As news editor on Commercial Motor learning what the readers do and how difficult it is is an important part of the job. So learning to drive an artic is an obvious way to find out.
It’s been several months since I last drove a truck and while some of my colleagues suggested that doing your C+E training is much easier than Cat C, I was still wondering whether I remembered any of it when I turned up at Scania South East in Purfleet and met up with my Scania Driver Experience instructor Dave Scrivens again.
As with the rigid lessons, Dave drove the truck to a quieter section of road before handing me the keys and letting me in the driving seat.
However once I was back behind the wheel it was as if I’d never been away.
Of course I had a few moments when I ran over the curb - forgetting I was driving a much bigger vehicle. And there were a few tricky turns that Dave had to talk me through because the artic is so big. However all in all the driving went well.
The bit I wasn’t so confident about was my first trailer de-coupling exercise. I’m sure I can learn the procedure, but actually doing all of it was a bit of a challenge. I’m not a pathetic female, but I did struggle to release the fifth wheel coupling. I’m hoping that with a pair of gloves that actually fits and a bit more practice I’ll get the hang of it tomorrow. Afterall, some it has to be technique rather than brute force.
I think a bit of time thinking over what I've learnt today is in order for tonight before getting back behind the wheel tomorrow.