What specific driving skills must the D/E Candidate complete in the cone course?

The selection of alley dock and serpentine maneuvers as the correct answer highlights the critical driving skills required for a Driver Engineer (D/E) Candidate. Alley dock maneuvers involve parking the apparatus in a confined space, which is essential for effective operation at emergency scenes where space may be limited. This skill ensures that the Driver Engineer can position the vehicle safely and efficiently in tight spots, which is often necessary when responding to fires or other emergencies in urban environments.

The serpentine maneuver demonstrates the candidate's ability to maneuver the fire apparatus through a series of turns and obstacles. This skill is vital for navigating through densely populated areas, where fire apparatus must maneuver around parked cars, pedestrians, and other obstructions. The ability to control the apparatus while executing these turns is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring the vehicle can respond quickly without endangering others.

Together, these maneuvers provide practical training for real-world scenarios that a Driver Engineer is likely to encounter, ensuring that they can operate the fire apparatus effectively under varied conditions.