Hi everyone, I have been reading the site for a few weeks now. I think it’s a terrific source of information; thanks to everyone. I am hoping to apply for my provisional in the spring ( can’t really do it any sooner due to finance and needing to wait for some medical history to disappear from the rear view).
So I have been thinking what I could do to prepare for training, so as to be in the best position to make the most of the investment. There are three main things I find a bit daunting about learning to drive a truck: 1. reversing, 2. navigation, and 3. getting used to the size of the thing. I had some ideas on how to try and work on those issues as much as I can without actually (for the moment) getting into a training vehicle and would be interested to hear any feedback.
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reversing. This is probably going to sound really daft. But I thought computer simulations could help with this. Of course it won’t even be close to the real thing, but I used a game called Euro Truck Simulator over the summer and initially was hopeless at reversing into yards and what not, but gradually started to get used to how the trailer would move if I did this or that, how to line it up initially to make things easier, etc. I know I won’t need to reverse an artic for my cat C training and again it’s far from the real thing, but it can’t hurt, can it?
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navigation. I am not a born navigator. I am OK on motorways and do pretty well in cities once I know them, but before I do, I do struggle without satnav. I thought a way to work on this could be to go to a strange city, either in a car or on foot, and try to practice remembering the layout/my pre-planned routes, trying to get better and better, and also try to practice remembering where compass points are without actually looking at a compass.
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size of the vehicle. The biggest thing I have driven before was a box van. While of course on a much smaller scale than a cat C training vehicle, I was thinking it might be worth hiring one again if I can afford it, driving it in a busy city and trying to get comfortable with placing it, manoeuvering it and using the mirrors (not to mention backing it up). I thought it might be a useful first step, anyway.
I am really keen to get my licence, and to hopefully find work if I can do it. Like I say I would be really interested in any thoughts. (even/especially along the lines of “you are being daft” or “are you sure truck driving is for you”).
Anyway thanks for reading.
Hi, and welcome to the forum.
Reversing: the simulators you mention wont help at all with CAT C reversing - which is what you need to deal with first. If you have access to a van of any size you will help yourself by practicing reversing around corners using only door mirrors. You can do this with a car as well, turning the inside mirror to the sky, but the temptation is strong to have a peep through the back window. For variety, you could take some sort of markers (cones are perfect but you can use boxes or just about anything) to a quiet car park. Position them so that you have an interesting course to reverse around. Whilst this isn’t exactly what you’ll need to do for test, reversing just on mirrors wont be as foreign to you. Having said all that, it’s unusual to have problems reversing a CAT C.
Navigation: You may well get varying opinions on this, but I would start by making a map book your bed-time reading. Understand which motorway goes where. Get to know where the major trunk routes (A roads) run and how they link to the motorway network. I wouldn’t worry about the detail of city centres; you may never need it. And, if you do, sat navs are wonderful things as long as you can read a map as well.
Size of vehicle: I wouldn’t spend money hiring a vehicle to practice. You may be able to “place” it but how will you know if you’ve done it correctly? Once again, rarely a huge issue on training so listen to your instructor.
Hope this helps,
Pete 
Pete, many thanks, lots of good thoughts. Hopefully I will be able to make it up to you for the training.
Bollox! You’re just the same as everyone else as we all have those issues, you’re just more worried about them… 
Get out there! 
Thanks Evil, it’s great to know I’m not the only one.
1, Book an assessment drive to see what you think of THE REAL THING, a simulator isn’t going to really help as Pete says…
2, A Sat-Nav is a great aid, and while you might have seen/read a lot of negatives about them and drivers should be able to cope without them. The real truth is in knowing when to tell the Sat-Nag to go F itself!!! You don’t have to take the turning it suggests, and if you don’t like the look of it you pull over and google it, or go for a wander…
3, We all had to get used to the width of a truck 8’ plus the mirrors, and it comes with practice. Just as you do with the the weight and stopping distances. But you learn, you’re not born with it so it takes time and practice.
I’m just worried that you’re so conscientious, that if it’s not instant you’ll say it’s beyond you…
Just a guess!
Just completed my first full week as a new driver and one thing you learn is just like the car license, you do the basics in the test but you learn hell of a lot when you actually get out on the road on your own and have to reverse up narrow lanes or can’t find anywhere to turn in the road! All fun though!
Thanks guys.
Evil8Beezle:
1, Book an assessment drive to see what you think of THE REAL THING, a simulator isn’t going to really help as Pete says…
I would love to, unfortunately I have to wait till at least the spring to have a shot at the Dr giving the OK (based on my reading of the DVLA guidance, it seems to be hard to get a straight answer without actually paying for a medical).
Evil8Beezle:
2, A Sat-Nav is a great aid, and while you might have seen/read a lot of negatives about them and drivers should be able to cope without them. The real truth is in knowing when to tell the Sat-Nag to go F itself!!! You don’t have to take the turning it suggests, and if you don’t like the look of it you pull over and google it, or go for a wander…
3, We all had to get used to the width of a truck 8’ plus the mirrors, and it comes with practice. Just as you do with the the weight and stopping distances. But you learn, you’re not born with it so it takes time and practice.
Good to know. I used to have an OK-paid job doing something totally different, then after it disappeared tried to retrain and it didn’t so much work out, so I guess I’m a bit “once bitten twice shy” now.
Evil8Beezle:
I’m just worried that you’re so conscientious, that if it’s not instant you’ll say it’s beyond you…
Just a guess!
Ha ha! I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to perfectionism. I’m sure if I get to the stage where I can reliably deliver loads on time, I’ll start questioning myself if the next guy uses half an eggcup less fuel to drive the same load/round, or similar!