notadriver
Established Member
- Joined
- 1 Oct 2010
- Messages
- 3,655
Does anyone know if modern buses require a higher level of knowledge to drive due to their complexity compared with those from the 1990s ?
CPC isn't difficult - its mostly common sense. Most companies who provide in-house training will offer coaching and tuition on the CPC elements of the driving test.Driving is one thing but the CPC is something that to me is complicated with 4 parts need doing.
More info here: https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver
In my previous post I mentioned that there were a few exceptions - Northern Scottish was one company that continued with manual Leyland Leopards (second-hand examples from Central, Midland/Kelvin and Western) right up until the early 90s. A 1989 fleetbook lists 32 in the fleet, while in the following edition the number was down to 2. Most of these would probably have been running on rural routes, but some of those would have originated in Aberdeen where there would have been a considerable amount of city traffic to deal with. Central Scottish was also using manual Leopards in the late 1980s. I vividly recall an evening rush-hour journey from Glasgow to Coatbridge on one, and I don't think I've ever seen so much transmission-abuse; I was surprised the thing had any teeth left!I think @GusB has summed up my thoughts pretty well. Having driven both heritage and modern vehicles, the physical task of driving is much improved with proper power steering, auto gearboxes and more ergonomic cab designs (although some you still question!). Engineering departments may possibly have a different opinion though, with buses having more in the way of electrics to play up. Electrical gremlins seem to be one of the main causes of headaches for maintenance staff I know! So while in my opinion a modern vehicle is physically easier to drive than older buses, the level of modern day traffic (and standards of some driving, must get in front of the bus at all costs) compared to driving those older buses in their service days may make the mental aspect of driving somewhat more stressful. I've only driven heritage vehicles in modern traffic conditions though, so can't make a full comparison on that mental/stress aspect.
It's the theory I think I will struggle with, the actual driving I think I be okay on.CPC isn't difficult - its mostly common sense. Most companies who provide in-house training will offer coaching and tuition on the CPC elements of the driving test.
Modules 1A and B (the theory test) are tougher versions of the car theory (100 questions instead of 50)and hazard awareness (19 clips instead of 14 (from memory)).
Mod 2 which is the case studies is mostly "what if" scenarios whilst Mod 4 is the enhanced vehicle walkaround check. Any instructor worth their salt should instil the vehicle check into your basic driver training from day one. Its not something to be feared or be put off by. Like most driving tests, most people find the practical test the most challenging...
True to an extent. A good driver will know the size of their vehicle etc, but stuff like street furniture etc is a bit trickier when vehicles are of a longer wheelbase.Once you get used to the size of your vehicle it's a doddle, and traffic and other drivers won't bother you if you are any good at the job.
I agreeI personally find driving say a coach more comfortable, relaxing and easier than a car. You can command more of the road more with a massive tri axle coach and take control more of certain traffic situations more so than I ever could in a car.
It’s always daunting when you first pass and are in training. Once you get a few shifts under your belt however it becomes second nature.
I've been in the industry since 2007 so there were still a lot of buses from the 90s in service when I started, I would say a new bus is no harder to drive than an OlympianDoes anyone know if modern buses require a higher level of knowledge to drive due to their complexity compared with those from the 1990s ?