Yup, I agree with WD, the best tool you can carry with you is common sense, don't be in a hurry, and always think about what you are going to do before you do it. You should get the licence, then spend some time with an experienced driver, even if you do it for free, the experience you get that way can be invaluable, and perhaps save you a lot of grief. If you have any questions as far as tying down the machine, you should be able to get an info booklet from any scale giving you the info you need, but as I said, just spend some time with someone that knows what they are doing, It will be time well spent.
Gord.