I asked for some help a short while ago with material that could usefully be discussed during driver cpc. (viewtopic.php?f=5&t=134224&start=60)
The response has been very helpful, so thanks. But I could still do with more input. I’m interested in what issues the newbie comes up against during his first few shifts. And also any issues that come up in the following months and years.
Bring it on - don’t be shy!
Thanks, Pete 
Hi Pete,
Most of the people who when they passed the class 2 myself included had never seen inside the back of a truck, somethings may sound really basic and I found this out like most people by asking on the job, but it would be good to be part of a CPC course,and as you asked this is some of the things I came across I wasn’t sure when I started work…
How to use ratchet straps,
How to use curtains,
How to secure a pump truck on a truck with curtains
Fridge freezers,how to set and Check and print out the temperature tickets
Tail lifts different types and how to use and secure,etc
Overnight parking safety etc
I have been driving for 6 months, here are a few (small) things that might of come in handy for me as a new driver, none of it is rocket science but a nudge in the right direction is always helpful especially when the accumulated effects of being new to everything can seem a bit overwhelming …
I came in to driving as a total newbie - these are the things that spring to mind which I had never came across before and I had to learn along the way.
I think a lot of the issues that newbies come across even if you are shown how to use a tail lift, or a curtain etc that there are lots of different types and they all have their differences so it’s quite impractical to go through it all.
You can of course give a rough idea and use it as a stepping stone.
A lot of newbies generally start via the agency route and the companies that they go to work for have no vested interest in showing people how to get on.
All the stuff above is really good - thanks. Sadly, I need to make the material generic between truck and bus/coach in case there is a mix of drivers. But if the class is 100% there is no reason why this cant be dealt with. So all good so far. Keep it coming!
Pete
+1 to the above:
load securing and basic knowledge of different types of trailers / bodies
How to secure cable drums with either straps or chains
and that should be a practical thing.
would be nice if you can also touch things that might go wrong as this is what experience is
Peter Smythe:
… …I need to make the material generic between truck and bus/coach in case there is a mix of drivers.
Personally I do not think that that is the best approach the roles are too different for a generic course that is aimed at both parties to work IMO.
Merging information together into a generic course will mean the course subject will be that vague it will lose it’s purpose and if you try to include aspects solely relating to HGV then you risk losing the PCV audience and vice versa including PCV only material will make the HGV audience fall asleep.
If you want to use this course to help newbies into their new careers then it has to be a job specific course however if you just want to complete the hours in order to fulfil the criteria required to gain CPC then why bother asking - just stick some funny youtube video’s on, come back seven hours later and repeat four more times.
Arm the instructor with videos of driving incidents and a pause button and play the ‘what happened next’ game - participate in follow on discussion relating to said video.
Play a game of fact or fiction on driving rules.
Who can make the best plasticine vehicle?
Who can Etch-A-Sketch the best genitalia?
The subject matter wont be at all vague = trust me. It will be aimed totally at whoever is in the room at the time bearing in mind their experience to date - no matter how little or otherwise.
Pete
Tacho manual entries - mucked a couple up when I 1st started (units had different set up’s on different wagons) plus how to fill out an analogue tacho.
Peter Smythe:
The subject matter wont be at all vague = trust me. It will be aimed totally at whoever is in the room at the time bearing in mind their experience to date - no matter how little or otherwise.
Pete
I do trust you - I was just trying to give you some food for thought although after re-reading my post I admittedly did come across as a bit of a knob. 
The first two suggestions I made in my second post sound good to me for a mixed group and they could be made into a bit of fun, spark some interaction and lead onto a bit of healthy debate.
Update: all the scenarios and presentations are now complete, thank heavens! A bit tight to the wire as the courses start on Tuesday but still in time so no problem.
I’ll develop a larger bank of scenarios as time progresses but got enough for now.
Sincere thanks to those who contributed.
Pete
Don’t worry Peter, I shall let everyone know how good your skills are! 
What’s an Anderson lead? 
What’s a wander lead?
What’s that leaver at the back of the trailer for?
Can I play space invaders on the gamepad next to the drivers seat?
Is that button next to the trailer brake calling me a ?
At what point will the suzie’s snap?
What’s the best lie I can feed the boss on why I’m now stuck in gear, and have no air to change to neutral?
I’m sure there are more, but I’m going to bed! 