your head screwed on). Have you tagged this video mate because this video should go big, as new drivers will find this useful. The reason I ask if you have tagged it correctly is that it has only had 15 views and I would expect it to get 4k to 7k easy. It is true what you say ...if in doubt then get out, because it is all so easy to get disorientated don't you think? Good luck with the video pal.
I learned a lot from a youtube channel called My Trucking Skills, made by David Crowley, it has multi cams. mirrors , drone, steering wheel cam, different set ups, and good tricks and tips, amazing and effective way to learn. worth to watch.
Take it easy as long as you clear cone b use your shunt. Line it up nicely then reverse in a straight line. I couln't reverse during my lesson come the test i took one shunt and was ok.
It just comes with practice, I don’t really get the dummy run in the model shown, I’ve been on them twenty years. Some go in easy, some go in hard, but at the end of the day, they all go in. I screwed up in my early days, and got bailed out by an experienced driver, then recently, I done the same for a new driver, just practice a learn yourself, it’s a knack and it comes in the end. These models don’t work for real.
This is what preventing me from taking the leap from class 2 to 1. Damn makes me anxious thinking about reversing especially at services or busy yards. Not much help out there.