Hello! passed my class 1 almost a month ago now! I have a Job Interview on Monday for a company called Business Post and an assesment drive. They are a big nationwide company and have mainly scanias! I have never driven a scania before so im more nervous about the drive then the interview! Any tips on what Assesment drives are all about, what the employee are looking for etc would be nice…can i cross my hands or should i go for extra brownie points and steer like on test?!
Any help, tips would be smashing!! Cheers in advance!
Good luck malone with the Job Interview on Monday and driving assessment. I would guess that they are looking for a good fuel efficient drive and the few drivers I have worked with use the push pull steering like you do on test.
You aren’t on test mate, so relax and enjoy it. Drive safely and legally, if you prefer crossing your arms, cross them.
The assessor is firstly having a look at your driving for insurance purposes, ie are you safe or an accident waiting to happen. They may also check on your knowledge of tachos etc. As its a type of unit you’ve never driven before, ask questions, don’t try and bluff it, there’s no point. Ask about the most fuel efficient style of driving, the assessor is usually the continuation driving instructor (or whatever they call it), so should be happy to start you off on the right style. They might want you to start off on your own, assess your style for fuel efficiency and then put you right further on through the assessment, or it might only be a 5 min assessment because there are 20 other drivers to be assessed that day. Play it by ear, but enjoy the drive and don’t be afraid to ask questions, its an assessment NOT a test.
A good tip is to not over rev the engine.
Keep the needle in the green.
Bosses like good fuel economy.
Also, try and have a laugh with the person sat next to you.
Just drive liek you would any other day and you will be fine. The couple i have had went really well.
They will get you to do a drive on a route they usually use all the time featuring roundabouts tight turns etc. And then it will be bak to yard for a reverse.
Just a couple of things to make sure you do.
complete safety checks- they may say ii have already done them and this vehicle is ready fro the road… BUT your the driver and its your call!
ask them what there “company procedure” is for pulling away. ie some will say lowest possible gear others may be happy with 2 or 3 empty.
dont bluff your way round the motor if you dont know it.
drive in your normal style and keep the revs down…
just relax mate. i did two assesmant drives last week and was as nervous as my test , but once you get out there its different. as the asessors kept aying ‘you’re not on your test now’ so relax and enjoy it. just go with the flow ,ask how they want you to drive then drive like that!!
just drive sensibly and safely and you can’t go far wrong. they are going to show you how the box works and everything .
also as mentioned above its a good idea to try and have a laugh with the assesor.
I think that the advice already given here is spot on.
All he is looking for in your driving is that you are safe, aware of what is around you, and that you have empathy for the vehicle.
Lots of firms like fresh drivers because they can mould you into driving their way.
In my experience assessors are good blokes who want you to do well and will help you all they can.
Scanias are a good truck for an assessment because they they will pull even if you go for a gear that is a bit high for your road-speed. Just remember not to rush the 'box, because they don’t like it!
Thanks flying_fenman and bigjoe sound advice there. I will do exactly what u say. I am not actually nervous now! Im glad i posted asking for help anyway i feel much more confident and relaxed now! Ill post up 2mr evening how it went!
