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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.Quote:
Originally Posted by LandyAndy
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......
Also learn drive it in Adelaide. thats where you will learn to really drive it compared to rural roads.
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...
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?
Last I knew, it was illegal to reverse around a corner on a public road.Quote:
Originally Posted by spudboy
Its part of the test,both for HR and HC.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by LandyAndy
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