You’ll be fine mate.
Don’t rush about trying to impress, set your own pace, if you set a hectic one you will be expected to maintain it
Also rushing about increases the chances of balls ups and accidents. So do not let them push you.
Parking will be a problem at first, but don’t worry.
Don’t drive to last couple of minutes before finding somewhere to park, look at your schedules and a map to decide where you are going to stop early on, and ask other drivers for info on where to park.
Look for potential places en route and make a note for the future.
Do not automatically look for a lay by, or at other end of the ■■■■ hole spectrum a MSA, both are totally unsuitable for many different reasons, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.
If in doubt ask, other drivers (‘proper’ ones will help, ■■■■ whit ones won’t) or get on here for info.
Good luck with it.
I remember my first time, green as a cucumber and a fresh faced straight from passing me test.
Luckily an old timer was on hand to show me the ropes and give me all the tips and tricks I would need for a life on the open road.
Yep I learnt a lot that day but mostly not to get into trucks with strange men.
I’m in the same position as you, nearly 12 years in my current job! now the long notice period until mid November before going full time on the road.
best of luck and let us know how you get on!
robroy:
You’ll be fine mate.
Don’t rush about trying to impress, set your own pace, if you set a hectic one you will be expected to maintain it
Also rushing about increases the chances of balls ups and accidents. So do not let them push you.
Parking will be a problem at first, but don’t worry.
Don’t drive to last couple of minutes before finding somewhere to park, look at your schedules and a map to decide where you are going to stop early on, and ask other drivers for info on where to park.
Look for potential places en route and make a note for the future.
Do not automatically look for a lay by, or at other end of the [zb] hole spectrum a MSA, both are totally unsuitable for many different reasons, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.
If in doubt ask, other drivers (‘proper’ ones will help, [zb] whit ones won’t) or get on here for info.
Good luck with it.
Thankyou Robroy.
I’m on my 3rd day and I am really enjoying it.
Finding that I am not eating alot though.
I’m finding the reverse a bit better but going into a tight place for me seems easier than a whole yard■■?
Thanks again Robroy your post has been a great help
Dipper_Dave:
I remember my first time, green as a cucumber and a fresh faced straight from passing me test.
Luckily an old timer was on hand to show me the ropes and give me all the tips and tricks I would need for a life on the open road.
Yep I learnt a lot that day but mostly not to get into trucks with strange men.
Oh and good luck.
Thankyou Dipper_Dave.
I have been annoying quite a few drivers ( they didn’t seem to mind) they have all been helpful bar 1 person.
SHUNTY1986:
I’m in the same position as you, nearly 12 years in my current job! now the long notice period until mid November before going full time on the road.
best of luck and let us know how you get on!
Thanks and good luck with yours. I was a nervous wreck but am slowly calming down.
Evil8Beezle:
Best of luck Monty, as said above, do not rush for anyone or anything!
Thanks Evil8Beezle I am not in a rush for anyone.
I still cannot believe I am actually driving a lorry.
It was a dream and I always thought I’d never pass my tests but here I am.
robroy:
Also rushing about increases the chances of balls ups and accidents. So do not let them push you.
Thats very good advice, especially dont let 3rd parties rush you either as theres always an “expert” on site who could do that move 10x faster…turns out they never driven anything bigger than a ■■■■■■ van! Best to just nod and ignore them - everyone else is laughing at them on your behalf.
Oh and hes right about laybys too - finding that out myself tonight near Ashby. Oh ideally if poss try to find parking either early (pre 6pm) else you’ll find a lot is taken up, esp by those with strange looking numberplates.
Theres always one divot in any group who forgets they were new once or is just an arogant [beep].
and breathe. 
just keep to the small portions lardarse 