Off road training: Off road truck driver professionals

The most challenging of deployments: The off-road training course teaches drivers everything they need to know about driving off-road. Thorsten Helbig from MAN ProfiDrive® explains the highlights and requirements of the training course.

THORSTEN, WHAT CHALLENGES DO TRUCK DRIVERS HAVE TO OVERCOME WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING OFF-ROAD?

When driving off-road, you have to learn to read the terrain. Mud, snow, icy rain, stone slabs, frozen gravel, frozen sand – these different surfaces require different driving approaches: Handling speed ranges, brake settings or locks requires experience and dexterity to ensure safety of the driver and vehicle.

WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED?

The most important thing is to handle the vehicle correctly. As a driver, I need to know what my truck can do technically – that’s the key! Thorsten Helbig is a trainer at MAN ProfiDrive® and also is a trainer on the off-road training courses.

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE THIS EXPERTISE AT MAN PROFIDRIVE®?

The theory section of the course is all about explaining the requirements of an off-road vehicle. We look at different gearshift systems and what is installed in the truck. We look at how lock management works, and how wheel traction can be optimised with it. We also address the engageable and permanent drives.

WHAT TECHNICAL FEATURES DO THE PARTICIPANTS THEN USE IN THE PRACTICAL SECTION?

For example, we move off on uphill and downhill gradients using different drive concepts and locks. Either the tyres of one axle are connected transversely or the drive axles are connected longitudinally to ensure safety on off-road terrain. We use ABS and off-road ABS on some surfaces in order to keep control of the steering and of the vehicle. We also test how the various continuous brake systems that are installed – retarder, intarder or PriTarder – have a positive impact.

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLES DO YOU USE FOR OFF-ROAD TRAINING?

We have five vehicles that meet all aspects that we use as standard: a 4x2H with engageable MAN HydroDrive, an 8x4H, an 8×8 with permanent all-wheel drive and a 4×4. To show the participants all the essentials, we also use a truck with a five-person crewcab. A real off-road specialist then controls the truck and we drive down the hill together. It is an extraordinary driving experience!

WHO IS THE OFF-ROAD TRAINING AIMED AT?

MAN ProfiDrive® training courses are primarily aimed at drivers, fleet managers and transport companies. However, anyone with a love of and passion for trucks is welcome. I would recommend that the participants have some experience before undertaking the off-road training course. It would not be very worthwhile for a driver who has just got their driving licence.

WHAT DRIVING MANOEUVRES CAN THE PARTICIPANTS LOOK FORWARD TO IN PARTICULAR?

Driving on inclines at the limit of the possible tipping point is definitely up there. We drive backwards up a mountain and backwards back down again. We drive in circles, sometimes with a turning brake. It is definitely a challenging course but also fun! Playing our role in climate protection, helping to shape the future of mobility and designing the electric trucks of tomorrow: It’s an incredibly exciting and motivating job.

DRIVING TRAINING: BY PROFESSIONALS FOR PROFESSIONALS

The MAN ProfiDrive® off-road training courses take place all year round at a gravel track in Nuremberg-Simmelsdorf. Training courses on the topics of safety, commercial vehicle technology, economical driving and driving instructor training are also available.

The German Professional Drivers’ Qualification Act (BKrFQG) stipulates that truck drivers must provide proof of continuous professional development every five years. MAN ProfiDrive® training courses can be used as way of providing this proof. You can register on the MAN ProfiDrive® website.