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Wideu f'Dogo Nape
Page 66
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In my opinion the CM-sponsored Lorry Driver of the Year competition places too much emphasis on driving ability.
Let's explore this situation. I have divided the attributes of a typical driver into three sections and the outstanding driver should show more than average ability in each section. The sections are as follow: (a) Driving ability; (b) Technical ability; (c) Personality.• As far as I can make out the most important section of the Competition appears to be (a) and full particulars of these are published in CM.
With regard to Section (b) the main part of this test appears to be devoted to questions on the Highway Code, which, of course, every one should know forwards and backwards be he a private driver or a commercial driver. I would have thought that with the increasing complexity of the modern lorry there should be a much more searching test on the driver understanding of the technicalities of his vehicle, and, not the least, the best method of obtaining maximum performance from his vehicle.
I have not been able to obtain representative questions on this section, but those I have seen, seem to me to be capable of being learned by heart, but the candidate may still not understand the technical significance of the subject.
I also suggest that the driver should write a draft defect report to demonstrate that he can write legibly and concisely. The subject to write about could be given.
Finally, the personality of the driver must be taken into account. I find, on the average, that although he may be a good driver, he is not very interested in the technical part of his responsibilities, and the general appearance of some drivers leaves a lot to be desired, eg dirty clothes, unshaved, long hair, etc, and incapable of verbal expression. This kind of presentation cannot do his employer proud and therefore I suggest that marks should be given in the competition.
I am convinced that the ability to drive is only a part of the make-up of the driver, whom we wish to present to the public.
H. J. WEBB, C/evedon.