Just wondering what’s the usual accepted method of checking reversing and break lights on a daily check when it’s during the day on an assessment. It’s dark when I get in first thing on the agency work I’ve done up to now and can rely on the dark and often being parked up against a wall or other vehicles behind me to check them out but got a meeting tomorrow with another agency that may be able to get me into doing some work for the co-op and could well be in the middle of the day for an assessment. Anyone done an assessment for the co-op themselves? What they like?
Would it be ok to ask the assessor to help me out on them or would he expect me to do them as if I were alone as I would be if I got the work? Years ago I would put a stick on the break pedal and check them that way and put the box into reverse with the engine off but not sure if this is still acceptable these days.
I feel like I can be of some help as did a assessment on Friday. Not for coop but I was offered a assessment with them (xpo). In regards to the assessment they will use whatever truck is lying about and in regards to the lights you can ask the assesor to check them and the reverse lights too. It’s really not a big deal as most assesor will want you too pass as it’s one less driver they have to find!
I know a co-op assessor in Leicester and he would very much appreciate a prospective driver asking questions rather than do it and get it wrong by guessing
Say to the assessor something along the lines of “Normally I’d check the brake/reversing lights by myself, but as you’re with me would you please assist me to check them?”
Thanks chaps. Been doing a bit of youtube watching about cpc module 4 checks etc. Never did that module so a good reminder of what may be required for an official assessment… although I got to say, one video I watched covered securing methods and the chains and ratchet straps, in pristine condition and have obviously never been used in a real world scenario or met a forklift driver who will happily trample them into another shape
On the assessment I’d ask the other person to check them.
For day to day, if you’ve got an auto you can at least test the reversing lights by popping it in reverse and then walking round the back (remembering to put the handbrake on!). Of course don’t do that on the assessment…!
trevHCS:
On the assessment I’d ask the other person to check them.
For day to day, if you’ve got an auto you can at least test the reversing lights by popping it in reverse and then walking round the back (remembering to put the handbrake on!). Of course don’t do that on the assessment…!
(autos have to have some use afterall).
You can do the same with a manual transmission - stick it in reverse, stop the engine then switch the ignition on again.
Most newer trucks have an auto lights test mode, on our Dafs it’s a button on the remote fob that cycles all the lights for you. Some have a test button on the dash. If it’s an older truck then as said use whatever is available or ask someone else to check the brake and reverse lights for you while you operate them. Soon all trucks will have auto light check systems and most have light warning systems anyway now that tell you if there is a bulb not working.
