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Fanor
16th Apr 2014, 12:54
Hi

I've been offered a job with BA as a ramp agent and as part of the process I need to do a driving test. Could someone please tell me what I can expect from it.

Thanks

TugN4
16th Apr 2014, 13:27
Hi Fanor

I also got my driving test for BA too. Do you mind me asking have you had your contract yet?

I'm looking forward to it, but concerned that it might not be permanent after the fixed term.

cjhants
16th Apr 2014, 14:16
Probably an airside driving permit training course, unless you will be driving specialist equipment, in which case you will get training and signed off to operate specific items of kit.

The ADP course is about half a day, depends on which airport you are working at. It familiarises you with the airport and stand layout, road signs, rights of way etc, and you normally have to complete an easy 50 question, multiple choice exam. You will normally have to renew this permit every 3 years.

Fanor
16th Apr 2014, 14:48
Thanks for the great information. I will be working at Heathrow. Im guessing its going to be useful to brush up on some regular driving theory as well as airside signs etc.

cjhants
16th Apr 2014, 16:01
The instructor will go through it all with you on the day. Much of the exam is about taxiway crossings and markings, stand layout and markings, aircraft engine ingestion and blast.

I used to be an examiner, and never had anybody fail. The biggest problem is the wording on some of the questions, but I`m sure your instructor will point out the things that are likely to come up in the paper.:)

TOWTEAMBASE
16th Apr 2014, 18:42
Probably find the test is a HAL one as opposed to a BA specific. I should imagine navigating LHR as a newby is a minefield now a days. Would take some getting used to before you go solo I'd say

Fanor
16th Apr 2014, 19:30
What is a HAL test? Could you give me some more information on it please.

Sygyzy
17th Apr 2014, 07:31
HAL = Heathrow Airport Limited (company).

Hence the note that it's probably a generic (ie airport wide) test rather that a BA (British Airways) specific test. Once you have the qualification you'll be employable airside by anyone at LHR.

S:ok:

Fanor
17th Apr 2014, 09:47
Thanks all for the useful information. Its only a 2hr30 min slot there in which I do a medical and a driving test so Im guessing its nothing overly complicated.

TOWTEAMBASE
17th Apr 2014, 21:10
2 hrs 30 including medical to learn the topography of LHR......that's shocking.

Never mind, Eh !
26th Apr 2014, 11:20
Unless things have changed - when I joined BA as a Ramp Agent a few years ago, the Driving Test (done on same day as your medical) was a test on public roads to check your basic competency to drive safely. Airside Driver Training and Licence was undertaken once you joined BA - as part of your Ramp Training.
Good luck !

Musket90
26th Apr 2014, 20:06
Airside Driver Permit requirements are detailed in CAA document CAP790 available on CAA web site. All licensed airports are to comply with this.

rikkied676
6th May 2015, 16:04
I have been offered the job and given a start date but have undergo a medical and driving examination. Could anyone tell me what exactly I would be driving in the examination and what they look for? Also my medical and driving exams are different days. The role is for ground operations agent for british airways.

ajpr
3rd Jun 2015, 18:21
Hi,
Can you please kindly let me know what vehicle was used for ba driving assessment and what was the test like itself.

Many thanks
Ajpr

Geezers of Nazareth
6th Jun 2015, 12:43
ajpr,

given that you already need a driving license, and can drive a car ... they assume that you'd be okay driving cars and small vans air-side. If you're going for a job as a baggage handler then they will get you to drive a small electric baggage tug (about the size of a Smart car) ... flat out, with a tail-wind, you might be able to reach 20mph!
You may also get to drive a conveyor belt, which is about 20 feet long with overhangs both front and rear, so you have to be wary when turning corners (as I found to my cost and embarassment!).

They're looking to see if you can drive safely and within BAA guidlines in a variation of vehicles, so knowing the speed limits, complying with them, and know where and when you can cross taxi-ways is all important.