MT Matrix Test

[billy bollox]

Right then, this is gen.......

Can anyone shed a light on why when going on det to the US of A, it is now an Air Cmnd directive to carry out a UK driving Matrix test over at MT? Yes you heard right....UK test?????!!!!!!

Surely they drive on the wrong side of the road, with different road rules and sign posts, and with the steering wheel over on the passenger side!!

So can anyone tell me why this is? And if I do fail, shall I take my civvy licence in to the nearest Cop shop as its no longer valid!!??

Barkin'!!!!!!

DT_Xtremez_42:DT_Xtremez_35:

 

[The Masked Geek]

I wouldn't worry too much. Our secret Lincs unit has decided that we have to do highway code tests every 5 years.

Barking if you ask me.

 

[JTforever]

Job creation/justification scheme dreamt up by the wasters in MT.

 

[orgASMic]

The easy answer is because it says so in the JSP!

JSP 800, Vol 5, Part 3, Chaps 8 & 9

It should be a country-specific Highway Code test, they are listed in the above reference.

 

[billy bollox]

The easy answer is because it says so in the JSP!

JSP 800, Vol 5, Part 3, Chaps 8 & 9

It should be a country-specific Highway Code test, they are listed in the above reference.

We know its in the JSP as the Op Order states it. But why a UK one???

DT_Xtremez_35:

 

[jack brew]

Job creation/justification scheme dreamt up by the wasters in MT.

What an unusual concept!

 

[orgASMic]

If I read the rules correctly, you need an FMT600 to drive anything overseas on duty.

But

You need a current UK highway code test just to get an FMT600 unless you can prove you have taken a DSA driver theory test within the last 12 months.

Then you need:

• A theatre- specific highway code test, or
• A briefing if no test exists for the theatre.

So you will actually have to take 2 different highway code tests to drive overseas if you have not taken a DSA test within the last 12 months!

The hits just keep on coming.

 

[Mug?]

nothing new

nothing new

Same reason you have to take one for FI and Cyprus. Neither have level crossings as far as I am aware, not many traffic lights/ roundabouts or dual carrageways down south.

Similar reason to why you need business insurance for travel claims now even though you don't get the business rate!

someone in another world has written it in a book!

I would think doing the continental one would be a better plan for the US? maybe the MT bod has lost/ ebay'd that disk?

 

[Treehugger]

Well, you know the answer if it bothers you that much: Just don't be a driver. The way I see it, we drive MT vehicles as a favour almost, it's not a 'privilege'. If you are annoyed enough by the MT bullsh1t, just don't be a driver at work. Simples.

 

[Rambling Sid]

Welcome to driving in the states...... the home of right turns on red, four way stop signs, and atrocious driving discipline at traffic circles....... oh yea and some states don't require the drivers have insurance..... Having driven in many countries I adhere to the one golden rule, don't hit anything.....

 

[Big Jock]

As the person who carries out these tests at my unit I can tell you it is embarrasing as the test contains several questions where the answer given as correct is most definately wrong. I believe we should be doing some form of testing on all users of MT, but the present system of Matrix tests is crap.
Incidently there is no test for USA, when I queried this I was told that I should use the Canadian test and explain any differences to the candidate. I may or may not be considered an " expert" or "professional" (those who know me will make your own decision,lol), but with the exception of a detachment to Goose Bay in 1985, I have never driven in Canada so how the hell am I supposed to explain any differences when I do not know them myself.
Once again the MT world shoots itself in the foot thanks to people at the top creating tests and putting systems in place when they have little or no knowledge of the subject. RANT OFF.

John

 

[Stevienics]

This wouldn't be <ahem> an Army led initiative, would it?

 

[Big Jock]

This wouldn't be <ahem> an Army led initiative, would it?

In effect the whole MT world is army led with "input" from the RAF hierarchy.

John

 

[he_who_dares_rodney]

In the Army world we did the BFG test before Iraq yet IIRC all their driving is based on UK laws anyway as we set it all up for them back in the day

I spent one relaxing afternoon with a list of names and a computor
Must have done 40+ to get half the lads on the Sqn through it

Probably find it's some sort of deal on the fleet insurance

Is it a bad thing?

 

[Barry Scott]

Right then, this is gen.......

Can anyone shed a light on why when going on det to the US of A, it is now an Air Cmnd directive to carry out a UK driving Matrix test over at MT? Yes you heard right....UK test?????!!!!!!

Surely they drive on the wrong side of the road, with different road rules and sign posts, and with the steering wheel over on the passenger side!!

So can anyone tell me why this is? And if I do fail, shall I take my civvy licence in to the nearest Cop shop as its no longer valid!!??

Barkin'!!!!!!

DT_Xtremez_42:DT_Xtremez_35:

As someone that has to administer theses tests then maybe I can shed some light on the matter. It is all down to the latest JSP 800 dated May 2010. No longer known as a Matrix Test but as a Highway Code Test, a FMT 600 to be valid requires this to be annotated on the back. In addition to this, if you are required to drive in various oversea's locations, then a Matrix test has to be taken for that particular area. If you came into the MT Licencing where I work for an issue of a new 600, OOA paperwork, oversea's Matrix test, any kind of vehicle fams, etc then we'll hit you with the Highway Code Test so that your 600 is valid in accordance with JSP 800. Eventually, we will catch up with every other individual on Unit and they will have a test annotated on the back valid for 5 years.

Yes, this test is Army led because JSP 800 is Army led. Yes, it is a pain in the arse to administer and causes us grief. However, after the first few tests it became quite clear that even so called experienced drivers didn't know basic stuff about the Highway Code. These people shouldn't even be behind the wheel of their own car let alone a Service vehicle!

 

[Big Jock]

Barry, I could not agree more with your last statement. We have people walking in the office whinging about the test and once they have completed it they are a bit quieter if they have become one of the group of first time failures which is about 75% of those who sit the test on our unit.
You are right about the new name ie Highway Code Test as opposed to Matrix Test, its just a shame we are still using the same old PC based test as the new one has not been written yet. It states across the top of the screen UK Matrix Test and in the narrative (if your speakers are on) it tells you it is a UK Matrix Test. Ah well, one day we may see the new one.

John

 

[Cornish_Pikey]

Having fairly recently taken the test (and failed a few times) I was stunned at just how many questions about when I am riding my horse, driving in an area that has trams etc I was asked. Since when did tha RAF last have horses as an official mode of transport on a regular basis.
I've found out this week that our white card holder can no longer sign our guys up to drive the works truck but can only let MT know that the guys might be ready to be taken out for a check drive with someone from MT. Seems to be be duplicating a job to me??

 

[Stevienics]

Tough times. Each will defend the importance of his corner. Twas a time whn all the overseas det required was an overseas driving licence (Green piece of paper) for the hire cars.

I believe in most countries you get 6 months before you are legally obliged to either trade in your licence for one of their pieces of tat, or take a test as well (we have no reciprical arrangements with the USA, being as their test amounts to being able to recognise a car 2 times out of 3)

 

[Shiney Scot]

We have people walking in the office whinging about the test and once they have completed it they are a bit quieter if they have become one of the group of first time failures which is about 75% of those who sit the test on our unit.

These individuals shouldn't have to do the test. They have a piece of paper that says they are competent. It's called a driving licence. They passed their test at a certain time on a certain day. All that proved was at that time they were competent. We all know that after taking the test that people do not continue to drive the way they were taught. Again, the only thing that passing this matrix test means is that at that date and time they were competent.

The question has to be asked why do we need to do these tests at all? Don't tell me because the JSP says so! Why has nobody challenged it? All you need to drive a hire car in this and any other country is a UK driving licence. This is the only evidence that you need to show when picking up your private hire. I am aware that once picked up on duty trip it becomes a service vehicle and therefore we fall under the JSP rules and regulations but why do we need them? All that these revised rules are going to do is stop individuals driving service vehicles. This will eventually cost the MoD more money because personnel will have to be sent on official courses to learn to drive the vehicles when currently they get a piece of paper annotated at their local MT section without too much hassle.

Put MT Orders in SSOs (standardised throughout the MoD) and the Travel Clk checks the driving licence when getting the MT hire car request or am I missing something?

All job creation to my mind.

 

[Stax]

Soooooooooo, any reason why I had to do the test when deployed out here to KAF?

20KPH, American Road signs etc.

Easy thing, I can hand in my FMT600 and book a driver and vehicle ever time I need to go anywhere. My civilian licence allows me to drive my car, its all I need!