Hi guys,
This looks like a great place to learn and share experiences. Having passed my C2 test, I have an interview for a well known company in NI. The role so far as I understand will be mainly multi-dropping. The interview will also include a driving assessment but I’m unsure what to expect here?
Any advice would be welcome, I think I’m concerned more than the transmission is likely to be manual whereas I learned in automatic (not by choice!)
Drive like you’re taking your test. Reversing will probably be something like reversing onto a loading bay or into a parking bay.
When you go to do the assessment if you’re unsure about how to use the gearbox be honest and ask - off the top of my head I can think right now of almost a dozen different types of gearchange 3 over 3, 4 over 4, 3 over 3 with split, 4 over 4 with split, the range change where its on a rocker button on the front of the gearstick, range change where you knock the gearstick left or right in neutral to go up or down range, Eaton twin split… I went for one assessment and it was a Merc with an EPS gearbox and the driver trainer gave me a quick run over it and let me drive around the yard for a few minutes to get used to it before going out on the road. I got the job so the fact I was unsure about the gearbox didn’t count against me.
Always ask about something you don’t know about, it doesn’t make you look dumb, it shows to the driver trainer that you aren’t going into this like a bull in a china shop. Just do as Conor says, just don’t drive like you stole it.
All good tips guys, thanks a lot. Hopefully I do well, getting rusty on the truck as the job I’m in now in van work as the employer has no more trucks left to give me, hence looking for other work.
If the trainer is half as harsh as my instructor, I should do grand!
Like the others have said treat it like a driving test.
Ask which gear the company recommends pulling away from standing in, where i work its 1st gear even when empty.
Remember to do a vehicle check and get the seat, mirrors and steering wheel correctly adjusted before driving away and a manual entry on your digicard for the interview if prior to the driving assessment.
This all looks good if you do it without being prompted first.
Good luck.
and a manual entry on your digicard for the interview if prior to the driving assessment.
This all looks good if you do it without being prompted first.
Agree that this is a good idea - but mainly for your own benefit!
I’ve had a few driving assessments with NI companies - 2 that spring to mind told me that manual entries were something they discouraged as it reduces your working day! Needless to say, I laughed in their faces and refused the jobs.
I tend to look upon driving assessments as my opportunity to find more out about the company from someone other than management, and for me to assess how they expect you to carry out the job.
If they are advising me to do something I don’t agree with as that’s how they do it (ie spend 2 hours on poa waiting for a wagon to return that’s been held up, then not record that poa so they can assume I’ll be soft enough to do a 15 hour day when the cards put in), I know to walk away before I end up offending someone.
Due to driving situation in NI, a lot of driving assessments are a formality - it shocks me some of the standards I’ve seen, then the person is sent out on their own the next day. some use it more to see what areas need improvement, offer advice, and let you crack on.
I’ve even been told before doing my checks not to worry if I miss anything, it’s an assessment to see what you know and don’t know, so the trainer can focus on any weak points.
Feel free to drop me a pm with specifics, as I’ve probably been there and done it, or may know someone who can help. 