Hayley293:
TruckerWannabe123:
Hayley293:
Hi guysI have been documenting my progress of becoming a HGV driver step-by-step since April this year. I have been filming videos and uploading them on YouTube with a hope of helping and encouraging wannabe drivers.
Last week was my first week as a HGV driver since passing at the beginning of August. If you’d like to have a look at what my thoughts were at the end of my first week, I have attached the link.
This is coming from an ex-teacher and someone who is completely new and had no idea what-so-ever!
Hayley
I passed my normal car driving test last week and driving on the open road, parking in parking lots and motorway driving is so much more daunting when I don’t have the security of the instructor by my side. I can only imagine the anxiety when you pass your truck driving test after maybe 5 days? of lessons and suddenly you’re by yourself on the open road.
What a daunting prospect, getting stuck round a bend, clipping a car when turning or reversing, smacking into a bridge or taking a wrong turn which isn’t suitable for a truck so you have to reverse all the way back out with cars behind you beeping and stuff. I’d probably die from the stressSeriously though, how nervous were you when you took the truck out on your first day alone? Did you have all these crazy things running through your you head? If this, if that, what if that happens etc etc?
Hi, congratulations on passing your driving test! I wasn’t thrown into it like you’ve described. I had an induction week with the company where I had another driver with me to help me and teach me what to do for the job. I was nervous about the length of the lorry, but it’s not that much different to the one you train in. Just take the corners wide and take your time. Keep an eye in the mirrors for the tail when passing parked cars, etc.
To be honest, I was really happy to be on my own. It didn’t bother me really because I knew the company were only a phone call away if I needed them. Funny enough, on my first day alone the lorry wouldn’t start and I had to call the company for breakdown! I had been driving my motorcycle for 6 years and my car for 4 years before I stepped in a lorry so I was already familiar with how the road and other drivers work. The real learning starts after you pass.
For bridges and weight restrictions, they are clearly signed in advance but if in doubt just go another way. And that’s the same for getting stuck, always take a good look into the road or industrial estate before you turn in. If in doubt, get out and walk down to have a look.
Usually if you do get stuck or you are unsure, other drivers or factory and people are happy to help guide you back out. It’s the same when reversing, if you’re unsure then get out and have a look. People will also be happy to guide you when reversing. I just say would you mind helping me please, I’m a new driver. Just be honest.
Unlike me the other week… half asleep and pulled into the car park instead of the hgv entrance [emoji1787] luckily it was 430am and no one around
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