As going backwards is definitely my weakest link, the first task of the morning was to practice reversing. It still hasn’t clicked and sometimes I can do it and sometimes I can’t. It’s very frustrating.
However I did manage to get the truck into the bay in one go without any input from Dave - but only the once.
It was then out on the road to make sure I had all those tricky little corners in my mind in case they were part of my test route.
At 12.30 it was off to the test centre in Purfleet in time for my 1.00 appointment, but by this time it was absolutely tipping it down which was not wanted I wanted for the test.
Having met the examiner it was out to the vehicle for the show and tell questions which went okay. Then it was onto my favourite bit - the reversing. And I made a complete mess of it and went over the curb on one side of the yard. I still managed to get into the bay in two shunts - which was a surprise considering I was at totally the wrong angle when I went up the curb. Knowing I had already failed I went out on the road, which seemed to go alright, although the examiner kept getting me to pull over and then pull off again.
Back at the test centre I started to procedure for the trailer change, but the pin to release to fifth wheel got jammed so I had to give up - but I knew I’d failed so I wasn’t too upset by it. Dave checked it later and he couldn’t move it either, so it wasn’t just me being a weakling.
Out on the road I only got six minors, so if I can just master the reverse I’m in with a chance of passing next time. So if anyone is brave enough to help me with the reverse and has the space and a spare 44 tonner then I would much appreciate it.