Answer 48 questions, check each correct answer and work through the explanations at your own pace.
Question 1 of 480 correct answers
Question 1 of 48
Which of these best describes a vehicle's payload?
Explanation
The formula used to calculate the payload of a vehicle is the maximum authorised mass MAM minus the tare weight. The tare weight is the total weight of the vehicle, including the crew and extra equipment.
Question 2 of 48
What will you need to transport livestock on journeys of less than 65 km 40 miles?
Explanation
The type of training required by drivers carrying livestock varies according to the distance, journey duration and species involved. For journeys of less than 65 km 40 miles, no formal qualification is required but you must have practical experience in the care of animals being transported.
Question 3 of 48
Which cargo needs to be transported at a controlled temperature?
Explanation
Some foods need to be transported at controlled temperatures. Drivers will need to be trained in the use of refrigeration units and correct hygiene procedures.
Question 4 of 48
You're delivering boxes of chilled food to a supermarket. What specific training would you need?
Explanation
Chilled foods are transported at temperatures above freezing point. Drivers need to be trained in hygiene procedures and how to operate refrigeration units.
Question 5 of 48
Who must you tell when your vehicle collides with a bridge?
Explanation
Hitting a bridge with your vehicle can have serious consequences for road and rail traffic. You must tell the police about the incident immediately. If the bridge is a railway bridge, call the railway authority as well as the police to report the incident.
Question 6 of 48
Your vehicle has collided with a railway bridge. What information must you give the railway authority when you telephone them?
Explanation
The railway authority needs to know immediately if one of their bridges has been hit. You'll need to tell them the number of the bridge so they can identify it. The railway authority will then take action to prevent railway passengers from being put at risk.
Question 7 of 48
What should you check when you've just overtaken a motorcyclist on a motorway?
Explanation
When overtaking with a long vehicle, it's very important to be aware of the position of the road user you're passing. Check the nearside mirror to make sure you've passed safely before returning to the left. Be especially careful when overtaking motorcyclists, as they may be affected by the draught from your vehicle.
Question 8 of 48
Under EU rules, what's the normal weekly rest period that must be taken?
Explanation
The working week is defined as from 00.00 hours on Monday to 24.00 hours on the following Sunday. When taking the weekly rest period, a daily rest period must normally be extended to at least 45 consecutive hours.
Question 9 of 48
At the end of your working week, you've driven a total of 56 hours. Under EU rules, what's the maximum number of hours you can drive in the following week?
Explanation
If you've driven a total of 56 hours in any one week, you can only drive for 34 hours in the following week. Keep your own record to make sure that you don't exceed these hours.
Question 10 of 48
You arrive at the scene of an incident where someone is injured. What should be given urgent priority?
Explanation
Whenever possible, call the emergency services first. If you're able to give first aid, remember DR ABC. Check for Danger, then check the casualty for a Response. Check the Airway, and try to establish Breathing by gently lifting the chin up and forward. Give Compressions if necessary. Try to stop any severe bleeding. If you feel you aren't capable of carrying out first aid, consider taking some training. It could save a life.
Question 11 of 48
Why do air tanks on brake systems need to be drained?
Explanation
Moisture in the air condenses as the air pressure increases. This moisture can be transmitted around the braking system and is especially dangerous in cold weather. It can lead to ice forming and blocking the valves and pipes.
Question 12 of 48
What must you do before you leave your vehicle?
Explanation
The parking brake must always be set whenever you leave the vehicle. It's an offence not to leave your vehicle properly secured.
Question 13 of 48
When would you need to check your nearside mirror?
Explanation
As you pass pedestrians or vehicles on your left, you should use your nearside mirror and check that you've passed them safely. You need to allow a good safety margin before you move back to the left.
Question 14 of 48
How can you help to protect the environment?
Explanation
By using a bypass, rather than joining the stop start traffic in a town centre, you're less likely to be held up and can travel at a constant speed. Keeping to a constant speed will reduce the amount of pollution produced by your vehicle.
Question 15 of 48
In England and Wales, what's the national speed limit on a single carriageway road for a rigid lorry with a maximum authorised mass of more than 7.5 tonnes?
Explanation
In England and Wales, vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass are restricted to a maximum of 50 mph on single carriageway roads. In Scotland, this speed limit is 40 mph.
Question 16 of 48
What's the speed limit on a dual carriageway when you're carrying a load that's 4.5 metres 14 feet 9 inches wide?
Explanation
Vehicles carrying loads between 4.3 metres 14 feet 1 inch and 5 metres 16 feet 6 inches wide are subject to lower speed limits. The limit depends on the type of road. On a motorway it's 40 mph 64 km h, on a dual carriageway it's 35 mph 56 km h, and on all other roads it's 30 mph 48 km h.
Question 17 of 48
When would the driver of a car transporter need to be most aware of the front overhang of the trailer?
Explanation
The long overhang at the front of a car transporter can cause problems where street furniture, such as lampposts and traffic signs, is sited close to junctions. Particular problems may be encountered when you're turning right and there are Keep left bollards in the middle of the road you're turning into. Plan your route carefully to avoid such hazards.
Question 18 of 48
What effect could a load of hanging meat carcasses cause when you drive around corners or bends?
Explanation
As you turn a corner, the hanging meat carcasses will all swing to one side of your vehicle, adding extra pulling force towards the outside of the curve. The faster you turn a corner, the greater this force will be. After the corner, the carcasses will continue to swing back and forth, like pendulums, making the vehicle unstable.
Question 19 of 48
What's the main reason for cleaning your wheels and tyres when you leave a building site?
Explanation
If your wheels leave mud on the road, you must arrange for it to be cleared. A slippery, muddy surface could cause danger to other road users.
Question 20 of 48
What should you do if the load on your lorry becomes insecure?
Explanation
If you become aware that any part of your load is insecure, you must stop as soon as it's safe to do so. Resecure the load before continuing your journey. If this isn't possible, then you must seek assistance. Don't take risks.
Question 21 of 48
You've finished recoupling. How should you make sure that the tractor and trailer are secure?
Explanation
Make sure the locking mechanism is secure by selecting a low gear and attempting to move forward. Apply the parking brake again before leaving the cab. Connect the dog clip to secure the kingpin release handle.
Question 22 of 48
What should you do when you're unable to see clearly while you're reversing into a loading bay?
Explanation
Don't take chances when reversing in a confined space. It's too easy to crush or kill someone without knowing they're in danger. If in doubt, get help from a reliable person.
Question 23 of 48
Which load is most likely to move forward with some force when you brake sharply?
Explanation
When deciding which type of restraint to use, consider what may happen if you have to brake sharply. Tubular loads may move forward with some force if you have to brake sharply in an emergency. This could cause serious damage to the vehicle's headboard.
Question 24 of 48
When may red diesel be used?
Explanation
Red diesel is subject to less excise duty than standard diesel, so it's considerably cheaper. It may only be used for authorised purposes. Any driver whose vehicle is found to be using this fuel illegally faces penalties.
Question 25 of 48
What should you do when you want to join a motorway where traffic is flowing freely?
Explanation
Normally, you should avoid having to stop before joining a motorway. Use the slip road to build up your speed so that you can emerge safely. If it's extremely busy, there may be rare occasions when you have to stop and then filter into the traffic. This is most likely to happen where traffic is queuing for example, at roadworks.
Question 26 of 48
You're the driver of a fuel tanker. What danger should you be aware of when opening the tank hatches?
Explanation
Take your time when you're using walkways at high levels. Spilt fuel can make the surface slippery and increase the risk of falling.
Question 27 of 48
You're parking your lorry at night. Where must you use parking lights?
Explanation
Goods vehicles exceeding 2500 kg laden weight must always have their parking lights switched on when they're parked on the road at night. This includes parking in lay bys other drivers entering the lay by must be able to see the vehicle.
Question 28 of 48
Which of these vehicles is most at risk from strong side wind?
Explanation
An unladen vehicle that also has high sides will be vulnerable to the effects of strong side wind. An evenly distributed load will help to keep the vehicle more stable, but the higher the vehicle is, the more it will be affected. Be aware that such a vehicle may become unstable or difficult to control in windy conditions.
Question 29 of 48
What must you do when you park a lorry weighing more than 7.5 tonnes on a verge for essential loading?
Explanation
Goods vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of more than 7.5 tonnes including any trailer mustn't be parked on a verge without police permission. The only exception is when this is essential for loading and unloading. In these cases, the vehicle mustn't be left unattended.
Question 30 of 48
What should you do when you're working on a vehicle platform?
Explanation
When working on a flat bed or open curtain sided vehicle, you should always be aware of your proximity to the edge of the platform. It's too easy to concentrate on moving and positioning the load, and lose sight of your own position. Stepping backwards could be fatal, so always make sure you're facing the edge as you approach it.
Question 31 of 48
What does changing to a lower gear on a long downhill gradient help to avoid?
Explanation
Engaging a lower gear and using engine braking will help you to control your speed as you're going downhill. This reduces the demands on the brakes, and helps to prevent them from overheating. This will reduce the likelihood of brake fade.
Question 32 of 48
Your vehicle has a maximum authorised mass of 40 tonnes. The tare weight is 10 tonnes. What's your maximum payload?
Explanation
To work out your vehicle's payload, use the following formula maximum authorised mass MAM, minus tare weight, equals payload. This is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry.
Question 33 of 48
When must you take extra care if you're driving a vehicle more than 3.0 metres 10 feet high?
Explanation
You must take care when approaching any hazard where height is limited. Know the height of your vehicle and what you can drive under safely. If you aren't sure that it's safe, take another route.
Question 34 of 48
What's the minimum height of an unmarked bridge?
Explanation
If a height isn't shown on the bridge, the headroom in the UK will be at least 5 metres 16 feet 6 inches.
Question 35 of 48
Under EU rules, a driver must take regular breaks from driving. What maximum period of continuous driving is allowed?
Explanation
It's essential that you don't become drowsy through driving for excessively long periods. EU rules are in place to prevent this. You must take a break after a maximum of 4.5 hours of continuous driving. Your work details must be available for inspection by enforcement staff. Make sure that you know the rules for the journey and the type of vehicle you're driving.
Question 36 of 48
You've been driving non stop since 5.00 am. The time is now 9.30 am. Under EU rules, what length of break must you take?
Explanation
You must take an uninterrupted break of 45 minutes after four and a half hours of driving. This break may be replaced by two shorter breaks of at least 15 and 30 minutes, taken in that order, during the four and a half hours. During any break, you mustn't drive or do any other work.
Question 37 of 48
Your vehicle is fitted with an analogue tachograph. What should you do if you need to exceed the normal drivers hours due to an emergency?
Explanation
In an emergency, you may exceed the drivers hours rules. As long as road safety isn't put at risk, you can drive for longer to deliver your passengers, your vehicle or its load to safety. In these circumstances, you should note all the reasons on the back of your tachograph chart.
Question 38 of 48
What's most likely to cause tiredness?
Explanation
Tiredness will affect your concentration. Don't allow yourself to become tired through not taking proper breaks or rest periods. As a professional driver, you have a responsibility either for goods or for passengers, as well as for overall road safety. Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, so you don't become drowsy between rest periods.
Question 39 of 48
You're trying to resuscitate a casualty who isn't breathing. For how long should you continue?
Explanation
If you're trying to resuscitate someone, it's important that you don't give up on them. Make sure that someone has called the emergency services and continue trying to resuscitate the casualty until medical help arrives.
Question 40 of 48
When should you stop trying to resuscitate a casualty?
Explanation
If you're trying to resuscitate a casualty, don't give up until medical help arrives. Never assume that someone's dead. People who aren't breathing can survive longer than you may imagine when given chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation.
Question 41 of 48
At an incident, you suspect a casualty has back injuries. What's the best way to help them?
Explanation
If you attempt to move a casualty who has a spinal injury, it could cause further damage. Make sure an ambulance has been called for and talk to the casualty to keep them calm.
Question 42 of 48
You're checking your vehicle's tyres before starting a long motorway journey. What check should be made on each tyre?
Explanation
All tyres must be properly inflated and in good condition. Tyre failure on a motorway can have serious consequences. This can be avoided by checking your tyres at the start of each journey.
Question 43 of 48
You're driving along a motorway. What should you do if the air pressure warning device starts to operate?
Explanation
If the air pressure warning activates, you should have enough air to allow you to stop safely on the hard shoulder. Don't delay stopping, as further loss of air may cause the brakes to lock on. Switch on the hazard warning lights. Use the nearest emergency telephone to call for assistance.
Question 44 of 48
What's the first thing you should check before moving to the right?
Explanation
If you intend to turn right, check your right-hand offside mirror first. All of your mirrors should be properly adjusted to give a clear view around and behind your vehicle. They should be kept clean at all times and shouldn't be cracked or broken.
Question 45 of 48
What should you check just before you turn left?
Explanation
When making a left turn with a long vehicle, you may have to adopt an unusual position, well over to the centre of the road. Always signal your intentions in good time, and make good use of the mirrors, especially the left-hand one. Be alert for less experienced road users putting themselves in danger by coming up on your nearside.
Question 46 of 48
Which vehicles are most likely to cause severe damage to road surfaces?
Explanation
Lorries and buses are much heavier than cars and will have a greater impact on the road surface.
Question 47 of 48
You're following a lorry that's leaking fuel. What should you be especially aware of?
Explanation
Leaking fuel can make the road extremely slippery. Look out for this, particularly on roundabouts.
Question 48 of 48
Under EU rules, you may drive for up to nine hours a day. What maximum may this be increased to on two days of the week?
Explanation
You're permitted to extend the daily limit of nine hours to 10 hours twice a week. Don't drive for more than the maximum hours allowed, as you risk a heavy fine and may lose your licence.