After 24 years of defending the interests of the sector, Lode Verkinderen, director of Transport en Logistiek Vlaanderen (TLV), has obtained his C driving licence and is allowed to drive a truck. “My respect for professional drivers has only increased.”
The idea of obtaining a C driving licence had already crossed his mind several times during Verkinderen’s 24-year career at TLV. “Six months ago, I urged myself to finally achieve that goal. My main motivation is to experience the daily reality in which drivers find themselves.”
Proficiency
After brushing up his theoretical knowledge through eight hours of lessons and a successful practical exam, he was able to convert his B licence to a C. “Of course, I still can’t match the driving skills of a professional driver, even if I obtained a certificate of professional competence. But that was not the intention of this set-up either,” Verkinderen said. “Moreover, I also do not yet have a CE driving licence that allows you to drive a tractor-trailer combination.”
Respect
“In any case, my respect for the profession has only increased. Obtaining this driving licence makes it easier for me to put myself in their shoes. I have personally experienced that the manoeuvres are not to be underestimated. Just think of reversing into a loading bay. Also, the behaviour of some other road users sometimes brings challenges,” the TLV director indicates. “Moreover, I have been surprised by the many positive reactions I have received.”
Verkinderen firmly intends to get behind the wheel of a truck at least once a year anyway. “That way, from now on, I can experience the technological innovation of today’s trucks not as a passenger, but as a driver.”
