Fox Professional Driver and Heavy Equipment Operator Training School is committed to providing the most comprehensive, safety and career-oriented, professional tractor-trailer and heavy equipment training available.

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 About Fox Training
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SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

  • How does the course outline for Class 1 Driver Training work? 

    The Class 1 driver-training is laid out by ICBC.
    Note: Students should have a proper learner's license before arriving for lessons.

    Course Cost:

    The student must learn how to do a proper pre-trip inspection on the truck and trailer.

    The student will learn vehicle control in town and on the highway such as:

    • starting and stopping
    • steering
    • shifting
    • signaling
    • backing
    • right and left turns

    The student will learn the regulations of the road:

    • stop signs and railway signs
    • traffic lights
    • right of way
    • speed
    • road position
    • intersections
    • passing
    • following
    • merging/exiting the highway
    • uncoupling and coupling the trailer

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  • How does the course outline for Advanced Professional Class 1 Driver Training work? 

    The ADVANCED CLASS 1 DRIVING is designed to give students additional practical training covering a wider spectrum of topics to increase the students knowledge and ability to a level required in the industry.

    Course content customized to suit individual needs.

    Course Cost:

    Hauling trailer options:

    • Log hauling
    • Lowbed
    • High-boys

    Topics covered:

    • Pre-trip inspections
    • In-service checks
    • Brake check inspection
    • Basic shifting review
      • Advanced shifting
      • Skip shifting
      • Compound shifting with splitter
      • Proper RPM use
      • Proper engine brake use
    • Basic handling and maneuvering review
    • Advanced handling and maneuvering:
      • Braking
      • Accelerating
      • Steering
      • Adverse road conditions
    • Tire Chain:
      • When, where, and how to use
    • Safety equipment:
      • Truck and personal
    • Truck and trailer setup:
      • Loading
      • Load securement
      • Unloading
    • Weigh scales
    • Log Book
    • Truck maintenance:
      • Oil changes
      • Greasing
      • Tire inflation

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  • How does the course outline for excavator training work? 

    This is a hands-on course so there is no time spent in a classroom.

    Course Cost:

    In a nutshell the student is shown the controls of the machine, and how to move and swing the housing and operate the bucket. The student is then allowed to practice.

    He/she will then learn, but not always in this order.

    A) Forwarding of material:
    1. Excavating and back filling
    2. Trenching
    3. Ditching

    B) Sloping:
    1. General road building
    2. Dump truck loading
    3. Leveling

    C) Safe procedure for going up and down slopes and working on one.

    Student's work at their own pace so they practice a lesson till they master it.

    At the end of each day, students must check the fluid levels of their training excavator (fuel and oil), and grease the machine so it is ready for the next day.

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  • I want to take my Class 1, driver training, will my past driving record affect me? 

    Yes it will! If you live in BC, go to your nearest ICBC office and get the Class 1, learners book. If you live in other areas visit your private or public auto insurer. If you have fines you will need to pay them. The book will tell you what to do. Ask the staff if you have questions.

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  • Do you teach courses in the winter months? 

    We do teach courses during the winter.

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  • How many weeks must I spend training on a machine? 

    That's up to you. You can decide how many weeks you want to spend on the machines. Its not cheap, but you will know what you are doing when you finish training.

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  • I want to take the heavy equipment operator training program, how many hours will I spend in the classroom and how many hours will I spend operating a machine?

    All our equipment operator training is hands on. Unless you take the 2 day air brake classroom course, you will have the use of a machine from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

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  • Can I train on a grapple skidder?

    Currently we are unable to provide training on a grapple skidder since we do not have access to a logging operation where one is being used. This may change in the future.

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  • How does the air brake evaluation work? 

    Normally we start the 2 day air brake course when a new student arrives. Once training is completed we make a road test appointment for the new student. A student should have 30 to 40 hours driving experience before taking the road test.

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  • How much and how long is your air brake course?

    Our Air Brake Course takes 2 days from 8am - 4pm.

    Course Cost:


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  • Is there an age or physical limit on the students you accept?

    We accept most students 16 years and older in good working health. Good working health means that you may have a disability that doesn't detract from your ability to perform a heavy equipment operator duties. Talk to Louise for more information.

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  • Do you accept American students and do you accept those who are older than traditional students? Say 28?

    Yes we do accept American students! We accept students 16 years and older.

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  • What are your fees for driver training?

    For driver training we recommend a minimum 40 hrs before doing a road test.

    Course Cost:


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  • Can I get credit for previous experience and training?

    Yes you can. However, this would entail a thorough evaluation by our staff of your previous experience including supporting documentation.

    An evaluation can take from 1 to 7 days to complete, depending on the training or endorsement you are seeking.

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  • What does it cost?

    A student needs a minimum of 3 weeks training on each piece of equipment that he or she wishes to operate in order to become employable.

    Course Cost:


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  • When do you require the tuition fee?

    We require the tuition at the beginning of the course.

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  • Are your courses eligible for student loans?

    I'm afraid not, Fox Consulting Services is a certified training school only, we are not accredited to accept student loans.

    A large portion of our students receive government funding; many are sponsored by WCB or workers compensation board. Others are sponsored by their Native Band, and others are funded by a government training program. Individuals also take out personal loans to cover tuition costs.


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  • Where can I find more information about Merritt and the Nicola Valley? 

    Use our Merritt Links Search Engine. I've started it for you -- just click on the following link, Merritt BC.

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  • Can I find private residences, suites, and room and board in Merritt?

    Yes you can! Merritt is a forestry, cattle, commercial hub, and college town and depending on the time of year many options are available throughout the community. Both for singles and families. To find out more visit other related links at the top of this page or click on the following link, Merritt Chamber of Commerce.

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  • Are courses the same for each student?

    Due to the differences from one student to another, in learning and physical ability, we tailor our courses to suit each individual student as we evaluate their daily performance. Upon request, we can also change the course content and length to fit the requirements of individual students and their sponsors.

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  • When is a student employable?

    We find that to be employable, a student needs a minimum of 3 weeks training on each piece of equipment that he or she wishes to operate.

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  • When do courses start?

    The courses generally start on the first Monday of each month. We can arrange a start date to suit you. You can choose how long you want to spend on an individual piece of equipment.

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