So while some of my colleagues happily went on a test drive in my dream van, I could only look at their travel photos with envy. Fortunately, there is a solution to this misery. And her name is Peter.
Our driving school truck: a Renault D with a permissible total weight of 7.5 tons.
Six evenings of 90 minutes each
“Now please stop and reverse towards the loading ramp,” says Peter, watching me carefully. crap i think. Ironically, reversing is my weak point.
An eye test with visual field test is mandatory
Unfortunately, I have problems with spatial vision. I knew that, but the ophthalmologist confirmed this in writing during the long eye test, which includes a field of vision test and eye mobility, which you have to do in advance. I passed it anyway. So it can’t be that bad.
On to the exam – your nerves are on edge
theory
The yellow notes are passé. Buffed and tested is now via app. In addition to knowledge questions, there are also photos and videos with traffic situations. There are various training programs and guided learning paths.
The theory test consists of 30 questions. If desired, it can also be filed in another language.
If you have passed enough test exams, the picture above will be displayed and the student will be given an exam date.
cards
“1. Operating the switches on the EC control device.” This is a possible task that the learner driver must complete at the beginning of the test. The examinee should show that he has understood the specific truck technology and its basic maintenance and testing.
The yellow cards are part of the practical test. The student should show his basic knowledge of technology.
The learner driver draws one of ten cards, each with seven such tasks, and gradually completes them.
exit control
In addition to the seat and mirror settings, there is also the operation of the tachograph.
settings
Ride
Motorhome owners with experience who switch to a larger vehicle have it easier. The driving school’s truck is higher, longer and wider than Mobile at the 3.5 ton mark, but not so much that you have to completely readjust. It’s getting even trickier on construction sites. Only a few centimeters of space remain here on the left and right.
Everything about the “small” truck driver’s license
duration
It depends on many factors such as number of hours and frequency. Biggest problem in most driving schools: The lessons take place during the day during the week. Employed people who do not have the time should ask before registering at the driving school whether trips are possible on weekends or late in the evening.
Costs
The final price consists of, among other things, the registration fee, introduction to the exams and the driving lessons. Mandatory are special journeys, which consist of three intercity journeys, one motorway journey and one night journey each. In addition, there is the basic training according to the driver’s training regulations. This does not specify a mandatory number of hours, but concrete learning content that the driving instructor must impart in practice hours.
If you pass the test, the examiner will immediately hand you your new driver’s license. Then let’s get started!
A 45-minute driving lesson at the Musick driving school costs 70 or 80 euros, a normal rate. In the end, the total costs for us were just under 3000 euros per person.
driving license classes
Since January 1, 1999, newcomers to a car driver’s license have only been allowed to drive vehicles with a maximum total weight of 3.5 tons. If you want to move up to 7.5 tons, you need class C1. Attention: This only refers to the vehicle. The trailer load is limited to 750 kilos. The C1 driving license has been limited since 2017. After five years, a medical certificate and an eye test must be submitted again. So far, this only affected C1 drivers over 50. Now it applies to everyone, even retrospectively.
