At present the vast majority of driver training which is conducted by the training companies is carried out on old vehicles, which only just meet the minimum test vehicle requirements. These vehicles are very often of such a dated design that they are no longer comparable with the vehicles that are currently being used in the industry. The reasoning behind the use of such vehicles is not only one of cost but also the production line theory of producing test passes with little consideration given to the future employability of the trainee.
A driver who has recently passed their test often finds it impossible to get a job in an established company because he may have passed the test but he lacks any experience of driving modern, full size, fully freighted vehicles. He has no knowledge of Tachographs or driver’s hours’ legislation. In effect he may have passed his test but he falls short of what is required in today’s modern transport industry.
The only option for newly qualified drivers in this position is to sign up to agency work. Agencies may fail to provide a regular income. If the agency fails to secure work, the driver may spend more time waiting for work than actually working. This uncertainty is particularly relevant to Forcers leavers who at this time require the stability offered by regular employment in a secure job.
Catgeory D (Bus)
The minimum age for this licence is 18 years old and you must hold a full Cat B (car) and Provisional Cat D licence. There are specific rules for under 21s to drive please refer to DVLA website.
In order to undertake the training you must first go through the following stages:
1. Obtain the required application pack D2 & D4 (available from CTTS free). We only post them on receipt of a SAE.
2. Get your doctor or CTTS doctor to carry out the required medical completing the D2 form.
3. You complete the D4 provisional Cat D application form.
4. You send both the D2 & D4 along with both parts of your existing licence to DVLA Swansea
There is NO FEE to pay and 10-15 working days later you should receive your new licence.
5. Study for the theory test, we can supply the training books and discs for a small fee (optional).
6. Pass the required theory test. The test is now a two part test and can be sat one after the other.
Part 1 – 100 multiple choice questions (you must get 85 correct from the possible 100)
Part 2 – Hazard perception 19 film clips from which you must correctly indicate developing hazards. In this part of the test you must achieve a score of 67 out of the available 100.
7. Having passed the theory/hazard perception tests you can now undertake the practical driver training. Train to the DSA test standard and take the test.
8. You must also complete the remaining elements of the Initial Drivers CPC before you can transport passengers for hire or reward. See the section titled DRIVERS CPC (INITIAL).
