Trailer truck drivers who want to work in Qatar will need to pass a trade test. Those who successfully pass the test will have the license to drive medium- to heavy-duty trucks.
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Applicants for the trade test will also need to apply to a driving school to get proper training. Employers normally shoulder the expenses for training and taking the test.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences that the OFW shared on the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
What You Need to Know About Passing the Trade Test with Flying Colors
Truck drivers working in Qatar need to get the corresponding driving license to be allowed to ply the road. To do this, they need to get proper training from accredited driving schools and pass the trade test.
If you are preparing for your trade test, you will learn a lot from this YouTube video from Roadstriker Vlog. The vlogger, Dodels D Pyodels, shares tried-and-tested learnings on how to successfully pass the said test.
According to the vlogger, the employer normally shoulders the expenses for the first attempt at the test. If you fail the test, your employer may or may not cover the costs of the second attempt.
The driving school test costs QR 3,500 when it’s the vlogger’s turn. Taking the test is important for you to pass the driving test. This is especially true if the driver did not pass the test the first time and may need to refresh their knowledge and skills.
The tips that the vlogger shares will also be helpful to those who have experience driving light vehicles but will now drive heavy vehicles.
What is DSMS?
When taking the test, remember the initials “DSMS.” The initials stand for door, seat adjustment, mirror, and seatbelt. These details matter a lot in order to pass the test. First, when you get inside the truck, hold on to the handrail first. Next, adjust the seat to a comfortable distance. Then the next, is to check both side mirrors. Finally, you should put on your seatbelt.
The vlogger mentions that when you put on your seatbelt, you should also check if your examiner is wearing one as well. There are times when the examiner does not put on the seatbelt as part of the test. This will be another point against you if you do not remind the other person.
Next, be sure to ask the examiner if you can begin driving. Before you begin driving, you can shift the gear and press the signal light on both sides. After that, you will turn off the hazard light. Make sure to check the mirror to see if there are incoming vehicles.
If you are driving in the Philippines, you are probably used to only glancing at your mirror while on the road. But if you are in Qatar, and especially if you are taking the trade test, you should really pay attention to your side mirror.
The test will require you to maneuver a roundabout. In some cases, you will have to drive there twice. But if the examiner is satisfied with the first attempt, you may not have to do it again. You will then be asked to stay on the side of the road.
Pay Attention to Road Signs
The vlogger also reminds you to look at the road sign. You will see a marker for 300 meters. 200 meters, and 100 meters. As you approach the 300-meter mark, check on all sides to see if you are clear to enter the roundabout. And when you are in the roundabout, make sure that the wheels do not touch the other lane.
When you are about to leave the roundabout and about to enter the next street, be sure to flash the indicator. The examiner could also tell you to drive the truck on the side of the road. Before doing so, check the road to see if it is clear to change lanes. Look to the right because there might be other incoming vehicles. Our vlogger emphasized that the truck should be aligned with the road before parking, because this is another tip to pass the trade test.
As you park on the side of the road, you turn on the hazard light and put the gear in neutral. Then use the hand break. The next step is to remove the seatbelt and adjust your seat as you prepare to get out of the truck. You should remember to hold on to the handrail instead of the steering wheel.
In the end, our vlogger said that you can pass the trade test as long as you are able to do all the required tasks.
You can watch the full video here:
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