Community Forums

michelb · 03-26-2011, 06:01 PM

Thanks for the info. What about the road test? Is it similar to a regular 'G' test (basically just get you to drive around to make sure you know the rules of the road and can control the vehicle)? Sounds like you do a walk-around before too. Anything else I should know? (I don't yet have the truck driver book)

terapin-bear · 03-26-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelb

Thanks for the info. What about the road test? Is it similar to a regular 'G' test (basically just get you to drive around to make sure you know the rules of the road and can control the vehicle)? Sounds like you do a walk-around before too. Anything else I should know? (I don't yet have the truck driver book)

You have to do a circle check, quick air check, and a three point brake check. I will post below what that has to contain from our notes. The circle check has to pretty much hit every point. I can't promise it is perfect.

terapin-bear · 03-26-2011, 06:08 PM

Pre-Trip D
Outer Perimeter:

Chock wheels
Have mallet
Bus ON
Low Beams On

FRONT

-5 CLEARANCE LIGHTS
-Check WINDSHIELD no cracks/MIRRORS present
-WIPERS present
-LOW BEAMS ON
-Ask examiner for assistance with TURN SIGNALS and HIGH BEAMS
-BUMPER secure
-LICENSE PLATE secure and STICKER valid
-no FLUIDS underneath

SIDE

-CLEARANCE LIGHTS
-MIRRORS secure, no cracks
-DRIVER WINDOW clean and free of cracks

-BRAKES, FRAMES, SUSPENSION (best friend’s sister)
-TIRE INFLATED
->3mm TREAD
-SIDE-WALL no cuts or damage
-RIM no cracks
-HUB OIL full, no leaks
-AIR VALVE, capped, no damage
-LUG NUTS secure
-MUD FLAPS

-SIDE WINDOWS, clean, no damage
-LUGGAGE DOORS, latched
-SIDE OF BUS, no damage

-BFS
-TIRES INFLATED
-No DEBRIS
->1.5mm TREAD on each
-SIDE-WALL no cuts or damage
-RIM no cracks
-HUB OIL full, no leaks
-AIR VALVE, capped, no damage
-LUG NUTS secure
-MUD FLAPS

BACK OF BUS

-CLEARANCE LIGHTS on
-ALL TAIL LIGHTS on
-LICENSE PLATE secure, light on
-REAR BUMPER secure
-no FLUIDS underneath, no major DAMAGE

-Assistance with BRAKE LIGHTS (3 slow pumps) and SIGNALS

PASSENGER SIDE

-BRS
-TIRES INFLATED
-No DEBRIS
->1.5mm TREAD on each
-SIDE-WALL no cuts or damage
-RIM no cracks
-HUB OIL full, no leaks
-AIR VALVE, capped, no damage
-LUG NUTS secure
-MUD FLAPS

-CLEARANCE LIGHTS
-SIDE WINDOWS, clean, no damage
-LUGGAGE DOORS, secure
-SIDE OF BUS, no damage

-BATTERY COMPARTMENT, secure
-FLARES and TRIANGLES
-FUEL TANK secure
-FUEL CAP in place

-BRAKES, FRAMES, SUSPENSION (best friend’s sister)
-TIRE INFLATED
->3mm TREAD
-SIDE-WALL no cuts or damage
-RIM no cracks
-HUB OIL full, no leaks
-AIR VALVE, capped, no damage
-LUG NUTS secure
-MUD FLAPS
-MIRRORS secure

-YELLOW STICKER (Annual inspection – valid for 6 months)
-STEPS and HAND RAILS
-OWNERSHIP, Registration, INSURANCE, CVOR up to date

-INVITE in to bus

AIR LEAK TEST

-ENGINE OFF (master switch)
-PARKING BRAKE OFF -Pushed
-Push and hold FOOT BRAKE (one minute)
-SAY “I hear and see no leaks, has dropped 0 PSI. If it had dropped more than 3 PSI the bus would be out of service”
-PARKING BRAKE ON

LOW-AIR WARNING
-BRAKE ON
-ENGINE ON
-Pump FOOT BRAKES until Low-Air Warning comes on (~65)
-SAY “If the light or buzzer didn’t come on above 55 PSI the bus would be out of service)

VEHICLE CONTROLS CHECK

-Check all mirrors, secure and clean
-WINDSHIELD, no cracks, clean
-HEATER controls
-DOOR SWITCH working
-ALL GAUGES
-WINDSHIELD WIPERS
-HORN
-STEERING WHEEL
-FIRST AID KIT
-EMERGENCY GLASS BREAKING DEVICE
-PRE-TRIP DOCS, up to date, filled out
-CHOCKS

3-POINT BRAKE INSPECTION
-Parking brake ON, put into DRIVE, TUG forward (parking brake working)
-Foot brake ON, Parking brake OFF (service brake working)
-ROLL forward 10 ft and Foot Brake ON (service brake working under load)

-SEAT BELT ON
-SAY “Vehicle and systems are working, This bus has passed inspection and is ready for the road”

terapin-bear · 03-26-2011, 06:10 PM

These are just our quick references. You have to go through the check for each one, talking through it, and be done in less than 15 minutes.

Hope this helps!

terapin-bear · 03-26-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelb

Thanks for the info. What about the road test? Is it similar to a regular 'G' test (basically just get you to drive around to make sure you know the rules of the road and can control the vehicle)? Sounds like you do a walk-around before too. Anything else I should know? (I don't yet have the truck driver book)

Sorry - yes, a road test for general handling, cornering and rules of the road, plus a back-up test. Not too hard.

michelb · 03-26-2011, 08:26 PM

That's perfect! Thank you so much.

I don't need it right now but I'm hoping to upgrade our mh in the near future so it would be nice to have the license for it beforehand. Now I just have to find a vehicle to do the test with (I've heard you can do it with the largest trucks from Budget), see when my truck-driver friend can drive it to the test place with me and book an appointment.

It's interesting that a lot of the test for D covers air brakes (although I guess that's really part of the pre-trip inspection more than a Z test).

michelb · 04-05-2011, 09:15 AM

Hey again, I have a pretty stupid question but I can't get an answer anywhere (I work in Gatineau, QC and can't call the 1-888-570-6110 number - just comes back saying can't dial that number from my area) and I can't find the phone number for any of my local Drive Test locations (they just say to call the 888 number above).

Anyway, can I do the written tests for D and Z before I do have my medical form signed?

Let me know, Thanks. Mike

michelb · 04-05-2011, 02:07 PM

In case anyone else is curious, I finally managed to reach someone by phone at the MOT to answer my question:

1. You do have to get the medical form completed and signed before you can do the 'D' written test
2. You can do both 'D' and 'Z' road tests at the same time. They are scored separately so a mistake for one won't affect the other (i.e. you can fail the 'Z' but still pass the 'D'). Also it's cheaper doing this since you only have to pay for one road test.
3. According to the person on the phone, you can get the medical form and do the written test at any DriveTest centre even if they only do 'G's at that location.

Hope this helps, Mike

terapin-bear · 04-06-2011, 06:57 AM

I was warned that if the medical is not completely clear they have to send it to a board to make a decision because the Drive Test person isn't qualified to make the decision. So I talked with my doctor and asked if she would write down only the things that she thought might affect my driving (i.e. nothing) and leave off any minor stuff (like occasional asthma or headaches). Also you can download the form from the internet but make sure it is printed as a double-sided page (not on two pages) and you can pick up the medical forms from MTO license offices, too.

Make sure the form is completely filled out. My doctor didn't tick one box saying she was a general practitioner (even though she stamped it with her official stamp with her College registration and number) and they rejected it. Fill out every box that isn't for the MTO.

HTH!

michelb · 04-06-2011, 07:50 AM

Hi terapin-bear. Didn't think of checking for the form online. The only one I found was 'Medical Report Form' [url]http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/023-SR-LC-097~1/$File/SR-LC-097.pdf[/pdf]

Is this the form I need (if so, it will save me a trip to the DriveTest Centre)?

michelb · 04-06-2011, 10:44 AM

Just thought I'd post another quick update.

I got a better response to my 'doing D and Z tests' at the same time. As long as you have a suitable vehicle it's fine HOWEVER they'll do the Z test first and if you fail that, the test is over. If you pass Z, then you can do the D test (and pass or fail that) (so my example was incorrect; you can't fail Z and get D but you can pass Z and fail D).

ymgill57 · 10-16-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelb

Hey again, I have a pretty stupid question but I can't get an answer anywhere (I work in Gatineau, QC and can't call the 1-888-570-6110 number - just comes back saying can't dial that number from my area) and I can't find the phone number for any of my local Drive Test locations (they just say to call the 888 number above).

Anyway, can I do the written tests for D and Z before I do have my medical form signed?

Let me know, Thanks. Mike

Trust me it's not a stupid question. My husband and I went to write our written test for DZ. You cannot write your test until the medical has been approved and accepted. After driving 120 miles just to get the doctor to fill in how long he'd known us, then I was able to write my written test, but my husband who had a history of cancer (cured by surgery) was unable to write his written test until their doctors have reviewed his medical..............crazy!
Good luck with your process to obtain a DZ licence.

slickest1 · 10-16-2011, 09:32 PM

Congratulations for getting your proper licences! Too many times I see people asking questions about air brakes and such things that tells me they know little about these things. I think it should be mandatory everywhere for people to be licensed to operate a heavy coach with air brakes. Lots of people get away with learning as they go but some don't. Lots will disagree with me. jm2c

HHIDan · 10-16-2011, 09:46 PM

A lot of people don't know but you are allowed to bring a check list when you pass D and Z and are doing the circle check and air brakes examination. You basically run down your own list and in this way you can't miss a step. Also, there is a very helpful video on YouTube about the air brakes practical exam.