Going on to class 1 next week

liam6226:
Right so after a few months on the rigids I’ve been moved up on the artics from next week onwards. I did a shift last week to help out and now there’s a position available and my boss has asked if I want it. Now this might sound daft and I know that practice and experience is what it’ll take but my main issue is going to be reversing…last week I did a couple of reverses onto bays no real dramas but there was only trailers parked to my drivers side bays so I could see how close I was etc, what plays on my mind a bit is if I’ve got to reverse in between two trailers I obviously can’t see the back end of the trailer on passenger side and and worry that I’m going to back into a trailer or someone else’s cab. The rear and swing also makes me wince a bit when turning in tight areas I never really had this issue on buses and the rigid, is the swing worse on an artic or am I overthinking things?

Hi Liam. As most things new it can be daunting. Reversing onto bays is probably the easy part. Although at first especially when preying eyes are around you will feel pressure. It will all become like riding a bike.

Just take your time and be comfortable.

Never mind what anyone else thinks.

I remember a few times i was asked by guys to help them reverse in as they had just passed and they were overthinking it.

Steady as you go and as i say before you know it youl be doing it one handed whilst on phone to planner back at depot asking if your nearly there yet.