LGV theory practice test 6

Explanation

A warning lights check is sometimes performed automatically when the ignition is switched on. However, you may need to do this manually by operating a separate check switch. Never start a journey without carrying out this check. If there's a problem, have it repaired before you set off.

Explanation

When you're in a warm cab, you may not notice the drop in outside temperature. One of the first signs of an icy road is a lack of feel in the steering. If this happens, slow down and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front.

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Oil is vital for lubrication of the engine. It should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary. You should always check your engine's oil level when the engine is cold and your vehicle is parked on the level.

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In shopping areas, pedestrians frequently want to cross the road. They may be hidden by parked vehicles before stepping out into your path. Keep your speed down and be aware of the risk of pedestrians suddenly walking into the road.

Explanation

The hiss of air assisted mechanisms, as well as engine noise, can easily startle horses. Keep the noise to a minimum by gentle use of the brakes and, if necessary, stopping and turning your engine off.

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Always keep your speed down as you approach a zebra crossing. This will allow you to stop safely if necessary. Look well ahead for anyone about to reach the crossing or waiting to cross.

Explanation

The transition from rear wheel lift to roll over is more rapid on vehicles equipped with air suspension systems. Make sure you take advantage of any extra training that may be available to drivers of this type of vehicle.

Explanation

If you're driving under EU rules, you mustn't drive continuously for more than four and a half hours without taking a break. If you've driven continuously for four and a half hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Include your stops in the timetable when planning your journey.

Explanation

During very cold weather, it's tempting to have the heating in the cab turned on full. Be aware that this may help to make you feel drowsy, especially after you've eaten a meal. Open the window slightly to let in some fresh air until it's safe for you to stop and rest.

Explanation

If you're carrying a load that consists of loose materials, it must be covered by suitable sheeting. You mustn't risk losing any part of your load. This could cause damage or injury to other road users, and you would be responsible.

Explanation

When braking, always maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal until the vehicle has stopped. This helps to reduce the wave effect that can build up as the liquid load moves when the vehicle changes speed.

Explanation

Because the body of your vehicle is designed to take loads, your view around it will be restricted. Take extra care to look well out of the window to check the blind spots. Don't forget to check all the mirrors. Check ahead and signal, if necessary, before moving off.

Explanation

A wind deflector redirects the air flow around the vehicle. This reduces the amount of energy required to drive the vehicle forward and so saves fuel.

Explanation

To increase stability and reduce the risk of the trailer wheels lifting when turning, it's preferable to locate part loads over the rear axle's.

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A lorry loaded like this will be top heavy and more likely to overturn in high winds or when cornering. If you're only carrying half a load, you should try to carry it on the lower deck.

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Vehicles being carried piggyback must always have chocks applied to their wheels, in addition to a restraint. Never rely on just their parking brake.

Explanation

A two line system consists of the emergency line red and the service line yellow. You need to understand the rules that apply to safe connection of brake systems and mixing two line and three line systems.

Explanation

When your vehicle has anti lock brakes and you need to stop in an emergency, you should keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until the vehicle stops this will allow the system to work. Although anti lock brakes contribute to safety, they don't reduce your stopping distance or take away the need to drive with good planning and anticipation.

Explanation

At night, the headlights of oncoming traffic can dazzle you, reducing how much you can see of the road ahead. Reduce your speed so that you can safely respond to any situation that may arise and make sure you've dipped your headlights.

Explanation

You're responsible for your vehicle, so you should reduce the risk of it being stolen. Plan any lengthy stops for places where your vehicle will be safest, such as a well lit rest stop at night. Also have an alarm and immobiliser fitted to the vehicle by a security specialist.

Explanation

When transporting frozen food, you need to know how to operate your refrigeration unit correctly. It's also essential that you're aware of correct hygiene procedures when handling food.

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The ventilation and temperature monitoring equipment must have a system to alert the driver when limits are exceeded. The welfare and condition of the animals you're transporting is very important they must arrive at their destination in good health.

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If you're carrying a high value load, you should consider your personal safety. There's always the possibility of an attempted theft. Watch out for and report anything unusual, such as people taking a special interest in you or your vehicle.

Explanation

The fifth wheel coupling is a device to connect the tractor unit to the trailer. It allows articulation between the tractor and trailer, and it should be regularly maintained.

Explanation

Fifth wheel couplings need regular inspection and lubrication. This should be carried out either every 6000 miles 10 000 km or monthly whichever is the sooner.

Explanation

When using a lorry mounted crane, stabilisers should always be used. All drivers should be fully trained and regularly tested on their competence in using stabilisers.

Explanation

When moving a load, make sure you don't have to bend down or stretch up to reach the handles. Also, try to push rather than pull, so you can see where you're going.

Explanation

Engaging the diff lock means that the driven wheels are locked together. This reduces the likelihood of wheel spin. Remember to switch off the diff lock as soon as you're on firm ground again, otherwise you could damage the transmission.

Explanation

Look out for restrictions on long vehicles. Length restrictions are found where there isn't much room to turn for example, in a tunnel or where there's a risk of grounding.

Explanation

If your records are kept by an enforcement officer, you should ask the officer to endorse the replacement charts with their name and telephone number. The enforcement officer should also record the number of charts they keep. Alternatively, they can give you a receipt for the charts.

Explanation

The tachograph is a tool designed to help you be a safe and responsible driver. The tachograph records details of your journey, including time driven, speed and rest periods.

Explanation

As you change activities during the day, you should change the mode switch on the tachograph to record each activity. Failure to operate the mode switch could get you into trouble with your employer or the authorities.

Explanation

Travelling long distances on a motorway can be boring. Looking at the same thing for a long period of time can make you feel tired and affect your concentration. If you start to feel tired, leave the motorway by the next exit and stop in a safe place to rest. Ideally you should use a service area, where you can rest and take some refreshment before you restart your journey.

Explanation

If your vehicle is involved in a traffic incident, you must stop. Follow the guidance set out in The Highway Code if there's injury or damage to any other person, vehicle or property.

Explanation

Under no circumstances should you attempt to move or drive a vehicle with an air leak in the braking system. Report the fault immediately, or arrange to have it repaired. Place a warning sign in the cab, telling other drivers not to drive the vehicle and why.

Explanation

The only time you may use hazard warning lights while driving is when you're on an unrestricted dual carriageway or motorway and you want to warn other drivers of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to make sure your warning is seen.

Explanation

You must make sure that you adjust the seat so that you're able to reach all the controls and see in all the mirrors before you start to drive any vehicle. You should also be able to lean out of the window and check your offside blind spots.

Explanation

Make certain that your filler caps are properly closed, so that you don't spill fuel as you drive along the road.

Explanation

Coolant solution is also known as antifreeze. It provides protection from freezing and also contains a corrosion inhibitor that prolongs the life of the cooling system. Remember to check the coolant level regularly.

Explanation

Today, all water-cooled engines use a mixture of water and antifreeze to make up the coolant. As well as helping to keep the engine at its correct operating temperature, the antifreeze acts as a corrosion inhibitor to prolong the life of the cooling system.

Explanation

Use of the right-hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes isn't normally allowed.

Explanation

The longer top deck needs a wider turning circle than the cab below it. To avoid hitting lampposts, telegraph poles, etc, you must allow for this overhang when turning.

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The speed limit for lorries is lower in Scotland than it is in England and Wales, so be aware especially if you drive in the border areas.

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Be careful of giving lifts to strangers; some employers actively discourage it. Allowing strangers in your cab or telling people about your load could put the security of your vehicle and load at risk, and may put you in danger.

Explanation

When the trailer is loaded, the weight of the load presses the trailer tyres firmly onto the road surface, so improving the tyres' grip. Unladen, there is no load bearing down on the tyres and, under heavy braking, the trailer wheels can lock or slide across the road surface, making the trailer more difficult to stop. Severe braking can result in jack-knifing. The trailer doesn't slow as quickly as the tractor unit and this causes it to pivot around the coupling.

Explanation

If you demount the body on a poor or soft surface, there's a danger of it sinking and becoming difficult to handle. Always think carefully before you demount the body and be sure that the site is suitable.

Explanation

Theft of vehicles is common. You're responsible for the safety and security of your vehicle and trailer. Try to avoid leaving any trailer unattended unless it's on approved secure premises.

Explanation

The marker boards should be red and white. They must be kept clean and independently lit at night and in poor visibility, so that other road users can see them.