This compilation is perfect for new drivers to see the various types of reverses. I found it helpful myself and I've been driving artics for 3 years now.
Thanks you, That was my exact thought when I was making it and the reason I included some easy reverses at the start. Tried my best to get as many different types and different situations I could find in the time I was filming so as to be useful. Seems to of paid of as this is easily my most popular video.
Just a tip for those drivers who've recently passed their HGV test and are reversing into an unfamiliar loading bay. Take your time. Get out of your cab and have a look around the spot you're going to reverse into. It can take a few precious minutes or a few seconds, but it's worth every second. Chances are it'll also save you hitting something nasty. If you're unsure about the reversing, stop and double check. Rushing around will result in stupid accidents.
7 years old and this video is still super useful! I passed my test last year and didn't find a job until recently. I just did 3 months of day shift rigid work and now they've put me in a double decker artic on night shift at the hubs... Rather intimidating to say the least! I've just done a week of that and while it all went fine, I found myself doing needless laps around the hub to find more suitable parking spaces, because some of the free spots were too scary lol. Watching this compilation of various different reverses helps loads! My biggest issue was setting myself up for tight and awkward maneuvers and this video gives some insight on how to position the truck and trailer prior to actually reversing. Thank you :)
Thanks buddy. Well done making the start in driving artics, It definatly not easy when you first start out. You right though. Half of reversing is setting yourself up when your pulling up forwards and positioning yourself. When i'm watching other drivers revers i can tell how well they are going to do it before they even get it into revers, i can tell by how they possition befor reversing, if you watch that bit you can tell instantly if they know what they are doing or not. There will be a reversing lorries 2 out one day. I've filmed all the lorry bits but am doing something along side it which is taking ages to film. One day it will be out though and i'm hopping it will be even better then this one.
Thank you buddy, Just don't look if ever you see me trying to revers a steering rear axle when I've forgotten to lock the rear axle straight on the trailer, again.
I'm on my 3rd lesson for my artic license and this is thee only video to show you real daily driving. That blind side still scares the hell out of me! I would love to have your confidence, skill and patience.
I'm sure one day you willbe just as good as me. I would say it me 3 months to be half decent at it, Then say around two years to be really good able to back it anywhere no problem good at it. That said, i still strugle a tiny bit with my blind side so i gess nobodys perfect. If your lucky enough to have a lorry with a rear camera blind side becomes alot easier. Sadly i haven't got one.
As a newly passed class 1 driver all I can say is this guy makes it look easy. How you stayed so calm baffles me I would’ve had steam coming out of my ears 😮
@@laurencemartin3026 Well done on passing your class one. I must admit i did struggle for a few months reversing it and i did get myself into a few situations. Its a learning curve we all have to go through. A right of passage sort of thing. I can remember taking 90 shunts trying to get it onto a bay holding everybody up. Don't panic, we've all been there. Take your time, don't be afraid to get out the cab and have a good look around or asking someone to watch your blind areas if your unsure. Good luck and stay safe buddy. It will get easier.
The biggest vehicle I have ever drove was a 7.5 t with tail lift and that was a challenge to back up. You have balls of steel my man and if I wore a hat I would take it off to you. Keep on trucking buddy.
Thank you. I did actually used to run my own driving school only it was a car not a lorry. Unfortunately we had the credit crunch and every man and his dog decided they could make good money as a driving instructor and before long we had more driving instructors then people wanting to learn to drive. So I had to go and find another job in 2010. Spent a year at Arriva driving a bus around Oswestry which I didn't enjoy. Then managed to get in at Pentons in 2011 and have been there ever since. I do miss running my own driving school though.
Thanks for this video! I passed my HGV1 test last week and had my first reversing assessment yesterday. The best thing I can say about that is I didn't hit anything with that 13 m trailer and I forgot most of the new info, They still said Okay and I'm waiting for the call with my start date. After 14 years on buses class 2 was easy, class 1 is a whole new challenge.
Well done passing your test, Thats not an easy test to pass. I also came across from coaches and busses. I spent 4 years driving a coach for Owens and a year driving a bus at Arriva. The lorry i did my class two in was smaller then the 53 seater coach i'd been driving so it was a walk in the park. It will take a few months to get the hang off reversing but its like a rights off passage thing, we all go through it and i'm sure you will get the hang of it in no time. Hope you get the call for your start date soon, we're really busy moving stuff around the country right now so we need all the help we can get.
Thanks for this fella! Had my licence 11 years but started trucking full time so basically green. I've learned its all in the set up. If you get that wiggle on, thats the battle won.. Great vid Mark! Peace
Defiantly all in the set up. How you position is key and I know it might sound obvious but always do it on your good side unless there really is no other choice. If I'm in a one way system and the bay is on my blind side I very often spin it right round on itself so it ends up on my good side, its just that I've seen so many people trying to get it on the blind side when they could simply spin it around so its on your good side. Failing that if possible i'll drive past tern around and come back so its on my good side.
I'm truck driver in the United States Ii think it would be cool to go to another country and drive a truck.It would be an experienced that's a fact.Safe traveling and have a blessed day.
You know I've always had the same thing in mind. I've fancied coming over to America or Canada and driving. The thing is I don't want to do it permanently, but I would love to do it for say 3 months, The trucks over your end look so much nicer and the living area looks massive compared to my little bed tucked just behind the seats..
@@galacticambitions1277 Its what i'd miss, I've put alot of work into my little house out here in the country side, And i'm of the thinking a mans house is his castle, its where i feel safe. I also live nice and close to my s close to my sister and her kids i'd miss them to. plus theres my Landy and my old tractor both of which have massive sentimental value to me. I could leave for say six months knowing i'd be comining back, but i just couldn't leave what i've got here for ever.
New driver and was struggling with off the road backs. Watched this video and got her in with one stunt after copying the line you took (don't get them all that often tbh). Anyway, thanks so much. Top video.
class video Mark great the way it's all reversing. I passed my test few months ago and really struggled with the reversing. you make it look so easy lol
I wouldn't worry, I lived on a farm and was reversing tractors and trailers from a young age. I still struggled with an artic and it took me a little while to get the hang of the size. Funny thing is now I struggle when I get into a tractor and trailer or my van and trailer. I know what I'm doing its just the points of turning are all in different places and I spend most my time in the lorry so that's what I'm now used to. The really strange thing and I did this the other day when I was at the supermarket I was reversing my van into a parking space and I turned the wheel in totally the wrong direction. I'm not used to not having a trailer behind me, Got some funny looks from the people walking buy. Mark
I know the feeling, I am a bus driver of 25 years, the other day driving my car past a bus stop a person signalled and I pulled into the bloody bus stop before realizing and taking off again. They must have thought I was a looney! I have been thinking of upgrading to semi's as I much prefer to be on my own and not have to deal with half wits but reversing an artic is my biggest fear. Can reverse a rigid with my eyes closed but I have never even reversed a trailer with a car so is alittle intimidating when you have traffic all around you while trying to do it.
Well done on passing your class 1 buddy. I can still remember my first few months of driving, its not easy at first. Keep going and you'll be reversing it in like a pro in no time.
Great video. I'm 'only' a van driver but I don't even drive a car because I have used a motorbike for 20 years. When I first started I used to think I couldn't reverse around bends or go through small gaps. One year later and it's second nature. Good to see how it's done in a lorry. I like your comment about seeing daylight in the mirrors is a good thing when reversing. I found this out for myself and it was a revelation😁
Thanks Jim, Reversing is something that's not that hard, once your used to it. Getting used to it however can be a challenge. I remember getting myself into one or two tight spots when I first started out and I was driving a Land Rover and trailer and tractor and tailors on farms before I was driving a lorry so I did have a little bit of experience before I started out. But if you do it often enough as you know it soon becomes second nature. The only down side, I was reversing my van (no Trailer) into a parking bay the other day and I turned the steering wheel completely the wrong way. Opps, Force of habit.
@@markpritchard I too used to work on farms as a teenager, back in day before rules and regs took over. If could do it, you did it😁 I used to be able to reverse hay trailers with a tractor. Used to drive tractors, dumpers, forklifts, diggers even an old drott. But I was a lot younger then and therefore invincible😁 oh how I miss those carefree days.
Me to, I drove a ford 5000, four speed box with a high low range, no power steering and you had to stand on the clutch to change gear. Nothing like todays modern tractors. I used to love muck spreading and vacuum tanking. Have you ever pulled and artic trailer? I could not revers that, that said we hardly used one so I didn't drive it enough to become good at it as it was only used for a few weeks during harvest, and again with the ford 5000 having no power steering I could hardly flick the steering wheel around from lock to lock. I was a bit like you as I grew up on a goat farm and I first drove a dumper truck with a starter handle and rear wheel steering. I then moved on to a grey fergie TEF-20. I would love to know where that is today how ever I brought one at a farm auction about ten years ago and fixed it up. While its not the one I learnt to drive in or on as the case is with little greys it still brings back the memory's when I start it up and take it out for a quick drive. After that I started driving my mums Land Rover 90 on the farm, it was one of the first 90's as it was a B reg and only had the 2 1/4 petrol engine that was fitted to the series 3 that it replaced. Any how, I watched a video on how to change gear in a J.C.B fast trac a few months ago, Must say, the video was half an hour long and I was lost after the first 5 minuets. I can understand two clutches but why would you need 7? I've a feeling if I climbed into a modern tractor it would take me a long time to learn all the computery flashing lights and buttons stuff? Give me a four speed high and low with a diff lock any time. And they say computers make life easier?
@@markpritchard no, never driven artic. Biggest on the road has been a 7.5 ton. I'm looking forward to retiring from the NHS in a couple of years (I'm a van driver and a nurse!) And I fully intend to spend some of my I'll gotten time and money on HGV training. Thanks for your interest. Ride safe.
Cheers buddy, Sorry, when I said artic trailer I was talking a farm tractor with the artic hay trailers. There a night mare and was wondering if you had every tried on while on the farm. I can't revers the things. There's basically and axel at the front and back of the trailer with the front on being a turning axel. So the trailer is double articulated. I've seen others revers them but can't do it my self, they also exist in the hgv world as well as a wagon and drag but I've never driven one. The drags where the axels are in the middle of the trailers are fine. Its the ones with one axel at the back and one at the front which are the problem. I couldn't find a tractor and trailer video but I did find a wagon and drag video. ua-cam.com/video/iPAlA-Mt4hk/v-deo.html
I've only just stumbled by this video and your channel and I'm glad that I did. Really nice reversing mate. I'm starting my new job and career as a HGV C1 this week following 22 years in the Forces and I'm really excited about it. I've only held my class 1 for about 14 months but not had much experience. You make this reversing look so easy and one day, I'd hope to be half as good as you.
Thank you Nigel. Believe it or not reversing isn't that hard, once you get used to it. I must admit I did struggle when I first passed my test but its one off those things you just have to work through it and keep trying. I always think of it like pushing a wheel barrow. I'd be the unit and the wheel barrow the trailer. Its the same principle as when you want the wheel barrow to go left you push the handles the right. Main things though, Just take your time, if you need to get out and have a look then its fine and at the end of the day better then hitting something. Also if you go nice and slow if you did hit something you won't do much damage. Final thing is not to worry about holding other drivers up, chances are if you get somebody honking there horn at you there were once a beginner who couldn't revers to save his life to. I remember when I first started I think it took me about 3 months before I could revers without to much of a problem, and I'd say two years when I was good at it. The first three months was hell and I got myself into a right mess a few times so don't worry if it happens to you, we've all been there. Good luck with the new job and I hope everything goes well for you. With any luck you won't go out by yourself on the first day as most places have a training driver who will keep an eye on you and also help you out if it goes a bit wrong. Thanks for watching and hope to see you out on the road. Mark.
Wow, thanks for uploading this, it just shows where these trailers can be parked, when you know how. I've just passed and was out solo this week. I understand the concept but it's the length, distance and timing that I need to figure out. Can park between 2 trailers when straight and can park up from 90 degrees when theres loads of space but trying to park from 90 degrees between 2 trailers.... aagghhh! Lol. It'll come and thanks again for proving whats possible.
Thanks buddy. The thing i try to do is get the thing straight or as close to straight as posible before you enter the gap between the trailers. This lowers the risk of any overhang touching another trailer. The problem is there isn't a standered size for parking bays. I'm working on a parking at services video and you will be amazed at the size diffrence of the bays. Some bays are alot wider then others while some are not long enough so you have to be very carful not to hit the lorry behind you if there is one parked there.
been driving trucks three weeks. insane the places you are being told to reverse in to lol. no help the way people are parking. and your so calm. something for me to aim for. thanks for the video .
Hey Mark , passed my rigid test on Wednesday... and now onto the artic. Have ten lessons and then the class 1 test. Great video! I rewatch it regularly. Would love to see another reversing video from you if possible. Great skill 👏
Thanks buddy, and well done on passing your rigid. Now the real fun begins with the artic but i'm sure you will get the hang of it. With any luck i will see you out there driving the biggest things on the road soon. Good luck buddy.
Thats 11 years work of experiance in hgv's. To be fair many of the other drivers at Pentons are just as good. With the places we deliver to it do or die at are place.
As a new driver I've so much to learn that the training and test didn't teach. This video gives me a bit more confidence when the tight reverse comes up. Still not sure about lifting and dropping tag axle and diff locks at each site . Its still a bit of "try That"
Thank you William. I totally agree, reversing around cones on your test is nothing like tight reversing on the public road with parked cars and traffic trying to squeeze past or stopping to close behind you right where you can't see them. As with getting traction I would use diff lock only if its in a straight line as it won't want to turn with the left and right drive wheels locked together. Lifting an axel is often the best bet if its able to. However on uneven ground watch you don't rip your wing tops off. If your to heavy to lift an axel I know my Volvo will put an extra 30% weight on the drive axle if I can't lift my tag axle. Although I can't say on other makes of trucks. This is however in a perfect world and there have been times when I've had to say lock the diff even though I'm trying to turn or lift a tag axle on uneven ground, just be carful and keep an eye out for the what can go wrong. Some times you only need to do it for just a second to get yourself moving again.
Great video fella , I am slowly getting into tight spots after just 6 days of driving and today was a major test for me but I stayed calm and 3 people clapped me .... Now to practice my blindside reverse ....
Good man, The important thing is staying calm and not getting into a panic. I must admit I'm not as good on my blind side as I could be, I can get by but I've seen others do it better then I can on the blind side. That said, some trucks have cameras in them so they might be cheating.
I haven't got a class one licence, only the class two. I've always wondered how it would be to reverse a class one trailer, I doubt I'll ever find out but really enjoyed this video. You make the reversing look so easy, congrats on a masterclass of reversing
Thank you, I went out in a class two once and couldn't drive it for the love of money. Kept missing my point of turn on tight junctions because a class 1 is longer and has a better steering lock. Had a bit of a night mare that day.
great video! I hated my first week class 1 driving. couldnt get my head round it but watched this video after nearly giving up after fuking up a reverse bay simple multi 5 shunt park at downtons. next day did it first time and found it preety seemless after. just the 1 shunt now-an-then and ive just finished watching your vid and think ive picked up a few more tips ready for next week! have a beer on me!
Thank you and well done. Reversing is one of those things that look easy but then isn't when you try to do it for the first time. But when you crack it you crack it. I've allways felt its like a right of passage for all class 1 lorry drivers. I can remember getting in a bit of a mess myself more then once when i frst started and i could alread revers trailers as i used to drive tractors on a farm, But tractors don't have a blind side and they bend in a comletly difrent place so although the theory is the same, in reality it's totaly diffrent which gave me a headache.
Really awesome reversing video mate. I'm training for my C+E at the moment, sadly the 1 reverse they teach you doesn't really prep you for the real-world situations, this is a great vid of what to expect!, i keep coming back to it :), i always worry about having to negotiate with busy traffic on a tricky reverse once i'm working! Hope one day i can be as laid back as you when you breeze through these reverses :D
Thanks, It dose take a few years to pick up but when you get it you get it. The problem with the test is you can learn it, You know when to turn and how much to turn at which point. In real life you can't because there all different and its a little more stressful when your reversing round cars as it doesn't matter as much if you hit a cone. That said in 8 years of driving I've only had two accidents, Once I reversed into a car that was so close behind me I couldn't see him. And I did a nice job of a front wing and door panel trying to reverse out of a yard I couldn't turn around in. All well, Nobody's perfect.
First video I've come across of yours, needless to say I've followed you now lol. Very skilled driver, I have a class one also and the way you explain what you're doing is far more helpful than what you get in training. The test does not prepare you for real driving. Keep up the good work mark 👍
Thanks buddy. I used to be a driving instructor but in cars not lorries. I know what you mean about the test though. All you have to do is memorise markers and how much to turn at each marker on your test. Which isn't much use in the real world when you've got to blind side it into somewhere you've never been before at night.
Thank you. The reversing will come, I think of it like pushing a wheelbarrow. the unit is you and the trailer is the wheel barrow, it sort of works for me any way.
Looking to leave the military to do this. Have had the normal BASIC get your license training we normally get, but reversing just seems such a head fk right now, so these kind of videos are a god send to the likes of me. I'm keen to see the front wheels on the manoeuvres but love the variety. Great skills buddy cheers Beeksy👏👍🏻
Thank you, It just takes time and practise then it soon comes. I was properly pushed of the deep end in Pentons as I passed my test and within weeks is was driving London. Got myself into a pickle a few times trying to turn round and making wrong turns then driving 10 miles before I can find somewhere to turn around. The first year was a proper head ache. That said you do get used to it and it becomes easier.
Thanks Dave, Trust me we've all been there and I can remember taking about 20 shunts trying to get it onto the bay. Give it time and you'll be there before you know it. It is strange though as I can remember being really terrible at it, and I'm now at a good level of being able to revers it. But I've no I dear when I stopped being terrible and started being ok?
My god your a fantastic driver ive just started out in the HGV (uk) world and struggle a great deal in the reversing so your skills are fantastic I hope one day ill be able to reverse like yourself is it down to practice like everyone is telling me or is it something thats natural and comes easy to you . Thanks for the video it helps alot
Thank you Dave. I was lucky as i was brought up on a farm, so i was driving tractors and trailers and Land Rovers and trailers from a young age in fields. So i have a small advantage. However, with practice i'm sure you get the hang of it, Unfortunatly for me i now suffering from a frozen shoulder so my reversing isn't as good as it was, My brain knows what to do but my arm with the frozen shoulder can't keep up.
@@markpritchard Im still recovering from an operation for a frozen shoulder had the opp in Jan this year getting better but not 100 % yet i wouldnt wish it on any body hurts like hell hope you get it sorted soon it took over a year doing physio injections ive had the lot until the doctors decided an opp was in order hope it not that long for you thanks your your reply your one hell of an HGV driver hopefully ill be as good as you one day .good luck with the shoulder mate keep up the vlogs great stuff
@@daviecampbell5215 Daft thing is i've had a day off today. So took my bike out. Yes i can ride the bike, but it did take and hour and a half to get my leather bike jacket on, I still haven't got it off yet, Starting to think i'll be waring it to work tomorrow.
This video is the official go to video for reversing videos. I did my assessment yesterday. The reverse was a nightmare, something I was never taught properly for my test and I also can't get my head round it. I know how to prepare and get angles then the rest doesn't fall into place as easy ha.
Glad to here you enjoyed it Wane. Reversing the thing is defiantly the most challenging part of the job but once you get the hang of it you can do it without even thinking about it.
great video m8 very practical serves the purpose absolutely. I am thinking of going to class 1. ive been driving class 2 for the last 7 months. but the sheer size of class 1 plus reversing scares the hell out of me
Two main things with reversing a class one. The first is setting yourself up for the revers, you can make life easy for yourself just by the way you position the lorry. The amount of times I've seen drivers struggling to revers onto a loading bay on there blind side when they could just simply drive past it, turn around and then drive back to it on there good side. The 2nd thing I would always say is use all the room available to you. Some places are very tight and others have loads of room, If I am going to get tight to something I always get close to the thing I can see knowing there is enough room the other side, also if there is say a skip and some parked cars, i'll put it closer to the skip as its not as bad if you nock an old skip. A lot of it is common sense and practice really. I wouldn't let it put you off doing it as we all struggle with it to start with. It took me at least 3 months before I could do it with some confidence and then I would say another two years before I could say I was good at it.
Thanks for the advice mark. I will try to remember it all. I am thinking of progressing to class 1. I went out with my friend who passed class 1 about 6 months ago to do 2 drops here in west Yorkshire. One of the yard was very tight for class1. I told my friend to reverse the trialer in from the main road but he was scared to do it as there were cars parked on either side. So he drove in and once we were in the yard things became quite hetic in terms of getting out. So it wss a scary experience but for some reason I also wanted to drive a class 1. I will go for class 1. Any way I really liked the video. Keep the good videos coming in m8. They are very educational.
I was so used to reversing the long Articulated Trucks. In Somerset I was sometimes sent out with an 8 legger tipper and when it came to reversing I invariably turned the steering wheel the wrong way, then had to think. I much preferred the long Artics. Later in Nottingham on Saturdays the boss would drive the Artic Trucks out so the staff could wash the unit and trailer. Then the boss told me to reverse the washed vehicles back in line as I was better at it than him. I used to say to him, "Admire the skill" He would say, "Just get on with it big head" Rather long video, will have to come back to it later.
mark pritchard glad a professional driver does this too!- after I have had a trailer on the back of my van all day, after I take it off I sometimes have ‘trailer brain’ on and turn the wheel the wrong way!
Thanks for uploading Mark, I remember some time ago asking if you were putting some reversing on, too many drivers uploading videos but no reversing, for me most of the skill in HGV driving is in the reversing, great video Mark thanks again.
No worry's fella, I've been trying to do a reversing video for years its just they never worked out. Its why I ended up spending some money any getting my Hero 5 with the head mount.
Amazing to watch an expert in action, Have you ever had a place which you thought "no, I can't reverse in there"? great reversing, I see quite a few Pentons lorries as I work in Carlisle, i;ll keep an eye out,....p.s. always annoys me when drivers of cars won't allow lorries to manouvre in peace
Thanks Paul. Sadly i spend most of my time stuck in London these days but every now and then i do go north instead. Last year i did get to park up at Carlisle truck stop so it does happen every now and then. And yes cars can be anoying when your trying to revers, in 11 years of driving i've hit two of them, I don't think thats to bad a record considering they keep putting themselves right where i can't see them.
Thank you, Must admit I'm having a bit of a brake at the moment, partly because I accidently dropped my camera out the lorry and then reversed over it. Bugger! And partly because my mind has simply been on other things these last few months. No doubt i'll be back soon, With a newer camera.
mark pritchard thats a shame to hear but ill be keeping an eye out for your new videos popping up on my notifications. I hope all is well with yourself and i wish you all the best with everything youve currently got going on. Again i love your content and the commentry is spot on. best wishes, Alex
How many lessons does it take on average to be ready for a truck licence? Is there a waiting period between having a rigid licence and getting an artic licence or are they the same?
First there's the theory test which takes no time at all as long as you buy the theory test book or cd and study it there should be no problem at all. I did that all by my self and passed easily. Most people do a three of four day course for the class 2 then the same for the class 1. You can do the class one straight after you've passed the class 1 its just a case of when the driving school can fit you in. Don't forget before you can get a job you now have to also do five days of cpc training which is something I didn't have to do at the time. How ever I do have to do it every five years if I want to work as a driver. If you only drive for fun for example you drive classic truck to shows and you don't get paid for work then you don't need your cpc.
Its easy once your used to it. But that takes time and practice. Until then we all get stuck and hold people up taking 20 shunts trying to get onto the bays. Unfortunately there's no easy way to learn.
Happens to the best of us fella, Just remember to be patient in five years time when you see someone who's only just passed there test struggling to get onto a bay. I think its easy to forget what it was like as a new driver when five years latter on your running a little late and your in a hurry.
Good reversing compilation Mark. After watching your video the terror came flooding back of all the horrid reverses truck driver suffer from. An old manager once said to me while sitting in his office "be honest it isn't difficult, if you can reverse a 7.5 tonne waggon, you can reverse anything". Remembering back the great reverses I had to do just like you Mark. Can I ask what would you say was the longest reverse you ever did? Mind was the time I had to reverse about a mile down a single track country lane in the dark with a land range behind to illuminate the lane. Just to deliver 38 tonne of wire spools to a farm.
I've done something similar. Got lost and took a wrong turn looking for a farm down un named single track lanes then came to a corner I couldn't get round. Had to revers back miles, It was in the daylight though. There is also a place I deliver to and there is no turning around down there, Don't go very often but you have to revers all the way down to the building, then the loading bay is at the back of that building so you have to revers all the way around to the back of that building. Always a fun one. Unfortunately on the gate there's a no cameras or filming sign on the entrance so I can't put it on here or I might get myself into a bit of trouble.
Was 1st one Greencore? Done that one and there other yard just down the road and thats a proper S**t hole to reverse in, barrier opposite docks is smothered in paint from cabs of lorries. I am finding like others reversing is a skill that takes practice and is always worse when others are watching / waiting for you to get out the way. Nice Vid Mark and yes, good attitude.
I screamed in silence at 2:00. We were taught never look over your shoulder when backing up, always use just your mirrors. If your blind spot mirror and normal mirror on both sides are set up right they're all you need. The rationale was that doing so took that second or so longer to look and check your left mirrors and reversing camera (if fitted). We had to complete a manoeuvre where we'd reverse through an obstacle course while being timed using just the mirrors. If you looked over your shoulder or didn't beat the stopwatch you had to do it again.
Which country was this in? Here I was taught all round observations and there's nothing wrong with looking in the direction of travel. We have to back up through a small obstacle course and although they don't stand there timing us as such you will fail the test if you take to long. But on the whole if you haven't got time to check around then your going to fast. I also do a lot of my work at night in the dark in unlit areas so for practical reasons I look over my shoulder although I can't see much I can see even less in the mirror. Just for interest though, I used to be a driving instructor in a car, and if you reversed a car just using your mirrors in a driving test you would fail. You have to look in the direction of travel while making effective all round observations during the revers.
@@markpritchardThis was Australia with a government emergency service department with getting an MR (Medium Rigid 2 axle) truck. Was taught the same but without being timed when I went for my HR (Heavy Rigid with 3 or more axles). But then again every country do things different, and neither is necessarily better or worse than the other. Drive safe out there driving around Britain!!
Thanks for the info its interesting to here how things are done in other country's. There is defiantly more then one way to skin a cat so to speak and as long as its safe and accurate then at the end of the day it doesn't mater. Although one thing I have noticed is American trucks have a narrow cab but the sleeping area and trailer are wider then the cab making it hard to see if you look backwards, So driving one of them it would make total sense to be able to revers just using your mirrors. I've noticed this in American trucks, I think Canadian trucks and I might be wrong but in the Australian road trains you have over there, I think might have a slightly narrower cab?
@@markpritchard We have a pretty even spread of Kenworths, Volvos, Macks, Scanias, Peterbilts and Mercedes Benz trucks. Cab overs are just as popular as conventional cab prime movers. And you're right, with prime movers that have a 2.5metre (8 ft.) sleeper box, you couldn't see back over your shoulder anyway. I think you've hit the nail on the head as to why the different methods of visual aids when reversing.
Glad it was of some use. I wouldn't worry about the reversing to much, I was terrible at it when I first started and I was used to reversing tractor and trailers. Give yourself a few years at it and you'll be as good as me.
what were you saying about tearing mudguards off and snapping axles? that sounds like a nightmare how am i supposed to avoid that!?! how am i supposed to know when theres a chance that will happen?
It tends to happen when your tuning but not on level ground. For example the unit is on level ground but the trailer is on a slope. Not a problem if your just going back in a straight line but if you turn the top of the wingtops can catch on the underside of the trailer and as you turn it will rip them off. It could also happen if the unit is on the slope and the trailer is flat. As a rule try and keep it straight if your in this position, that said it isn't always possible, I've ripped mine of twice now, There is also a place i go to where i remove my wingtops before i back in as i know i will loss them if i don't. I find its worst with tag axles as the unit is slightly longer, Not so bad with mid lifts or four wheelers. It also depends on the trailer. If you look under the trailer and from the legs to the front of the trailer is flat apart from the pin your good. If theres two rails going from the front of the legs four or five feet fowards there the things that tend to catch your wingtops when you turn on unlevel ground. Hope this helps.
Your never to old. I used to be a driving instructor and I've had students in their 60's. Failing that see if you can get yourself onto a farm an drive the tractors, just as much fun and you can go off roading in them.
@@markpritchard I did have a licence for tractors years. My concern is... a truck driver told me this. If I as a woman mess up or make a mistake. I should be prepared for men shouting and call me a cunt, bitch or worse. I have a history with men abusing me, violence and sexually. This concerns me a lot I'm scared of men yelling at me. Is this true? Other truckers haven't said anything about this but told me to go for it.
It’s a routine reverse, nicely done, but to a pro, it’s very run of the mill reversing. I’m C+E too, so I know the script, whatever next, a video of old Mrs Goggins parking her Micra up in Asda ?. Some go in easy, but some go in hard, but at the end of the day, they ALL go in.
Thank you, The one's I love to watch is the caravan. A good one's normally include several jackknifes, a massive argument which will end with at least one person getting out the car and storming off and one mile off quewing traffic. Perfect lunch time entertainment while having a sandwich and a cup of tea.
Good I dear. You see lorries these days with cameras and everything. I pulled a trailer the other day and it had an extra lead for a camera that was on the back of the trailer. Pity my unit isn't set up for it. I recon it would be easy with a camera on the back. Am thinking about fitting one to my van though. That should make blind side with the van no problem at all.
Hi James, There's a few way I know. 1st is just experience, you get to know the length of the trailer over time and you just know. But the other main ways are you do feel it touch, obviously you go nice and slow so it just bounces of the two rubber buffers, or a slightly harder bounce if the rubber buffers have warn out or dropped of. At night or when its getting dark you can also tell by the rear lights. how close you are as the reflection gets smaller as you close up to the bay. A very simple one I use as well is use the lorry or trailer next to you. You know when your nearly level with the lorry next to you then your there. If its just a trailer with no unit under it then i'll get the front edge of my trailer level with the front edge of the trailer next door then I'm about right, Although not all trailers are the same length and sometimes there isn't anything next to you so you can't always use that. But I would say main thing is you feel it touch and experience over time. Thanks for watching, Mark.
Thanks buddy, Reversing is one of those things, it is hard at first but it gets easer with time. It's a sort of rights of passage thing but its well worth hard work. There is no better feeling when somebody says you'll never get it in there and then you just wangle it in with no problems. Be carefull of the ones who say you'll get it in there easly, the driver yesterday did it. What they don't tell you was he was in a lorry half the size or he had steering axles or something. There are many diffrent sizded lorries with many diffrent size axle configerations and some revers better then otheres. Good luck and keep at it.
I can remember that problem. Everybody want's two years experiance and you sit there thinking how am i going to get the two years experiance if everybody wants two years experiance. I came across from driving coaches. Funny thing is when i came across to hgv i was turned down from a job driving a class two bin lorry becouse i didn't have the experiance, I sat there thinking i can drive your children to school in a 55 seater coach but i don't have the experiance to take your rubbish? Makes no sence to me that. Good luck, i feel your pain.
@@markpritchard im a bus driver and have been for nearly 5 year's. I recently left a hgv job because they lied about the hourly rate but most shocking of all was they left me for 2-3 hour's on my own. I hadn't a clue what to do at that point I was dropping trailers off here and there but still. After 2 day's they wanted me to go to London Birmingham and Manchester over the weekend. I refused stating insufficient training. Take it or leave it. I left it I dont need that kind of pressure. So disappointed i really wanting to do the work but not like that. That said I've taken on board alot and will ask questions next time.
@@stevenesq Yes i must admit the training is a bit shit. I see drivers who can hardly do the job themselves and have only been doing the job months teaching others to do the job as badly as they are doing it. And yet i used to be a driving instructor, have years of experiance and have never been asked to help train.
You used to be able to go straight for your C+E but these days you have to do your ridged first. Some people pay for the C+E with the money they earn driving cat C. So you only really need to save up for the cat C before the licence starts paying for itself. Always worth bearing in mind there's a shortage of drivers and work these days is easily found as most places are struggling to recruit drivers.
I'm looking at becoming a lorry driver but it seems everywhere I look you can't a get a job cause you have no experience. But you can't get experience if you don't have a job. So how would I get experience?
I had the same problem when I started out. I only got the job at Pentons after I applied for the third time. The only thing I can say is keep trying and you will get there eventually. While I was looking for a job in lorries I spent a year driving busses, God I hated it. There's nothing worse then people who can't drive telling you how to drive the bus.
Just a thought, and I apologize for answering your post a year later. Have you considered driving for some charity organization that uses big trucks? Where I live groups like St. Vinnies and Red Cross have staff who will come around in a pantec and pick up donated furniture and large items. Might be a way to start getting experience. Best wishes with securing work as a driver.
Thanks buddy. For me it took around 3 months before i could reverse it onto a bay to a reasonable standard. I would say around 2 years when i was reversing onto any bay 1st time.
Awesome driving mate. I'm a new class 1 driver and failed on the reversing a bay for a job assessment. I've been told now to think of the rear wheels of the tractor unit as the front wheels of the trailer- like a car I guess. Makes it easier for me to get my head around it but practice makes perfect just need a driving job to practice with 😁
It is hard to start with and it takes a while to get the hang of it. Your not far wrong though thinking of the rear wheels of the unit as the front wheels of the trailer. Another way to think of it is if you need to bring the back end of the trailer to the right, then you need to push the front end of the trailer to the left. The problem is there's no set amount how much you turn as that depends on how much room you have to play with. The only other thing. If you can get it close, you can then shunt forwards and position it so you just need to revers it in a straight line, If there's room to do that of course.
mark pritchard thanks for the advice 👍 tbh I've a driving job coming. I start next week but it's drawbar / brick and block. Same principle I guess. Hopefully I get a chance on class 1 tippers in a year or so if this works out.
Also I try and brake it down to three things. The turn in, (push the front end of the trailer away bringing the back end in), The follow, ( follow the trailer round and you can increase and decrease how quickly the trailer is coming around). And the straighten up ( you want to do this just a few seconds before your level as by the time you get the wheels straight you should be level).
Hi Ian, Thanks for watching. Reversing an artic is one of thoughs things we all have to go through. Its not easy to start with but it comes with experience, I struggled for the first three months before I could manage. I think it was probably around two years before I could say I was half decent at it. Until then best thing you can do is practise practise practise and take your time. I also try and think about it like pushing a wheel barrow. Your the unit and the trailer is the wheel barrow. It sort of works for me anyhow. I would say above all though just take your time and ignore the impatient drivers and warehouse men. All drivers go through it and its not easy. If everyone could do it, then it wouldn't be a skill worth mastering so basically don't give up.
Reversing Class1's is easy when there is a load of room. It's when it's tight I struggle to know the limit of bend that can maneuvered / chased out of without getting stuck.
Yes, You see these people who reverse on video very quickly into a cone area and it all looks very impresive, but then you thing well try that when there is park cars, cars trying to squeeze past a fork lift who's all over the place and people walking everywhere while your trying to do it. And people won't wait 30 seconds. I totaly agree, reversing in a busy area is always hard, you just have to be realy carfull and ignore the cars honking their horns.
No need to thank me, Its a free extra i chuck in to make the whole think more realistic. I'm going to coming out with my own sick bags with my channel on them soon. LOL.
Mark, im only 14 mins into video but already its quite obvious you know your stuff .. Its great to watch a pro in action , especially one without an ego .. I've been away from artics with 12 yrs and about to return in Jan '18 ...Like you , i spent my teenage yrs around agri machinery; combines to tractors/trailers etc ..I went to London at 21(1987) and within 4 yrs was driving 1 of the first semi auto Merc units STGO 2 ,approx 70 feet and could make that baby dance a jig ..... BUT i'm so worried that i may have lost that edge ... I'm having to start all over again .. at 51 yrs ..Any kind encouraging advice or suggestions would be nice ... I put myself in this fucked up prediciment and i gotta get myself out of it ..I'm back in Ireland getting ready to do euro fridge work in Jan , but im bricking it Mark !!! You know when you're young , one just takes things as they come , but at 51 its different .. Fuck , some of my friends are retiring ,, and im getting ready to start all over....But its great watching you ..As i said, im only 14 mins watching , but you aint had to "straighten up " once .And i'd say thats how vid will continue ....The very best of luck mate ...From IRL and all the Scania Scoundrels
Thanks John. I'm sure it will come back to you without to much of a problem. Trucks are a lot easier to drive these days main thing being the auto gear box so now all you have to do is steer if you've got one. I think it might take you a little practice to get it back but it will be a lot easier getting it back then it was to learn in the first place. If possible and your a bit un sure you could try get a ride out in one of your mates trucks, Get a feel for it from the passenger seat. Finally don't worry if it dose go a little bit wrong. I don't mind admitting it goes wrong some times, Worst thing I find is i'll do something really difficult and get it spot on without anybody seeing. Then i'll totally mess something easy up because I'm just tired or in a rush and you can be sure there be about 100 drivers hanging around watching. All well, Only thing I can do is laff at myself. I'm sure after a few weeks you'll be as good as you were 12 years ago.
Mark you make this look so easy, As a newly qualified with zero experience but love driving class 1’s, lack of reversing experience is stopping me from applying for jobs…. Any tips?
Well for starters well done for passing your class one, Thats not easy in itself. Giving advice on reversing is really difficalt as its something we all have to go through. I struggled when i first started and i used to drive tractors. It took me around 3 months to get so i could revers anywhere without to many problems and around two years to get to reversing it on anywhere near enough first time no problems. I can't as such say how to revers or when to turn as all bays and yards are diffrent. Trucks are all diffrent to. I drive a tag axle which turns diffrently to a mid lift. Both of them turn diffrently to a two axle tractor unit then some tags or mid lifts have steering rear axles which again turn diffrently. If that isn't enough i haven't mentioned the trailer yet which might have one two or three axles of which one of them might be a rear steer axle. Again all of these turn diffrently. So i'm afraid i can only say when i turn in a tag axle with a none rear steer tri axle. The only thing i can say if you want the best job for keeping it nice and simple then i would go for RDC work or Distribution Center work. Here you normaly have plenty of room, alot of the time i can get it straight with the bay and revers the thing in a straight line back. If i remember correctly i do it in the video. Once you've got that even if there is room i would have a go at doing it at an angle just for practice. Another thing i would look for are big companies that have there own driver training cener. For instance i deliver to Arla Hatfeild and there they have a few driver training trucks. Chances are if you get in with a big company like this they would be better at helping you out. One thing i found when i first started was training in the haulage industry is crap and i struggled for a good three months, Not just with reversing but finding places Loading, dealing with angry warehouse or goods in/out people. Its a steep learning curve. Finel thing would be if you know anybody who drives try and get a day out with them, Its supprising how much you can learn from the passanger seat. Sorry i can't be of much more help but i how you can take something usfull away from this. Good luck, All the best fro Christams and the new year and i hope you find your dream driving job.
i hit a low bridge after 12 years accident free driving buses. no passengers on. i had heat stroke this summer when it was so hot (uk no air con in buses) and auto piloted my car route back to depot. what do you reckon.. should i bother learning to drive trucks ? its left me questioning myself but i do know i'll never drive in 80 degrees again with no air con.
I know the feeling buddy. I drove coaches at owens coaches for four years then drove a bus for a year. Compared to the coaches I found busses horrible to drive. Could never see my left mirror at night as all I could see was the reflection of myself in the assault screen and in the door. Like you say, freezing cold in the winter and no air con in the summer. I once had a passenger put a dirty nappy in the ticket bin one very hot summers day. My god it stank the bus out. Don't have to put up with that now on the trucks as the cab is my own and I keep the nutters on the outside of the cab. There are some bad points though. I start work never knowing when i'll be home and I come home not knowing when i'll be starting work, ( they will ring me the day before I start with a start time). So my biggest thing with driving a lorry is I find it impossible to plan anything outside work. That said it dose depend on what you end up driving and who you drive four. On a good side I will earn in one week what it took me three weeks to earn on a bus. Last week over Christmas I worked a few bank holidays and I earned a months wages driving a bus in one week. Again it depends what you do and weather you go tramping or you just do day runs. So going on that, if you do decide to give it a try it will pay for itself in no time at all.
mark pritchard cheers for reply. i passed the theory last week. and have the 4 days practical training beginning of february. Just on my mind a lot that i had the bridge strike. you are right about buses in everything you said. Great vid
Thanks Neil. One good thing if you already drive busses is that the class 2 test will be a walk in the park. I did mine in an 18 toner that was shorter then the bus I drove. The class 1 is a bit harder. I wouldn't worry to much about the bridge strike but do get yourself a decent map with all the bridge heights on them. Philips trucker map is the one I use. Also you can get truck sat naves although there not 100% so be carful there. I used a snooper and although its good most of the time there is a bridge in Cannock that I can drive under but the sat nav says I can't, its good fun watching it go nuts though. But worse then that down by Wincanton there is a bridge I can't fit under but the sat nav says I can. So keep your eyes peeled. Funny thing, these days I panic if I miss a weight limit or bridge height. Even when I'm riding my motor bike. I can't help it, even though the bridge would have to be under 6ft to be of any problem to me.
mark pritchard yeh i've got sat nav on my to do list. i dont fear the cat C because i've driven buses but it will have a gear box and i hope i find that easy eek
Believe it or not there's not many things out there that are easier then they look but the gear box in a lorry is one off them. It took me 10 minuets to get used to it then I was away. It looks really complicated when the instructor is explaining it but you some how just get a feel for it really quickly. The hardest bit is when you change from 4 to 5 as you flick the switch up then it feels like your putting it back into 1st, And if you forget to flick the switch up you are. As you say your be use to the size of it so the gear box will be the only thing you'll need to get used to.
If your nice and gentle you can feel the back end of the trailer touch the rubber buffers on the loading bay. Another thing I use is if you can see a shadow on a bright day when the bottom of the shadow touches the bay your reversing onto your there as well. Experience also comes into play and after a few years you naturally know how far the back end is off things, The hardest thing to judge is the rear overhang swing when your going around tight bends, I still have to get out and check some times to see if its going to clear a parked car or some obstruction.
ive driven lorries for 30 odd years, im telling ya, this boy can reverse
Right on. Calm, slow, no wobbly oversteering.... that's experience and confidence right there.
This compilation is perfect for new drivers to see the various types of reverses. I found it helpful myself and I've been driving artics for 3 years now.
Thanks you, That was my exact thought when I was making it and the reason I included some easy reverses at the start. Tried my best to get as many different types and different situations I could find in the time I was filming so as to be useful. Seems to of paid of as this is easily my most popular video.
I'm still in awe how he manages to swing it in with the road being narrow with parked cars as well!
The boy is a wizard 👍🏼
Just a tip for those drivers who've recently passed their HGV test and are reversing into an unfamiliar loading bay. Take your time. Get out of your cab and have a look around the spot you're going to reverse into. It can take a few precious minutes or a few seconds, but it's worth every second. Chances are it'll also save you hitting something nasty. If you're unsure about the reversing, stop and double check. Rushing around will result in stupid accidents.
I normaly open the trailer doors while i'm out there, kill two birds with one stone.
7 years old and this video is still super useful! I passed my test last year and didn't find a job until recently. I just did 3 months of day shift rigid work and now they've put me in a double decker artic on night shift at the hubs... Rather intimidating to say the least! I've just done a week of that and while it all went fine, I found myself doing needless laps around the hub to find more suitable parking spaces, because some of the free spots were too scary lol. Watching this compilation of various different reverses helps loads! My biggest issue was setting myself up for tight and awkward maneuvers and this video gives some insight on how to position the truck and trailer prior to actually reversing. Thank you :)
Thanks buddy. Well done making the start in driving artics, It definatly not easy when you first start out. You right though. Half of reversing is setting yourself up when your pulling up forwards and positioning yourself. When i'm watching other drivers revers i can tell how well they are going to do it before they even get it into revers, i can tell by how they possition befor reversing, if you watch that bit you can tell instantly if they know what they are doing or not.
There will be a reversing lorries 2 out one day. I've filmed all the lorry bits but am doing something along side it which is taking ages to film. One day it will be out though and i'm hopping it will be even better then this one.
Hi Mark, i know this is 3 yrs old but its the best bit of reversing ive ever seen, thank you for the insight.
Thank you buddy, Just don't look if ever you see me trying to revers a steering rear axle when I've forgotten to lock the rear axle straight on the trailer, again.
The best reverse vid on you tube.Top job Mark
Thank you It would appear to be doing rather well this one. Just a shame I left the thanks for watching bit in the wrong place. Never mind. Mark
You are a genius, when I become a truck driver I want to be like you
Thanks buddy, Start growing that beard.
@@markpritchard Lol
Masterclass.
As a new learner starting, I learnt a lot from this. Attitude is top quality.
Thanks buddy, Glad it helped.
Oct 2021 and this is still the best reversing video on YT. Thanks for making it! :D
Thanks buddy. I'm working on another which will be out one day.
I'm on my 3rd lesson for my artic license and this is thee only video to show you real daily driving. That blind side still scares the hell out of me! I would love to have your confidence, skill and patience.
I'm sure one day you willbe just as good as me. I would say it me 3 months to be half decent at it, Then say around two years to be really good able to back it anywhere no problem good at it. That said, i still strugle a tiny bit with my blind side so i gess nobodys perfect. If your lucky enough to have a lorry with a rear camera blind side becomes alot easier. Sadly i haven't got one.
As a newly passed class 1 driver all I can say is this guy makes it look easy. How you stayed so calm baffles me I would’ve had steam coming out of my ears 😮
Thanks buddy,
@@markpritchard any tips for newly passed drivers?
@@laurencemartin3026 Well done on passing your class one. I must admit i did struggle for a few months reversing it and i did get myself into a few situations. Its a learning curve we all have to go through. A right of passage sort of thing. I can remember taking 90 shunts trying to get it onto a bay holding everybody up. Don't panic, we've all been there. Take your time, don't be afraid to get out the cab and have a good look around or asking someone to watch your blind areas if your unsure. Good luck and stay safe buddy. It will get easier.
@@laurencemartin3026how you getting on a year down the line pal?
This video and your commentary has helped me a lot on my reversing. I keep repeating to myself “follow the trailer round”. Thanks for the video!
Your welcome, I'm glad it helped.
The biggest vehicle I have ever drove was a 7.5 t with tail lift and that was a challenge to back up. You have balls of steel my man and if I wore a hat I would take it off to you. Keep on trucking buddy.
Thank you Mike. I used to drive a 7.5 toner to. I just slowly worked my way up in size.
Master class on reversing a LGV in everyday LGV driving situations. Look and learn.
Thanks buddy.
Defnetely the best video on UA-cam for anyone learning to reverse
Thank you Mike,
You are a natural, and you make it look so easy. Your hand/eye co-ordination is spot on.
Thank you. I did actually used to run my own driving school only it was a car not a lorry. Unfortunately we had the credit crunch and every man and his dog decided they could make good money as a driving instructor and before long we had more driving instructors then people wanting to learn to drive. So I had to go and find another job in 2010. Spent a year at Arriva driving a bus around Oswestry which I didn't enjoy. Then managed to get in at Pentons in 2011 and have been there ever since. I do miss running my own driving school though.
Thanks for this video! I passed my HGV1 test last week and had my first reversing assessment yesterday. The best thing I can say about that is I didn't hit anything with that 13 m trailer and I forgot most of the new info, They still said Okay and I'm waiting for the call with my start date. After 14 years on buses class 2 was easy, class 1 is a whole new challenge.
Well done passing your test, Thats not an easy test to pass. I also came across from coaches and busses. I spent 4 years driving a coach for Owens and a year driving a bus at Arriva. The lorry i did my class two in was smaller then the 53 seater coach i'd been driving so it was a walk in the park. It will take a few months to get the hang off reversing but its like a rights off passage thing, we all go through it and i'm sure you will get the hang of it in no time. Hope you get the call for your start date soon, we're really busy moving stuff around the country right now so we need all the help we can get.
A guy, who won't be freaked out! Well done Mark😷👍 Your mindset is unflappable.
Thanks buddy.
Mark, by far the calmest, clearest video and mate, you sure can reverse those things. Great Great competition brother. Thank you for the tips.
Thanks buddy your welcome. One day there will be a reversing 2 video. Its in the making anyhow.
Thanks for this fella! Had my licence 11 years but started trucking full time so basically green. I've learned its all in the set up. If you get that wiggle on, thats the battle won.. Great vid Mark! Peace
Defiantly all in the set up. How you position is key and I know it might sound obvious but always do it on your good side unless there really is no other choice. If I'm in a one way system and the bay is on my blind side I very often spin it right round on itself so it ends up on my good side, its just that I've seen so many people trying to get it on the blind side when they could simply spin it around so its on your good side. Failing that if possible i'll drive past tern around and come back so its on my good side.
I'm truck driver in the United States Ii think it would be cool to go to another country and drive a truck.It would be an experienced that's a fact.Safe traveling and have a blessed day.
You know I've always had the same thing in mind. I've fancied coming over to America or Canada and driving. The thing is I don't want to do it permanently, but I would love to do it for say 3 months, The trucks over your end look so much nicer and the living area looks massive compared to my little bed tucked just behind the seats..
@@markpritchard What would put you off doing it long-term?
@@galacticambitions1277 Its what i'd miss, I've put alot of work into my little house out here in the country side, And i'm of the thinking a mans house is his castle, its where i feel safe. I also live nice and close to my s close to my sister and her kids i'd miss them to. plus theres my Landy and my old tractor both of which have massive sentimental value to me. I could leave for say six months knowing i'd be comining back, but i just couldn't leave what i've got here for ever.
@@markpritchard All excellent reasons! Sounds like the perfect life!
New driver and was struggling with off the road backs. Watched this video and got her in with one stunt after copying the line you took (don't get them all that often tbh).
Anyway, thanks so much. Top video.
Glad to have helped Nicholas, It is hard when you first start out and we've all been there. Mark.
class video Mark great the way it's all reversing. I passed my test few months ago and really struggled with the reversing. you make it look so easy lol
I wouldn't worry, I lived on a farm and was reversing tractors and trailers from a young age. I still struggled with an artic and it took me a little while to get the hang of the size. Funny thing is now I struggle when I get into a tractor and trailer or my van and trailer. I know what I'm doing its just the points of turning are all in different places and I spend most my time in the lorry so that's what I'm now used to. The really strange thing and I did this the other day when I was at the supermarket I was reversing my van into a parking space and I turned the wheel in totally the wrong direction. I'm not used to not having a trailer behind me, Got some funny looks from the people walking buy. Mark
I know the feeling, I am a bus driver of 25 years, the other day driving my car past a bus stop a person signalled and I pulled into the bloody bus stop before realizing and taking off again. They must have thought I was a looney!
I have been thinking of upgrading to semi's as I much prefer to be on my own and not have to deal with half wits but reversing an artic is my biggest fear. Can reverse a rigid with my eyes closed but I have never even reversed a trailer with a car so is alittle intimidating when you have traffic all around you while trying to do it.
A video of reversing is perfect. Just done my 1st month on Class 1, and just getting the hang of reversing manoeuvres.
Well done on passing your class 1 buddy. I can still remember my first few months of driving, its not easy at first. Keep going and you'll be reversing it in like a pro in no time.
The best movie. Very helpful for a rookie. Thanks a lot Mark
Glad to be of some help.
Great video. I'm 'only' a van driver but I don't even drive a car because I have used a motorbike for 20 years. When I first started I used to think I couldn't reverse around bends or go through small gaps. One year later and it's second nature.
Good to see how it's done in a lorry.
I like your comment about seeing daylight in the mirrors is a good thing when reversing. I found this out for myself and it was a revelation😁
Thanks Jim, Reversing is something that's not that hard, once your used to it. Getting used to it however can be a challenge. I remember getting myself into one or two tight spots when I first started out and I was driving a Land Rover and trailer and tractor and tailors on farms before I was driving a lorry so I did have a little bit of experience before I started out. But if you do it often enough as you know it soon becomes second nature. The only down side, I was reversing my van (no Trailer) into a parking bay the other day and I turned the steering wheel completely the wrong way. Opps, Force of habit.
@@markpritchard I too used to work on farms as a teenager, back in day before rules and regs took over. If could do it, you did it😁 I used to be able to reverse hay trailers with a tractor. Used to drive tractors, dumpers, forklifts, diggers even an old drott. But I was a lot younger then and therefore invincible😁 oh how I miss those carefree days.
Me to, I drove a ford 5000, four speed box with a high low range, no power steering and you had to stand on the clutch to change gear. Nothing like todays modern tractors. I used to love muck spreading and vacuum tanking. Have you ever pulled and artic trailer? I could not revers that, that said we hardly used one so I didn't drive it enough to become good at it as it was only used for a few weeks during harvest, and again with the ford 5000 having no power steering I could hardly flick the steering wheel around from lock to lock. I was a bit like you as I grew up on a goat farm and I first drove a dumper truck with a starter handle and rear wheel steering. I then moved on to a grey fergie TEF-20. I would love to know where that is today how ever I brought one at a farm auction about ten years ago and fixed it up. While its not the one I learnt to drive in or on as the case is with little greys it still brings back the memory's when I start it up and take it out for a quick drive. After that I started driving my mums Land Rover 90 on the farm, it was one of the first 90's as it was a B reg and only had the 2 1/4 petrol engine that was fitted to the series 3 that it replaced. Any how, I watched a video on how to change gear in a J.C.B fast trac a few months ago, Must say, the video was half an hour long and I was lost after the first 5 minuets. I can understand two clutches but why would you need 7? I've a feeling if I climbed into a modern tractor it would take me a long time to learn all the computery flashing lights and buttons stuff? Give me a four speed high and low with a diff lock any time. And they say computers make life easier?
@@markpritchard no, never driven artic. Biggest on the road has been a 7.5 ton. I'm looking forward to retiring from the NHS in a couple of years (I'm a van driver and a nurse!) And I fully intend to spend some of my I'll gotten time and money on HGV training. Thanks for your interest. Ride safe.
Cheers buddy, Sorry, when I said artic trailer I was talking a farm tractor with the artic hay trailers. There a night mare and was wondering if you had every tried on while on the farm. I can't revers the things. There's basically and axel at the front and back of the trailer with the front on being a turning axel. So the trailer is double articulated. I've seen others revers them but can't do it my self, they also exist in the hgv world as well as a wagon and drag but I've never driven one. The drags where the axels are in the middle of the trailers are fine. Its the ones with one axel at the back and one at the front which are the problem. I couldn't find a tractor and trailer video but I did find a wagon and drag video. ua-cam.com/video/iPAlA-Mt4hk/v-deo.html
I've only just stumbled by this video and your channel and I'm glad that I did. Really nice reversing mate.
I'm starting my new job and career as a HGV C1 this week following 22 years in the Forces and I'm really excited about it. I've only held my class 1 for about 14 months but not had much experience.
You make this reversing look so easy and one day, I'd hope to be half as good as you.
Thank you Nigel. Believe it or not reversing isn't that hard, once you get used to it. I must admit I did struggle when I first passed my test but its one off those things you just have to work through it and keep trying. I always think of it like pushing a wheel barrow. I'd be the unit and the wheel barrow the trailer. Its the same principle as when you want the wheel barrow to go left you push the handles the right. Main things though, Just take your time, if you need to get out and have a look then its fine and at the end of the day better then hitting something. Also if you go nice and slow if you did hit something you won't do much damage. Final thing is not to worry about holding other drivers up, chances are if you get somebody honking there horn at you there were once a beginner who couldn't revers to save his life to. I remember when I first started I think it took me about 3 months before I could revers without to much of a problem, and I'd say two years when I was good at it. The first three months was hell and I got myself into a right mess a few times so don't worry if it happens to you, we've all been there. Good luck with the new job and I hope everything goes well for you. With any luck you won't go out by yourself on the first day as most places have a training driver who will keep an eye on you and also help you out if it goes a bit wrong. Thanks for watching and hope to see you out on the road. Mark.
Wow, thanks for uploading this, it just shows where these trailers can be parked, when you know how. I've just passed and was out solo this week. I understand the concept but it's the length, distance and timing that I need to figure out. Can park between 2 trailers when straight and can park up from 90 degrees when theres loads of space but trying to park from 90 degrees between 2 trailers.... aagghhh! Lol. It'll come and thanks again for proving whats possible.
Thanks buddy. The thing i try to do is get the thing straight or as close to straight as posible before you enter the gap between the trailers. This lowers the risk of any overhang touching another trailer. The problem is there isn't a standered size for parking bays. I'm working on a parking at services video and you will be amazed at the size diffrence of the bays. Some bays are alot wider then others while some are not long enough so you have to be very carful not to hit the lorry behind you if there is one parked there.
been driving trucks three weeks. insane the places you are being told to reverse in to lol. no help the way people are parking. and your so calm. something for me to aim for. thanks for the video .
Thanks buddy, With a little practise you will get there. Mark
Excellent... very well presented... & it goes without saying .... very skilful indeed.👍
Thanks Harvey, I'm extremely chuffed with the amount of good responses I've had on this video.
Hey Mark , passed my rigid test on Wednesday... and now onto the artic. Have ten lessons and then the class 1 test. Great video! I rewatch it regularly. Would love to see another reversing video from you if possible. Great skill 👏
Thanks buddy, and well done on passing your rigid. Now the real fun begins with the artic but i'm sure you will get the hang of it. With any luck i will see you out there driving the biggest things on the road soon. Good luck buddy.
Absolute joy to watch, a true master of his craft. Kudos to you fella. 👍😎
Thank you Darren. If i was every going to be good at anything in life it had to be going backwards lol.
@@markpritchard 😂😂😂 top notch driver mate. Well jealous. Stay safe fella 👍
Some quality manoeuvres, excellent camera work as well. Brilliant video Mark. Great commentary too 👍👍👏
Thanks Robbie.
The Depots and Warehouses are quite packed. You have impressive skill negotiating such a packed environment
Thanks buddy.
That was epic bud you are one hellof a driver
Thats 11 years work of experiance in hgv's. To be fair many of the other drivers at Pentons are just as good. With the places we deliver to it do or die at are place.
That's a masterclass in driving mark, great skills, safe driving mate.
Thanks very much, Most of it was accidental you know.
As a new driver I've so much to learn that the training and test didn't teach. This video gives me a bit more confidence when the tight reverse comes up. Still not sure about lifting and dropping tag axle and diff locks at each site . Its still a bit of "try That"
Thank you William. I totally agree, reversing around cones on your test is nothing like tight reversing on the public road with parked cars and traffic trying to squeeze past or stopping to close behind you right where you can't see them. As with getting traction I would use diff lock only if its in a straight line as it won't want to turn with the left and right drive wheels locked together. Lifting an axel is often the best bet if its able to. However on uneven ground watch you don't rip your wing tops off. If your to heavy to lift an axel I know my Volvo will put an extra 30% weight on the drive axle if I can't lift my tag axle. Although I can't say on other makes of trucks. This is however in a perfect world and there have been times when I've had to say lock the diff even though I'm trying to turn or lift a tag axle on uneven ground, just be carful and keep an eye out for the what can go wrong. Some times you only need to do it for just a second to get yourself moving again.
Nice manoeuvres Mark, excellent observations, well done !!!!
Thanks buddy, I think this video might get a few more hits now they stopped teaching reversing in the uk driving test LOL.
Great video fella , I am slowly getting into tight spots after just 6 days of driving and today was a major test for me but I stayed calm and 3 people clapped me .... Now to practice my blindside reverse ....
Good man, The important thing is staying calm and not getting into a panic. I must admit I'm not as good on my blind side as I could be, I can get by but I've seen others do it better then I can on the blind side. That said, some trucks have cameras in them so they might be cheating.
I haven't got a class one licence, only the class two. I've always wondered how it would be to reverse a class one trailer, I doubt I'll ever find out but really enjoyed this video. You make the reversing look so easy, congrats on a masterclass of reversing
Thank you, I went out in a class two once and couldn't drive it for the love of money. Kept missing my point of turn on tight junctions because a class 1 is longer and has a better steering lock. Had a bit of a night mare that day.
great video! I hated my first week class 1 driving. couldnt get my head round it but watched this video after nearly giving up after fuking up a reverse bay simple multi 5 shunt park at downtons. next day did it first time and found it preety seemless after. just the 1 shunt now-an-then and ive just finished watching your vid and think ive picked up a few more tips ready for next week! have a beer on me!
Thank you and well done. Reversing is one of those things that look easy but then isn't when you try to do it for the first time. But when you crack it you crack it. I've allways felt its like a right of passage for all class 1 lorry drivers. I can remember getting in a bit of a mess myself more then once when i frst started and i could alread revers trailers as i used to drive tractors on a farm, But tractors don't have a blind side and they bend in a comletly difrent place so although the theory is the same, in reality it's totaly diffrent which gave me a headache.
Really awesome reversing video mate. I'm training for my C+E at the moment, sadly the 1 reverse they teach you doesn't really prep you for the real-world situations, this is a great vid of what to expect!, i keep coming back to it :), i always worry about having to negotiate with busy traffic on a tricky reverse once i'm working!
Hope one day i can be as laid back as you when you breeze through these reverses :D
Thanks, It dose take a few years to pick up but when you get it you get it. The problem with the test is you can learn it, You know when to turn and how much to turn at which point. In real life you can't because there all different and its a little more stressful when your reversing round cars as it doesn't matter as much if you hit a cone. That said in 8 years of driving I've only had two accidents, Once I reversed into a car that was so close behind me I couldn't see him. And I did a nice job of a front wing and door panel trying to reverse out of a yard I couldn't turn around in. All well, Nobody's perfect.
Thanks mark,great video.You certainly get some interesting locations on your job.
Thanks David, We certainly get around a bit.
First video I've come across of yours, needless to say I've followed you now lol. Very skilled driver, I have a class one also and the way you explain what you're doing is far more helpful than what you get in training. The test does not prepare you for real driving. Keep up the good work mark 👍
Thanks buddy. I used to be a driving instructor but in cars not lorries. I know what you mean about the test though. All you have to do is memorise markers and how much to turn at each marker on your test. Which isn't much use in the real world when you've got to blind side it into somewhere you've never been before at night.
The best uk hgv reversing tips that i come across well done mark am a new c1 driver i cant park for shit atm
Thank you. The reversing will come, I think of it like pushing a wheelbarrow. the unit is you and the trailer is the wheel barrow, it sort of works for me any way.
Looking to leave the military to do this. Have had the normal BASIC get your license training we normally get, but reversing just seems such a
head fk right now, so these kind of videos are a god send to the likes of me. I'm keen to see the front wheels on the manoeuvres but love the variety. Great skills buddy cheers Beeksy👏👍🏻
Thank you, It just takes time and practise then it soon comes. I was properly pushed of the deep end in Pentons as I passed my test and within weeks is was driving London. Got myself into a pickle a few times trying to turn round and making wrong turns then driving 10 miles before I can find somewhere to turn around. The first year was a proper head ache. That said you do get used to it and it becomes easier.
Top man! Those tiny yards and blind reverses...Respect 👍🏼💪🏼
Thanks buddy, Am now working on a reversing lorries two. which is taking ages but but should be good, I hope.
Hi Mark, great vid and you make it look so easy to us newbies.
Thanks Dave, Trust me we've all been there and I can remember taking about 20 shunts trying to get it onto the bay. Give it time and you'll be there before you know it. It is strange though as I can remember being really terrible at it, and I'm now at a good level of being able to revers it. But I've no I dear when I stopped being terrible and started being ok?
My god your a fantastic driver ive just started out in the HGV (uk) world and struggle a great deal in the reversing so your skills are fantastic I hope one day ill be able to reverse like yourself is it down to practice like everyone is telling me or is it something thats natural and comes easy to you . Thanks for the video it helps alot
Thank you Dave. I was lucky as i was brought up on a farm, so i was driving tractors and trailers and Land Rovers and trailers from a young age in fields. So i have a small advantage. However, with practice i'm sure you get the hang of it, Unfortunatly for me i now suffering from a frozen shoulder so my reversing isn't as good as it was, My brain knows what to do but my arm with the frozen shoulder can't keep up.
@@markpritchard Im still recovering from an operation for a frozen shoulder had the opp in Jan this year getting better but not 100 % yet i wouldnt wish it on any body hurts like hell hope you get it sorted soon it took over a year doing physio injections ive had the lot until the doctors decided an opp was in order hope it not that long for you thanks your your reply your one hell of an HGV driver hopefully ill be as good as you one day .good luck with the shoulder mate keep up the vlogs great stuff
@@daviecampbell5215 Daft thing is i've had a day off today. So took my bike out. Yes i can ride the bike, but it did take and hour and a half to get my leather bike jacket on, I still haven't got it off yet, Starting to think i'll be waring it to work tomorrow.
This video is the official go to video for reversing videos. I did my assessment yesterday. The reverse was a nightmare, something I was never taught properly for my test and I also can't get my head round it. I know how to prepare and get angles then the rest doesn't fall into place as easy ha.
Learning the art can be a bit of a night mare. It will come though, Never give up and you will be able to master it my friend.
Driving assessment next week so watching this video to learn.
Great video by the way.
Thanks Sam, Good luck with your driving assessment.
Not a HGV driver yet. But watching those reverses gives a real sense of buzz/thrill and nervousness of the those challenges.
Glad to here you enjoyed it Wane. Reversing the thing is defiantly the most challenging part of the job but once you get the hang of it you can do it without even thinking about it.
great video m8 very practical serves the purpose absolutely. I am thinking of going to class 1. ive been driving class 2 for the last 7 months. but the sheer size of class 1 plus reversing scares the hell out of me
Two main things with reversing a class one. The first is setting yourself up for the revers, you can make life easy for yourself just by the way you position the lorry. The amount of times I've seen drivers struggling to revers onto a loading bay on there blind side when they could just simply drive past it, turn around and then drive back to it on there good side. The 2nd thing I would always say is use all the room available to you. Some places are very tight and others have loads of room, If I am going to get tight to something I always get close to the thing I can see knowing there is enough room the other side, also if there is say a skip and some parked cars, i'll put it closer to the skip as its not as bad if you nock an old skip. A lot of it is common sense and practice really. I wouldn't let it put you off doing it as we all struggle with it to start with. It took me at least 3 months before I could do it with some confidence and then I would say another two years before I could say I was good at it.
Thanks for the advice mark. I will try to remember it all. I am thinking of progressing to class 1. I went out with my friend who passed class 1 about 6 months ago to do 2 drops here in west Yorkshire. One of the yard was very tight for class1. I told my friend to reverse the trialer in from the main road but he was scared to do it as there were cars parked on either side. So he drove in and once we were in the yard things became quite hetic in terms of getting out. So it wss a scary experience but for some reason I also wanted to drive a class 1. I will go for class 1. Any way I really liked the video. Keep the good videos coming in m8. They are very educational.
I was so used to reversing the long Articulated Trucks.
In Somerset I was sometimes sent out with an 8 legger tipper and when it came to reversing I invariably turned the steering wheel the wrong way, then had to think.
I much preferred the long Artics.
Later in Nottingham on Saturdays the boss would drive the Artic Trucks out so the staff could wash the unit and trailer.
Then the boss told me to reverse the washed vehicles back in line as I was better at it than him.
I used to say to him, "Admire the skill"
He would say, "Just get on with it big head"
Rather long video, will have to come back to it later.
I know what you mean, I've turned the steering wheel the wrong way before now reversing my van into a car park space in the local supermarket.
mark pritchard glad a professional driver does this too!- after I have had a trailer on the back of my van all day, after I take it off I sometimes have ‘trailer brain’ on and turn the wheel the wrong way!
Just found you videos tonight , going to be watching your video a lot as reversing still new to me after passing class1
Thanks buddy. You will get there, its a rights of passage thing for class one drivers. We all go through it.
I hope they pay you well 😂 that's crazy skills
Thanks fella. I wouldn't say I'm rich but I'm a long way off poor. So I'm doing all right.
Good skills.Mark. Enjoyed watching it.
Thank you, The main thing is to close your eyes, Then when you hit something tell everybody that it's a loading bay.
Thanks for uploading Mark, I remember some time ago asking if you were putting some reversing on, too many drivers uploading videos but no reversing, for me most of the skill in HGV driving is in the reversing, great video Mark thanks again.
No worry's fella, I've been trying to do a reversing video for years its just they never worked out. Its why I ended up spending some money any getting my Hero 5 with the head mount.
Great video mate. Really helpful advise for drivers with little experience. Thanks
Your welcome and thank you.
Amazing to watch an expert in action, Have you ever had a place which you thought "no, I can't reverse in there"? great reversing, I see quite a few Pentons lorries as I work in Carlisle, i;ll keep an eye out,....p.s. always annoys me when drivers of cars won't allow lorries to manouvre in peace
Thanks Paul. Sadly i spend most of my time stuck in London these days but every now and then i do go north instead. Last year i did get to park up at Carlisle truck stop so it does happen every now and then. And yes cars can be anoying when your trying to revers, in 11 years of driving i've hit two of them, I don't think thats to bad a record considering they keep putting themselves right where i can't see them.
nice video Mark, would be good to see more great content from yourself. its been really interesting to watch this video and your other ones aswell
Thank you, Must admit I'm having a bit of a brake at the moment, partly because I accidently dropped my camera out the lorry and then reversed over it. Bugger! And partly because my mind has simply been on other things these last few months. No doubt i'll be back soon, With a newer camera.
mark pritchard thats a shame to hear but ill be keeping an eye out for your new videos popping up on my notifications. I hope all is well with yourself and i wish you all the best with everything youve currently got going on. Again i love your content and the commentry is spot on. best wishes, Alex
Thanks Alex, Its always nice to here from the people who view my videos.
Hi I'll give you 10 out of 10 for reversing your lorry into spaces, you find it tricky sometimes but you managed to get your trailer into the space.
Thank you Ian.
You are very very good
Thanks buddy.
Nice video. I'm on trunking these days, same place every night, no challenges, tricky reverses or getting lost. Need a change I think!
We should swap, some times I think it would be nice to know when I'm going to be home and to know what I'm doing.
How many lessons does it take on average to be ready for a truck licence? Is there a waiting period between having a rigid licence and getting an artic licence or are they the same?
First there's the theory test which takes no time at all as long as you buy the theory test book or cd and study it there should be no problem at all. I did that all by my self and passed easily. Most people do a three of four day course for the class 2 then the same for the class 1. You can do the class one straight after you've passed the class 1 its just a case of when the driving school can fit you in. Don't forget before you can get a job you now have to also do five days of cpc training which is something I didn't have to do at the time. How ever I do have to do it every five years if I want to work as a driver. If you only drive for fun for example you drive classic truck to shows and you don't get paid for work then you don't need your cpc.
Excellent vid, much appreciated!
Thanks bud.
mark pritchard
Mr A sent me here lol. nice reverse buddy.
Mr A
Cheers Mr A.
Thank you both. Mark
excellant. Great drivers eye view of reversing a beast.
Thank you. Next challenge is to sort out a drivers eye view that doesn't make people feel sick. Think I'm moving my head around a bit to quick. Mark.
no problem ..I ride a motorcycle and my mirror checks and shoulder check are the same:-)
Yep, you've got to have eyes every where, And even if your not on the road and in a yard I then have the same problems with fork lift drivers.
Didn`t know Baldrick had his HGV licence.
Well it seemed like a very good cunning plan at the time.
this is not easy. i hope the best for new learners and drivers
Its easy once your used to it. But that takes time and practice. Until then we all get stuck and hold people up taking 20 shunts trying to get onto the bays. Unfortunately there's no easy way to learn.
@@markpritchard - just had my license for a month & I'm struggling a little on reversing 😁
Happens to the best of us fella, Just remember to be patient in five years time when you see someone who's only just passed there test struggling to get onto a bay. I think its easy to forget what it was like as a new driver when five years latter on your running a little late and your in a hurry.
Good reversing compilation Mark. After watching your video the terror came flooding back of all the horrid reverses truck driver suffer from. An old manager once said to me while sitting in his office "be honest it isn't difficult, if you can reverse a 7.5 tonne waggon, you can reverse anything". Remembering back the great reverses I had to do just like you Mark. Can I ask what would you say was the longest reverse you ever did? Mind was the time I had to reverse about a mile down a single track country lane in the dark with a land range behind to illuminate the lane. Just to deliver 38 tonne of wire spools to a farm.
I've done something similar. Got lost and took a wrong turn looking for a farm down un named single track lanes then came to a corner I couldn't get round. Had to revers back miles, It was in the daylight though. There is also a place I deliver to and there is no turning around down there, Don't go very often but you have to revers all the way down to the building, then the loading bay is at the back of that building so you have to revers all the way around to the back of that building. Always a fun one. Unfortunately on the gate there's a no cameras or filming sign on the entrance so I can't put it on here or I might get myself into a bit of trouble.
Also, Reversing an artic is a lot easier when your sat in an office 300 miles away.
Top class reversing mate
Thanks buddy.
Was 1st one Greencore? Done that one and there other yard just down the road and thats a proper S**t hole to reverse in, barrier opposite docks is smothered in paint from cabs of lorries. I am finding like others reversing is a skill that takes practice and is always worse when others are watching / waiting for you to get out the way. Nice Vid Mark and yes, good attitude.
Yep it takes a little time to get the hang of, And its always good when you can see all the scrape marks other lorries have left isn't it.
Top job! Serious skill there.
Thank you.
I screamed in silence at 2:00. We were taught never look over your shoulder when backing up, always use just your mirrors. If your blind spot mirror and normal mirror on both sides are set up right they're all you need. The rationale was that doing so took that second or so longer to look and check your left mirrors and reversing camera (if fitted). We had to complete a manoeuvre where we'd reverse through an obstacle course while being timed using just the mirrors. If you looked over your shoulder or didn't beat the stopwatch you had to do it again.
Which country was this in? Here I was taught all round observations and there's nothing wrong with looking in the direction of travel. We have to back up through a small obstacle course and although they don't stand there timing us as such you will fail the test if you take to long. But on the whole if you haven't got time to check around then your going to fast. I also do a lot of my work at night in the dark in unlit areas so for practical reasons I look over my shoulder although I can't see much I can see even less in the mirror. Just for interest though, I used to be a driving instructor in a car, and if you reversed a car just using your mirrors in a driving test you would fail. You have to look in the direction of travel while making effective all round observations during the revers.
@@markpritchardThis was Australia with a government emergency service department with getting an MR (Medium Rigid 2 axle) truck. Was taught the same but without being timed when I went for my HR (Heavy Rigid with 3 or more axles). But then again every country do things different, and neither is necessarily better or worse than the other. Drive safe out there driving around Britain!!
Thanks for the info its interesting to here how things are done in other country's. There is defiantly more then one way to skin a cat so to speak and as long as its safe and accurate then at the end of the day it doesn't mater. Although one thing I have noticed is American trucks have a narrow cab but the sleeping area and trailer are wider then the cab making it hard to see if you look backwards, So driving one of them it would make total sense to be able to revers just using your mirrors. I've noticed this in American trucks, I think Canadian trucks and I might be wrong but in the Australian road trains you have over there, I think might have a slightly narrower cab?
@@markpritchard We have a pretty even spread of Kenworths, Volvos, Macks, Scanias, Peterbilts and Mercedes Benz trucks. Cab overs are just as popular as conventional cab prime movers. And you're right, with prime movers that have a 2.5metre (8 ft.) sleeper box, you couldn't see back over your shoulder anyway. I think you've hit the nail on the head as to why the different methods of visual aids when reversing.
Yes, it kind of makes sense in my hairy little head. Stay safe out there fella.
Great vid. I'm new to class 1 and reversing is a bit worrying. Needless to say, this vid is really helpful. Cheers
Glad it was of some use. I wouldn't worry about the reversing to much, I was terrible at it when I first started and I was used to reversing tractor and trailers. Give yourself a few years at it and you'll be as good as me.
what were you saying about tearing mudguards off and snapping axles? that sounds like a nightmare how am i supposed to avoid that!?! how am i supposed to know when theres a chance that will happen?
It tends to happen when your tuning but not on level ground. For example the unit is on level ground but the trailer is on a slope. Not a problem if your just going back in a straight line but if you turn the top of the wingtops can catch on the underside of the trailer and as you turn it will rip them off. It could also happen if the unit is on the slope and the trailer is flat. As a rule try and keep it straight if your in this position, that said it isn't always possible, I've ripped mine of twice now, There is also a place i go to where i remove my wingtops before i back in as i know i will loss them if i don't. I find its worst with tag axles as the unit is slightly longer, Not so bad with mid lifts or four wheelers. It also depends on the trailer. If you look under the trailer and from the legs to the front of the trailer is flat apart from the pin your good. If theres two rails going from the front of the legs four or five feet fowards there the things that tend to catch your wingtops when you turn on unlevel ground. Hope this helps.
Ive driven trucks for 30 odd years, im telling ya, this boy can reverse
Thank you Tony.
These reverses are insane
Thanks buddy,
Very good video thanks you uploading.
Cheers buddy.
Loved this. It had always been a dream of mine to drive a truck.
I've even talked to a couple of drivers. I'm going on 50 years old. Too old?
Your never to old. I used to be a driving instructor and I've had students in their 60's. Failing that see if you can get yourself onto a farm an drive the tractors, just as much fun and you can go off roading in them.
@@markpritchard I did have a licence for tractors years.
My concern is... a truck driver told me this. If I as a woman mess up or make a mistake. I should be prepared for men shouting and call me a cunt, bitch or worse.
I have a history with men abusing me, violence and sexually. This concerns me a lot I'm scared of men yelling at me. Is this true? Other truckers haven't said anything about this but told me to go for it.
Bolette Jensen FUCK THEM ALL and JUST DO IT
13.30 was genius driving.
It’s a routine reverse, nicely done, but to a pro, it’s very run of the mill reversing.
I’m C+E too, so I know the script, whatever next, a video of old Mrs Goggins parking her Micra up in Asda ?.
Some go in easy, but some go in hard, but at the end of the day, they ALL go in.
Thank you, The one's I love to watch is the caravan. A good one's normally include several jackknifes, a massive argument which will end with at least one person getting out the car and storming off and one mile off quewing traffic. Perfect lunch time entertainment while having a sandwich and a cup of tea.
on a blind side I always use joystick on Mirrors to adjust it out as I reverse.only on the blind side reverse though
Good I dear. You see lorries these days with cameras and everything. I pulled a trailer the other day and it had an extra lead for a camera that was on the back of the trailer. Pity my unit isn't set up for it. I recon it would be easy with a camera on the back. Am thinking about fitting one to my van though. That should make blind side with the van no problem at all.
I do the same thing, if not, I'd have to get out half a dozen times.
How do you know when that trailer is reversed into the bay? Do you touch it or are there other cues?
Hi James, There's a few way I know. 1st is just experience, you get to know the length of the trailer over time and you just know. But the other main ways are you do feel it touch, obviously you go nice and slow so it just bounces of the two rubber buffers, or a slightly harder bounce if the rubber buffers have warn out or dropped of. At night or when its getting dark you can also tell by the rear lights. how close you are as the reflection gets smaller as you close up to the bay. A very simple one I use as well is use the lorry or trailer next to you. You know when your nearly level with the lorry next to you then your there. If its just a trailer with no unit under it then i'll get the front edge of my trailer level with the front edge of the trailer next door then I'm about right, Although not all trailers are the same length and sometimes there isn't anything next to you so you can't always use that. But I would say main thing is you feel it touch and experience over time. Thanks for watching, Mark.
@@markpritchard thanks for the advice mate 😊👍🏻 decent of you to be so informative
Your welcome James.
fantastic tutorial video, taken lots of advice here thank you.
Thanks buddy, Reversing is one of those things, it is hard at first but it gets easer with time. It's a sort of rights of passage thing but its well worth hard work. There is no better feeling when somebody says you'll never get it in there and then you just wangle it in with no problems. Be carefull of the ones who say you'll get it in there easly, the driver yesterday did it. What they don't tell you was he was in a lorry half the size or he had steering axles or something. There are many diffrent sizded lorries with many diffrent size axle configerations and some revers better then otheres. Good luck and keep at it.
@@markpritchard One day i might be as good as you lol. Need to find hgv class 1 work as no company wants to hire new drivers. shame really.
I can remember that problem. Everybody want's two years experiance and you sit there thinking how am i going to get the two years experiance if everybody wants two years experiance. I came across from driving coaches. Funny thing is when i came across to hgv i was turned down from a job driving a class two bin lorry becouse i didn't have the experiance, I sat there thinking i can drive your children to school in a 55 seater coach but i don't have the experiance to take your rubbish? Makes no sence to me that. Good luck, i feel your pain.
@@markpritchard im a bus driver and have been for nearly 5 year's.
I recently left a hgv job because they lied about the hourly rate but most shocking of all was they left me for 2-3 hour's on my own.
I hadn't a clue what to do at that point I was dropping trailers off here and there but still.
After 2 day's they wanted me to go to London Birmingham and Manchester over the weekend.
I refused stating insufficient training.
Take it or leave it.
I left it I dont need that kind of pressure.
So disappointed i really wanting to do the work but not like that.
That said I've taken on board alot and will ask questions next time.
@@stevenesq Yes i must admit the training is a bit shit. I see drivers who can hardly do the job themselves and have only been doing the job months teaching others to do the job as badly as they are doing it. And yet i used to be a driving instructor, have years of experiance and have never been asked to help train.
Always thought driving those is a work of art 👍😎 I've always been tempted to do Cat C then C+E
You used to be able to go straight for your C+E but these days you have to do your ridged first. Some people pay for the C+E with the money they earn driving cat C. So you only really need to save up for the cat C before the licence starts paying for itself. Always worth bearing in mind there's a shortage of drivers and work these days is easily found as most places are struggling to recruit drivers.
I'm looking at becoming a lorry driver but it seems everywhere I look you can't a get a job cause you have no experience. But you can't get experience if you don't have a job. So how would I get experience?
I had the same problem when I started out. I only got the job at Pentons after I applied for the third time. The only thing I can say is keep trying and you will get there eventually. While I was looking for a job in lorries I spent a year driving busses, God I hated it. There's nothing worse then people who can't drive telling you how to drive the bus.
Definitely this is the problem we have in our country Namibia (African continent)
And i hate it.
Just a thought, and I apologize for answering your post a year later. Have you considered driving for some charity organization that uses big trucks? Where I live groups like St. Vinnies and Red Cross have staff who will come around in a pantec and pick up donated furniture and large items. Might be a way to start getting experience. Best wishes with securing work as a driver.
Thank you for the reversing video, it gave me a few pointers
Glad it was of help buddy.
You are very good 👍 how long do you think it takes for the average driver to master reversing?
Thanks buddy. For me it took around 3 months before i could reverse it onto a bay to a reasonable standard. I would say around 2 years when i was reversing onto any bay 1st time.
Awesome driving mate. I'm a new class 1 driver and failed on the reversing a bay for a job assessment. I've been told now to think of the rear wheels of the tractor unit as the front wheels of the trailer- like a car I guess. Makes it easier for me to get my head around it but practice makes perfect just need a driving job to practice with 😁
It is hard to start with and it takes a while to get the hang of it. Your not far wrong though thinking of the rear wheels of the unit as the front wheels of the trailer. Another way to think of it is if you need to bring the back end of the trailer to the right, then you need to push the front end of the trailer to the left. The problem is there's no set amount how much you turn as that depends on how much room you have to play with. The only other thing. If you can get it close, you can then shunt forwards and position it so you just need to revers it in a straight line, If there's room to do that of course.
mark pritchard thanks for the advice 👍 tbh I've a driving job coming. I start next week but it's drawbar / brick and block. Same principle I guess. Hopefully I get a chance on class 1 tippers in a year or so if this works out.
Also I try and brake it down to three things. The turn in, (push the front end of the trailer away bringing the back end in), The follow, ( follow the trailer round and you can increase and decrease how quickly the trailer is coming around). And the straighten up ( you want to do this just a few seconds before your level as by the time you get the wheels straight you should be level).
Forgot to say, Good luck.
mark pritchard I try to keep those things in mind ☺️ Don't get flustered as well I've told. Cheers. Keep up the good vids.
Hi Mark, Brilliant video. I've literally just started to drive artics & reversing seems to be my big weakness....any tips for a newbee?
Hi Ian, Thanks for watching. Reversing an artic is one of thoughs things we all have to go through. Its not easy to start with but it comes with experience, I struggled for the first three months before I could manage. I think it was probably around two years before I could say I was half decent at it. Until then best thing you can do is practise practise practise and take your time. I also try and think about it like pushing a wheel barrow. Your the unit and the trailer is the wheel barrow. It sort of works for me anyhow. I would say above all though just take your time and ignore the impatient drivers and warehouse men. All drivers go through it and its not easy. If everyone could do it, then it wouldn't be a skill worth mastering so basically don't give up.
Parallel parking an artic now is it? 😳👍🏼😂
Reversing Class1's is easy when there is a load of room. It's when it's tight I struggle to know the limit of bend that can maneuvered / chased out of without getting stuck.
Yes, You see these people who reverse on video very quickly into a cone area and it all looks very impresive, but then you thing well try that when there is park cars, cars trying to squeeze past a fork lift who's all over the place and people walking everywhere while your trying to do it. And people won't wait 30 seconds. I totaly agree, reversing in a busy area is always hard, you just have to be realy carfull and ignore the cars honking their horns.
my head started to spin with that camera
No need to thank me, Its a free extra i chuck in to make the whole think more realistic. I'm going to coming out with my own sick bags with my channel on them soon. LOL.
Mark, im only 14 mins into video but already its quite obvious you know your stuff .. Its great to watch a pro in action , especially one without an ego .. I've been away from artics with 12 yrs and about to return in Jan '18 ...Like you , i spent my teenage yrs around agri machinery; combines to tractors/trailers etc ..I went to London at 21(1987) and within 4 yrs was driving 1 of the first semi auto Merc units STGO 2 ,approx 70 feet and could make that baby dance a jig ..... BUT i'm so worried that i may have lost that edge ... I'm having to start all over again .. at 51 yrs ..Any kind encouraging advice or suggestions would be nice ... I put myself in this fucked up prediciment and i gotta get myself out of it ..I'm back in Ireland getting ready to do euro fridge work in Jan , but im bricking it Mark !!! You know when you're young , one just takes things as they come , but at 51 its different .. Fuck , some of my friends are retiring ,, and im getting ready to start all over....But its great watching you ..As i said, im only 14 mins watching , but you aint had to "straighten up " once .And i'd say thats how vid will continue ....The very best of luck mate ...From IRL and all the Scania Scoundrels
Thanks John. I'm sure it will come back to you without to much of a problem. Trucks are a lot easier to drive these days main thing being the auto gear box so now all you have to do is steer if you've got one. I think it might take you a little practice to get it back but it will be a lot easier getting it back then it was to learn in the first place. If possible and your a bit un sure you could try get a ride out in one of your mates trucks, Get a feel for it from the passenger seat. Finally don't worry if it dose go a little bit wrong. I don't mind admitting it goes wrong some times, Worst thing I find is i'll do something really difficult and get it spot on without anybody seeing. Then i'll totally mess something easy up because I'm just tired or in a rush and you can be sure there be about 100 drivers hanging around watching. All well, Only thing I can do is laff at myself. I'm sure after a few weeks you'll be as good as you were 12 years ago.
Savage video Mark great reversing from start to finish ..how did you get that good ? :-)
Thanks buddy, And with many years of editing ;-)
Mark you make this look so easy, As a newly qualified with zero experience but love driving class 1’s, lack of reversing experience is stopping me from applying for jobs…. Any tips?
Well for starters well done for passing your class one, Thats not easy in itself. Giving advice on reversing is really difficalt as its something we all have to go through. I struggled when i first started and i used to drive tractors. It took me around 3 months to get so i could revers anywhere without to many problems and around two years to get to reversing it on anywhere near enough first time no problems. I can't as such say how to revers or when to turn as all bays and yards are diffrent. Trucks are all diffrent to. I drive a tag axle which turns diffrently to a mid lift. Both of them turn diffrently to a two axle tractor unit then some tags or mid lifts have steering rear axles which again turn diffrently. If that isn't enough i haven't mentioned the trailer yet which might have one two or three axles of which one of them might be a rear steer axle. Again all of these turn diffrently. So i'm afraid i can only say when i turn in a tag axle with a none rear steer tri axle. The only thing i can say if you want the best job for keeping it nice and simple then i would go for RDC work or Distribution Center work. Here you normaly have plenty of room, alot of the time i can get it straight with the bay and revers the thing in a straight line back. If i remember correctly i do it in the video. Once you've got that even if there is room i would have a go at doing it at an angle just for practice. Another thing i would look for are big companies that have there own driver training cener. For instance i deliver to Arla Hatfeild and there they have a few driver training trucks. Chances are if you get in with a big company like this they would be better at helping you out. One thing i found when i first started was training in the haulage industry is crap and i struggled for a good three months, Not just with reversing but finding places Loading, dealing with angry warehouse or goods in/out people. Its a steep learning curve. Finel thing would be if you know anybody who drives try and get a day out with them, Its supprising how much you can learn from the passanger seat. Sorry i can't be of much more help but i how you can take something usfull away from this. Good luck, All the best fro Christams and the new year and i hope you find your dream driving job.
@@markpritchard hi Mark thanks for taking the time out to reply it means a lot, have a good Xmas yourself all the best for the new year
Your welcome buddy.
Have a joint to calm the nerves is my top tip. 🙂
Great video... Thanks
dude nice job good video!!!chears from truck driver in greece!!
Thank you, Glad you enjoyed it. Mark.
i hit a low bridge after 12 years accident free driving buses. no passengers on. i had heat stroke this summer when it was so hot (uk no air con in buses) and auto piloted my car route back to depot. what do you reckon.. should i bother learning to drive trucks ? its left me questioning myself but i do know i'll never drive in 80 degrees again with no air con.
I know the feeling buddy. I drove coaches at owens coaches for four years then drove a bus for a year. Compared to the coaches I found busses horrible to drive. Could never see my left mirror at night as all I could see was the reflection of myself in the assault screen and in the door. Like you say, freezing cold in the winter and no air con in the summer. I once had a passenger put a dirty nappy in the ticket bin one very hot summers day. My god it stank the bus out. Don't have to put up with that now on the trucks as the cab is my own and I keep the nutters on the outside of the cab. There are some bad points though. I start work never knowing when i'll be home and I come home not knowing when i'll be starting work, ( they will ring me the day before I start with a start time). So my biggest thing with driving a lorry is I find it impossible to plan anything outside work. That said it dose depend on what you end up driving and who you drive four. On a good side I will earn in one week what it took me three weeks to earn on a bus. Last week over Christmas I worked a few bank holidays and I earned a months wages driving a bus in one week. Again it depends what you do and weather you go tramping or you just do day runs. So going on that, if you do decide to give it a try it will pay for itself in no time at all.
mark pritchard cheers for reply. i passed the theory last week. and have the 4 days practical training beginning of february. Just on my mind a lot that i had the bridge strike. you are right about buses in everything you said. Great vid
Thanks Neil. One good thing if you already drive busses is that the class 2 test will be a walk in the park. I did mine in an 18 toner that was shorter then the bus I drove. The class 1 is a bit harder. I wouldn't worry to much about the bridge strike but do get yourself a decent map with all the bridge heights on them. Philips trucker map is the one I use. Also you can get truck sat naves although there not 100% so be carful there. I used a snooper and although its good most of the time there is a bridge in Cannock that I can drive under but the sat nav says I can't, its good fun watching it go nuts though. But worse then that down by Wincanton there is a bridge I can't fit under but the sat nav says I can. So keep your eyes peeled. Funny thing, these days I panic if I miss a weight limit or bridge height. Even when I'm riding my motor bike. I can't help it, even though the bridge would have to be under 6ft to be of any problem to me.
mark pritchard yeh i've got sat nav on my to do list. i dont fear the cat C because i've driven buses but it will have a gear box and i hope i find that easy eek
Believe it or not there's not many things out there that are easier then they look but the gear box in a lorry is one off them. It took me 10 minuets to get used to it then I was away. It looks really complicated when the instructor is explaining it but you some how just get a feel for it really quickly. The hardest bit is when you change from 4 to 5 as you flick the switch up then it feels like your putting it back into 1st, And if you forget to flick the switch up you are. As you say your be use to the size of it so the gear box will be the only thing you'll need to get used to.
At 10 mins in, how do you know when to stop ie. if you're back far enough or whether you're too close?
If your nice and gentle you can feel the back end of the trailer touch the rubber buffers on the loading bay. Another thing I use is if you can see a shadow on a bright day when the bottom of the shadow touches the bay your reversing onto your there as well. Experience also comes into play and after a few years you naturally know how far the back end is off things, The hardest thing to judge is the rear overhang swing when your going around tight bends, I still have to get out and check some times to see if its going to clear a parked car or some obstruction.