A Beginner's Guide to Driving a Commercial Vehicle

Trucks are vehicles that use highways to transport commodities and specialized payloads. They are often enormous in terms of size, configuration, and power. In this article, we will discuss how to drive a commercial truck.

Truck Driving is a terrific and satisfying job option that can lead to a long and successful career. The income is excellent, and the lifestyle is fantastic, especially in foreign countries.

Recently, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, India’s most popular truck and bus brand announced the launch of the BharatBenz Simulated Driver Trainer project, which aims to improve driving abilities and adapt drivers to digital technologies.

This high-end, technologically advanced simulator is unique in the Indian commercial vehicle industry. The Simulated Driver Trainer would first cater to heavy-duty truck drivers.

The setup includes a multi-screen display in front of the driver's line of sight. The training driver sits within a real BharatBenz heavy-duty truck (HDT) cabin that is electronically linked to real-world dynamics, giving the driver a realistic multi-sensory experience of any road or terrain on which the truck is operated. Terrain, weather conditions, and other obstacles can be changed remotely using a computer.

Commercial Truck Driving

The official job description for a commercial truck driver involves responsibilities for moving items from one point to another. However, professional truck driving entails far more. You may be driving a school bus, a garbage truck, or one of those large trucks you see on the highways. When most people think of commercial truck driving, they see driving enormous trucks that transport commodities across town or across the country.

These vehicles are huge and difficult to maneuver. There are numerous other responsibilities that will necessitate further driving training and a particular license to drive.

In this article, we will discuss how to drive a commercial truck.

A Beginner's Guide to Driving a Commercial Vehicle

Trucks are vehicles that use highways to transport commodities and specialized payloads. They are often enormous in terms of size, configuration, and power. When it comes to moving their goods from one location to another, people always opt for trucks.

For beginners, here is a step-by-step guide on driving a truck -

Step 1: Make sure the gear shifter is in neutral, then squeeze the clutch with your left foot until it reaches the truck's floor.Step 2 - To start the fire, turn on the key. Make certain that no emergency or parking brakes are used.Step 3: Using your right foot, apply the brake. Put it in first gear by moving the gear stick.Step 4 - Remove the right foot slowly. Your truck should be moving somewhat.Step 5 - With the left foot, slowly release the clutch pressure. The truck will begin to move forward.Step 6: Begin lightly pressing the accelerator while removing the clutch pressure.Step 7 - After completely releasing the clutch, solely use your right foot to press the accelerator. The truck will move forward in first gear. Once you've gained enough speed, shift the gear stick to the second gear.Step 8 - Remove your foot from the accelerator and squeeze the clutch with your left foot to transfer into second gear. Then, with the gear stick in the second position, select the gear. After that, let go of the clutch and apply the accelerator with your right foot. Repeat the method to keep increasing your speed.

As previously said, the basic mechanism for driving various types of trucks such as shift stick, moving, and pickup truck stays the same.

Also Read: How to become a Truck Driver?

Safety Measures for Beginners while Driving a Truck

Knowing how to operate a truck is pointless if you don't observe the safety precautions while doing so. Someone who is unaware of the safety precautions could cost a lot of money in the hospital. Here are some things to bear in mind when driving a truck:

• Always keep your eyes on the road - To avoid tragedies, a truck driver should always keep his or her eyes on the road.
• Maintain a safe distance - A truck driver should keep a safe distance between himself and other vehicles on the road. Because a truck is such a massive and hefty vehicle, driving near it is unsafe.
• Check your mirrors - Check your mirrors frequently while driving a truck to stay aware of your surroundings. This aids in the prevention of accidents.
• Check the weather forecast - Before hitting the road, truck drivers should consult the weather forecast. Extreme weather conditions can contribute to an accident.
• Avoid traffic - Because trucks are large and heavy vehicles, they require more space. As a result, truck drivers should always make an effort to avoid traffic.
• Don't drink and drive - Using alcohol or drugs while driving can be dangerous. In such instances, never take over the steering wheel.
• Know your blind spots: Large vehicles have a lot of them, so you have to be especially cautious.
• Sleep: Before driving, you should have a good night's sleep and be well-rested.
• Slow down in work zones: It takes a lot of space to stop a huge vehicle, so slow down in work zones.
• Avoid aggressive drivers: If you see someone demonstrating aggression while driving, give them plenty of room and avoid them if possible.
• Overtaking: Overtaking is another important feature of highway driving. According to a recent analysis, the majority of accidents on high-speed highways are caused by a lapse in judgment when overtaking. While overtaking, the primary points of concern are correct judgment and time.

After learning how to drive a truck, keep these safety precautions in mind for a smooth, pleasant, and trouble-free trip.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Commercial Vehicle for Your Business Needs

Checklist of Things to Look for in a Truck's Driver's Cabin

1. Adjust the seat height to improve vision on the road.
2. Check the steering wheel to see if it is properly adjusted for the driving circumstances.
3. Drive the vehicle to ensure that the suspension is in good working order. Alter the suspension if necessary.
4. Check that all of the electronic components in the driver's cabin are operational.

Basic Documents to be carried

1. Pollution certificate
2. Registration certificate
3. Road tax Certificate
4. Fitness Certificate
5. Permit to Drive
6. Driver's license
7. Insurance

Contact us if you want to learn more about commercial vehicles or want to buy a new cargo/passenger vehicle. Cmv360 assists you in purchasing popular commercial vehicles like trucks, tractors, buses and many more.