Hey Folks…
Been a while since I posted anytime on here for a while, however with all the pundits saying about the shocking shortage of drivers I though now might be as good a time as any to pick up on a bit of part time driving as I did a number of years ago…
So I’ve got an assessment drive at Didcot on Tuesday morning…
I would be very interested to hear anyone else’s recent experiences /what I can expect etc… on such a task…
Any other hints or tips greatly appreciated …
Thanks Guys
Hi. Cant be specific but I can give you some general guidelines. Make sure you have all your docs - incl driver cpc. Expect a test on drivers’ hours/tachos and maybe Highway Code. When introduced to the vehicle, carry out all the normal daily checks. If you’re not familiar with the controls, give yourself time to familiarise yourself. Don’t be afraid to mention that you don’t know your way around that particular vehicle. Assessors generally expect to make up some missing knowledge.
You may well be asked to reverse onto a bay or two. Take your time, shunt if needs be. Get out and look as many times as you need to.
Drives vary considerably. Anything between 10 minutes and 2 hours. Try to settle down and take it in your stride. The faster you approach a hazard, the less time to have to assess it and act correctly. Avoid hurried actions - demonstrates a lack of planning. Keep your distance and drive up to the speed limit provided road and traffic conditions allow. The assessor knows he is looking at someone who has to accomplish a day’s work - so dawdling for no reason wont impress.
There’s plenty more - but there’s enough there to be going on with!
All the best with it, Pete 