I passed my class 1 in 2012 but never driven an artic since my test.
Decided to apply for a class 1 fridge job and got it, needless to say I am bricking it at the thought of going out myself tonight from Scotland to Huntington
Never done an artic reverse in almost 8 years let alone reverse onto a bay.
Wish me luck lol.
I wish you luck mate just take your time… but I think the reversing is the least of your problems, it will be the road closures on that route… 
Once you’re…
Rolling down the m’way on cruise control safe in the knowledge that nothing will fall off or burst through the side of your fridge, you won’t be getting pulled over and fined for not strapping down a newspaper sized object in the trailer, you can just chill and enjoy the drive.
Solid walls rock!
Mainzer:
I passed my class 1 in 2012 but never driven an artic since my test.
Decided to apply for a class 1 fridge job and got it, needless to say I am bricking it at the thought of going out myself tonight from Scotland to Huntington
Never done an artic reverse in almost 8 years let alone reverse onto a bay.
Wish me luck lol.
If you ain’t been working nights, then watch out for fatigue due to change of pattern…
Need to stop, do.
Other than that just chill, take your time and enjoy the challenge …
Safe trails [emoji41]
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If in doubt at any time about anything ask if there is someone around, sometimes it’s the best way to learn, never wing it if you’re not sure or have a hesitation
Welcome to the leper colony, when you try to park up,with it running, you’ll be as welcome as a sneezing China man. Most fridge drivers will help you out if your not sure what to do, as others have said take your time, Are you going to Hilton meats or co-op. Bays are interesting at Hilton’s.
So I felt really dizzy and blood pressure was sky high so didn’t go and decided against jumping into an artic until I sort out my health issue especially after what happened in Glasgow a few years ago.
Never driven an artic since passing your test…and 8 yrs ago? 
Think you made the right and wise decision knocking it on the head mate, especially if you have psyched yourself up so much that your blood pressure is ott.
Why not contact a local training school, explain the situation, and ask them to take you out for a 2 or 3 hour refresher to regain your confidence and ability?
At least after that you will be better equipped and more confident. 
Good luck with it.
robroy:
Never driven an artic since passing your test…and 8 yrs ago?
Think you made the right and wise decision knocking it on the head mate, especially if you have psyched yourself up so much that your blood pressure is ott.
Why not contact a local training school, explain the situation, and ask them to take you out for a 2 or 3 hour refresher to regain your confidence and ability?
At least after that you will be better equipped and more confident.
Good luck with it.
Sounds like a good idea.
Or have a face to face with the company you were going with, explain the situation and ask if you could go out with one of their drivers to get your confidence back. A couple of shifts should tell you if you are in the right frame of mind or not. Good luck.
I’ll tell you how nervous I was taking out my first artic…I took my Dad with me.! 
I think it was more of me being more nervous about damaging or pranging up my mate’s brand new Magirus Deutz, and brand new tipper trailer, who I was helping out while he was off.
Got there and back no dramas,…even though my Dad had to coach me on reversing. 
So basically o/p EVERYBODY is nervous on their first trip out in an artic, not just you…
I’m guessing my first out in a big bendy lorry,was the same as most on here, take that load that’s on that trailer, to there, ring when empty, goodbye. Was in an F10 to Scotland, so night our too… O I’m now a super road legend,now best get a few Yorkie bars.
Beau Nydel:
Or have a face to face with the company you were going with, explain the situation and ask if you could go out with one of their drivers to get your confidence back. A couple of shifts should tell you if you are in the right frame of mind or not. Good luck.
IF he’s agency the company is unlikely to agree to this, all they want will be a bum on a seat. Turning up and saying that is likely to get him sent home without pay.
My first time out in an artic I was not nervous at all, just extremely excited about something I had always wanted to drive legally.
However I do remember being nervous taking a brand new unmarked unit and trailer (fridge ) out to do a back shift in the dark. I was told one of the deliveries was extremely tight and involved a blindside reverse. Reversing in the dark filled me with dread when I first started.
Clear conscious is a comfy pillow, ■■■■ anyone else’s opinion/judgements on that one is my mantra.
Once your sorted, see how the land lays an crack on at your leisure [emoji106]
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Hilton Foods, Huntingdon by any chance?
kjw21:
Hilton Foods, Huntingdon by any chance?
You didnt bother, did you?
Reading the rest of the thread…
If you are sleeping on a daily rest break with the fridge running , some drivers drop the trailer , remove the lines on the rear of the cab , shunt forward about six feet or more , this reduces the vibration and noise a little bit , detaching from the trailer means risk of the trailer being stolen.
Or turn the cab at a sharp right angle if you have room to do that .Get some foam ear plugs from factories , free dispenser from where you load and tip at .
the nodding donkey:
kjw21:
Hilton Foods, Huntingdon by any chance?You didnt bother, did you?
Reading the rest of the thread…
Rarely worth it anymore. Thanks for your input.
Still getting dizzy and blood pressure is still high so can’t be nerves. Company seems to be ok with my reason for not going out but probably won’t get another go with them.