hello everyone, nearly ex UPS multidrop driver here (what did i let myself in for with that job?). passed my theory test last monday, got my course booked for 8th june for class 2 at purfleet, cant wait to get on with it. been in my current ups job for a year and pulling my hair out with the chasing my arse all day, so decided it was time to be a REAL driver.
cheers (col)
What was the problem working with UPS fazer. Been looking at them recently for job opportunities…
**:D :smiley: :smiley: Welcome fazer :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:**
If you click the link in my signature it will lead you to an index where you can access a lot of info which may be of use to you 
**WELL DONE ON PASSING YOUR THEORY** :D :smiley: :smiley: **WELL DONE ON PASSING YOUR THEORY** :D :smiley: :smiley: **WELL DONE ON PASSING YOUR THEORY** :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:passed my theory test last monday
GENERAL DRIVING TIPS BEFORE STARTING LGV C TRAINING
A number of LGV instructors, myself included, are finding that the general driving standard of many trainees coming to do their LGV ‘C’ course is not at a very high standard.
I have had a number who ‘THINK’ they are good but find myself having to go ‘BACK TO BASICS’ before they can really start learning how to handle a truck.
For the trainee this means wasted time on the course and that means that the trainee is paying good money to be taught how to drive again 
There are a number of things that a driver can do before starting their first LGV training course to improve their general driving.
The obvious ones are to practise the DSA procedures, which could mean losing the rear view mirror, and then, every time to set off, doing the mirror, mirror, blind spot routine. Checking BOTH side mirrors before moving within the lane you are in, signalling or before the increasing & decreasing of your speed.
The less obvious is to practise forward planning — the THINKING bit.
A good way of doing this is to use your brakes a lot less than what you do at present — sounds daft but think about it — to use the brakes less then you will have to ease off earlier — to ease off earlier you will have to plan ahead more.
I don’t mean by changing down through the gearbox either as that will waste fuel.
A good example would be when approaching a queue of standing traffic, which is waiting for traffic lights to change or waiting to enter a roundabout.
The moment you see the queue, check mirrors and ease off in the gear you are in. let the vehicle slow down on it’s own, dipping the clutch as necessary to control any possible stalling. If the vehicle gets to the lowest gear speed (usually first gear) then engage that gear.
If, whilst easing off, you anticipate that the traffic is going to proceed, then engage the gear that will take you with them without rushing up to the rear of the queue.
You will be leaving a large area of tarmac in front of your vehicle when you ease off early. If another vehicle goes into the gap then re-adjust to accommodate it. If you curse at the vehicle that went into your forward space then decide if a few feet of tarmac is worth getting stressed over!!
When following other traffic, do you touch your brakes when they touch theirs? — If yes, then you are too close. Back off so that you can ease off without the use of brakes. Again, this requires a good deal of forward planning, which will be very useful when you drive a truck.
The general idea is to never stop but to keep moving forward even if at a very slow pace.
If you have to use the brakes then plan to use them gradually. Start by taking up the play of the pedal then resting the weight of your foot & leg on the pedal. That is then followed by squeezing down onto the pedal and squeeze down to a depth that will do the job during the middle of your braking so that you can ease off the pedal well before you actually need to come to a stop.
bunch of slave drivers, i wouldnt bother with them, unless you dont mind multidropping, ive been there a year and they dont leave you alone, the training never seems to end, every now and then someone is out in the van with you, telling you youre not doing things right, theyve got a special way of doing deliveries which is supposed to be quick, fair enough ,they pay a good wage for van driving but its a VERY hard job. at least 80 drops going on 100 a day including collections. once your in with them, its a secure job, but its not my cup of tea.
This will be the second time ive gone for class 2, the first time was in 1994 with a company called Gordon Springate in Kent county showground near Maidstone, i failed on improper use of mirrors and being too hesitant at mini roundabouts, the firm i was with back then paid for the test but wouldnt put me through it again and i couldnt afford it so left it until now, when i go at it again in june, im determined this time though. im looking forward to driving the lorry on the course. if i fail, ive got two more chances, after that ive got to pay my own way.
Welcome to trucknet mate