11 Jan Truck Safety 101: How to Stay Safe on the Road
When it comes to sharing the road with large commercial trucks, it’s important to know the basics of truck safety to protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. In this blog post, we’ll cover some key tips to help you stay safe when driving near heavy vehicles, and discuss the different types of licences required to operate them.
Understanding the Different Types of Trucks and Licences
There are two main types of commercial truck licences: LR (Light Rigid) and HR (Heavy Rigid). The main difference between the two is the weight of the vehicle and the level of skill required to operate it.
An LR licence allows you to drive a truck with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of up to 8 tonnes, while an HR licence is required to drive a truck with a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. In order to obtain an HR licence in New South Wales, you must first hold an LR licence and pass a series of additional tests and assessments.
Getting an LR Licence in New South Wales
To obtain an LR licence in New South Wales, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a series of tests, including a knowledge test and a driving test. In addition, you must hold a valid driver’s licence in another class and have completed the necessary amount of supervised driving. If you’re looking to obtain an LR licence, it’s important to find a reputable LR licence training provider that can guide you through the process. In New South Wales, several training providers like Payless Trucks and HR Licence Sydney offer this training as well as licence condition B removal training.
Earning an HR Licence in Sydney
After holding an LR licence for at least 12 months and passing a series of additional tests and assessments, you can then apply for an HR licence. The assessment process includes a knowledge test, a pre-trip inspection test, and a driving test. It is important to note that the HR licence also has Condition B, which includes vehicle size and load restrictions which will be removed after completion of a specific training
As you may know, obtaining an HR licence can be a more involved process, but with the right training and preparation, you can feel confident in your ability to safely operate a heavy vehicle.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road
Even if you don’t plan on obtaining a commercial truck licence, it’s important to know how to safely share the road with heavy vehicles. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Give trucks plenty of space: Trucks require more room to stop and turn than smaller vehicles. When following a truck, make sure to leave enough space between your vehicle and the truck in front of you.
- Avoid blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle, so it’s important to be aware of these areas and avoid lingering in them.
- Use signals: When changing lanes, always use your turn signals to let the truck driver know your intentions.
- Be patient: Trucks are slower than cars and may take longer to accelerate or reach highway speeds. Be patient and don’t try to rush around a truck.
- Pay attention: Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions such as your phone or radio.
In conclusion, obtaining an LR or HR licence in New South Wales requires a specific process and knowledge, but with the right training and preparation, you can feel confident in your ability to safely operate a heavy vehicle. And for those who do not operate the trucks, it is important to understand the basic safety tips when sharing the road with heavy vehicles
