Unbelievable that they are doing away with reversing and uncoupling.I have just read that from September the 20th the government are bringing in a new 'stream lined' test to get more people qualified. I mean that's 'fine'.
The new test will do away with the reversing part of the test (usually done in the training compound before you actually go out on the test). Now call me old fashioned and as someone who's failed an HGV test I'd say reversing is a pretty major part??
So we are going to let newly qualified drivers 'hit the road' and reverse onto all kinds of loading bays and small areas without covering it on a test? Also doing away with coupling and uncoupling of a trailer.
Throw in the fact driving hours are extended and an influx of newly qualified drivers who've passed a streamline test. Does anyone suddenly see the roads becoming more dangerous? These things are absolute lethal weapons in the wrong hands.
I hated every min of learning to driving one due to the sheer amount of concentration needed. I did pass the reversing part. Just not clipping a curb (maybe they could take that out ).
What do current HGV drivers think? I know shelves are empty but it seems a dangerous quick fix.
Driving forward in a class 1 is easy, especially on a motorway, you basically just steer it.
Not sure how these new drivers will be able to get onto bays, squeezing between two other trailers already parked.
One of our agency drivers forgot to put his parking brake on when uncoupling and took out the security barrier when his trailer rolled down the hill.
One driver a week for the past 4 weeks has died in crashes on the M6 recently.
These are drivers who have passed the current test. Unbelievable that the test is being made easier when, as stated above, these vehicles are deadly when driven incorrectly.
Instead of making the test easier, give drivers grants or some kind of bursary. The minimum cost to pass at present is £3000, that is what is putting people off training in the first place.
Oh, and most companies ask for experience before giving you a chance. Where you get that from when newly qualified, I don't know.