W&D Training Diary - Now PASSED!! YAY!!

[tonka236]

I saw her again today...what a beautiful woman. My heart skipped.....arghhhhhhh wrong diary!!

24th September

So it is actually today that see’s me start my ‘’Class 1’’ (sorry but for a young lad I'm still old school) training. I arrive at the yard to see the truck (below) all coupled up raring to go.....Well that’s...erm...erm...looks big! But I think back to the rigid and I had the same thoughts then but as the time driving it passed my confidence began to grow and by the end of the course I was well away.
We quickly give a walk around check and a quick debrief on the coupling system and how the trailer works in relation to towing. This brings me a laugh as when we walk round the trailer we reach the back door to find a big open space....’’erm, should that be like that??’’ Turns out that some thieving low life tried to rob the diesel, couldn’t and decided to take the door instead. Go figure eh?
We leave Hednesford and head for a short drive down to the local lay-by with Grant (the instructor for the week) driving. Again, same as the rigid he gives a good commentary on how to approach junctions, islands etc etc, which he makes seem so easy. As soon as it he had begun it was suddenly my turn.
YAY I'm actually going to be driving this big mamma jamma for the week and hopefully many many years to come*. I find it easy to quickly switch back into the learner mode. I'm constantly in mirrors, checking my position, checking off the cars that pass me on the opposite carriage way. The ride up to the reverse pad (my location for the next two days) goes past in a blur without any major or minor incidents. The roads we did on the very first day of the rigid (where I was contemplating throwing in the towel there and then) are effortlessness. No kerbs, nothing ‘dangerous’. I'm happy.
As I said earlier we spent a good 3hours (of 4) up the reverse pad getting that nailed down along with the braking and (un)coupling. I get a quick demo of how the reverse should go and make a quick note of that ‘’mark’’ on the rear mud guard. Then it is my turn and to my shock..first reverse....STRIAGHT IN THE BAY!! That should have left me in a good mood about it however I start to put pressure on myself to prove that it wasn’t a fluke . As a result the next couple all require a shunt. Now I will openly admit that I would love to get it in on test first time...however I also know that I will openly take a shunt if I'm in doubt. After all it is better to be safe than sorry.
I think the problem is, that I'm driving it like the rigid, where I’m leaving it until the bay to correct it. Ultimately I should be curving it into the bay. Seems so easy when it is written down.
We had a quick couple and uncouple which went easy and is all good. That I’m pleased to say is playing through my head and I feel ok in that.
The way back to base brings fun...MOTORWAY! I’m pleased to report that my motorway cherry is officially popped! I’m smiling all the way back to our junction, feeling like I’m starting to belong. Ultimately I think I will belong once I have done all this when in a job and no-one is there to tell me ‘’try this...try that’’.

This is 'MY' truck for the week



* Before anyone starts posting, I'm aware of the job scene but hey everyone has a right to dream and have aspirations surely??

** Just a quick thanks to Rog for uploading my rigid diary on to the training page. Was reading it when half way thru it started to sound familiar

[ROG]

Oooh goody - this looks like it could be another diary to be added to the list

Are you intending to get some artic training post W&D CE test

[Data Academy]

I saw her again today...what a beautiful woman. My heart skipped.....arghhhhhhh wrong diary!!

I think you should post this one who knows it might make a film.

Seriously GOOD LUCK with the training and enjoy, there is a bit more work out there I had a phone call asking me for a newly passed class 1 urgently required for today and that was only yesterday.

Who knows it could be picking up.

[tonka236]

Are you intending to get some artic training post W&D CE test

Ultimately i think will need to attend a refreser course, for confidence and understanding of how they differ but mainly for the safety aspect as well

[C-Kay]

Glad to hear it's going well Ben

[tonka236]

I saw her again today...what a beautiful woman. My heart skipped.....arghhhhhhh wrong diary!!

I think you should post this one who knows it might make a film.

Seriously GOOD LUCK with the training and enjoy, there is a bit more work out there I had a phone call asking me for a newly passed class 1 urgently required for today and that was only yesterday.

Who knows it could be picking up.

Thought it might get peoples attention with that openly line

Regarding the call about the driver ... DAMMIT!! Knew i should have done this earlier
Think that is offically called the Law of Sod!
Same day I passed the C there were a couple of jobs for the single week Like I say Law of Sod eh?

[tonka236]

26th September

Not much to report today if I'm honest. Reverse is now getting better and will only require a brush up over the next couple of days until test on Tuesday. I’m now able to read where the uni should be, where the trailer should be and what they both should be doing. I’m now understanding when to take a shunt and what to do in the shunt to make life easier when I come back. Yesterday on the first couple I would take a shunt and end up back where I started, but not today thankfully.
The couple and uncouple is also going great. The only difference to the BLANK or BLACK mentioned on the site is that, Chunky has me put the number plate on when giving the ‘new’ trailer the once over on the checks like. Can understand his thinking and ultimately before I’m happy I have the mental image of BLANK in my head and I make an habbit of ticking each letter off.
Ah mentioning the daily checks on the trailer. For those that have read yesterdays installments about the trailer door being robbed, it has been bettered. On inspection on the corner upright ...there’s only a birds nest. Now I wonder if, seeing as I'm driving a HGV if I can also do my PSV seeing as I'm carrying passengers? Of course I joke I mind.
On the way to and from the reverse pad, we do part of one of the test routes. Both ways in the end along Sandon Road. The morning rush hour made it fun when you reach the end (Beaconside) you have no option but to wait until there is a space big enough to pull out off. Ultimately you will be going across both carriageways which dictates that you will need a space big enough to get through. The reverse of the Sandon Road thankfully brings no trouble. Now this road, where you turn off Beaconside onto the Sandon Road, brought me nothing but trouble in the rigid. However due to the size, it has to be approached as stop before proceeding, cos you will need to rob the opposite side of the road. Felt pleased with myself along here and for the day over all.

The only downside of the day, came on way back from reverse pad. Coming along the Eccleshall Road back towards the motorway. Oncoming truck on one of the bends. I knew full well I would end up brushing the trailer wheels on the kerb and I did. Now this may sound stupid, but weirdly enough I’m happy that I did it. It suddenly wakes you up to the length and width of the vehicle and therefore it is now out of the way and done and dusted.

I’m still happy and loving it and as confidence grows bit by bit I’m loving that little bit more and ultimately push myself that little bit more also.
Now tomorrow is a whole new ball game...Town driving. Just running over the same old test routes that we did in the rigid but now with a all be it slightly bigger vehicle...just slightly. Major respect for still for those already doing it
Right i'm off to tuck into more Jaffa Cakes and watch a bit of Neighbours before an early night me thinks.

[tonka236]

26th September

The Day of The Copper

So I arrive at the yard to meet Chunky and get the rigid to go and couple up. Have a general bit of natter to hear that about an hour or so after I saw him yesterday afternoon he had been knocked off his bike whilst stationary at the traffic lights . The woman didn’t only ram him from behind but went up over the bike and then stuck it in reverse...trying to make sure the job was done properly eh? Don't worry I won’t mention the stereotypical female driver...I know better.

Thankfully he was given a clean bill of health from his GP and we spend a while having a little chuckle about it.
We go and pick up the trailer* and find a small issue with the coupling system. The pin when released drops continually instead of waiting for the pressure plate to be activated. Arghhh...stress! But hey I don’t panic and a short while later we both manage to couple it up. I’m now in a position where I know the coupling process and I'm not being told do this and now that followed by, thankfully the confidence is coming. I’m even quick to get in ‘Can you check my lights for me please?’ Something I hadn’t been quick to do over the past couple of days.
The aim for the day is road and town driving and by jove we did that. Starting from Hednesford we leave and almost immediately we are on tight corners and fiddle little streets. To start with I'm overawed by it by soon my confidence begins to go in this aspect of my driving and I'm fast realising that ‘slow it down, get everything is sequence, and when and only when you are clear then go.’
Soon we arrive at Hill Top in Cannock, proceed over the island by the garage and down to the next one where we turn right and I’m told ‘pull up on the right in a convenient place’. So I spot a nice stretch where there is no off roads, bus stops etc. Check mirrors before I pull up to a stop and notice blue lights in them...’ah perfect timing on the stop, space for him to come round’ I think, ‘oh he’s slowing down...he’s stopped’ Wind down the window...
'Hello officer'
’Do you know you have a brake light out?’

Frick.
Chucky reaches one out from under the bunk...Band new in the bag, never opened....its only a DUD!! So eventually to cover ourselves we go down to the nearest garage.
Must say first time I have been stopped in a truck and may I just say quick thanks to the guys in the car who were nice and polite as well.

Soon we are covering the ins-and-outs of Cannock, Brownhills and Walsall. Only issue I had was on the approach back to the A5 (Brownhills Side of the M6 Toll) assumed it was in gear but must have just missed it. Dammit! Won’t be making that error again trust me.
Thankfully not much traffic around to day yet the roads still seemed small and can only imagine that they are minuscule during rush hour. We end cutting along the Black Country Route over the M6 @ J10 and go to the nearest Volvo dealership there. Unfortunately they are unable to help with the light issue...Can get you one, for Tuesday? Erm think we will leave that.

We end up cutting back up the motorway J10 — J11. Everything goes well and I’m loving it. Loving spending as much in the mirrors as possible, the road positioning that you have to take not only just on the M-Way but at hazards, junctions, lights. I feel I’m a lot better on the approaches to these now and I’m able to get out of car mode and really make the effort to put the truck as far across as possible to try and free up the other lane for traffic. Over the day the routine is getting better as well. I’m slowly beginning to read the road in front of me and choose the gear on the approach so I can keep the truck moving and when need to, stop and be prepared straight away to get going. The only issue Chunky has with this is I’m sometimes dropping the button just a couple of seconds to early. As pre-empting what with be required, instead of making sure that the road demands it. Hope that makes sense? By his word general nit picking. Yet i really dont want this little errors.

I’m cut early off lesson to allow the truck to be booked back into the garage (last thing I want is for that to be an issue on test) and for the purchase of surplus bulbs.
I had a laugh on the way back to be told...If I could I would take you for test tomorrow... at this point I made the comment don’t give me praise. It’s like I consciously then try and drive to that standard instead of allowing it to be natural like and then major errors come into it.

Had a phone call earlier to say can I be at the yard for 11:15 because the truck has been kept in, hopefully not the ICU ward. Think we are all over the test routes tomorrow, will probably ask to visit the reverse pad at some point as well just to refresh myself on it.

* I’m pleased to report nothing else been taken from the trailer and no signs of any new birds (of the feathery kind) hatching yet.

[ROG]

The only issue Chunky has with this is I’m sometimes dropping the button just a couple of seconds to early. As pre-empting what with be required, instead of making sure that the road demands it. Hope that makes sense? By his word general nit picking.

He is concerned that if the situation does not require it then you might forget to put it back again.

[tonka236]

The only issue Chunky has with this is I’m sometimes dropping the button just a couple of seconds to early. As pre-empting what with be required, instead of making sure that the road demands it. Hope that makes sense? By his word general nit picking.

He is concerned that if the situation does not require it then you might forget to put it back again.

Hit the nail on the head there Rog. Looking back now you can understand it clearly and a lot can happen in that second(s) difference from where i drop the button to an experienced driver does as well. Hoping that i will get this sorted tomorrow once again.

[ROG]

Changing the switch in readiness for an up or down change through the box is a very good idea as it makes the range change quicker and smoother but as you have found out - it's down to timing and necessity - oh, and remembering if you did it or not !!

Hand on gearstick
finger on switch
which way is it?
I don't wannabe a 'dick'

[tonka236]

Hand on gearstick
finger on switch
which way is it?
I don't wannabe a 'dick'

I found myself laughing at this yesterday when i read it Rog but i will openly admit i found myself saying it a couple of times today out on lesson. Think because it is funny it will always be one of those things that stick with me and will be using.

[tonka236]

27th September

This morning proved to be a day of mixed emotions if I'm honest. We left Hednesford and headed up towards Stafford to go to the reverse pad and then test routes. On the way, dropped the gears a couple of times (didnt panic thou, dipped the clutch in and out and away we go) and just a few other errors which by the standard I set for myself just got annoying. Just overall found myself snatching at it. Think looking back it came down to not having my usual Jaffa cake packet this morning. Who knew a small tasty snack could bring down a man?
At the reverse pad thou, completed 6 reverses and of those 5 went straight in with easy. The last one I wasnt too happy about so to make sure, took the shut, lined it up properly and straight lined it back into the bay. I know on test I will have two shunts to ultimately use, and like I said previously I will use them and not risk a failure.
Now I have always believed that car drivers are stupid but today sumed it up. Coming out of the airfield that we use for the reverse, the road is suitable for two cars to just squeeze through, so why does stupid car driver feel the need to pull out in front of me, bringing me to a halt whilst she squeezes past. It compounds the fact, they are stupid, even more when there was nothing in front of me from either direction nor nothing behind.
We then go and hit the road up to the test centre and I’m pleased to report that I started to get back on top of my game.
Down into Eccelshall, where the roads are nice and tight with on coming vehicles and even more so once you drop into the village itself. There is legal parking on both sides of the high street which see me having to wait for the on coming cars to go first before I am able to proceed. The tight little junctions and roundabouts seem manageable today which I think is in parts to the work we did around Cannock and the surrounding areas yesterday.
Down to the test centre and a quick 360 around the entrance...so this is where I will meet the man who will decide my fate in a couple of days...unlucky fella if you ask me
Come back out and turn right, back along the way we was coming originally and attempt the nice right hand bend. Drop down into low range and creep up to the line constantly checking for traffic and my position in the mirrors. Nothing coming...lets go. We come across the very thight island and then immediately there is also a bridge on one of the exits from test centre. Thankfully a car comes round the island and head our way so keep the wheels rolling and keep in the same gear as the bridge is a bit blind. Coupld of cars come and meet me on the bend so i stop and then look to pinch part of their opposing carriage way to allow myself round. The confidence suddenly comes back once again. Short little ride back down towards Stone which is uneventful (I know come Tuesday morning during rush hour it is going to be nothing but fun). Here we turn back towards Stafford and head through the town centre and take a punt that the roadworks near to the train station have gone...thankfully this is the case. Now I must admit I had to smile here. You come up the road splits into two lanes, left turn and right turn (test route implies that you will turn left), in a rigid you are expected to get round the corner in the left lane only however for the W&D you must block both lanes. I had a couple of horns, but hey what can you do. You have to block them off otherwise you take out the traffic lights.
We then start to head home through the traffic and back to base where we drop off the trailer ready for the coupling back up in the moring.
Weirdly enough I end the day thinking of monopoly...
Do not pass go...until you are clear
Do not collect...the lampost

I know it sounds crazy but it actually ends up working and as I drive along I end up picking up the potential hazards in front through-out the second half of the lesson.

I know for some people it might not seem like too bad of a day, however by the standards I set myself I feel like there is room for improvement and I will be putting those errors right tomorrow when we head of on the Stoke route and a couple more.

[tonka236]

28th September

So this is it...my last lesson before THAT day, and I’m pleased to say that everything that could go right did. No issues with the gears, now selecting the gear as a roll up towards the hazard. This then gives me maximum time to assess and assess again, keep the wheels rolling, position correctly, check everything off in the mirror and if needed drop the button if required.
We leave Hednesford and go fill up before heading back along the motorway up towards Stafford North.
Managed today to complete the same route I took for the rigid. I thought it was tight then but oh my days it’s even tighter now. Easy case, drop the speed and feed yourself through the tight islands and constantly check yourself in the mirror (the truck I mean not actually myself ) and down towards what is known as Dead Man’s Curve. Here the signs both on the side of the road and on the tarmac says DEAD SLOW. Now in a car that's good but for a truck you need to be 69 feet under kind of slow. Even worse if you come across another truck coming the other way. Which of course had to go and happen didnt it? But came through it and that gave me a boost of confidence as it happened at the worst possible time. Then its back through Stone (again tight but manageable as long as you watch you speed and position) and off to the Cafe for a beautiful bacon sandwich.
Shortly we are off to the reverse pad, me I was yearning for another Bacon butty. As we pull up all the bays are in use , so quick couple and uncouple just to run back through that which again leave me in a positive mood. Complete 4 reverse's which go great, finished a little short on one, jumped out and checked it and then nudged it back as required.
Then it’s back towards Stafford before heading back down the motorway and back through Cannock centre back to base. On the way I’m told that if...IF...the worse should happen tomorrow then I won’t be given any more lessons, simply because it will either be something stupid in a panic moment or some .... person ... who decides to take the licence off me. This leaves me actually feeling positive, because I have been driving, generally, to the standard required to pass the test.
Now coming from a rugby background I only have a typical adage in my head, body in the oven head in the freezer. Simply because for one hour of my life tomorrow, I must be alert to everything that is happening around me both in front and behind. But I must never panic.

Here is hoping to a good result tomorrow where I can hopefully officially join group.

Until next time folks...

[ROG]

What time tomorrow is the trial... oops sorry, I mean test

[greasemonkey]

Good diary ben!
looks like its coming on well bruvs
good luck for tomorrow mate

[tonka236]

What time tomorrow is the trial... oops sorry, I mean test

The exucution is at 8:15am tomorrow Rog...weirdly enough i feel unlucky for the examiner

[tonka236]

Ive only gone and done it!

IVE PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Came out with 4 minors (one of which for mounting a kerb) but im still well happy!!
Just off out now but will put a true description of everything that happened today on here when i'm back a little later!

[big john]

well done mate

[ROG]

[Alan Smithee]

That's great mate! Such a great feeling! and somehow lots better than just C.. When i passed C i was happy but hated explaining how i couldn't drive the 'big bendy ones' like most people know them as..! now done CE it's like yeah, can drive that. no bother!

[tonka236]

Guys thanks for the congratulations...I'm pleased to say that i'm still as high as a kite now as when i heard those magically words earlier today.

So some 13 hours after passing i figure i had better put an account of what happened today on here.

I arrived at the yard nice and early...6AM! Who knew it was still dark at that time? I'm then told...I was going to ring you about cancelling your test, the lights on the trailer we had a problem with earlier in the week, until the lecky came out and fixed it last night. However it is still tempermental on the power pack. Do you want to cancel it?
Lets run the risk At least, worse case senerio, i will be able to have a reverse and braking exercise practice at the test centre.
So off we leave, in the dark, lights on. I must admit that this journey has found me discovering a hightened level of respect for HGV drivers but after this morning, those that do night driving...well its just a total new experience.
Anyway, we leave Hednesford and head off to do the Stafford run. However, this doesnt materialise due to us being being concerned about the light. Thankfully, as it turned out it didnt matter anyway

We get up to the reverse pad and on the drive up to it we decide that we will knock out three reverses and leave it there, weather they be good or bad. Thankfully all three go well and end up being in first time no shunt. I'm happy that i didnt leave there on a bad one otherwise who would have known how it would have gone at test. We spend about 10 mins just having a natter and relaxing. We then leave and get up to test centre and arrive 20 mins early...heck better than being late.
I'm first on test this morning and i'm greeted by the examiner. Lovely chap, who breaks everything down and explains everything after noting down my details.
First up is the braking exercise. Thankfully everything i have been taught this week and also with the rigid comes flooding back and i'm soon going 3rd to 4th, checking the speed, cones approach quickly and brakes applied. Handbrake, neautral...Thank you very much Ben, now if you would like to follow it round and stop just short of the entrance into the bay.
It is here that we do the questions...
'Can you please tell me the safety issues that should be taken into account when loading the vehicle?'
Can you show me how you would insert a tachograph properly please?

Both of which i take my time and give a complete answer with all the detail i can remember in my head. The tacho one i was told to reinsert the tacho that i had already filled out this morning.

The examiner then jumps out and begins to set up the reverse pad before signalling me to enter the pad and allign myself up for the reverse. I take it nice and steady on entering the pad, remembering that it was here on the rigid i caught a kerb, and allign myself up as straight and turn as possible. He then signals for me to begin. I take it nice and slow, making sure that everything i do is required for the ultimate goal...getting into that bay. As i say i take my time and eneter the bay first time and align myself up, before applying the handbrake, stopping the engine and getting out to check...spot on! PHEW!!!!
If you would like to pull forward somewhere about 3/4 the length of the reverse pad and then stop...No problem and i pull down.

'Right Ben I would like you to uncouple the vehicle and reverse back alongside and then wait for my next request.'
Jump out, handbrake on the trailer, Legs, Walk round take the rear number plate, disconect the airlines and lift the pin. Pull forward and reverse back along side before pulling up.
'Now i would like you to recouple back on to the same trailer, however, i would like you to treat it as thou you have never used it before'
I hop out, check the brake is still applied and begin a daily check routine of the trailer. As i walk round checking everything off i replace the number plate and end up eventually back where i began. Jump back in the cab and pull forward before reversing back and finishing just short, as to leave the eye under the rear bumper. Back out and lower the pin ready and check the height of the trailer. Everything looks good so back into the cab and reverse back with a little umph. Do this and go for the tug test...pull straight back out The trailer didnt take...DO NOT PANIC!! Back out lift and lower the pin...Right Second time. This time i'm pleased to say it took. Complete the rest of the tasks (pin indicator, legs, brakes) and then the dreaded words i had feared all morning...Can you check my lights please?
All lights on and i get the thumbs up and the examiner rejoins me back in the cab.
'Right Ben it is now time for the on road segment of the test.'

I must admit i breathed a sigh of relief at this point as the light must have held... From the test centre we leave by turning right and right again along the bouncy road up towards the Stone Island. It is here we are mid natter when he has me pull up facing down hill. Thankfully not a problem and i must have done everything by the book. Line of traffic on coming when prevents the cars behind over taking... check mirrors, cars still behind, indicator on, check blindspot, check mirrors again and away we go. Down towards the Stone Island which during the off peak hours is bad so you can imagine it during the school run. It is here we turn left...not a problem dont cut both lanes as you can get round. Ahhhhhh road works have shut inside lane...let the unit run past before squeezing thru and then build speed. Not much space between the trailer tyres and the cones i will say but not touching We then head up towards Tittensor (same route as my rigid) and im careful with speed as i pass the road men. Eventually following this route you come to an island on top of an island and it here that my major major fault occured and i knew that it would as i entered the island. I'm told to turn right at the first island, back towards Stone. Looking back i should have pinched the right and middle lane to allow myself room to come round. However, for some stupid reason i took the right only. As i pulled up i knew i had done wrong but do you announce it and draw attention to it or hope fore the best. Anyway as we came round the read trailer tyres mount the kerb of the island ...BUGGER!!! But will not panic..i've failed right? so i might as well drive to the death and then pick myself up.
We head back towards Stone and past Morrisons. I love it up here cos you have to take the middle of the road otherwise people will come up either side of you and catch you out. From here we head back towards Stone Island. Then its left at the island once again, this time back towards Stafford along the dual carriageway. We enter the outskirt of Stafford and turn right into Holmcroft Road. It is at the end of here i pick up an undue hesitation. I could have made it, however, decide not to chop someone up and complete mess up the test and sit and wait. Eventually there is space after a kind lady flashes me out. From here it is a nice simple ride back down the Eccleshall Road back to test. Simply checking everything off in the mirror and slowing down for anything big coming the otherway, even stopped a few times as it was really tight.
We pull back into the test centre and i pull back into the spot i had taken when we arrived this morning.

'Ok Ben when you are ready if you would like to switch off you engine....
....
....
....
I'm pleased to tell you, you have passed!!'



Now my actual wording is slightly lost but i think it was something along the lines of

'Really??'


*thoughts* SHUT UP YOU IDIOT!!

We have a quick debrief where im naturally told i've picked up a minor for the kerb and three others.



To be honest i knew i had messed up when i got to that island. Sameway any other day, any other examiner, any other test centre and lady lucky might not have shined so bright for me. However, i would like to think that as the rest of the drive was decent that stood me in good stead and i had the benieft of the doubt overall.
Once again i cant recommend Grants enough! Even more so considering as i booked both Classes there i'm given 7hrs CPC free of Charge

Now the hard yards and the 'real' learning begins.

[tonka236]

My i just say i quick thanks to everyone who has posted on here, Rog's Newbie Tips link (and everyone who added to that). Weirdly enough it has helped to write it all out...so once again many thanks!

[ROG]

To be honest i knew i had messed up when i got to that island. Sameway any other day, any other examiner, any other test centre and lady lucky might not have shined so bright for me. However, i would like to think that as the rest of the drive was decent that stood me in good stead and i had the benieft of the doubt overall.

Nice to see an examiner than relies on an overall judgement of the drive

Have put a link to this blog in the tips thread.