Driving assessment

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS THE UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUM (INTERACTIVE)
1

I have a driving assessment next week for a new job. It’s on
an artic but I haven’t driven one in about 6 years. Hope I haven’t forgotten anything. Any tips on what to look out for?

2

GeordieCarl:
I have a driving assessment next week for a new job. It’s on
an artic but I haven’t driven one in about 6 years. Hope I haven’t forgotten anything. Any tips on what to look out for?

Be honest with the assessor

3

GeordieCarl:
Any tips on what to look out for?

The gate post on the way out of the yard.

4

Go to your local Hgv driving school and see if they can give you a couple of hours out in an artic so you can get back into the swing of things, could be money well spent if you get the job :slight_smile:

5

Hi GC, I guess it depends on what you have been driving in the last 6 years. Your assessment may also include coupling/uncoupling of a trailor. some may also require a “theory” test style series of questions depending on who your assessment is with. Your tractor unit may or may not be automatic gear box. I would try and re familiarise yourself with different types of gear box, there are some good threads on here with regards to this. Other than that just give the assessor an honest drive. I think though that any clipping kerbs etc would be an instant “fail”, also crossing hands while steering could affect your assessment.

I hope this small contribution will prove useful to you, you could try and find out the route your assessment may take and familiarise yourself with it prior to assessment.

I hope my humble contribution proves useful. good luck.

6

Thanks for the advice so far guys, it all helps. I’ve been on 8 leg rigids most of the time so it’s not as if I haven’t been away from HGV’s completely. So really it’s just the coupling and un-coupling that’s playing on my mind.

7

GeordieCarl:
I have a driving assessment, Any tips on what to look out for?

Mirrors are always a good thing to look into…

8

Brakes
Legs
Airlines
Clip
Kingpin

remember that
also there was a video on you tube from a member here switchlogic?

oo forgot to say drop the air suspension whilst going under then raise back up when your under the trailer saves bending the legs

9

The b l a c k system above is not the way drivers are taught now, first thing is always stop short of your trailer switch off and get out and check park brake is on and the system has air, then check tyres and mot. As said above use air suspension to lift trailer as you go under it , always switch engine off when getting out of cab when coupling up first thing is always dog clip (always do two tugs when hitching using only clutch if manuel) then lines legs and plate last thing being parking brake off. Best way to lmpress is use lots of mirrors and remember blind spot check when required. These are just tips to impress if vehicle checks and coupling are good driving mistakes are easier to forgive. Good luck Gary

10

The most important thing by far on any road test … the ‘Move off look’ in otherwords make sure you look over your shoulder as you begin to move off. To not do so is usually a fail in most cases, test or assesment.