tips for getting HR truck licence

[Eevo]

Hi guys, I'm hoping you can impart some wisdom onto me for getting my HR licence.
i'm learning to drive the firetruck with lessons being provided by the current drivers.

unfortunately there isn't a lot of teaching, it's point n shoot and if something goes wrong, we'll fix it after.

so far i got
- if you stop, even on flat road, handbrake on.
- dont except to get up to the speed limit in the hills
- the truck is wider than you think, dont cut the corners
- finding second is a bitch
- dont except any sympathy from cars.

does anyone know whats required for the HR test?

[Mick_Marsh]

My Licence - Heavy Vehicle Driver's Handbook (http://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-heavy-vehicle-licence/heavy_vehicle_drivers_handbook)

[Eevo]

My Licence - Heavy Vehicle Driver's Handbook (http://www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-heavy-vehicle-licence/heavy_vehicle_drivers_handbook)

thanks Mick, thats invaluable!

[benji]

Biggest tip is get the clutching right if it's a dog box.
Control the road around you - especially at intersections.
Don't change gear around a corner, or across railway lines.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[SSmith]

In my experience, More people fail the theory component than the practical.

Synchro manual then?
2nd is a turd because too many people rush the gear, patience it is not a fully sick skyline.

Actually if you wanted to have a chat, my phone number is in my wrecking thread. I fly interstate for work soon but available again after 8pm (Victorian time)

Sent from my GT-S7562L using AULRO mobile app

[Eevo]

Don't change gear around a corner,

discovered that one first drive around the neighborhood. :)

[Eevo]

In my experience, More people fail the theory component than the practical.

Synchro manual then?
2nd is a turd because too many people rush the gear, patience it is not a fully sick skyline.




im told there is no theory component to the test. i didnt sound right, but thats what I was told.

and yes to synchromesh.
i dont think its a patience thing. that particular truck has done 8000km and had the gearbox replaced twice.
the turbo on the truck does spool like a fully sick skyline :p

[SSmith]

im told there is no theory component to the test. i didnt sound right, but thats what I was told.

and yes to synchromesh.
i dont think its a patience thing. that particular truck has done 8000km and had the gearbox replaced twice.
the turbo on the truck does spool like a fully sick skyline :p

Blow off valve and all?

There is no theory component if you already hold a LR or MR (same test as HR) does vary from state to state tho. Next theory test is for HC if that is the case.

Sent from my SM-G800F using AULRO mobile app

[BathurstTom]

Just drive around the block and get your licence - it hasn't changed from what is was thirty odd years ago in a small country town has it? :p :twisted:


Tom.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Fatigue.

You need to have a break every so often by law... BUT the smart truck driver knows a better way.
Close 1 eye for half an hour while driving.
Repeat this with the other eye for another half hour.
This equates to a 15 minute rest for your log book.

Repeat as often as needed until the correct number of hours rest has been achieved.

You can thank me later.
:cool:

[LandyAndy]

You need to show the instructor that you are profecient in race changes with the box,able to safely perform a hand brake turn and harras people in cars,especially women is small cars.Put a slab of beer on the passenger seat before he gets in and you are a truck driver;););););););)
Andrew

[Mick_Marsh]

You need to show the instructor that you are profecient in race changes with the box,able to safely perform a hand brake turn and harras people in cars,especially women is small cars.Put a slab of beer on the passenger seat before he gets in and you are a truck driver;););););););)
Andrew
Don't forget to turn left in front of cyclists.

[1nando]

Always control your lane position, especially when approaching corners. Rember the rear has a tighter turning circumference compared to the front so give yourself extra space.

Always keep a buffer zone in front of you, trucks require a greater stoppning distance.

Even in a syncro box it is a good idea to double clutch when down shifting (i beleive its better on the box and a safety in case the gear does not want to engage especailly if you are at the wrong rpm)

Learn the trucks blind spots and constantly scan your mirrors to see where people are in relation to the truck.

When reversing always use your hazard lights.

When reversing take your time and use small movements to correct your position.

When approaching intersections always be ready to either have to accelorate or break. Accelerating is slow and breaking is long so be on your toes.

Listen to the engine and change at the correct rpm.....once you get good at it you dont even need the clutch in a road ranger box. The engine noise gives a lot of information, when to change up or down....use the engine break down long hills with correct choice of gear.

Dont forget to learn your knots. A correclty tied down load is a safe load.

Cant think of anything else, sure ive forgotten a few things. Be patient and control your position on the road







2.2 110 limited edition, Davis remap, intercooler, exhaust, terrafirma 30mm wheel spacers, snorkel, first four bb, apt tree sliders, apt diff guards, terrafirma rear bumprettes, mantec rear wheel carrier, Uniden UHF, hema HN7, roof rack, custom made rear draws, dual battery setup, hella ralye 4000 xenon lights, Engel fridge setup, puresine invertor.......coming soon upgraded suspension, diff locks and 33s, nearly finished......

[Slunnie]

Also learn drive it in Adelaide. thats where you will learn to really drive it compared to rural roads.

[superquag]

Love your mirrors, as they'll show you what the back end is about to hit...:o

Take the scenic route with the front, as the other end will ALWAYS take the short(er) cut. - Another way of saying the back has a smaller turning circle...

For every doubling of mass (weight...) you need FOUR times the stopping 'power'. - Work out the comparison over and above your puny Daily Driver, and be afraid :eek:.

Truck tyres are invariably biased towards economical, High Mileage, NOT awesome grip in the wet. Don't forget it...

As in flying an aeroplane, everyone will live longer and happier if you're 'ahead' of the vehicle... not reacting to the moment.
- Boredom is GOOD, surprises are NOT GOOD. Keep your mind as well as your eyes at least 400 metres in front.

Pass up the booze, late nights and distractions, 'cos you can do a terrible amount of damage in the space of a long blink...

Lots of sound advice so far.;)

And enjoy the view from up there !:D:D:D


White-haired James in Gosnells WA, part time school bus driver. - Big busses...

[spudboy]

You have to know how to reverse around a corner using only your mirrors. And do a hill start without moving back an inch.

I did my test up in Murray Bridge, as it's less congested than Cavan/Regency/Etc. You have to do a bit of country driving (80Km.h) and also threading through the CBD of Murray Bridge.

I went through a driving tuition company and they supplied a 26 tonned triple axle dump truck to practice in, and then do the test in.

Practiced all morning. Did the test at 3:00PM.

Do you get a choice as to where you do the test?

[Mick_Marsh]

You have to know how to reverse around a corner using only your mirrors.
Last I knew, it was illegal to reverse around a corner on a public road.

[LandyAndy]

Last I knew, it was illegal to reverse around a corner on a public road.

Its part of the test,both for HR and HC.
For my HR it was reverse off a road into a laneway.
For my HC it was reverse around one of the grain bins at the local CBH.
Andrew

[Mick_Marsh]

Its part of the test,both for HR and HC.
For my HR it was reverse off a road into a laneway.
For my HC it was reverse around one of the grain bins at the local CBH.
Andrew
Although reversing is part of the test here in Vic (and not in a straight line), at no time was I instructed to reverse around a corner.

[philandmickey]

Hi
Im guessing from what you say regarding the gearbox you are driving a fairly modern Isuzu 34 or 24?
They do have a weak gearbox but can be driven providing you keep everything slow when going from 1st to 2nd. They have an air assisted gear change and so when you put pressure on it to get into 2nd you are actually puting a large amount of pressure on the syncro, and it is this that is wearing out the gearboxes so quickly, particularly when cold.

Do you need an HR as you will be driving a BWC? 24's and 34's are MR!

The choice of truck may be decided by who your group uses as an instructor and if they teach in your fire truck or their own truck?

There has been heaps of good advice given on here.
As everyone has said observation and control are the key factors and are even more so when you get to drive priority one!

You might find it better to get into lessons sooner, rather than your fellow brigade drivers passing on their bad habits. That way you can get lots of practice with them but get proper driving skills from an instructor.

Cheers
Phil

[Eevo]

Do you get a choice as to where you do the test?

No choice but its at MB

[Eevo]

Hi
Im guessing from what you say regarding the gearbox you are driving a fairly modern Isuzu 34 or 24?
They do have a weak gearbox but can be driven providing you keep everything slow when going from 1st to 2nd. They have an air assisted gear change and so when you put pressure on it to get into 2nd you are actually puting a large amount of pressure on the syncro, and it is this that is wearing out the gearboxes so quickly, particularly when cold.

Do you need an HR as you will be driving a BWC? 24's and 34's are MR!

The choice of truck may be decided by who your group uses as an instructor and if they teach in your fire truck or their own truck?

There has been heaps of good advice given on here.
As everyone has said observation and control are the key factors and are even more so when you get to drive priority one!

You might find it better to get into lessons sooner, rather than your fellow brigade drivers passing on their bad habits. That way you can get lots of practice with them but get proper driving skills from an instructor.

Cheers
Phil

our station has 3 trucks
14 which is about 18 months old
34 which is about 3-4 years old
24P which is about 12 years old.
(you can prob guess which station im at now) :p

i've only driven 14 and 34 so far. 14 is good, it's 34 with the crappy shifts.

can you explain the air assisted gear change a bit more? i know one of the trucks has it but not sure which.

the reason for HR is just in case they want us to drive the BWC and its the same cost or not much more than the MR licence.

the brigade is paying for the lessons out of brigade funds, not CFS funds, so I only get two lessons with a proper instructor. 1 lesson to tick off as much as possible, then i go back n practice what i dont know back at the brigade, and a second lesson to sign off the rest. if i need more lessons, it comes out of my pocket.

the two guys im driving with currently are great drivers but not great instructors.

[Eevo]

a big thanks to everyone here, the response and advice has been fantastic.

[Sitec]

One handy thing I've set up when I've been teaching people to reverse is having a small piece of black tape on the Galv side rail (assuming u r using one of your trucks). Stand a rake hoe about 500mm behind the RH rear corner of the truck you're going to be using. This signifies another truck/wall/car etc.. When sat in the drivers seat, look in the mirror and line the base of the rake hoe shaft up with a point on the side rail of the truck. Get another member to place a piece of black (or whatever colour is clear to see) tape on the side rail where you can see the base of the rake hoe. This then gives you a mark to look at when reversing. Whatever you can see on the ground that lines with that mark is a known 500mm behind the truck. If you reverse up to a kerb and stop with the tape at the edge of the kerb, the back of the truck is still 500mm away. Do the same on the left, and you will become very accurate with your reverse positioning. The tape can be left on, and no one will be any the wiser! Another useful 'tool in the box' is low range. Reversing in low range buys you time, and is also ideal when learning as you have plenty of time to correct if you're going wrong. Good luck with the test. :)

[spudboy]

No choice but its at MB

OK - something to watch on the official test route:
- They will take you out of town, and make you turn right at the stoplights.
- This road starts off as 2 lanes and then goes down to 1 lane
- You MUST indicate and use mirrors when you go to the single lane, or they dock you points

It's one of those dotted lines or something where you can't just merge, but have to indicate. Some subtlety of the SA road rules that I never know about.

[Ausfree]

I guess it has all been said and the only thing I can add is to drive very defensively. The idiots on the road see a heavy vehicle in front of them and they then have a mission to get past that heavy as soon as possible as they see it as blocking them and holding them up.:)

Yep, and I repeat what has already been said, use your mirrors and watch your back end on corners.:)

I have a HC licence but I drive buses for a living (only an MR required) and I am in heavy city traffic all the time, and you do learn to treat every other driver as a complete moron.:mad:

Good luck in getting your HR, Eevo.:D

ps. I have to add, the thing that amazes me is that when a person gets their car licence they have no idea how to drive near heavy vehicles, I have been abused many times on roundabouts because my bus is not as agile as their car and I am "in their way" even though I was on the roundabout before them....................as I said treat the other driver as a moron.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

2 gearboxes in 4 years and 8K?
sounds like your trainers need training.

[Greatsouthernland]

...Another useful 'tool in the box' is low range. Reversing in low range buys you time, and is also ideal when learning as you have plenty of time to correct if you're going wrong...

I was going to mention this :mad: ...

Did mine at Mt Magnet and it still may be true that you have to show that you can change between high and low range. The truck I had was a real pain in this regard...but the best time was when you had to reverse from the road into a lane way and straighten up, a very useful move in real life :D so get the instructor to give you a copy of the test sheet so you can work out what you need to practice more often.

Also, you will need a uniform...

- 1 blue singlet and
- 1 pair of stubbies shorts,
- thongs are optional and illegal to drive in nowadays, so best stick with boots.

Good luck and most of all have FUN!

[Eevo]

2 gearboxes in 4 years and 8K?
sounds like your trainers need training.

its not limited to our station.
most of the CFS fleet with that gearbox has had it replaced.
we expect a recall to be put out one day about it

[Redback]

Use your mirrors

Use your mirrors

Use your mirrors

Don't just look at them, look in them, it's how you judge where you are in the lane and where other vehicles are, always look in the left mirror more than once, especially when turning.

Gear changes will come with practise.

Make sure that your best day of driving is in the test;)

[D2lee]

for a MR license; in the UK I would have had to do a week's intensive training, all day every day, 5 days straight, then a very strict test. So I did it in Oz instead. Turned up at 9pm, drove around a bit, did a test had my MR license by 2pm. It's easy here.

[SSmith]

its not limited to our station.
most of the CFS fleet with that gearbox has had it replaced.
we expect a recall to be put out one day about it

Im not familiar with CFS fleet (Isuzu?), but this is a common issue with a lot of newer designs.

It wont be recalled as it is not a manufacture defect, I have had dealings with other fleets who have had similar problems, and dealings with others who have had none. Comes back to driving style.

Not saying ur guys are bad drivers, it is a different design which needs a different driving style to treat it right.

The first - second change needs to be done slowly and at the right road speed, rev the ringer out of first and the synchro has to work harder to spin up second, coupled with the air assist amplifying the force applied and it wrecks it quick smart.

The down shift is also important, they just dont design/build them to take the forces generated by using the gears to slow it down like old trucks, and a lot of people do it wrong anway so double whammy.
Use the brakes till the needle is near the bottom of the green arc of the tacho (even better if you can hear the engine getting close to idle so your eyes are on the road) then shift it down.

Sent from my SM-G800F using AULRO mobile app

[SSmith]

for a MR license; in the UK I would have had to do a week's intensive training, all day every day, 5 days straight, then a very strict test. So I did it in Oz instead. Turned up at 9pm, drove around a bit, did a test had my MR license by 2pm. It's easy here.

True, too easy, but getting there.
At least now (in some states) the truck has to be loaded to 75% of capacity to make the test valid.

Sent from my SM-G800F using AULRO mobile app

[Sitec]

its not limited to our station.
most of the CFS fleet with that gearbox has had it replaced.
we expect a recall to be put out one day about it

There was a recall.. Ours went in with 24000kms on it and they couldn't get their heads around how we'd made it last so long.. We put it down to most of us driving trucks a lot.. :). Ping someone a message at R2 HQ (or are u R1 down there). If I can find the bulletin I'll send it to u.

[Eevo]

There was a recall.. Ours went in with 24000kms on it and they couldn't get their heads around how we'd made it last so long.. We put it down to most of us driving trucks a lot.. :). Ping someone a message at R2 HQ (or are u R1 down there). If I can find the bulletin I'll send it to u.

we're R1. but i'll get someone to ask around. any bulletin would be great.

[cripesamighty]

Awesome, just like how a dolphin sleeps. Never thought of that..... :D

[Eevo]

There was a recall.. Ours went in with 24000kms on it and they couldn't get their heads around how we'd made it last so long.. We put it down to most of us driving trucks a lot.. :). Ping someone a message at R2 HQ (or are u R1 down there). If I can find the bulletin I'll send it to u.

i was at the station earlier today and I asked.
the gearbox has been replaced 5 times. each time, you could not select any gear without crunching.

[Sitec]

i was at the station earlier today and I asked.
the gearbox has been replaced 5 times. each time, you could not select any gear without crunching.

They're a cable change gearbox.. When ours was done, they changed the cables and some of the lever linkage too.. Still a crap box. My Merc drives much nicer than the new Isuzu's!

[BMKal]

Next theory test is for HC if that is the case.



Don't go giving him ideas. :eek::eek::eek:

Eevo on the road in a HR is a scary enough proposition. I've gotta navigate my way through SA next month, and again in February. :p:p:p

Only kidding- good luck Eevo. I couldn't offer you any advice better than what you're already getting on here. I remember though, when I was tested for my HC they made me reverse off a street through 90 degrees and up a narrow lane way in Boulder - so anything is possible in a test - just depends on the examiner at the time.

Did I see someone suggesting you rock up for the test with a slab of beer on the passenger's seat. Might not be a bad idea. Just make sure it's not Southwark - that's likely to see you being directed to reverse through a roundabout in peak hour traffic. :angel:

[digger]

Evo,
Ring motor reg in the bridge and check if they expect you to have a
Heavy vehicle drivers work diary (log book) at the test.. better safe than sorry.

Although if you are within 100k of your base no entry required you need the book to prove where your base is..

Id expect you wont need it but just in case


Dont drive with a CFS response mindset, think everyday driving for the test..
(And with your bestest manners!)

I'm sure you'll be sweet with it. Good luck

(My brigade has about 8 qualified drivers, you have the d/lic but then have a station brigade level test before you touch thd sacred keys... even with this the gearbox on 34 is appalling our other three appliances are smooth. )



South Australian Country Fire Service Promotions Unit (http://www.fire-brigade.asn.au/Station_Display.asp?Service_Code=SACFS&Station_Code=WAIK)

And the easiest gearbox in our CFS station? The '24 garford!, (this is at this years Christmas Pageant - my son in the leather helmet operating the hand crank siren.)

[img]https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5667/22757886563_b06caee23a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/AF37Nx)1924 Garford Fire Truck (https://flic.kr/p/AF37Nx) by Peter Jacobs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bassia09/)


https://www.flickr.com/photos/bassia09/22757886563

[Bushie]

Hmmm - Had Isuzus in our fleet since the mid 80s and in a big way since the 90s, never heard of one gearbox change.

Make sure you check your mirrors before and after every turn and regularly if driving along a road (say every 3rd/4th pole). Make sure you dont speed - keep to the last sign you saw even if you can see (say) the 80k sign up ahead.

Martyn

[Eevo]

Dont drive with a CFS response mindset, think everyday driving for the test..
(And with your bestest manners!)


i think the general idea is i get the HR licence, do the "driving in operational conditions" course, drive for 6 months as P2 and training nights, and then maybe i'll do P1 response.

[Eevo]

today was my final lesson driving the firetruck
we practiced some emergency stops at the local park on the dirt road
after three full brake lockups at different speeds, we noticed that a guy had started filming.
so if you look at youtube and see a firetruck locking up the brakes, yup, thats me. lol


talk to the capt monday and go for HR licence next week.

[Roverlord off road spares]

Remember SPEED :p doesn't kill when your driving a truck, it does get you busted if pulled over for a random check and they find SPEED

[Eevo]

so i had my first lesson today in an 8 speed.
wow, what an eye opener!
double clutching n rev matching is annoying as all hell but practice makes perfect.

if it doubt, 25km/h, 4th low range, 1500 rpm and go :)

[Blknight.aus]

so i had my first lesson today in an 8 speed.
wow, what an eye opener!
double clutching n rev matching is annoying as all hell but practice makes perfect.

if it doubt, 25km/h, 4th low range, 1500 rpm and go :)

if its not happening as effortlessly as letting your eyes survey the fine curves of a feminine form, your probably not doing it right... it should come so effortlessly that you can do it while surveying the fine curves of a feminine form, even a topless one in an x5 reclining on the passenger seat with the top folded back in the right hand lane. You should also be able to maintain lane position, wave to the lady driving the car so she'll let you maintain position (or more accurately maintain position for you)...... :angel::wasntme:

best of luck on the test mate.

[LandyAndy]

so i had my first lesson today in an 8 speed.
wow, what an eye opener!
double clutching n rev matching is annoying as all hell but practice makes perfect.

if it doubt, 25km/h, 4th low range, 1500 rpm and go :)

Its only because its new to you,it will become something you dont even think about.
Has your shifter got the blue low/low lever???
If so on cold mornings those first 4 gear-shifts will be much smoother.After the change into 4th slip it back and clutch,next shift will be the 4th low up to 5th (or first hi depending on what you are taught)

Beware of clutch abuse,alot of those jap trucks have an "organic" clutch material,a novice can destroy one pretty quickly.Clutch kits dont last long in our old Isuzu water truck,it gets lots of abusers/learners we are pretty sure which are the clutch destroyers amongst us.You get a good idea when hitching a ride out to the grader in the water truck;);););)
Andrew

[D2lee]

how to drive a truck;

you are invincible so;
in all situations, make sure you are an inch off the bumper of the vehicle in front, they shouldn't be in your way and it could save you vital seconds. Note: if they do change lane, make sure you stay next to them so they can't change lane again. Your aim is not to get past them, but to scare them and then block them.
change lane whenever YOU want, especially if you don't need to, other traffic should try to get out of your way before being crushed and it could also save you vital seconds.
always aim to be in the wrong lane and never plan ahead. You could save vital seconds by being in the wrong lane and then cutting up the cars that you almost got past
drive way below the speed limit in the outside lane, it's safe!
coordinate with other truck drivers to block every lane of the highway at every set of lights, even if it means you are in the wrong lane, it's worth it just to block other drivers.
If your truck is running rough and is about to break down, DO NOT pull over safely to the emergency lane. Keep going as long as possible in the outside lanes of the freeway until it finally cuts out. That way you can maximise the chaos and carnage you cause.
Never do any safety checks on your truck and never check or change your tyres when bald, that costs money. Besides you'll know what issues there are when something falls off. If your trailer or wheels happen to crush a few cars when flying down the road, your company will only receive a small fine and it should be sorted over dinner with the relevant MP.
Noise pollution laws don't apply to trucks, so straight through stacks are mandatory. They also have the advantage that the noise scares the average driver to death when you're an inch off their bumper and it can shake house walls.
Exhaust emissions laws don't apply to trucks, so wind up that fuel pump and forget servicing. It's mandatory to belch out as much black smoke as possible and you might even get to choke a few car drivers.
and remember, all other drivers on the road will not mind the above, because they know that if the trucks stop, Australia stops. They will appreciate sacrificing themselves, so you don't have to think or care!


Disclaimer - this is intended to be a joke, I'm sure none of this ever happens. I certainly never see any evidence of it every minute of my daily commute.

[Eevo]

Its only because its new to you,it will become something you dont even think about.
funny thing is, i doubt i'll use it at all. the CFS fleet is all synchromesh.


out of 20 gear changes, im getting about 16 of them right with the problem 6th to 4th and rev matching that.


we did a mock assessment at the end of the session and i would of passed, but i know i got a bit lucky, so I need to work on consistency.

[Eevo]

how to drive a truck;
[/B]

just the laugh i needed :D

[Blknight.aus]

out of 20 gear changes, im getting about 16 of them right with the problem 6th to 4th and rev matching that.


theres your problem....

try going 6-5 :)

[Eevo]

notice to all road users.
please leave the road...

they gave me an unrestricted HR licence :)

[incisor]

Well done....

Glad you're down there!

[Blknight.aus]

Good drills....

Glad you're Way down there... I'll add Edinborough to the list of do not post to... Dont want you winding up featuring in the book.

:)

Hope the next bit goes as well for you.

[LandyAndy]

Well done Eevo.
They were saying on the wireless HR drivers were 4 times more likely to get killed at the wheel compared to HC and MC drivers.
We were teasing our driver that has a 6 wheeler and trailer saying his number is up soon.You wont get dirt delivered any faster:(:(:(:(:(.
Take care when you are driving,it takes quite some time to become 1 with the machine.
ENJOY
Andrew

[goingbush]

The day I went for my HR licence the driving schools truck was broken, I arrived at the school to the instructor telling me the bad news, I pointed at their semi and said what about that - so went for my test in it , passed and went straight from car to HC in one go :)