LGV theory practice test 10

Explanation

In exposed places, such as high-level bridges, viaducts or some motorways, high winds can cause the road to be closed to certain vehicles. If you're driving a high-sided vehicle and high winds are forecast, plan an alternative route in case your intended route is closed.

Explanation

Changing down to an inappropriate gear at too high a speed will cause your vehicle to slow down suddenly. With no separate braking for the trailer, the tractor could be pushed to the point where it turns over.

Explanation

Maintenance of the fifth wheel should be carried out regularly, ideally monthly or every 10 000 km.

Explanation

Using the brakes to control a lorry's speed as it's driven down a hill will cause them to get hot. If they overheat, they can become less effective a condition known as brake fade. By selecting a low gear, the engine's resistance will slow the lorry. This reduces the demands on the brakes, making them less likely to overheat.

Explanation

If you're driving an empty curtain sided vehicle, you can help to lower the resistance to side wind if you tie the curtains open. The air will then be able to flow across the flat bed of the vehicle. This will reduce any loss of control, particularly when crossing exposed viaducts or bridges.

Explanation

High value cargoes are often targeted by thieves. Operators are recommended to seek advice from their local crime prevention officer to help prevent their vehicles and loads from being stolen.

Explanation

The usual advice is to leave a minimum time gap of two seconds, but on wet roads you should leave at least double that time. Always take the road and weather conditions into account when you're driving.

Explanation

If you can't return to base within a week of the tachograph becoming defective, it must be repaired during the journey. While it's broken, you must keep a manual record.

Explanation

Your tachograph chart is your personal work record and should only reflect the hours that you drive or do other work. The law says that these charts should be held on file by your employer for at least one year. Enforcement officers can ask for charts to be handed over for inspection.

Explanation

Take all the precautions you can to remove opportunities for theft. Lock your vehicle, especially when making deliveries and leaving the vehicle unattended.

Explanation

If you don't give your name and address at the time of an incident, report it to the police as soon as you can, or in any case within 24 hours. If any other person is injured and you don't produce your insurance certificate to the police at the time of the incident, or to any other person who has reasonable grounds to request it, you must also.

Explanation

Don't move a casualty who's in a safe place, as this could worsen any injury they may have. Only move a casualty if they're in danger for example, from passing traffic. You may also need to move them if you need to give lifesaving first aid, such as clearing their airway.

Explanation

Faulty power steering will make your steering wheel very difficult or almost impossible to turn. Continuing to drive could cause danger to you and other road users. You should park safely and get help.

Explanation

Some vehicles are fitted with an audible warning device that sounds when the vehicle is being reversed. As these devices make a loud noise, they shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built up area. Audible warning devices are an effective safety feature, but they don't take away the need to use effective observation around the vehicle before and while reversing.

Explanation

When driving large vehicles, windscreen pillars and large mirrors can easily create blind spots as you look left and right at junctions. Altering your body position slightly while looking into the new road can give you an improved view of the traffic. If in doubt, look again and reassess the situation. Don't take chances.

Explanation

Leaving the filler cap off, or not properly securing it, could result in a spillage of diesel onto the road. Because diesel is slippery, this would be a major hazard, so make sure to correctly secure the filler cap after use.

Explanation

At the scene of an incident, if there are any casualties who are in contact with live electricity, don't touch them with your hands even if you're wearing gloves. You should use a dry, non conducting item, such as a wooden sweeping brush or plastic spade. You mustn't give first aid until you're sure the electrical contact has been broken, otherwise you'll be putting yourself in danger.

Explanation

You should always check your nearside mirror before any change of direction. Be alert for cyclists and motorcyclists who don't realise the potential danger involved in trying to squeeze through on your nearside when you're waiting at a junction.

Explanation

Never return to the left-hand lane until you're sure that you're well clear of the vehicle you've just overtaken. Don't cut in too soon and don't rely on the other driver flashing you in. Make your own judgement about when it's safe to move into the left-hand lane.

Explanation

Animals can be very unpredictable. You should give them as much room as you can, keep your speed and noise to a minimum to avoid panicking them, and always be ready to stop if necessary.

Explanation

Your vehicle will make more noise than a car, so you should try to avoid making unnecessary noise at any time of the day or night. This is especially important when you're in a residential area at a time when people are likely to be sleeping.

Explanation

Large vehicles are required by law to use parking lights when parked at night, unless in a designated off-road parking area. Also, unless you're in a one-way street, you must only park on the left-hand side. It's generally much better to park off-road if you can, particularly if you're going to be stationary for a long period of time.

Explanation

You must take extra care when your vehicle is carrying a load. When cornering, weight will be transferred away from the direction in which you're turning. Also, when you're braking, weight can be transferred in several different directions.

Explanation

Your head restraint should be adjusted so that, in the event of a collision, it protects your neck from whiplash injury.

Explanation

You must check the nearside mirror during and after overtaking a motorcyclist. Make sure that the rider is still in control and that your vehicle's draught hasn't caused them to lose their balance.

Explanation

On motorways, be especially careful when driving over bridges and viaducts. The road here is exposed and, in windy weather, there's a risk of strong side wind, which may blow you off course or even blow your vehicle over. In severe windy weather, these routes are often closed to drivers of high-sided vehicles.

Explanation

When discharging a load from a tipper vehicle, the centre of gravity is raised as the tipper body rises. To avoid the vehicle rolling over, it's vital that it's positioned on a level, solid surface before the tipper mechanism is engaged.

Explanation

Keeping the height of the load as low as possible will reduce the wind resistance of the vehicle. This will help to save fuel. It's particularly relevant when using a flat bodied lorry or trailer.

Explanation

Vehicles towing caravans or trailers on motorways are limited in two ways.

Explanation

You should warn other road users that there has been a incident. You can do this by displaying an advance warning triangle or by switching on hazard warning lights or other lights. However you choose to warn people of the incident, make sure it doesn't put you or others at risk.

Explanation

The closer you are to the vehicle in front, the less you'll be able to see of the road ahead. You must be aware at all times that you won't be able to see all around your vehicle. This is why you must have an excellent mirror routine and constantly update yourself on what's going on around you.

Explanation

Driving at higher speeds and for longer periods, such as on motorways, can cause your tyres to overheat and disintegrate. You should make a point of checking them when you stop for a break.

Explanation

Any medical condition that could affect your ability to drive a lorry or a bus safely may prevent you from holding a licence. These conditions include serious visual impairment, heart disease and some mental disorders. For more information about medical standards, you should contact the Drivers Medical Branch, DVLA, Swansea.

Explanation

When diesel fuel spills onto the road, it makes the road surface extremely slippery. This can cause danger for all types of vehicle, but particularly for those with two wheels, which rely on their tyres grip to remain upright.

Explanation

Horses are easily frightened, so pass them slowly and carefully, giving them as much room as possible. On country roads, expect farm animals, horses, pedestrians and farm vehicles. Always be prepared to slow down or stop.

Explanation

Before driving into a tunnel, you should take off your sunglasses. If you don't, you'll find that your vision is restricted even in a tunnel that appears to be well lit.

Explanation

Plan your journey and take breaks to keep in touch if necessary. When driving on motorways, you can't just stop to use your mobile phone. You'll need to turn off the motorway or wait until you reach the next service area. Avoid being distracted by switching your phone off while you're driving use the message facility to listen to any calls when you've parked safely.

Explanation

Always maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. If another vehicle pulls into the gap, slow down to re establish a safe following distance. Following too close is dangerous and places you and other road users in unnecessary danger your view of the road ahead will be seriously reduced, and you won't be able to see or plan effectively.

Explanation

Lack of oil could cause the engine to seize, and this could cause sudden and unexpected loss of control. You could break down in a dangerous position and put yourself and other road users at risk.

Explanation

By planning your journey to avoid busy times, you'll avoid the build up of traffic that often occurs.

Explanation

The pump creates a vacuum in the servo unit. This reduces the amount of pressure you need to apply to the brake pedal. Without this vacuum, it's extremely difficult to press the brake pedal down.

Explanation

Various types of smart card are used in digital tachograph systems.

Explanation

The endurance brake retarder usually operates by applying resistance, via the transmission, to the vehicle's driven wheels. If the road is slippery, the tyres may lose grip and the wheels will lock.

Explanation

When you drive too close to the kerb, there's a risk that your nearside mirror could strike the head of a pedestrian. Be aware of this hazard and, if you see pedestrians close to the road, make sure you leave them enough room.

Explanation

A buffer lane is used when the wind begins to cause a risk to high-sided vehicles. At other times, it will be a normal lane. Don't use the buffer lane unless your vehicle has been blown off course into the lane, or you need to use it to avoid an incident or collision.

Explanation

Remember that the buffeting caused by large vehicles can affect other road users.

Explanation

Caravans are relatively light but have a large surface area. This makes them vulnerable to the turbulence created by large vehicles travelling at speed. The blast of air can destabilise the caravan, causing it to snake, and in extreme cases they can be blown over.