I've been hgv 1 driving for over twenty years, don't believe the hype of driver's saying they do reverses in one, it takes as long as it takes, as long as nobody is hurt and nothing is damages it's winner winner chicken dinner. Just take your time .
I always said if in doubt get out, so if I wasn’t too sure about anything in regards to reversing into anywhere, I’d just get out and have a look just to make sure that it was safe to carry on with the reversing.
I've driven them for 40 + years , unless it's a regular daily drop it's luck, why would anyone one count beyond me, I can't see it matters, then of course if you've had 40 footers on the get a 20 footer, that a whole new ball game. Docks Hmmmm good luck with that one , the most unhelpful people I've met, I refused dock work, I'll stress not all docks are crap though.
My driving instructor for the car was the same. We once encountered someone backing up in a parking garage and obviously having difficulties with it, and my driving instructor immediately pulled the key and waited at a reasonable distance to hopefully bring the point across that we were giving this driver all the time and not pushing them to rush things. When the person managed to back up in the spot, my driving instructor said: "Did someone die or suffer injuries?" and I said "No?" and he went on by saying "Did someone suffer material damages?" at which I again said no, and he said "Exactly. Don't rile yourself up for having to wait for some people, because not everyone is as gifted in driving a car, no matter how long they do it. If you can't stand that kind of a delay (which turned out to be just 1 minute 30), you need to leave home earlier. Please keep that in mind always."
Hayley, don’t be put off by others watching you half of them couldn’t do what you’re doing, just take your time take it slow & you’ll eventually get it! I’m a retired truck driver & driving instructor, so just stay calm take as many shunts as needed, if in doubt get out & look, take advice from others(if it’s helpful!) most decent truck drivers are more than happy to help a new driver out. Good luck in your new profession. 👍🏻👏🏻🙂
Your doing fine Hayley, you just have to learn to tune out the watching eyes. You will suddenly realise it doesn't bother you anymore coz your just concentrating on what you are doing.
Hey, don't be frustrated... I only started January, mainly coil carrying funnily enough. Don't worry about the shunts and don't worry about telling folk to shut up like you did 😂 your problems are exactly the same as mine were and many others. Don't feel disappointed, it won't be long til folk are telling you you are reversing better than half the blokes they get there 😉
Hayley I can tell you that we have all being the newbie at sometime and like most of us it only takes one little thing to knock your confidence and then start questioning your career choice, but by the same measure it only takes a small win to put you back on top again. Do not be discouraged, I like the vast majority of your viewers have faith in your ability to succeed and you have only been doing for three weeks so far, I'm still learning new stuff after more than 37 years! All the best.
Hi Hayley, we all made mistakes when we started. When you make a mistake, you'll never forget it. Docks are a bloody nightmare. You're getting used to trailers cutting in already, and it'll become second nature. I think you're doing absolutely great. Keep on trucking!
A bit of a tip for you.. I use rain-x on my mirrors. It makes the water bead and displace off the mirror to prevent distortion. If you have a cab dust gun attached to the air you could also blow the water off the mirrors before you manoeuvre. We all have down days where tempers fray and all you want to do is go home. Then there’s other days where you wouldn’t trade your job for all the tea in China. Keep on trucking.
I was a driver for a UK removal firm running class one. Central London to the smallest lanes in Cornwall you never knew what you were going to find and if you couldn't get the truck in you were walking everything. I found not looking out the window while backing up, get used to looking forward and mirror to mirror with small inputs into the wheel ... And always go for the difficult option when your new, reverse into a junction rather than trying to swing it round, alway do it blind side when you can so it becomes normal...
Just passed my class 2 Wednesday and now straight onto the C+E , 10, 2 hour lessons and test. I am also so hard on myself and overthink everything, it sucks, but in a way... its a bit of a superpower. It shows how much you want to get good. And when mistakes get made, it sends me into overdrive , thinking and stressing about getting it right. Which really is a benefit in the long run. Mistakes are the best teacher. Love your vids and experience awaits
The best thing that helped me set up correctly was somebody telling me this: drive past the bay/parking space you want to go in until the rear of the tractor unit is about in line with the bay/space, then full left and drive away from the bay/space, then full right once your trailer is somewhat pointing in the right direction. You want the unit positioned to the right of the trailer, and the trailer pointing towards your target (so you can see it from cab). Turn steering wheel to the left so the trailer goes right and adjust as needed. Go as far out as you need to to give you more manoeuvre space. Probably made a hash of explaining that but after that it really clicked for me.
Another good tip I got by my trainer was to put your hand on the bottom of the wheel, which ever way your hand goes is where the back of the trailer goes. Really settles the mind when you're just starting and gives you something to concentrate on before panic sets in
Your doing fine Hayley, it's a massive learning cure for anyone, your doing better than some drivers I've seen who have been driving for years. Remember you've come a long way in a short time, it's not that long ago I remember watching your early video when you were trying to get in to the industry.
Hayley!!! Stop thinking you are doing something wrong, you have just past your test (which was a bit basic) now you have to learn, reverse, slow take it easy, if you can always be able to see the back of the trailer, keep the banana (you'll suss it), don't be a hero, if you can't see around you, get out and have a look, it's easier than filling out accident reports 😋👍😀😀, You're doing great, just remember at a delivery you are the boss, if you are not happy with the situation, don't do it and phone the office. Big Respect to all our truck drivers, without them the country would have died during covid, 🙏🙏🙏👍👍🙏☕☕🇬🇧
Hayley don't put yourself down your doing awesome, I'm starting a new job Class 1 Driving in a week or two and I haven't driven a truck for the last 25 Years your doing better than me.
Don't worry, in a few months time you will wonder what all the fuss was about. You will be swinging through it all. The main thing to remember is that you have a tremendous love and goodwill behind you from all your followers. Great vids Kid, keep them coming.
A lot of the skill in reversing is you’re starting position watch the other drivers were they drive to and the way they position the tractor and trailer to back in to any given loading area. Sometimes especially in tight yards you need to position like you could of done today further to the right, this would mean that you had to initially screw the tractor tighter to push the trailer around quicker but with a shunt forward after you had cleared the thing you nearly hit you would of been nicely lined up. Also if you have to pull forward make sure you pull far enough to get your rig straight I’ve had to learn that a few times, normally in front of drivers taking the piz. Always walk the reversing rout on a new to you site whatever the local expert says. And never take advice from clever bastards that think they know it all :)
You did grand, nothing as bad as being a new driver and everyone standing watching you. Like everyone’s already said don’t get frustrated and if in doubt get out and look as much as you need too 👍🏻
I’ve just found this after yesterday having my first day back on artics in years 😂. I’m on furlough and thought “I know do a bit of driving”. Man I struggled with reversing. It’s so annoying as years ago I used to be able to back into bays without thinking. It’s like my powers have vanished! Now I’m overthinking again like when I first started. Had an observer yesterday in a forklift. Drove me nuts as I couldn’t get this tanker onto its (fairly tight) bay. I tried to wave him past. He just sat there. Grrrr haha. 4 shunts later and me getting out to look and think. In but not pretty. Waiting for it to click again. Great presentation, subbed.
Don't worry about reversing I've been class 1 years even I struggle sometimes even today! Considering how tight some of the bays are at certain places its a joke! Give to time your skills will perfect with time and experiences practice makes perfect!
J bland, good comment, advice added , my shot anyway, if the working area of truck maneuverability is in anyway compromised , by assorted rubbish, crates, etc. It is called health and safety hazard, take pictures of area and leave , this is especially true when any supermarkets are your delivery point, do NOT risk your job , damage to your truck etc.
Don’t worry Hayley, I’ve been driving class 1 on and off for 25 years and I’ve never been any good at reversing but I get by. Take a shunt or get out and look, the others can wait. As long as you don’t hit anything it doesn’t matter. 👍
I love your honesty Hayley, it’s no easy at all. Getting the license is the easy bit I’d say. Think you learn after you pass! I’ve got a drive on ridged tippers now with chance later of getting in a class 1. Keep at it, I think your doing great! 👍🏻
Just take it slow, keep watching those rear 3 tyres in conjuction to floor markings like paint, cracks in the floor or just whatever features are around to help identify orientation, that will tell you exactly where the trailer is going to go and will dramatically improve your reversing skills immediately.
@Truck Driver Hayley I've only got a PSV and 10 years on the buses but i tell you what women drive better than men! Nick is doing a great job helping you along, Top bloke!
Im just about to start my HGV driving having made the decision to leave an office role and get behind the wheel. Thank you for your Vlog's great to watch.
Hayley your doing great don’t beat ya self up, I’ve been driving wagons since 2015 and still make mistakes! I guarantee even veteran drivers have days where they never seem to get it right
Dont beat yourself up. Your doing great. Having driven class 1 for many years and an instructor. I taught two guys in a wagon and drag for a week so they could gain a C+E. The following week I could not back an artic onto a bay for love or money. The loader kept shouting "come on drive, put it on the bloody bay". I didnt tell them ive been driving class 1 for 25+ years and being an instructor for 12 years. It will all fall into place, stick at it Hayley your are doing just fine. Good luck to you.
Quick tip reversing on to a bay etc., wind your window down, palm on steering wheel, head out the window and watch your back wheels, your brain will deal with the rest, no need for two hands on the steering wheel in reverse, keep your eyes on the back wheels to line up and if you over shoot, go forward a bit, reverse, repeat if need be and all will be good, ignore anyone watching, nobody’s perfect
When you're reversing, the turning point in a three axle trailer is the middle axle.... on a two axle trailer the turning point is between the two axles.... watch the hang over... the two point to judge is the turning point and hang over... for a long trailer you have time to correct if you have over or under judged... a short trailer needs to be corrected quicker. We have all been there. and practice, practice, practice.
Don't worry Hayley,it's always worse manoeuvring when your being watched. Also don't worry about getting your reverse wrong now and again,driving an artic is abit like stroking a Tiger. Most of the time it behaves and you enjoy it,but once in a while,when you relax into it it ll turn round and bite you! Your always learning in this job,stay safe.
Don’t get yourself down, it all comes with time an experience, an just like that driver said, you’ll still have bad days, we all get days where you just can’t seem to get the right angle
When I started to drive trailers in the mid 80"s I used to have some problems ,, I used to check the space I had to reverse into , I know the trailer is 8 ft wide , if the yard is gravel I would put a mark in the gravel about where I wanted my trailer wheels ,,, same with the blind side , if you cant put a mark in the gravel carry a little block of wood and place it at the apex of your turn,, place the tri axle a few inches away and all should be good
Well done to you. A real pro!! Im very moved. Im Greek but i was living in the uk for 12 years most of them in brownhills. Trained with westgate in aldridge and passed my tests at swynetton. Drove hgvs all over the uk. The brits trained me and made me an excellent driver. Loved the black country!! Great people. So many memories you brought back... Imagine that in a greek island i heared an english family talking and i knew that the accent was not just familiar. It was very very familiar. When i asked them if they were from walsall wood they freaked out!! Couldnt believe i picked it!! Keep driving girl!! Thanks for the memories. My regards to my beloved black country!!!
Hayley, I have been an aircraft technician, an inspection engineer, a trainer in both of these and many other things in my life besides and one of my stock phrases is "You can't teach experience". I am now retired but still not prepared to stop learning. I am doing my C+E over the next couple of months. I am watching your videos to get some idea of the challenges ahead! I am much better off than those of previous years as people like you share your experiences, and difficulties. Thank you, you are BIG people to be prepared to share your experiences publicly.
Yep brilliant haley ...reversing is all about positioning the tractor correctly before you execute the manoeuvre into the area where you want to be ..but your doing good girl it'll come with practice
I'm the same as you, been driving class 1 for almost 5 months and still struggle to reverse the trailer on a bay. Especially at night even worse can't see shit 😒 and the rain really help by NOT ALOT 😂
Bless you Hayley, I know how frustrating it is, especially with people watching (they probably wouldn't be able do it at all). I once had 2 lads in a rigid laughing at me reversing an artic, I wasn't even messing up too much lol. You'll get there, you didn't hit anything and that's the most important thing (although I've done that as well, but going forward/turning 🙈). Much respect!
Hayley, Aren't you doing just great. Don't beat yourself up about anything, You are now where a lot of people would love to be. A new seat on your first day? Somebody thinks an awful lot of your abilities and why wouldn't they? Love your vlogs.
You've got the best attitude and let things go over your head Hayley, your reversing a bloody big vehicle into a tight door space with people standing behind and you had very good reason to be nervous but your doing fantastic 👍
Took me about six months afther passing my class 1 test to master the reversing been driving class 2s for years now but just starting to do class 1 work again can still reverse ok but just have to take it a lot slower you will get the hang of it but it just takes time good luck
Hayley, don't beat yourself up. I was EXACTLY the same as you not so long ago. When I turned up at an rdc, I used to think, oh no, I've got to reverse now. You are doing what I was, coming from a rigid to an artic, PUTTING TOO MUCH LOCK ON !! Honestly, that's what you're doing. Most of the time now, I might do half a turn, where as before I was putting almost full lock on, before you know it you've lost the trailer. A guy told me 6" of lock equates to 6ft on the trailer. Just try a quarter of a turn 👍
I'm a little late to this comment - but I've cracked it now! Small turns is the way forward... Or should I say backwards 😂. Thanks for the tips, I did read them but didn't reply.
Hayley you have done the hard bit in passing your test that was the hard bit now it is all practice for you when reversing if you can not see when reversing into dark places I would ask for somebody to watch you back.hayley good luck with the reverseing it will come in the end phil.
1 shunt or 10 shunts, no damage is a win in everyone's book! We all learn to zone out from the eager eyes hoping to catch a disaster for you've been framed!!! Trust me, there are plenty of experts out there that have bent plenty of steel!!👍your doing great and in no time it will almost be 2nd nature👍👍
Big Respect for putting that reverse on here!! I was exactly the same hayley and I've been driving class1 8 years now. I still have the odd off day,but the more you think about it going wrong it often does. Get your self lined up and just go with it. Beating ya self up and you didnt mention the One massive positive.........You took a class 1 to liverpool!! No damage/no accident I'd say you Did very well and by October you will be looking back at now and accepting reversing is Easy if you make it easy. Keep up the good work and You will be fine.
Wow,just accidentally picked up your channel.What a breath of fresh air watched it all the way through and have now subscribed.For a Newbie you are doing a brilliant job-Bloody hell I have been driving 50 odd years and still get it wrong.Top marks and huge respect-just keep going and sod them all.
Hi hayley, just wanted to say that I think your doing a great job. Don't stress too much about reversing the truck you learn by your mistakes is what they say. Keep on trucking lovely
Seems to me you doing fine everybody has to learn and after a ridged the trouble is remembering to go opposite lock it will all come to you and if you get flustered say f*** and start a fresh cos once you out of line it’s the best way
Perhaps Articulated trucks are like Kangaroos, they can't go backwards. Lol. Fantastic vlog, great to hear you very chatty, and smiling. Convoy time, K Transport road train. Here's to lucky week number 4 Hayley, Thanks for sharing and stay safe all. John.
Great vid. Reversing is every new drivers nightmare it’s only because we don’t get enough practice at it. I dread it every time especially when people are watching. Keep at it and it’ll come I’m sure.
It does not matter how long the reversing takes. As long as you do not hit anything, and you do it safely. You will be fine. It will come to you. I struggled for at least 4 weeks, then i eventually got it. We have all been there, and you will get there.
Everyone goes through the same issues when starting out. I went straight onto c+e supermarket work without any experience at all in any truck. To say my first year was a disaster is an understatement. Top tips for reversing, it doesn’t matter how many times you shunt or get out as long as you get on without hitting anything. The key to reversing is getting the best starting position. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I got help when I started and thankfully I had an understanding employer.
Hey, you're doing a great job. Don't beat yourself up over struggling on the reverse! You said you don't know how to set it up. For me how you set it up is the hardest way, pulling up to the bay with the trailer straight, meaning a 90degree reverse needed. As you're pulling past the bay, put left hand lock on, then right hand lock to set the cab up on your good side of trailer. You won't need as much room, and won't need as much lock on reverse. You've done half the manouvere going forwards, so then really you're just making small adjustments going backward! That's what works for me, hopefully helps you abit! It does just take abit of time though all of a sudden it just clicks. You'll go back to those docks and think god what was I stressing for and smash it in one! 😂 That near side step also very very easy to miss! Always keep a check on that bottom corner especially if youre taking the lock off fast. 👍 Good work!
Hayley, you are being quite hard on yourself. I've watched you reverse and I can tell you, you are doing well. I have personally seen male drivers struggle with reversing. Give yourself a pat on the back, your doing great.
You are about a month ahead of me in the class 1 learning process I think. Thanks for this honest video. I can identify with your frustrations but also the sense of achievement when you get it right. 👍🏼
I was always taught to reverse in crawler gear to have more control. And you did well to put it in from the starting angle you was at. I was also told by an old boy to put the back of the trailer close to where ypu want to go to give the tractor unit more space to manuvour
Fantastic video series, authentic, honest, courageous. And what is this magic with front and rear camera footage? Another cool skill developed. Love the videos, keep them coming and thank you. Drive safely.
Just a tip try going a bit longer past your bay don't go full lock left when going past your bay if you have room go longer it will give you more room for your tractor unit coming round also don't worry about getting your trailer straight before shunting forward pull forward while your trailer is at a bend you will be surprised how it will straighten your trailer hope that helps keep your head up you will get there !
a good tip an old driver told me in my early days is get as close to the drivers side as you can and the other side will look after its self and just follow the trailer ,
Practice,practice and more practice is what they say leads to perfection. Thanks for sharing your journey. Please be patient. You're very entertaining. Watching from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
Just take a deep breath, stay focused. It comes with time. If in doubt get out n have a peak. Next time it'll be easier. if its wet - nowt wrong with wiping them dry. Shows your careful.
Had my first shift in an artic on Monday, tight yards, many shunts, but got it onto the bays eventually. Bit scary for me though so dropping back to the 18 tonner for a few weeks to build my confidence back up. You look like a pro already, love your channel, subbed
Just never get complacent as you get more confident think what your doing and take your time if it takes 6 shunts it takes 6 shunts. Have you got your heated mirrors on that will help keep them clear. When reversing into a building asses the width of the door if its tight Always remember other lorrys have been there before you if you aim for a foot away from the door post and keep it there on the back end and bring the front around to follow it in. Most of all dont panic. Be careful with breaks on your taco different trucks go acouple or 3 minutes over your 45 so your not penalised for having under your 45 minutes. I was always told by my manager to have 50 minutes then you get a dodgy taco you will be ok
I think Your doing an excellent job Hayley and Your attitude towards the job is MEGA 👍it'll get easier week after week, I've been at it 30yrs now, the past 12yrs in Canada/usa, give Me a truckstop with only 1 space left and I'll be straight into it, give Me a empty one and My reversing is shocking 😆😆😆
I'm a Welshman...and the "U" in Pontyclun, is not pronounced as a "U"....Its pronounced like "clean"...Ponty-Clean...👍....love your content (you could talk about anything and people would watch you...lol...). I'm 46 and have been in an office job for the last 20 years, have always wanted to drive a truck and now after seeing your channel, im considering making the change and going for my HGV licence...im also doing my MOD 2 bike test on 6th Oct 21...Also don't worry about reversing, you havn't been doing class 1 long, it will come...at least you took the leap and are out there doing it...great stuff....👌
How did you get on with your mod 2 bike test?? The reversing is getting easier, the Welsh... well, I don't think that will get easier haha 😂. All the best to you 😊
@@TruckDriverHayley I completely forgot to reply to your message…I failed my mod 2 on the 6th Oct, was my fault, I was nervous and let it get to me…but I took it again today and passed…yay!
When reversing you turn the steering wheel left to go right and right to go left now take your hand from the top of the steering wheel and place it to the bottom and now right is right and left is left
Dont worry about taking several shunts, as long as you get there then you done a good job. I been driving class 1 over 20 years and some days its still a mystery going backwards!
The story of your truck dying reminds me of when the crankshaft position sensor died on my car. No warning lights until it'd died a few times over a couple of days. The first time it died I killed the battery trying to start it, waited for a couple of hours for the recovery guy and it started straight away when he jumpstarted it. Then it died again after a a mile and I got towed home.
Hayley you are doing fine. It takes time and passions like everything in life and new job beautiful. .and by the way I am enjoying your video vlogs x👍🏻
Stay with it H , try doing it as slow as possible to any one watching it looks fine and your right its all about the set up , take all the room you have , All the best
Think I’ve said it before, your first few months are a baptism of fire, but slowly it comes, try not to over think things. Try not to get down their is more heart stopping moments coming. But you’ve got it about you , you will do ok , it does come.
hahaha, I can SO relate. Reversing perfectly when it's tight or hard and stumble when it looks so easy. Keep it up. Respect to you. I still don't dare going by myself. Greetings from Canada. PS: when stuff is too heavy to lift then ask for help from anyone there. With 2 people everything is easier. Your approach to overcome the curtain movements is excellent. I know of a very short guy who has a pole to reach things. You'll learn the tricks.
Stay chilled Hayley you are doing very well .. Must be the salty sea air causing the problems xx Wear you mask xx Experience takes awhile to kick in xx God bless stay safe and healthy xx
Hi from France, I'm 61 now, I'm an Aussie who lives and works in France now. I drove for years in Australia. You'll be fine,truck driving is a cunt of a job, reversing isn't that big à deal,it seems to me you are putting far too much pressure on yourself. The slower you reverse (or back in) the simpler it becomes,I know you don't believe me,but we've all been there,alot of blokes forget what is was like when they first started. Just remember,you're starting out. YOU'LL BE JUST FINE.
11:25 come on Hayley, you didn't need to do that, you already have the accent Glad you're enjoying C+E. It would be boring without those challenges, highs and lows Blown your cover with all that livery .. you're famous!!
