Would make life easier if all trucks had the same method for changing a bulb.
You need a degree to get some headlamps open. and same to detach the bulb.
rambo19:
shep532:
Unfortunately the DVSA books state a non working mandatory headlight light is an immediate prohibition when that light is legally required (half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise) - . They generally allow up to an hour for repairs if they can but it sounds like it was home time and there’s an overtime ban.He was just doing his job according to the rule book issued to him.
Link for that?
IM63 page 113
Not being funny but all of you on here saying driver should carry spares and do the repairs that’s all well and good on older trucks it’s a simple job but most modern units it’s almost a full strip and rebuild on whatever side of the truck it is to replace a headlamp bulb 
It’s not such a simple job on elderly motors either, especially our Scannys where there’s a good chance of something
else breaking while you’re opening up the lens.
I don’t carry any torx drivers so have another good excuse not to touch anything at the front of the motor.
I do change rear bulbs and those on the trailers except the top markers.
TruckOff:
Would make life easier if all trucks had the same method for changing a bulb.
You need a degree to get some headlamps open. and same to detach the bulb.
Call me a zb driver if you like but I haven’t got a clue how to even start changing a bulb. VOR it. Or just take it out anyway 'cause it’s a rental and VOSA don’t work after 5… 
(that was an indicator though, the side one)
Think I can change the headlight bulbs on my Actros with my eyes shut now. Must blow a bulb at least once a week!!![emoji22]. Needless to say, I carry plenty of spares.
A lot of rental / lease agreements prohibite any one except qualified fitters repairing or replacing anything on a vehicle.
One of my headlight bulbs went on the way back to the yard tonight.
When i got back i had a look at how to change it.Soon realised that part of the bodywork had to be removed to get access to the light cluster.Defected it for the workshop to sort out.
Conor:
Each lorry at Howdens has a full spare bulb kit and tools in a tupperware box. Checking its there is part of the start of shift checks as well. Saves a load of grief and trying to meander your way down the A66 with a light out.
We get a bag with a basic tool kit and light bulbs for units/trailers as well…
My first thought is why the 20 minute deadline?
nick2008:
A lot of rental / lease agreements prohibite any one except qualified fitters repairing or replacing anything on a vehicle.
Would you tell them if you changed a bulb?
A lot of companies these days will not allow drivers to change bulbs and fuses but I see it as my job. I know there are tricky ones out there but with a fleet of older volvos, axors and CFs, none of them are a problem. I would rather carry out the repair and get on with it than call out a fitter
My headlights are sealed units, so cannot change just the bulb.
They have lasted 11yrs so far and are $450 each to replace.
SteveBarnsleytrucker:
Not being funny but all of you on here saying driver should carry spares and do the repairs that’s all well and good on older trucks it’s a simple job but most modern units it’s almost a full strip and rebuild on whatever side of the truck it is to replace a headlamp bulb
We have Scania Daf and Volvo at our place. Scania, well you know it makes sense, headlamp unit unscrews from the front. Volvo, back of the lamp unit accessed through the panel in the step recess. Swedish and logical
Bloody Daf, a lot of our guys find it quicker to part tilt the cab to change a headlight bulb 
that’s just nuts to Me 
Cant speak of any other up to date motors.
As to the OP, I don’t have much sympathy, either the driver overlooked checking he had a spare bulb before journeys start, or if its company policy to lot issue spare bulbs, then the company is getting the bill it deserves. Vosa were not being jobsworths, the truck was not road worthy, as in it wouldn’t pass an inspection with a bulb out. Some might say “its only a bulb, not as if wheels were falling of”, but if a simple piece of maintenance such as replacing a blown bulb, isn’t carried out, how can any one be sure other safety critical maintenance has been carried out.
When ever I change a bulb, unit or trailer, I write it into the defect book, if you get stopped for a non working bulb, you can then show a track record of changing bulbs, and that might save you a fine. Also shows that you are carrying out defect checks. If it happens during a shift(as opposed to being U/S at the start off the shift) write during shift, or during journey in the book, well that’s theory I work on
in most EU Countries you need Spare Bulbs and Tools with You. If you are unable to change it call the Manufacturers helpline.
Agree with Eddie Snax, I can’t understand why Daf/Foden Alphas need the cab tilting to change a bulb. I wont touch headlamps but will do the others. I also note down any repairs etc on the defect book. This morning I had to tighten up the nuts on one wheel, noted that incase it bails out later.
Now broke down on the A44 near Woodstock, good old CF75 losing power and barely climbing hills. It’s not even an automatic. 
Even as a limper I carry spare bulbs for the units I drive regularly. Change bulb get back to base fill the defect book and pick up a replacement. To my mind companies should supply bulbs/fuses and tools in each unit, if they don’t they deserve all the delays and costs they get.
Winseer:
When you get a car with a headlight completely out on one side in the pouring rain…You look in your nearside mirror, think there is a motorbike miles behind you, and start to pull out to overtake - only to find it’s a bloody one-eyed 4x4 right up your arse, now flashing his full beams (which always seem to work!) in his vexation and annoyance… Who’s at fault? - It ain’t safe for anyone - I’ll suggest that…
hhmmm , forgive me for saying , but im reading that as you feel its ok to pull out on a motorbike and make them take avoiding action but not for a one-eyed 4x4 ? Id say you were at fault either way for causing due care .
Please clarify how you justify those actions , please thank you .
Did he get locked in by Mien fuhrer?
trux:
Winseer:
When you get a car with a headlight completely out on one side in the pouring rain…You look in your nearside mirror, think there is a motorbike miles behind you, and start to pull out to overtake - only to find it’s a bloody one-eyed 4x4 right up your arse, now flashing his full beams (which always seem to work!) in his vexation and annoyance… Who’s at fault? - It ain’t safe for anyone - I’ll suggest that…
m reading that as you feel its ok to pull out on a motorbike and make them take avoiding action but not for a one-eyed 4x4 ? Id say you were at fault either way for causing due care .
Please clarify how you justify those actions , please thank you .
I think he meant it appears to be a motorbike a distant way away, rather than some idiot too tight to go to Halfords for a bulb, but can find a few quid for a “Princess on board” sticker.
Muckaway:
I think he meant it appears to be a motorbike a distant way away, rather than some idiot too tight to go to Halfords for a bulb, but can find a few quid for a “Princess on board” sticker.
Had to get a new head lamp bulb for Mrs Snax A4 just before Christmas, popped into the local Halfords, they had a deal on those brighter bulbs, so I bought a couple of 120% ones. Replaced both, and thought I’ll keep the working original bulb as a spare, as My Passat uses the same headlamp bulb. Sods law, 2 weeks later bulb goes in the Passat, so much for hanging onto a spare