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Better late than never
Page 10
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Having pushed for laden testing on HGVs for more years than we care to remember, its gratifying to see the Driving Standards Agency EDSAI finally bowing to the inevitable (if not the pressure from CM) and admit it makes sense to test provisional HGV drivers on loaded trucks. Especially as it says: "Heavier vehicles and trailers have different driving characteristics to those of unladen vehicles.No kidding, Sherlock! So, does that mean a would-be artic driver will learn to pass, and take their test, on a fully freighted 44-tonner? All the DSA says is that: The new proposals [in its latest consultation document] will require that the weight of lorries and trailers used in tests should be similar to the vehicles which candidates will use on the road after they've passed their tests." That, sounds like a yes to us.
It also raises a number of questions, like who provides the loads? Then there's the matter of training firms having the right trucks for the job. Already some are saying it will add to the cost of an HGV driving course. So be it. Better for a starry-eyed wannabe to pay more for the right training upfront than be told by a prospective employer: 'You're no good to me, we don't drive empty trucks!" CM's answer is to have a standard DSA triaxte trailer at every HGV driving test centre, each loaded with concrete blocks close to maximum gross weights, but with enough leeway to couple up to any 6x2 tractor and not be overweight. The fee would include the cost of hiring the 'official' trailer, and you'd have to show how you would correctly couple up to it. But whether or not you agree with our idea, make sure you respond to the DSAS consultation Iwww.dsa.gov.uk/ consultation if you want newly qualified drivers who can handle a full-freighted artic right from the start.
Brian Weatherley