Basic Field Manual, Motor Transport - FM 25-10 War Department Field Manual

Ii. Preliminary instruction in. Maintenance by driver V. Examination and operator's permit. ■ 7. Training (see TP 11-228). — a. The proper training of drivers is the responsibility of all unit commanders. To train drivers who are competent to operate the vehicles of their organizations either alone or in column, a systematic and progressive course of instruction must be given. Training schedules should include a maximum of practical instruction and a minimum of classroom work. b. (1) Methods of instruction should follow those prescribed in PM 21-5, which include the following steps or phases: (a) Preparation on the part of the instructor. (c) Demonstration or illustration. id) Application or practice to acquire skill in execution, (e) Examination or test, to determine progress or proficiency. (/) Discussion, to point out correct or incorrect methods of execution. (2) To attain the maximum progress, it is best to provide an instructor for each three students, all to function under a senior instructor. The students alternate in driving; those not driving observe the instruction of, or the execution by, the student who is driving. (See app. II.) ■ 8. Selection of Drivers. — a. The individuals selected for drivers should be of average size or larger, be moderate in habits, alert, dependable, intelligent, and have good judgment. In addition, they should possess the following qualifications: (1) An accident-free driving record in case of previous experience. (2) Normal vision without glasses (visual acuity correctable with glasses to not less than 20/30 acceptable), (3) Average depth perception, (4) Normal vision at night, (6) Normal reaction time. (7) Ability to differentiate between red, green, and amber lights. b. Through observation and test, the unit commander should determine the aptitude of prospective drivers before any instruction is given, eliminating at the start, most of the men who are inherently unsuitable. (See app. IX for examples of aptitude tests.) In doubtful cases, information obtained through observation and test should be supplemented by that obtained from station surgeon, former employers, or traffic officials. (See TM 31-300.) Section II PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTION ■ 9. Responsibility. — The instructor should explain the object of the training to be given and the responsibility of the driver in making his organization an efficient one. This responsibility includes — a. Operation and maintenance of motor vehicles in accordance with instructions. b. Care, condition, and use of vehicle tools and equipment, e. Loads and loading. d. Reports and trip tickets. ■ 10. Organization of Motor Park, — The driver should be acquainted with the organization of the motor park and With his duties in connection therewith. ■ 11. Fire Precautions and Fire Fighting. — Motor vehicles, shops, and parks are constantly exposed to fires. Drivers must, therefore, be instructed in the use of fire-fighting equipment and required to comply with pertinent fire -prevention regulations. (See app. V.) ■ 12. Accident Prevention. — The formulation and observance of definite rules will eliminate the majority of accidents incident to the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles. These rules should include the following: a. Place the transmission gear shift and power take-off levers in neutral, and set the hand brake before hand cranking an engine or starting it with the starting motor. b. Make sure the way is clear and no personnel is endangered before a vehicle is moved.

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