Learning the ropes

Casey McFann spent a day at the Emirates Driving Institute getting first hand
training to drive a heavy duty truck. He came away impressed at the high
standards being adhered to by driving institutes under directives of the RTA in
order to reduce the number of incidents on the road

With the abundance of heavy trucks on the GCC roads today, one rarely takes the time to consider the qualifications of these load hauling drivers. Before truckers receive the necessary category four license, they must partake in a rigorous seven week course in which they receive classroom instruction, testing, vehicle simulation and controlled and open-road driving lessons.

To date, the Emirates Driving Institute remains the largest and most successful driving institute in the Middle East. Based in Dubai, the 50,000 sq metre headquarters is bustling with aspiring couriers of cargo, both young and old. With an unquenching demand for certified heavy haulers in the region, the institute remains packed with applicants who are fully aware of recent trucker pay increases and job availability. Offering courses in heavy motor vehicles, heavy bus, light motor vehicle, motorcycles and forklifts, it seems as though anyone interested in attaining these abundant employment opportunities must come through EDI.

Additionally, the ISO certified institution retains close ties with The Motor Industry in the United Kingdom, The Institute of Advanced Motorists of the UK and the German Cultural Institute for Driver Education, and takes great pride in its reputation abroad.

I was fortunate enough to take a day course offered by EDI in heavy vehicle trucks and learned just what makes this course so renowned. My instructor, Khalid, was a well-built man in his late 30s and was as professional as he was instructive. By the
end of the day, I was required to have memorised the 19 elements for passing a driving test. This was no easy feat, however the elements’ usefulness remains unquestioned.

After our session in the classroom we were on to the driving simulators. I was amazed at the level of technology used as all monitors used were state of the art with up to the minute graphics translating to successful recreations of real life road conditions. The simulators were a favourite of the other students as well.

Finally, the time came where I could drive the big rig, with my instructor of course. Taking a drive around the enclosed track, the sheer mass of the vehicle quickly reminds me of the caution I must use. That, and Khalid sitting next to me with a keen eye on my driving (as well as any innocent bystanders).

After our session, I had a chance to ask Khalid a few questions about the trucking industry here. He was quick to attribute EDI’s rise in applicants to the UAE’s booming market and companies looking for qualified personnel. The labour shortage extends to certified heavy truckers as well and subsequently EDI’s applicants have indeed been steadily growing. Some companies have established contracts where their drivers’ education is paid for. However, more often than not, EDI’s fees are paid by the students themselves. This creates a level of stress on drivers, says Khalid, as they feel they must pass the first time because they cannot afford a second opportunity.

After a long valuable day at EDI, I can say I feel like a more astute driver. Though the chances of me getting on the open road behind the wheel of a 20-tonne hauler remain slim, I do have a new appreciation for those who do. And I still haven’t forgotten about those 19 elements.

Requirements: The minimum age for participation in the heavy vehicle course is currently 20 years old. Those interested in signing up must bring in their original passport with a valid Dubai visa, seven passport size photos, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their sponsor.

Those 19 elements: What you need to know to pass a heavy truck driving test:

1.  Vehicle starting
2.  Use of gear
3.  Proper stopping and parking
4.  Obedience to traffic lights, traffic
     signs and pedestrian crossing
5.  Applicant causing a serious
     danger (hazard)
6.  Precautions before starting the
     vehicle (seat belts)
7.  Use of clutch, accelerator, brakes, mirrors and hand brake
8.  Use of indicator, hand signals
    and horn
9.  Left turn, right turn and U-turn
10. Emergency stopping
11. Lane discipline and lane changing
12. Approaching junctions,
     roundabouts and traffic lights
13. Yielding to pedestrian crossing
14. Maintaining speed limit
15. Over taking
16. Maintaining safe distance
17. Ensuring that the road/
     roundabout is clear before entering
18. Control of the vehicle and
     attentiveness
19. Stalling