Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator (1st Edition)
Chapter 1-The Driver / Operator
Test Review

• Driver operators must possess a number of cognitive and physical skills.
• Ability to read is required for reading maps, reviewing manufacturer's operating instructions, studying prefire plans, reviewing printed dispatch orders, and reading/working on MDTs.
• Writing skills are important for completing maintenance reports, equipment repair requests, and fire reports.
• Mathematic skills are important for hydraulics calculations and numerous other situations.
• Some math skills required of drivers include adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions and whole numbers, and determining square roots.
• Physical requirements of drivers include connecting to hydrants, laying out and adjusting supply lines by hand, and deploying portable water tanks.
• A driver's mechanical ability aids in understanding operation and maintenance of the apparatus, but are NOT required by standards.
• Drivers should have basic supervisory skills in the absence of the company officer.
• On most career departments, drivers are most often promoted from the rank of firefighter.
• Driver promotion is frequently based on required time of service, written/performance tests, or a combination of both.
• Chief officers of volunteer departments commonly promote drivers based on on ability.
• Some volunteer departments allow lateral entry into drivers positions based on previous truck driving experience.
• Effective driver training programs consist of classroom (theoretical) instruction, practical training (hands on), and testing.
• Drivers are regulated by state laws, city ordinances, and SOPs.
• Most driving regulations pertain to dry, clear roads.
• Drivers are subject to criminal and civil prosecution for being involved in collisions while breaking driving laws.
• The federal DOT establishes basic requirements for for licensing drivers in the US.
• Some departments require a CDL to drive apparatus.