The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has unveiled plans to allow trainee LGV drivers to take their practical test in a truck with automatic transmission (Commercial Motor).
Currently, all vehicles presented for test must have at least eight forward gears, which is achieved using a variety of manual transmissions.
New legislation, set to be implemented later this year, will do away with the minimum number of gears required and allow the use of two-pedal transmissions. The only stipulation is that the truck must have a manual selector facility (such as a paddle) to allow the driver to change gear manually, if required.
Whereas car drivers who learn to drive in an automatic are not allowed to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, LGV drivers who pass on a two-pedal transmission will be permitted to drive a truck with a manual gearbox, according to Commercial Motor.
However, Sean Pargeter of Surrey-based EP Training believes that new drivers who pass using an automatic vehicle are likely to be disadvantaged when they try to get a job.
Mr Pargeter said: “There are still a lot of manual trucks out there in the real world and an employer is more likely to offer the job to a candidate who has had experience with a manual gearbox.”
In another significant change also expected later this year, trucks presented for test will need to be laden.
Click here to read the full Commercial Motor report.
Poor choice of image with this story! I agree that if I was an employer I would want a driver experienced with manual multiple geared trucks. If you need to hire in a tractor unit for any reason you are limited.
Olly, Lancs.
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