I could have written a better title, such as "We tried and failed as articulated truck drivers"
Mods ?
Edited by oilrag on 21/06/2008 at 12:07
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You developed an allergic reaction to Yorkie Bars?
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Having all sorts of peculiar thoughts here, thats not unusual mind.
As a you were a diy mechanic as well as driving older cars/vans you would easily have made the transition onto trucks of that era, as you would have the 'feel' necessary, and with that off the wall sense of humour, you would definately have the correct attitiude (far too many of the newer ones take themselves far too seriously)
So, i'm ruling out any capability issues, as well as the others mentioned eg finance.
I'm inclined along the way of it being something completely unconnected.
You give a clue of Saturday mornings, was the training interfering with your social life, were you missing 'thunderbirds', did the fair Lady Oily tell you quite correctly to forget this idea and get a proper worthwhile job which you did.
SWMBO suggests the college teaching you SW may not have wished a hairy bottomed trucker to be a SW.
Were you offended when the first thing the instructor taught you was how to lech out of the cab window, not that i would know about such things (swmbo is still lurking).:))
I had to put the trailer wheels on a path during my test, because of very bad parking, but as i told the examiner what was going to happen before i got to the actaul manouevre, he didn't bat an eylid, mind you he sat in stony silence most of the way, which worried me, but after the test he was as nice as pie (ex wartime spitfire pilot strangely enough).
Bet we're miles off with the reasons..:)
edit....why didn't you go for a 10 day intensive course at the time?
Edited by gordonbennet on 21/06/2008 at 13:11
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you gave up because trucks dont have rear view mirrors and you had no where to hang your 'lucky' pink fluffy dice
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you were interrupted by industrial action?
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you were addicted to TISWAS?
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The artic I took my test in certainly had a centre mirror and a window in the back of the cab and, with a float on the back ,you were expected to use it as well as the ones on the side.
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Allergic to diesel, or fry ups.
Or became vegetarian?
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The artic I took my test in certainly had a centre mirror and a window in the back of the cab and with a float on the back you were expected to use it as well as the ones on the side.
fair point but ive never driven one with a RVM i feel kinda cheated now
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Ten day intensive course??Our's was two pupils Monday to Thursday-test on Friday and,yes,I passed but this was back in the days when HGV tests were being introduced and existing drivers had been issued with licences on the proviso that they would be tested at some point in the future.Well,on the day I took my test,one of these existing drivers had just taken his test and failed-I saw a grown man cry! Our firm only needed us to have III & IV but the driving school only had Class I vehicles.
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Well, if I were playing Sherlock Holmes, I'd say the basic clue is in the following words
>>not Cash, health or ability to actually drive the truck.
i.e. you "failed" (your own word) because while you could drive the truck, there was something else that you could not do - some other ability that you lacked.
Er, that's about as far as my detective skills go.
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You must have been around 22; so, given that truck-driving only appealed to straight guys back then, two long legs and a mini-skirt must have been involved somewhere?
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Quote GB
"I'm inclined along the way of it being something completely unconnected."
tyro,
"something else that you could not do - some other ability that you lacked."
Both Correct.
It was a fear of heights. I`ve never been comfortable even working on the shed roof for example. I was driving a mini van at the time about 2 feet from the road.
I was transfixed by the height in the cab and nothing of the bodywork being visible through the screen. Handling the truck was going fine, but my heart was racing and palms sweating due to being high up.
Really, I needed just to be in the cab until that response habituated, ideally as a passenger for a while.
The Saturday morning was a clue too, as once a week for an hour was never going to get over this.
At the time I was studying Psychology, Sociology, Social policy, Law and Social work, so no way to do the ten day intensive..
But fear of heights, the reaction, ever heard of that to fail as a truck driver?
Screwloose
"two long legs and a mini-skirt must have been involved somewhere?"
That was the Mini Van ;)
Edited by oilrag on 21/06/2008 at 16:03
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I was an HGV driver for a while in the mid 70's. I don't remember any fear of being high up on the cab but being on top of a load while stacking it would possibly be a bit dodgy if you have a fear of heights. I wonder if drivers ever get a bit scared before their first drive in a Renault Magnum after driving other types. Volvo F88's and the Scania 111's of the 70's had quite high cabs (I didn't drive either of those) but the nearest thing to the Magnum then was the small number of Atkinsons that were fitted with a very high cab called the 'Viewline'
However one thing that I did find a bit scary was seeing a long downward hill ahead and remembering all those warnings I'd heard about brake-fade or even brake failure!
Edited by Sofa Spud on 21/06/2008 at 16:16
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Whatever I was learning on, It felt like being in a cab sited at the height of the top deck of a bus. Subjective of course, but if anyone with truck driving experience could imagine that.. its how it felt to me.
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Well OR, i'd never had got that one.
I suffer from the height thing a little too, but never would have thought that the driving position could be so bad.
Should imagine it's been a blessing really, as you've had a worthwhile career instead.
Don't tell us you've any regrets, the only thing i can really think of is that there would have been times you could have taken a bit of agency work over the years when needing some extra cash, mind you don't suppose there's been any shortage of 'customers' for your trade, could imagine a few of us could do with help.:)
SS, long downhills, ah thats when you were glad you had a proper truck made in Britain, with a decent set of drum brakes and a good retarder like a Jacob brake, and a big engine to make the most from it.
Some of those imported trucks just couldn't stop; anyway long downhills were for the use of Irish overdrive gear..:)
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I'd never have guessed it either. I am completely wimpish about heights, but only really care about heights under 10 feet if my perch is precarious and there's nothing stable and non-jagged to land on.
When young I used to have 'falling dreams' which opened with me sitting on the roof of a double-decker bus descending a twisting hill at ever-increasing speed. I used to wake up just as the bus started to roll definitively onto its side at the third or fourth successive bend. Sounds completely ridiculous but I used to wake up in a muck sweat.
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Fear of heights. Well, well.
I know the feeling. I remember when I was a 19 year old some of us were doing an outdoor course, and it involved abseiling over a small cliff - drop of about 30 or so feet. I had several goes, but each time, when it came to going over the top, I just couldn't do it. My mind told me it was perfectly safe, but . . . .
Hugely embarrassing, especially as none of the young ladies seemed to have any difficulty.
Edited by tyro on 21/06/2008 at 17:05
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"Should imagine it's been a blessing really, as you've had a worthwhile career instead."
I consider anything that brings home the bacon is a worthwhile career GB.
I think there is a similarity with your career and my previous. That is its not obvious how complex and risky it can be to self and public without lengthy explanations.. even then sometimes little insight until actually confronted with the reality.
I had two death threats, beaten up (Once a punch in the neck) twice. No Clients died, or killed anyone else during my 30 year career.
Of course the lay perception of Social Work is `Do gooders` (its now form filling, but that`s another story)
In no way is that more `worthwhile` than risking your life and trying to protect members of the public while driving an HGV on dangerous roads over decades, supplying the nations needs. Again, I suspect lay perception is that its `just a big vehicle` with no perception of the skills or dynamics involved.
Personally I would never accord more `respect` to even a Multi-Degree holder or Professor when contrasted with the chaps ( for example) who empty our bins.
That`s throughout my old Profession, in days gone by you would not get in with any hint of elitism.
Hence the van too as an extension of personality..Perhaps ;)
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"chaps ( for example) who empty our bins."
Really of course, that`s a dreadful value judgement in itself, to use as an example. But you get my meaning.
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You seem to be right oilrag but I feel the concept of 'elitism' often causes confusion, and is often used quite wrongly as an insult or pejorative. In a highly evolved discipline an elitist outlook is correct and necessary, and its absence will lead to a decline into mediocrity.
The essence of what you say is that a person's native abilities or degree of training have no direct or easily measurable bearing on their absolute value as human beings, and it is therefore incorrect to treat professors with fawning respect merely because they are professors and dustmen with scorn merely because they are dustmen. With that, I couldn't agree more.
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Nothing wrong with using the bin lads as an example OR, i'm quite sure any of those chaps, or girls on here would know there was is no reflection on anyone or there job from you.
I too believe anyone who works for a living (or who has done their bit and is now having a well deserved rest) is contribiting to our so called civilised society, and is equally important, regardless of there job or social standing.
I again do not include politicians and celebrities.
Can't all be chiefs calling the shots, some of us have to do the work involved, and they often are far more pleasant people, and more use than some of the superior beings that sometimes have been better at playing the political advancement game than those who didn't climb the ladders.
I have a best mate who packed in the transporters to go on the bins, a marvellous and very complicated chap, one of the quickest minds i've ever known, and unbelievably attractive to the ladies, unlike me; you'd like him no end, there's probably a book lurking in deciphering his mind.
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Lud, Hence `Luxo-scrote.`
;)
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`Luxo-scrote.` ;)
Er... never heard of one of those but if I grasp the idea correctly I may have met one or two in my time... Takes all sorts though.
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i too have a fear of hieghts but unlike yourself it never affected me driving a truck i think it had something to do with being inside the cab and there being no danger of falling off while driving.
i somewhat got over my fear having joined the Royal Engineers and having to spend hours on end hanging from bridges by rather tatty looking canvas straps which our training instructors told us 'were totally safe' or being the one ordered to walk out on an I beam whilst building a non equipment bridge, because i had been daft enough to put my hand up when asked who had a fear of hieghts thinking it was so they knew who not to send up to the high places (thus learning why you should never volunteer information that may be used against you)
but back to the point in question i have seen other drivers fail because of irrational fears (most all phobias are irrational) for instance the fear of being in control of something large on the road, the strangest thing is that most of the people i knew were in fact amongst the best drivers it was just their fear that kept them back.
i have to admit though if you show me a ladder and expect me to climb it i will still run away screaming and crying like a 6yr old girl given the chance
Edited by welshlad on 21/06/2008 at 19:17
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Initially, I also had a fear of speaking in Court. Got past that by writing just about every Social Inquiry report that came in for 6 months.
I should have gone back later and persisted with HGV training , at least to pass the test.
To GB and other HGV drivers,
Any other stories of drivers trying or failing to become HGV drivers? Must be some scary tales to tell;)
Edited by oilrag on 21/06/2008 at 19:27
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I too have a fear of heights and many years ago I was the last one to load tomatoes on a flat trailer in Southampton Dock one evening just as dusk was falling. I got the forkie to put me on top of the load to roll out the sheets but didn't realise that he wanted to go home, and off he went. I was parked at the edge of the water and happened to look down and completely froze.
I crawled to the front and tried to get a leg over ( I have very short legs, I might add) and get a foothold on the headboard of the trailer, and my heart sunk as I remembered I had our only trailer without a headboard.
I wasn't into abseiling and didn't have a rope and it was getting darker.
I was resigned to spending the night up there when I saw a Security Guard walking by over the way. I eventually made myself heard and he was amazed to see me up ther.
He fetched a forklift and managed to get me down.
To this day I still hate heights and was asked to judge the 'Cab of the Year' contest last year at Truckfest.
I knew I would have to get in a Renault Magnum and dreaded it all day.
It was as bad as I imagined and I shook from head to toe!
Pat
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I found it bad enough being in the Cab Pat. ;)
It must have been quite a height looking from the trailer top, down to water level..
This it Pat?
tinyurl.com/5aco2n
Edited by oilrag on 21/06/2008 at 20:27
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you would have loved my old truck 3 1/2meters from ground to top of the cab (say 3.4m for head hieght when sat in the seat)
tinyurl.com/68bvpr
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Might have been better! It was the sheer drop out of the front screen that used to get to me.
;)
On reflection.. maybe not, it looks high `shudder` ;)
Edited by oilrag on 21/06/2008 at 21:31
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Any other stories of drivers trying or failing to become HGV drivers? Must be some scary tales to tell;)
One very recent occurence, this year.
A friend who has been helping out a chap whilst he tried to find a regular driver for an artic doing 4 to 7 drops round a big city, good pay, short hours; would do me a treat about 5 years down the line, ah well.
Finding a competent driver is no mean feat these days...
Anyway new chap is taken out by my friend to show him the job, within a few miles it becomes apparent this new fellow has no idea at all of whats involved with driving a truck, he doesn't get the idea of changing down into low range, as speed decreases whilst climbing steep hill for example, so just slips the clutch instead.
Anyway, the run continues, worrying for my mate as when this chap overtakes another truck on motorway, he starts to pull over as soon as the cab is by, no spacial awareness whatsoever.
Approach roundabout, and he doesn't attempt to stop as that would mean changing down, so straight onto occupied roundabout at 20 or mph (that transporter chap i refused to train did exactly the same..terrifying)
Get into city, and realises not only can he not reverse the truck, he also can't go forwards either, several times my friend has to fetch him out of drivers seat and take over for safety, despite this, the new chap takes down 2 sets of railings, one with the rear of trailer, second with the front overhang of trailer.
At 2 occasions other drivers got out of their vehicles and suggested to my friend to get the chap out of the cab and send him away (insert your own translations here).
He also was disgruntled at having to work so hard on his own.
Eventually they return and when asked by boss, tells him not to use this fellow (this bit brings back memories for me, and his terminoligy was word for word mine).
My friend isn't listened to, so new chap goes out on his own 2 days later, during the run he burns the clutch out on truck.
Another tractor is brought out to him, he gets 6 miles down the road with this one, and burns the clutch out on that.
The supplier of the trucks attempts to give him another truck, and then when they witness the attempts to couple up, realise why the clutches are going, so refuse to allow him any more vehicles.
Cue phone call to my friend, who has to take another tractor to collect the trailer and this chap.
When he gets there, he opens the back of the trailer, and gets covered in ruined product, as the chap had left the pallett truck under a ton of product and still pumped up, so damaged internals to trailer as well as thousands in ruined product and 2 burned out clutches, despite the fact he hadn't delivered the goods either.
I havent finished yet, when they get back, this new chap tells the speechless boss that he doesn't want the job as its too hard!!!!
This is gospel as told by my friend.
Whats really worrying is that unless this chap had a forged licence, some examiner had deemed him fit to be in charge of a truck, the mind boggles, as he was a mature chap too.
I'm got some more of my own if you can stand them..:)
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Really enjoyed that GB and it would be great if you could tell us more.. Surely a forged licence?
See you later ;)
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Well, no one would call that guy a luxo-scrote.
Remarkably tolerant employer though, verging on the half-witted. Reminds me of modern publishers who buy texts in English by illiterate foreigners without reading them and then expect a copy editor to put them in English for cleaner's wages.
Edited by Lud on 21/06/2008 at 22:43
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Remarkably tolerant employer though verging on the half-witted.
My friends views entirely Lud.
But you'd be shocked at how many hgv'ers will not go into certain large cities, sounds ludicrous i know, and i've made loads of lolly because of being soft hearted over the years and doing their multi drop London work for them, especially when on the clock, with all the enjoyment involved.
I will have to do some changing of things slightly on one or two other stories if i relate them Oily, as it may cause someone to be recognised, the transporter game is quite close knit (or nit maybe)..:)
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I suffer from a sort of fear of heights.
I can feel very queasy when looking over the top of a building from behind a safety rail, or an open flight of stairs if there's a big opening.
It didn't stop me from standing on a small step over a landing wheel of a high winged monoplane, hanging onto a wing strut, at two thousand feet, with the stall warning going, waiting for the instructor to tell me to let go!
I did have a 'chute on which had a tethered release to the 'plane, and full instructions on what to do if the main chute didn't open!!!!!!!!!!
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full instructions on what to do if the main chute didn't open!!!!!!!!!!
Is that what's called "jumping to conclusions?"
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every time i see a "height restriction" sign on a low bridge it will remind me it doesnt just apply to lorries
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