I am a new pass driver on the class 1’s.
I am working for a transport company who was kind enough to put me in a class 1 as soon as I passed, I have been driving it for about 6/7 weeks now.
My confidence is taking a knock though, I have had 2 incidents since, once with a gate post that I bent with me trailer and tearing me curtain. Andmore recently I have knocked off a couple of the body panels around the headlights while manouvering alone in a small busy building sight.
I am gett frustrated with meself over these, has anyone else been through this? If so, how did you build your confidence back up? I am not feeling happy with my driving and struggling to pick meself back up.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Kes
When you passed your test, did anyone say that it was a step to being a driver? It didn`t mean that the few days/weeks of training meant you were an “invincible driving god” yet?
This is what they were talking about.
No-one Ive known has had a clean sheet from day one, all the way through. I wouldnt say "Dont worry about it".. Any incidents should be taken seriously, and you should learn from them. But dont think that a knock or two at the start of your driving career makes you a failure.
Dont ignore knocks, but dont let them get on top of you.
It takes time to get familiar with the size of vehicle and learn where and how to position it. Also i feel like you are rushing it either by pressure / frustration or by people watching.
You first need to relax and take your time. This is the only way to successfully drive these machines. Dont be frustrated or rushed as this is when you will make mistakes. Remember to get out and have a look and ask another driver to help if unsure.
When your at a delivery and parked up look how the other drivers are positioning their vehicles and how they are reversing/ turning.
The best advise i can give you is before you go inside get out and have a look at where you will go and how you will get out. Its all about forward planning.
