Driving a trailer truck can be a great way to make a living. The pay is decent, and the job offers freedom and flexibility. Before you are allowed to drive, you must first get a General B2 SIM. Once you pass the required exams, you can work for a company or as a freelance driver.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Basics Before Getting a SIM
Step 1. Understand how to start the truck
To start the truck, reset the gauge and preheat the heating spark plug by turning the key to the first "click" position. You'll learn more about how to start a truck from an instructor on a truck driving course.
Step 2. Recognize the gear shift pattern on this truck trailer
Driving a trailer truck requires changing gears more often than an automatic car. Each truck is different, so plan to learn how to shift gears with the type of truck you want to drive.
Step 3. Learn how to turn and park
Driving such a large vehicle requires a higher level of care when turning right and left, backwards, and parking. In addition, it is important that you take a training course to learn how to move and park the special trailer you want to drive.
Part 2 of 3: Take a Truck Driving Course
Step 1. Find a truck driving course in your area
Find out online for a list of reputable truck driving lessons near your home. Look for programs that have been approved by the " Professional Truck Driver Institute " (PTDI). Taking truck driving lessons is a great way to learn how to drive a trailer truck properly.
- You can also take truck driving classes through your local community or engineering college.
- Some courses offer several driving courses but only one is PTDI approved, so gather information before deciding where to apply.
Step 2. Enroll in the training program
Truck driving courses offer programs designed to prepare you for an A or B driver's license. If you want to become a professional truck driver, plan to complete 350 hours of training within a few months.
- You can take shorter training courses, but these are usually meant for experienced people who need a refresher course.
- The training program that has been approved by PTDI costs an average of around IDR 55,000,000, in addition to the cost of books, training and other costs.
Step 3. Gain skills and knowledge during the training program
During the training program you will learn how to inspect a trailer truck to make sure it is safe to drive as well as learn how to operate it and deal with real situations in the field. The skills you will learn include how to:
- Perform controlled turns without endangering cars and other vehicles.
- Shifting gears.
- Stay in your lane or change lanes.
- Set the speed on the highway.
- Dealing with traffic jams.
- Overcome obstacles on the way.
- Strolling the narrow streets of the city.
- Backtrack and reverse the direction of the trailer truck.
- Park the truck.
Step 4. Practice how to work as a truck driver
Apart from learning how to operate a vehicle, you will also learn how to be a responsible driver. The following are examples of the specific knowledge you will gain to prepare for a driver's license:
- How to keep a notebook to record your hours on the road.
- Knowledge of the driving license exam requirements that you must take.
- How to transport dangerous goods safely.
- How to operate the air brake.
- Another behind the wheel instruction.
Part 3 of 3: Getting a SIM
Step 1. Meet the physical qualifications
There are federal physical qualifications that you must meet before you get a driver's license. In the United States, you must be at least 21 years of age to be allowed to drive a truck trailer for cross-state trade, but you may receive a driver's license limited to age 18 that limits your use of the vehicle to only one state. In addition, you are required to take a federal medical exam and obtain a federal medical card before applying for a driver's license.
Step 2. Must pass the knowledge test
To get a driver's license, you must pass a series of written knowledge tests. The exams you take are determined by what type of vehicle you want to drive, and what you'll be carrying in the truck.
- The "General Knowledge Test" is taken by all applicants, regardless of what type of vehicle they will be driving.
- You must take the "Air Brake Test" if you intend to drive a truck with an air brake.
- The "Travel Test" is a must if you want to drive a trailer.
- "Hazardous Materials Test" is required when you are transporting hazardous materials.
- "Tank Test" is required for the transport of fluids in tanker trucks.
- The "Dual/Triple Truck Test" is required if you want to tow two or three trailer trucks at once.
Step 3. Get instruction permission
Once you pass the knowledge test, you'll get a pass - the same as the one you got before you got your license to drive a car, which you can use to practice for the other exams you need to get a driver's license for up to 6 months. As with a regular driver's license, you will need to have an instructor who holds a driver's license during training. To obtain permission, you must:
- Minimum age 18 years.
- Have a valid driving license (SIM).
- Pass the knowledge test.
- Have a federal medical card.
Step 4. Pass the proficiency test
After getting a passing score on the knowledge test, you can move on to the aptitude test, which will take advantage of the many hours of practice you had during your training. In certain cases you can rent a trailer truck from the training program and take it to Samsat for a proficiency test. The abilities that will be tested, in addition to those related to the special type of vehicle that you will drive are as follows:
- Roadworthiness Check - This mandatory test determines whether you understand how to check to make sure the vehicle you are driving is safe to drive. You will demonstrate your understanding in front of the examiner.
- Basic Vehicle Control - For this test you will get into the vehicle and run it in front of the examiner. You'll be asked to advance, reverse, and turn without veering too far from your lane or crashing into cone-shaped road markings or obstructions.
- Driving on the Road - For this exam you will be asked to drive a vehicle on a highway through various traffic conditions. You'll make turns, move through crossroads, switch gears for ups and downs, and down laneways and urban highways.
Step 5. Use SIM to get a job
Once you have a driver's license, you can start applying for jobs with trucking companies or running a business as an independent agent. If you want to start driving a different type of truck, you may have to take additional exams.
Suggestions
- Use all the space given to you.
- Observe the back of the trailer truck through the rear view mirror to make sure you don't cut the curb.
- Keep an eye on the surroundings, front, side and rear.
- Use common sense, drive trailer truck more carefully than driving car.
- Treat truck trailers the same as firearms.
Warning
- Be careful when moving cargo on the road.
- Never exceed the specified speed when circling a corner.
