Guide to Becoming a Truck or Bus Driver

Similar to driving a car or riding a motorcycle you are required to obtain a provisional driving licence in order to learn to drive a bus or LGV (Large Goods Vehicles). When applying for your provisional licence you will be required to submit a medical report also.

You'll then need to pass a theory test, a practical driving exam and complete the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).

Passing the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is only required if you intend to drive a bus or lorry for a living.

For driver licensing, lorries are referred to as Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) and buses or coaches are referred to as Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs).

Requirements for a licence

Usually, you need to be 18-years-old or over before you can train to operate an LGV or PCV. However, there are some exceptions when it comes to the age limit, depending on which category of vehicle you want to drive.

The type of driving licence you require is determined by the 'maximum authorised mass' (MAM) of the vehicle you intend to operate.

According to the official Government website:

Vehicles with a MAM exceeding 3.5 tonnes, but no more than 7.5 tonnes, means a C1 licence is needed
Vehicles with a MAM exceeding 7.5 tonnes means a category C licence is required

Bus and lorry driver theory exam

Similar to the car theory test the bus and lorry exam consists of two parts - the multiple choice section and the hazard perception element.

You can book a theory test online using a third-party booking service or via the official Government website.

Both elements of the test must be passed in order to receive a pass certificate. It does not matter which part of the test you complete first, but both parts need to be passed within two years of each other before a theory test certificate will be issued.

Upon successful completion of the theory exam a pass letter will be issued, detailing the results for the part of the theory test completed.

Once both parts of the exam have been passed a certificate will then be issued. This will feature a unique number on it, required to book your practical driving test. The certificate is valid for a period of 2 years.

Should you fail, you'll need to re-sit the exam. If you booked via a third-party, you may get your test rebooked for free. If you booked via the Government website you will have to pay again.

Note: You can rebook a theory test online immediately. However, 3 working days must have elapsed before you can actually take the test again.

Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your test - Ready to take your test? Book your theory test online today - http://www.booktheorytesttoday.com

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5 Tips When Truck Driving in Heavy Winds

Driving in high winds with a high profile vehicle can be extremely dangerous. With a trailer attached you are vulnerable to strong gusts of wind which can carry you right off the road, into another vehicle or even cause an unexperienced driver to overcorrect and see your rig end up on its side. Unfortunately there are times you need to press on regardless of weather conditions. We invite you to read and live by these tips to ensure your safe arrival regardless of whether you're driving through clear skies and turbulent roads.

First off, it must be said that if weather conditions are severe enough to cause an extreme burst or gust of wind, a driver is ALWAYS better off pulling to the side of the road and waiting for conditions to calm. Safety comes first and the time you might save is not worth potentially destroying your load and wrecking your vehicle or trailer. If conditions are difficult but drive-able, keep these tips in mind:

- Have a plan. This includes potential alternative routes as well as allocating additional time as weather conditions can delay your speed significantly! Leaving a little early can allow you to keep a safer speed without the pressure of missing deadlines.
- Keep your speed low. A lower speed will present less counter-currents and will keep your trailer from tipping or lifting behind you. The stronger the winds, the slower you will want to be moving.
- Maintain your distance. In any weather condition that may complicate your driving you want to maintain additional space between you and any other vehicle. In heavy winds you may want to keep space on both sides of your vehicle as well to prevent a sudden shift from a strong gust.
- Watch for debris. Winds can bring all kinds of debris flying at you depending on where you are driving. Stay alert and keep your eyes open for anything on the side of the road that might leap out at you.
- Listen to your gut. Again, if you are having any doubts as to your ability to maneuver safely through winds take the opportunity to be safe rather than sorry. Pull over and hit the roads once conditions have calmed.

As you follow and adhere to these tips you will not only guarantee the safety of yourself, your load, but also the safety of those around you. The winds are conditions that can be out of your control but ultimately you retain control of when your Semi Truck and Trailer is or isn't on the road. Be safe, be smart and drive on.

Prime Time Equipment is a dealer of choice in Southern California, selling used semis trucks in So Cal as well as trailers. We take pride in working with small and medium sized fleet owners and in helping you find the right piece of heavy duty equipment to keep you moving forward safely and effectively.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8570561

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Customize Your Truck With A Road Armor Bumper

Whether you want to change the look of your truck or simply want to add customized accessories, a Road Armor Bumper may be the perfect solution. This type of accessory makes a statement and makes people take notice of the vehicle.

Whether you own a small truck, a full sized truck, or jeep, there are some choices in the style you can order. Many styles come in black or black satin. This allows you to choose the look that works best with your vehicle's paint scheme or existing accessories.

Other options in the Road Armor Bumper include several styles with winches, runner guards, and Lone Star guards. Some styles are designed only for particular makes and models. Others come in different sizes and shapes, to accommodate a variety of truck models, both large and small.

If you want to make your truck stand out and want a more personalized look, consider a front or back Road Armor Bumper.

For many trucks, a new look will involve changing both the front and rear bumper, to give the vehicle an entirely new style. An advantage of installing one of these products, is that they will look good with other accessories, such as roll bars, front grill covers, side mirrors, and running boards. The type of customization you can add to your truck with a Road Armor Bumper has no limitations.

If you have imagined a more aggressive, off-road look, this product will meet your needs. However, they aren't limited to off road vehicles. Anyone who wants to change his or her truck can add a Road Armor Bumper. If you do plan on some off road action, the bumpers are designed to take a beating. All products are made with 2 inch tubular steel, which has been powder coated to give them a formidable look.

Whether you drive a Jeep, Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota truck, Road Armor makes something to fit. The brand is one of the leaders in the industry of after market accessories for trucks. The products come with a manufacturer warranty as well. This makes the investment of a new front or read bumper worthwhile.

While some bumper styles may be too much for some trucks, there are plenty of options. If you drive a small truck and simply want something durable, a Road Armor Bumper may be the right choice. There are simpler models to choose from, if a solid, basic black bumper is what you want.

The Road Armor Bumper is a great way to accessorize a favorite truck or off-road vehicle. With so many styles, anyone who wants to change the look or do some customization can find a suitable model. Backed with a manufacturer warranty and solid construction, the products are designed to please truck and jeep owners.

The products are available in popular online stores, as well as in parts supply catalogs. They can be painted, for truck owners who want to coordinate accessories in a matching color. Products are relatively simple to install, in most instances. They represent a great value for truck owners who take pride in their vehicles.

For more information about Road Armor, visit our site at ArmorAndMore.com.

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Mitsubishi New Colt Diesel

New Colt Diesel now appear more handsome with the exterior design of the cabin and the latest features. Supported with the type 4D34 engine which has proven and reliable making the Mitsubishi Fuso Colt Diesel powered, the unparalleled toughness and reliability with the addition of Turbocharger, Intercooler, and New Injection Pump.

More perfect comfort thanks to the application of new concepts for commercial vehicles, the total change in the interior cabin design has the largest size in its class and increase functionality and supported standard equipment for the driver.

Anyone would feel more secure when it comes to control it because the truck features of active and passive safety features are more advanced and modern.

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Mitsubishi Fuso and Truck

Reliability
Axle, with a final gear ratio that adequate vehicle performance remained robust in various road conditions. Transmission, remain responsive, suitable for normal road users and off-road.

Leisure
Tilt & Telescoping Steering, steering wheel position can be set with a specific tilt angle corresponding driver's posture. Power Steering with power steering facilities make vehicle control easier and convenient. Tape adds to driving comfort.

Security
Sturdy chassis, reinforced with Cross Member and stiffeners, thick, strong and sturdy.

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What You Need To Know About Tools For Automotive Repair

Using tools for automotive repair can be quite daunting if you are a beginner and do not know your way around a tool box. Thankfully, it is not that hard to get the hang of using them. There are many different types of tools that exist when it comes to repair and DIY, but there is a specialised set of tools that come into play when you are talking about automotive repair. You need to use automotive tools on cars only, or else you risk causing major damage to the vehicle itself.

A list of automotive tools

There are different tools for different exercises, namely the body and then under the hood. The focus here is on the tools that go under the hood.

Screwdrivers
Hex keys
Open end wrenches
Oil filter wrench
Ratchet driver
Cutting pliers
Torque wrench
Sockets
Extensions
Crescent wrench
PB blaster
Adjustable pliers
Breaker bar

This is a list of all of the basic tools that you will need in order to conduct repairs under the hood, or to service a vehicle.

The first thing that you need to buy is a screwdriver. One with a four pointed star at the end is ideal. This will be useful for unscrewing parts of the car that are screwed together. In order to determine the size of the screwdriver, simply measure the screws. Hex keys, also commonly known as Allen keys, are small pieces of metal that have a hexagonal shape. These are also used for tightening parts in the vehicle. The classic open end wrench is the most commonly used tool in automotive repair. It is able to loosen all of the nuts and bolts that are in the car. You will need varying sizes per vehicle. If the oil needs to be changed, the best thing to do is to use your oil filter wrench, as any other wrench will simply cause damage to the filter. Your ratchet wrench is your most useful tool, as it is adjustable and has got the ability to fit into many sockets - so you need this tool in your toolbox for sure. If you want to tackle wiring, you will need to have some pliers on hand that can also be adjusted.

So, there you have the basic breakdown of what you need to know when it comes to tools for automotive repairs. Before you go ahead with a vehicle repair, just remember that you need to have all of the tools mentioned above.

Looking for a place to get them? Look no further than Bantam Distributors. As the number one seller of automotive repair tools, as well as a whole range of other tools, you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for right here. If you want to give someone a gift, this is also the perfect place to get your tools from, simply because we provide the best guarantee in town. For more info go to http://www.bantam.co.za

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Mitsubishi Strada Triton

Mitsubishi Strada Triton is a pickup truck that is not only practical use for various purposes of transport but also classy and comfortable to drive.

Reliability:
2.5-liter DI-D COMMON RAIL doch turbo intercooled 16-valve Triton engine designed environmentally friendly and efficient, and has met the standard Euro-2.



Convenience:
Roomy, comfortable and stylish. The driver and passengers will be pampered by a roomy cabin with comfortable interior design and stylish.

Security:
Ladder-frame construction Triton thicker and more robust than previous generations, so it is more secure against tampering.

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