hi everyone, i am new to this site i found it by accident whilst looking for tips on reversing. i have been driving a class 2 for the last 12 years and feel its time i
took the class 1. i got me first assesment in the morning at 11.30 and it will be my first time ever in an artic, not even ever sat in one let alone drive one.
i dont think i will have a problem driving it FORWARD, its the reversing bit i think i will get stuck with, so all you class 1 truckers i need some good sound advice as how best to deal with reversing. i know the truck will have a long flatbed and not a box fitted, lets hope the unit’s got a rear window lol.
i will let you all know tomorrow how it went and hopefully i will have a date for me to start training.
all the best mick…
Dont rely on having a back window, very few trucks have or need them, Get used to using your mirrors.
Don’t put too much input into the steering as you will overcook it
The reverse on a test is not so complicated, that is easy for me to say now I know 
It is very important that you use good observation during your test reverse.
Your instructor should give you plenty of time to practice on the pad if you are struggling. Its nerves more than ability that makes most people fail
And dont forget, even drivers with 30 years experience have bad days 
Hi vigfanbke and Welcome to TruckNetUK. Good luck with the assesment tomorrow and we’ll be waiting to see how it goes.
Cheers
Ian.
found the easiest way of reversing an artic after driving rigids was to think of the trailer as a rigid and the unit as the front wheels i.e left hand down turns the unit to the right , makes the rear of the wagon go right, sounds daft i know but it works for me.
Welcome to TruckNet UK vigfanbke and Good luck
with the assessment and training .
good luck with your class 1.
Like Wheel Nut says- don’t rely on the back window in the cab.
My instructor told me that if the examiner sees you looking through there rather than in your mirrors, he’ll fail you. Don’t know if that’s true, but I didn’t chance it! The only time I use that window is if I’m doing an awkward blind side reverse. If I’ve remembered to open the curtain. 
When reversing, I always think of the trailer as the ‘vehicle’, and the unit merely as a means of steering it the right way and pushing it - if that makes sense? 
In other words, it’s the trailer you’re positioning and not the unit so much. (I know what I’m trying to say - apologies if it doesn’t sound sensible!)
You’ll quickly get the hang of it mate!
All the best and enjoy!