PROFESSIONAL DRIVING

Essential Skills

A HGV driver should develop the skills to make clear, positive decisions about situations encountered on the road. This requires the right attitude and you should always set a good example to other road users.

Control
You should develop the physical skills that enable you to be in control of your vehicle at all times. You should know how your vehicle and its load will handle in any situation you encounter by understanding its capabilities and limitations

Awareness
You need to know what’s happening around you so that you are always conscious of any potential hazards that might develop. This will give you the time to deal with them as they occur.

Planning
Proper planning means that you will be able to act early when approaching junctions or hazards. This will prevent unnecessary braking and gear-changing, helping you to make progress in traffic. Large vehicles with a full or partial load take longer to gain speed than smaller vehicles. Try to avoid late signaling, harsh braking and speeding. Other motorists will appreciate signaling in good time, constant braking and sloe acceleration away from hazards.

Anticipation
It is essential that you are in control of your vehicle at all times. You should drive skillfully and plan ahead so that your vehicle is traveling at the appropriate speed and in the correct position for the next manoeuvre you need to take. You should never have to rush or take action hastily. By adopting the correct techniques you will create the time and room to complete your intentions safely.

Other road users
Others on the road might make mistakes. You have to accept that other road users are not always aware of the extra room or time you need, due to the size of your vehicle.

Learner drivers
Learner drivers could be intimidated by a close following HGV, so try to be patient and give them plenty of room. They may drive a little slower and be a little hesitant in making decisions

Cyclists
You need to allow cyclists as much room as you would a car. They make swerve to avoid an obstacle and clip your vehicle without you even being aware of it. If they are approaching a junction you must be aware that they might turn right from the left-hand lane, crossing the path of traffic. Remember, cyclists rely on other road users to be aware of their presence so staying alert and anticipate their movements. The size and shape of your vehicle makes it essential that you are aware of the presence of cyclists all around you. Use your nearside mirror as you pass a cyclist to ensure that you have done so safely.

Be aware that a cyclist may have moved up along either side when you are waiting at a junction. If they are positioned in front of your nearside mirror, between the kerb and your front nearside wheel, they will be difficult to see. You should be aware of this situation as it develops and allow them to move away before you move off.


Effective Observations

Due to the height of most cabs in HGV’s you should have a better view from your driving position than other road users. However, because of its size and design a HGV will have more blind spots than many smaller vehicles.

Use your mirrors so that you have a constant view of what is around you. Frequently check down the side of your vehicle to observe other road users who may be attempting to overtake you. You should check the following areas:

Offside:

  • Check for overtaking traffic coming up behind or alongside your vehicle
  • Check before turning right or moving to the right, changing lanes or overtaking

Nearside:

  • Check for pedestrians cyclists or motorcyclist
  • Check when you have passed another vehicle before moving back to the left
  • Check the position of the rear wheels of your vehicle or trailer in relation to the kerb
  • Check before changing lanes, after overtaking or turn left

You must pay particular attention for pedestrians or cyclists who may be directly in front of the vehicle but who may be out of your normal field of vision. Pay particular attention:

  • at pedestrian crossings
  • in slow-moving traffic
  • in cities or built up areas


Safe Distances

Never drive at such a speed that you can not pull up safely in the distance that you can see to be clear. Take particular care when considering:

  • the weather
  • the road surface
  • any load

Keep a safe separation distance between you and the vehicle in front. (we may want to include the 2 second rule here – let me know)


Traffic Lights

Signal on green

  • look well ahead and gauge how much traffic is waiting at each side of the junction that you are approaching
  • do not increase you speed so as to make the green light

Signal on amber
The amber light means Stop. You may only continue if you:

  • have already crossed the stop line
  • are so close to the stop line that to pull up might be unsafe or cause and accident

Signal on red
The red traffic light means that you must stop. You may be able to time your approach so that you are able to keep the vehicle moving as the lights change. This is important when driving a laden vehicle uphill to traffic lights.

Signal not working
If you come upon traffic lights that are not working treat the location as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care.

Don’t

  • accelerate to try to ‘beat’ the lights
  • leave it until the last moment to apply the brakes – harsh braking could result in loss of control


Signaling

The reason for making a signal is to inform and warn other road users of your intended course of action. You should signal to:

  • warn others of your intention, especially if this involves a manoeuvre which may not be apparent to other road users
  • help other road users


Road users include:

  • drivers of oncoming vehicles
  • drivers of following vehicles
    - motorcyclists
    - cyclists
    - pedestrians
    - horse riders