During many years of testing and training truck drivers, I have seen many drivers who have a heavy-duty licence and a valid PrDP, but fail dismally in the theoretical and practical road test.
In the list below, Truck and Bus owners and/or operators look for these 22 important driving skills and documentation that they monitor and check during the theoretical and practical road test.
- Driving licence and PrDP;
- Pre-trip inspection method and documentation;
- Date of last driver-training course attended;
- Accident report procedure;
- Control/understanding of excessive idling;
- Searching for road hazards (every 12 seconds);
- Identifying hazards and type of hazard;
- Deciding what action to take;
- Taking early action to avoid a road hazard;
- Driving according to what the driver can see.
- Correct gear selection when starting off (should always select first gear) and when on the road;
- Avoiding engine over-revving on a cold-engine start;
- Clutch control;
- Use of mirrors, blind-spot check and signalling;
- Torque management – sweet-spot driving (driving in the green band);
- Avoidance of harsh braking;
- Driver courtesy towards other drivers;
- Keeping to a three-second following distance;
- Reaction when the vehicle behind is too close;
- Compensating for other drivers’ bad habits/mistakes;
- Retardation management – use of exhaust brake and retarders;
- Reversing proficiency – especially with a trailer;
By mastering all the above points you are guaranteed to pass any interview. Please use the comments section to tell me where you do not understand so that I can make another article to help you and others.
