Safe Speed Forums

Hi all, I have my artic test in a couple of weeks and am not happy with my reversing exercise, in as much as I struggle to line up with the parking bay every time. Is there anyone out there, experienced or learning like me who can offer me any words of wisdom or better still advice on this, with anything from diagrams to techniques. Cheers ROADHOG.

All I can say is, practice, practice and then practice some more.

I also practiced with a trailer on a car, as it was a lot cheaper than paying for extra lessons.

Has your instructor taught you all about using the edges of your mirrors to line up on the cones?

Having just got back in the saddle after not driving an HGV1 since 1983, I paid for an assessment at the local HGV training school. At the reversing exercise my tutor told me not to be afraid to get out and have a look, make sure the vehicle is in or going into the correct position. Shunt back and forth and use as much space as is available. If you're using a long trailer for the test it so much easier than a short wheel based single axle trailer. When getting to the back of the box use the shadow ( if it's sunny)of the trailer to assess how close you are to the back line.
All the best and remember...deep breaths.

Having passed with a triax trailer (2nd go I'm afraid) a longer trailer is better.
Make sure you can line up your markers ok, and on your test you are allowed to get out and look and are allowed 2 shunts to get it in the box - good luck

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I walk I cycle I drive and I vote

Howdy Johnboy. Get yourself over to www.truckersworld.co.uk and check out the forums there.

Lots of helpful and friendly (most of the time! ) pro drivers there who'll give you all the advise you can eat.

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Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

this is an excellant tip and its very useful after the test.

another one, is the training the same place as the test ie is it a painted box with cones laid out for use? if it is, when you are in the correct position and ready to start again, look around your front offside wheel. is there a significant mark/crack on the ground?

i use this technique to avoid hitting the building when im backing on to the bay at business post in newbridge. the trailer has no buffers on the back and it is the wrong height for the loading bay so either BANG or stop with the centre of the wheel on a handy line which impresses everyone who has no knowledge of my line and thinks i am amazing at judging the distance from trailer to wall from the other end of it
damn, my secrets out

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Richie

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