The way he told you to couple and uncouple is the safe way so you won't damage the tractor unit when reversing under the trailer.

I've had several of these assessments in the 18 months I've been Class 1. Never assume they want you to make a reverse in one, take all the shunts you need, they'll respect that you're being safe. Never worry about speed on a reverse, slower is safer. And remember to get out and look if you're not sure, you won't be penalised for being safe.

I had my first class1 assessment today, I passed it, the reversing was a little harder, had to take 2 shunts. Told me that it needs some work too but that he was confident I’d get better after a few weeks practice. I think it was close but I got through.

I only failed an assessment ever when I decided to drive a special way for the assessor,and that was once, after that I drive as normal and don't even think I'm on assessment, that seems to work best.

That assessment sounds very much like DHL to me.. reason being i did mine with them last week and it went exactly as you described. I managed to do the reverse no problem and started my first day there today but that brought it’s own complications expecting me to go to London with a double decker full of beer kegs after being a new pass lol

another jobs worth ....dont stress yourself out

The way the assessor asked you how to hook up by lowering the unit, that’s exactly how I do it. The legs aren’t as strong as you think so you want them off the floor when making contact and on tug test. I failed my first two assessments but you just have to keep at it, eventually it will click

Take no notice if these companies bull shit . Experience comes as time goes on like the university of life.

I lower the unit before going under the trailer, then fully raise the unit when under, It will help when hooking up, you can be slightly off line! as you go back the trailer will straighten up on the pin. Easier to wind the legs up as they will already be of the ground.

We have telematics in all our units, Advise, get up to 10mph, then put Cruise control on, use your hand controls for speed, this way you will not over rev the engine, use the exhaust brake as much as possible before using brake peddle. When travelling downhill cut power from throttle and coast, this will conserve fuel when back on level or going uphill cruise control resume!!

Sounds exactly like Tesco. Stop tractor unit short of trailer, get out and have a walk around while checking mot, service and tail lift dates. Check parking brake then jump back in cab, fifth wheel under, raise suspension then push back. On the road test sounds the same as well using the retarder to do 90% of the braking and accelerating keeping it under 1500 rpm.

Thank you for this video, I did my first assessment today. And I past 11 days ago and had not driven since, and I failed the Reverse.

i failed at that company. on the reverse too. went too far back in bay/space. he said there has been a case of a driver reversing into a building and driving off with bricks on the trailer. he showed me evidence of the damage. i'm glad they try to be strict

Enjoying the insight, no BS and a real reflection on the ups and downs. Starting my Class 2 training next month so even though this is Class 1 based it's all good information.

Hi im also new and from Warrington. Loving your videos and knowing im not the only one having troubles. Liked and subscribed

I had similar at XPO logistics, reverse a bit scrappy, but examiner said out of the five previous, I was the best, yet when the manager called he didn't know the assessor had already told me that i was fine, and said no, due to my driving assessment ......really??.....not my age then??? LOL

Enjoying accompanying on your journey. I was very lucky when I upgraded my class 2 to class 1 in that the company I was working for let me practice my reversing whenever I wanted, before I went for my test. It could be worth asking to do the same, depending on the company your working for at the time. When you explain that you’re fairly new to the job, and that you’d like a bit of practice, most companies will be completely supportive.

i drive buses personally and i have a class 1,i have driven loads of coaches too,these firms want the earth in my opinion from newbees mate

Yes man. I love the spirit... I am in the same boat failed assessment on reverse. Told to go get a refresher. Offered class 2. Have a interview later today for class 1. Hopefully get it to get the experience to reverse.

I had "Next" fail me one time, then offered me to work for them through their agency straight after which made no sense. I only like working direct so I declined.

That's how I was taught to hook up by lowering it. I watched loads wideos previously and they were crazy ways! And unhooking the trailer was dropping about causing damages and there not small companies there the main ones down south.

Im a brit and drive trucks in canada and U. S and i can tell you if the room is in front you use it always , no matter what your assessor thinks. If its not then go for the least angle possible before backing up.

Great video mate

Evri say no more don't let get you down bro on wards and upwards 👍👍

I passed beginning of May and im feeling really stressed. I wasn’t anticipating feeling this as I was driving 3.5t with no issues at all. I did pass my class 1 but there’s no way I feel confident enough to do the class 1 work. My hat goes off to you chaps and lasses who can do it. Im still trying to find my feet in a class 2 position. Will consider class 1 at a time in the future.

Thanks for the insight in to the assessment. Sorry you didn't pass this time. I passed my HGV car to artic back in October and have tried applying for a couple of jobs on class 2 but not having much luck. I am in full employment currently as a mechanic and looking for a career change. Interesting how you say about just holding on to your license for a year and then trying to get jobs. Suppose as well I just need to bite the bullet and quit my current job and try some agency work.

Hi mate, I’m in Liverpool and struggling to get any work as a new driver. Can you recommend any agencies that will take new drivers please. I’m willing to travel out of the area.

Get a magnetic Bluetooth camera that you can stick on the trailer and view on your phone during blindside reversing. Best thing i ever bought

Was the assessment in Winwick by any chance? And I have a feeling I've applied for the same positionthat you have on nights lol.

No drug and alcohol test ?

Mate,been at various agencies/places ect.one ?did you hit/damage anything? No so how many shunts or how slow you are is immaterial. That's what all my assesses say.

The assessor fails you then they offer you work at a different depot at the same company? Most of these assessors are not even qualified properly to carry out their job.

Tbh sounds like evri warrington and its a terrible place to work no driver ever stays there long and most only work at christmas when they offer better wages and bonuses. Plus the assessments there are 1 of worse ive ever done. But tbf you need to spot on with your reverses there at busy times of year due to fact some of sites are unsafe with how many trailers they have compared to the space the sites have.

30 years driving class one i would off stopped the unit and said take the keys and drive it yourself

Thanks for sharing, experience takes time💯🫡