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

Continue

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

Continue