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
Your vehicle is fitted with a diff lock. When would you normally use it?
Explanation
The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds this is necessary for the vehicle to negotiate corners and bends. On a slippery surface, however, it can cause problems if one wheel has less traction, it can spin, resulting in a complete loss of drive. The diff lock prevents the wheels from turning independently and so helps to stop this happening.
Question 2 of 48
What should you do before driving your high-sided lorry in windy weather?
Explanation
In high winds, some exposed roads, bridges and viaducts are closed to high-sided vehicles. Plan your route with care and try to avoid these areas. Also plan an alternative route in case of road closure.
Question 3 of 48
Your lorry is stuck in snow. You use the diff lock to move off. When should you switch the diff lock off?
Explanation
You must always disengage the diff lock as soon as the vehicle is moving. The differential allows the rear wheels to revolve at different speeds, and this allows the vehicle to follow a curved path. Attempting to turn with the diff lock engaged could result in the vehicle continuing straight on.
Question 4 of 48
When will a box van be most affected by side wind?
Explanation
High sided vehicles such as box vans are affected by side wind, particularly when they're empty. Drivers should slow down and stay alert for other road users affected by the windy conditions.
Question 5 of 48
What's the national speed limit on a motorway for a lorry weighing over 7.5 tonnes?
Explanation
Be aware of, and obey, all speed limits. On a motorway, any lorry that's articulated, towing a trailer, or over 7.5 tonnes mustn't exceed 60 mph 96 km h.
Question 6 of 48
Why are baffle plates fitted to tankers carrying liquids?
Explanation
Fluids carried in tankers can move in waves as the vehicle's speed or direction changes. This happens particularly when you brake and then ease off the pedal the moving wave of liquid causes the vehicle to surge forward. Baffle plates are designed to reduce this surging effect.
Question 7 of 48
Who must you inform if the load on your trailer hits a railway bridge?
Explanation
If your vehicle hits a bridge, you must report it to the police. If a railway bridge is involved, you must also report it to the railway authority. The phone number is usually shown on or near the bridge.
Question 8 of 48
What must you have before you can leave a lorry weighing more than 7.5 tonnes unattended on a verge?
Explanation
If your vehicle is to be left unattended on a verge, you must first get permission from the police.
Question 9 of 48
What would you secure with a dog clip?
Explanation
When recoupling, you must connect the dog clip to secure the kingpin release handle.
Question 10 of 48
Which of these loads needs to be transported at a controlled temperature?
Explanation
Some loads need to be transported in special conditions. For example, chilled or frozen foods need to be transported in a refrigeration unit. To drive one of these units, you'll need to be trained in how to use it. You'll also need relevant training in hygiene procedures.
Question 11 of 48
You're transporting a skip carrying loose waste. How should the material be carried?
Explanation
The skip should be covered to prevent any part of the load from blowing away. Loose material blown onto the road could be a danger to other road users and can cause environmental damage.
Question 12 of 48
You're securing a load using chains. Which type of chain is unsafe for securing a load?
Explanation
Split link and iron chains shouldn't be used to secure loads, as they're less reliable than solid link and steel chains. For more information on the suitability of various sized steel chains, consult the relevant British Standard BS leaflets.
Question 13 of 48
What's the main reason for covering a skip that you're transporting?
Explanation
Debris falling from vehicles can be very dangerous to other road users, so skips need to be covered when they're transported. Falling debris may also cause environmental damage.
Question 14 of 48
You've been issued with protective clothing. Who's responsible for its use?
Explanation
Protective clothing will usually be provided by your company. However, it's your responsibility to make sure that you use it properly.
Question 15 of 48
You're driving a large vehicle in a straight line. When is it most stable?
Explanation
A vehicle is most stable when travelling in a straight line under gentle acceleration. Sudden acceleration, steering or braking can cause severe loss of control. For maximum control, keep your driving as smooth as possible.
Question 16 of 48
An enforcement officer keeps one of your tachograph charts. Who should sign the back of the replacement chart?
Explanation
When an enforcement officer keeps a record chart, the driver should ask the officer to sign the back of the replacement chart. They'll need to give their name, telephone number and the number of charts they've kept. The replacement chart must be used to continue the journey. You should always carry more blank charts than you think you'll need.
Question 17 of 48
Under EU rules, your daily rest can be reduced to 9 hours. For how many days per week is this allowed?
Explanation
Under EU rules, you must have a minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours. However you may reduce this to 9 hours for up to three days in any one week.
Question 18 of 48
You're at the scene of an incident. What does it mean if there's a plain orange rectangle displayed on one of the vehicles?
Explanation
Vehicles that carry dangerous goods have badges displayed on the side and rear. The badges are orange and show the type of material that's being carried. Make a note of this and report it to the emergency services when you contact them.
Question 19 of 48
You're the first person to arrive at an incident where a motorcyclist is unconscious. After you've checked the area for immediate danger, what's the first check you should make on the casualty?
Explanation
At the scene of an incident, first make sure there's no danger of further collisions or fire before dealing with any casualties. The priority when dealing with an unconscious person is to make sure they can breathe. This may involve clearing their airway if they're having difficulty or there's an obvious obstruction. Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential, as you could cause them serious injury.
Question 20 of 48
You're at the scene of an incident. How can you help someone suffering from shock?
Explanation
Immediate treatment can help to reduce the effects of shock. Reassure the casualty and try to keep them warm and comfortable. Only move a casualty if it's necessary for their safety.
Question 21 of 48
You arrive at the scene of an incident. The emergency services have already been called. A pedestrian is bleeding heavily from a leg wound, but their leg isn't broken. What should you do to help them?
Explanation
Lift the pedestrian's leg so that the wound is higher than their heart. This should reduce the flow of blood. Check that the limb isn't broken and there's nothing in the wound before applying pressure over it.
Question 22 of 48
At an incident, a casualty is unconscious but still breathing. Why would you move them?
Explanation
Moving a casualty could cause further injury, so it's important that this is only done if there's danger to them where they are.
Question 23 of 48
What should you do if the brake pedal becomes hard to press?
Explanation
As soon as you detect a fault on your vehicle, you must take action. Where faulty brakes are concerned, you need to seek help immediately. Always report minor faults as soon as you detect them. Minor faults can become major ones if they aren't repaired quickly.
Question 24 of 48
What's the first thing you should check before moving to the left?
Explanation
Before you make a turn or a change of direction, however slight, you should always check the mirrors. If you intend to turn left, check your left-hand nearside mirror first.
Question 25 of 48
What should you do before moving off?
Explanation
To make sure it's safe, you must use the mirrors well before you make any manoeuvre. For example, you need to use them before moving off, turning, overtaking, slowing or stopping, opening a door, or changing direction, lanes or speed.
Question 26 of 48
How could a professional driver improve their efficiency?
Explanation
If you plan your journey to avoid busy times, you can avoid congestion. That way, your overall journey time may be reduced, so cutting costs and making you a more efficient driver.
Question 27 of 48
You want to turn right at a roundabout marked with two right turn lanes. What should you do if there's ample room for your vehicle in either lane?
Explanation
Using the left-hand lane will make it easier for you to leave the roundabout. If you use the right-hand lane, there could be traffic on your left and in your blind spot when you reach your exit and try to move back to the left.
Question 28 of 48
You're about to start a long journey midway through the day. What should you do if you notice that the sidelights work but the headlights are faulty?
Explanation
To comply with the law, all lights must be in good working order, even in daylight when they're not being used. Before you set out, make sure that everything is working and get any faulty lights fixed. You may need to use your headlights or other lights if you're delayed or find yourself driving in conditions of reduced visibility.
Question 29 of 48
Where does a high pressure fuel injector deliver fuel?
Explanation
Most diesel engines use a high pressure fuel injector system that will deliver pressurised fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the engine. This system is known as a direct injection engine.
Question 30 of 48
What does controlling goods vehicle drivers hours help to improve?
Explanation
EU drivers hours regulations are a series of rules that specify maximum driving time and minimum rest and break periods. These rules are in place to help road safety. Drivers who break them are subject to heavy fines and could lose their licence to drive lorries.
Question 31 of 48
During your break, your vehicle will be moved by another person. What should you do with the tachograph chart?
Explanation
If your vehicle is likely to be used by another person while you're away from it, you should take your tachograph chart with you. Your break from driving should be entered on the reverse of the chart.
Question 32 of 48
What should you check before you drive off a muddy building site onto the road?
Explanation
Attempting to drive at normal speeds with the diff lock engaged is dangerous it will severely affect your steering control. The diff lock is designed to be used in slippery conditions, at low speed, when maximum traction is required.
Question 33 of 48
What should you be careful of when stopping on the left in a busy place?
Explanation
When stopping on the left, you should always be aware of pedestrians, particularly if they're close to the edge of the road. The height of your nearside mirror can vary depending on the size and type of vehicle you're driving. If in doubt, approach these situations with caution and stop if necessary.
Question 34 of 48
What's the main cause of a lorry shedding its load?
Explanation
The main causes of lorries shedding their loads are driver errors, such as sudden changes of speed or direction, driving too fast for the conditions, and harsh braking.
Question 35 of 48
When should your trailer be fitted with a kingpin or drawbar lock?
Explanation
A kingpin or drawbar lock is a visible and effective deterrent to thieves wishing to steal an unattended trailer.
Question 36 of 48
You're approaching a green traffic light and are going straight ahead. What should you do when the traffic ahead, beyond the junction, has stopped and is queuing?
Explanation
Look well ahead and plan your approach to all junctions. Even if the traffic lights are green, don't go forward if queuing traffic will cause you to block the junction. Be aware of the length of your vehicle and how much space it needs to clear the junction.
Question 37 of 48
How far can a load overhang at the rear before you must use projection marker boards?
Explanation
Projection marker boards must be fitted if the load on your vehicle overhangs by more than 2 metres 6 feet 6 inches. This will help other road users who may not notice the projecting load.
Question 38 of 48
You're driving a lorry with a loaded skip. Why should the skip be covered with a net?
Explanation
If the load isn't covered, rubbish can be blown onto the carriageway. This can cause danger for other road users, as well as environmental damage. It may also lead to legal action against both the driver and the operator.
Question 39 of 48
What do the legs on a demountable body enable you to do?
Explanation
Demountable bodies have legs that can be lowered so that the carrier vehicle can be driven out from underneath the body. This has an advantage over ISO containers, which require some form of crane or lift to remove the container from the trailer.
Question 40 of 48
The emergency line is common to both two line and three line brake systems. What colour is it?
Explanation
The red emergency line is common to both two line and three line braking systems. Always set the parking brake before disconnecting any brake line.
Question 41 of 48
In strong winds, an overtaking lorry can cause additional air turbulence that can affect other road users. Which vehicle is most at risk from this turbulence?
Explanation
Vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and caravans could be blown off course by strong winds. You should be aware that your vehicle could cause additional buffeting when you overtake, so allow them plenty of room.
Question 42 of 48
What rules apply to the wearing of seat belts fitted to your lorry?
Explanation
If seat belts are fitted to your lorry, you must wear them. Exemptions are allowed for holders of medical exemption certificates and for delivery drivers when travelling less than 50 metres 162 feet.
Question 43 of 48
What shape are the labels that indicate a vehicle is carrying hazardous cargo?
Explanation
Hazardous substances in transit are readily identified by a diamond shaped warning label. This label carries other information to identify the type of hazard more specifically, such as.
Question 44 of 48
You're unloading an end tipper lorry. What should you do before tipping the body?
Explanation
Unless you're on firm, level ground, there's a risk of your lorry overturning when the body is tipped. Before raising the body, check that you're well clear of overhead obstructions such as power lines.
Question 45 of 48
How many copies of the CMR consignment note are required?
Explanation
The full name of the CMR is the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road. You'll need this document to transport goods internationally by road. Of the four copies required, the consignor, consignee and originator all have one copy, and the fourth travels with the vehicle.
Question 46 of 48
You've parked your vehicle on level ground to deliver a load of building materials. What should you do before using the vehicle mounted crane?
Explanation
Before using the crane, it's vital to make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the stabilising legs are lowered. This will reduce the risk of the load becoming unstable during lifting. Also check for any overhead cables that may obstruct the crane.
Question 47 of 48
You hold a full category C licence. What does this entitle you to tow?
Explanation
When you pass a test to obtain a C or C1 licence, you can tow trailers up to 750 kg. You can do this without taking a further test.
Question 48 of 48
What can result from overloading an axle?
Explanation
Too much weight on an axle can reduce braking efficiency and cause brake fade. As well as being dangerous, exceeding the axle weight limit is an offence that can result in prosecution.