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
You're loading a curtain sided vehicle. What are the curtains for?
Explanation
Unless the curtains are specifically designed, they must not be used to restrain the load. They should be used to protect it from the weather and provide a level of security. Most companies also use them as a mobile advertisement.
Question 2 of 48
Why should you carry spare tachograph charts?
Explanation
Your employer should supply enough approved charts for your journey. They should include spares in case any get damaged or are taken by an authorised inspecting officer.
Question 3 of 48
You arrive at the scene of an incident and someone is unconscious. What's the first thing you should do to help them?
Explanation
The priority when dealing with an unconscious person is to make sure they have a clear airway and can breathe. Stay with the casualty and make sure someone rings for an ambulance.
Question 4 of 48
You're stopped by a police officer for a suspected motoring offence. Which document will you be asked to produce?
Explanation
If you can't produce your driving licence when asked to do so by a police officer, you may be asked to produce it at a police station within a certain time.
Question 5 of 48
What would be affected by a vehicle with faulty suspension?
Explanation
If your suspension is damaged, all the weight of the vehicle compresses the road and anything located below it. The vibrations travel through the ground and can also damage surrounding buildings.
Question 6 of 48
How could you save fuel?
Explanation
You should always plan your route. This will ensure you always drive on roads that are suitable for the size and weight of your vehicle. By planning to avoid peak travel times, you can also avoid congestion. This can save you fuel, as well as reducing your journey times.
Question 7 of 48
At the scene of an incident, a person has become hysterical. How should you calm them down?
Explanation
Someone who has been involved in or witnessed a crash will be in no mood for humour. The best way to calm them is by remaining calm yourself, and talking quietly and firmly to them.
Question 8 of 48
What might happen if using the brakes continuously causes them to overheat?
Explanation
Whenever you brake, the brakes convert the moving energy of your vehicle into heat. Continuous use of the brakes, particularly from high speed or on long steep descents, can cause the shoes and drums to overheat. This will make them less effective and, in some cases, they may not work at all.
Question 9 of 48
You're driving on a motorway. What does it mean when a lorry ahead of you switches on its hazard warning lights?
Explanation
When someone ahead of you switches on their hazard warning lights, it means that they've spotted a hazard that you may not be able to see yet. Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary.
Question 10 of 48
You're driving a long vehicle. What should you do when you want to turn right at a painted mini roundabout?
Explanation
When turning at a mini roundabout, it's unlikely that you'll be able to avoid going over the marked area. You should, however, avoid going over the roundabout where possible.
Question 11 of 48
You'll be driving your vehicle in Europe. Which of these documents must you carry?
Explanation
As well as your driving licence, you'll need to carry the insurance certificate and vehicle registration document. Other documentation may also be needed for some countries. Check this before starting your journey.
Question 12 of 48
Unless otherwise shown, what's the minimum headroom under bridges in the UK?
Explanation
Every year, there are hundreds of incidents in the UK where vehicles hit railway or motorway bridges. Most involve buses, coaches and lorries. Make sure your route doesn't take you under a bridge that's too low for your vehicle. If you hit a bridge, you'll be putting yourself and any passengers at risk, and you could cause a major disruption to road and rail transport.
Question 13 of 48
You've had to change a wheel on your vehicle. When should the wheel nuts be checked again?
Explanation
When refitting a wheel, the nuts should be tightened to the correct torque. They should be rechecked after about 30 minutes if the vehicle hasn't moved, or after 40 to 80 km 25 to 50 miles of driving.
Question 14 of 48
Why should your engine oil be changed at the recommended intervals?
Explanation
The oil and filter will get dirty in normal use. If you follow the service interval guidance, your engine will remain protected and properly lubricated, making it less likely to break down.
Question 15 of 48
Where should you park your vehicle before checking the engine oil level?
Explanation
If you check the engine oil level when your vehicle is standing on a slope, the reading on the dipstick won't be accurate. Park it on flat ground, so the dipstick shows the true level.
Question 16 of 48
How will gravity affect a laden vehicle going downhill?
Explanation
Always plan ahead and take note of gradient warning signs. On downhill gradients, you can help control your vehicle's speed and avoid brake fade by selecting a lower gear in good time.
Question 17 of 48
Which vehicles are most likely to be affected by high winds?
Explanation
In very windy conditions, certain types of vehicle can be blown off course. These include box vans, curtain siders, caravans and motorcycles. Make allowances for how the wind might affect these vehicles, especially if you're overtaking.
Question 18 of 48
You're driving on a motorway. What should you do if your view ahead is restricted by heavy spray?
Explanation
If you're travelling on a motorway and your view ahead is poor, then you should reduce your speed. Leave at least four seconds between your vehicle and the one in front, and make sure that others can see you by using your dipped headlights.
Question 19 of 48
You're driving a lorry carrying a load that's 4.5 metres 14 feet 9 inches wide. What's the maximum speed you're allowed to drive on a motorway?
Explanation
The speed limits imposed on vehicles carrying abnormal loads can be frustrating for other drivers, but you mustn't be tempted to exceed them. Remember, the more weight you're carrying, the longer it will take you to stop safely.
Question 20 of 48
What must you do when driving under the rules for domestic drivers hours?
Explanation
Domestic rules apply to certain journeys within Great Britain that aren't subject to EU rules. Under domestic rules you must keep a written record of your hours of duty when driving goods vehicles.
Question 21 of 48
How can you reduce the likelihood of theft of your load when leaving your vehicle overnight?
Explanation
Theft of loads from commercial vehicles is a serious problem. You should take steps to safeguard your load when leaving the vehicle overnight. Simply parking with the rear doors close to another vehicle or a wall can act as an effective deterrent to thieves.
Question 22 of 48
How should you load a vehicle?
Explanation
It's your responsibility to make sure that the vehicle's load is spread evenly, to avoid overloading individual axles. Overloading carries severe penalties for the driver and operator.
Question 23 of 48
You're driving an articulated tanker on a straight road. How will the liquid load affect the vehicle as you brake to a stop?
Explanation
When braking a vehicle carrying a liquid load, it's important to apply even pressure on the brake pedal. Don't relax the pedal pressure until the vehicle has stopped. Secure the vehicle with the parking brake before releasing the footbrake this will minimise the risk of unintentional movement of the vehicle caused by surge from the liquid load.
Question 24 of 48
What should you look for when choosing a site to park your trailer?
Explanation
Check that the ground is firm and level before you uncouple the trailer. If you need to, place a heavy plank under the legs to distribute the weight and stop the legs sinking into the ground. Don't park illegally. Make sure that your unattended trailer isn't blocking access for others.
Question 25 of 48
Your lorry has been fitted with wind deflectors. How will they affect your vehicle?
Explanation
Wind deflectors direct the wind either around or over your vehicle, so reducing the wind resistance. The vehicle then requires less power to make progress against the wind, and so will use less fuel.
Question 26 of 48
How could you reduce your lorry's fuel consumption?
Explanation
Wind deflectors reduce a vehicle's wind resistance and so help reduce fuel consumption.
Question 27 of 48
You're a driver who's certified to carry dangerous goods. How long is your certificate valid?
Explanation
The operator of a UK registered vehicle engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods should make sure that the driver has a valid vocational training certificate. These certificates are valid for five years.
Question 28 of 48
What's reduced by fitting a fly sheet tightly over a tipper body?
Explanation
Drag is caused by wind entering the cavity of an uncovered tipper. If the cavity is covered, then the drag is reduced.
Question 29 of 48
You're carrying another vehicle piggyback on your lorry. Chocks should be used to secure the wheels. What else should you use to secure the load?
Explanation
You should use a suitable restraint and chock the wheels when another vehicle is being carried piggyback. Don't just rely on the other vehicle's parking brake.
Question 30 of 48
How wide can a load be before you must use side markers?
Explanation
Side markers must be displayed if your load is over 2.9 metres 9 feet 5 inches wide. Make sure that they're clearly visible, at both the front and rear, and that they indicate the actual width of the projection.
Question 31 of 48
You've been asked to drive a fully loaded petrol tanker back to the depot. It has a maximum authorised mass of 10 tonnes. What must you have before you can drive this vehicle?
Explanation
Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods are required to hold an ADR driver training certificate. This certificate is valid for five years and is issued by DVLA when you've attended an approved course and successfully completed the examination.
Question 32 of 48
In frosty weather, what precaution could a lorry driver take to prevent moisture from freezing in the air brake system?
Explanation
You should make sure that you drain the air tanks daily to avoid moisture in the system. Most modern vehicles have an automatic draining system, which should be checked regularly.
Question 33 of 48
When is an articulated vehicle most at risk of jack-knifing?
Explanation
Heavy braking can cause an articulated vehicle to become unstable and may even lead to jack-knifing. This is more likely to occur when the trailer is unladen.
Question 34 of 48
You're driving a lorry of more than 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass along a motorway. When can you use the right-hand lane to overtake?
Explanation
You may use the right-hand lane to overtake on a two-lane motorway. Lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, vehicles that are required to be fitted with speed limiters, and vehicles towing trailers aren't allowed to use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes, except in special circumstances.
Question 35 of 48
What period of time makes up a driver's week?
Explanation
A driver's week is defined as a period from 00.00 hours on Monday to 24.00 hours the following Sunday.
Question 36 of 48
You're driving a new articulated lorry that's fully laden. You notice that the steering feels heavy. What's the most likely reason?
Explanation
Heavy steering could mean there's a fault with the power steering. It should be investigated as soon as possible. Many large vehicles can become undriveable if the power steering fails completely.
Question 37 of 48
What should you check for wear or damage on a drawbar unit?
Explanation
The eyelet coupling on drawbar units should be checked regularly for damage or wear. It should be kept lubricated with heavy duty grease.
Question 38 of 48
You're working on the platform of a flat bed lorry. What's the safest way to get down to the ground?
Explanation
Every year, many people are seriously injured by falling from vehicles. Using suitable steps will lessen the chance of falling. Be aware of the dangers when loading or unloading vehicles.
Question 39 of 48
You're securing a very heavy load with a ratchet strap. Which anchorage point is unsafe to use with ratchet straps?
Explanation
Rope hooks aren't designed to withstand high forces. They're usually just welded or bolted to the underside of the platform. Many are so weak that they can easily be distorted by a ratchet buckle when a webbing strap is tightened. Secure anchorage points should be built into the main frame or chassis of the vehicle.
Question 40 of 48
You're loading timber onto a flat bed lorry. You want to cover it with sheets. Which sheet should be positioned first?
Explanation
When more than one sheet is used to cover and protect a load, the rear sheet should be positioned first. This is so that the overlaps face backwards, rather than forwards, preventing wind and rain from getting between the sheets.
Question 41 of 48
What should you consider having on your vehicle to combat theft?
Explanation
Roof markings on lorries can help police air support units to identify stolen vehicles. Fleet operators, particularly those that regularly carry vulnerable or dangerous loads, are encouraged to use these markings.
Question 42 of 48
What training must you take before driving a lorry loaded with toxic substances?
Explanation
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods and other materials that may pose a hazard are subject to detailed emergency procedures. These procedures must be followed. Appropriate fire fighting equipment must be available and the driver must be trained in its use.
Question 43 of 48
Many modern vehicles are fitted with an additional nearside mirror. What does this help the driver to see?
Explanation
This mirror is specifically positioned so that the driver can see the position of the front nearside wheel in relation to the kerb. Use it when pulling in to park alongside the kerb or when you have to move close to the left in normal driving.
Question 44 of 48
You're driving a large vehicle on a narrow road with passing places. What will you need to be most aware of?
Explanation
If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.
Question 45 of 48
Under EU rules, how long should your normal daily rest period be?
Explanation
Drivers hours and rest periods are controlled in the interests of road safety. A driver's daily rest period should normally be 11 hours, but this may be reduced to 9 hours for three days in one week. It's a serious offence to break these rules and anyone doing so is liable to a heavy fine and even imprisonment.
Question 46 of 48
What should you do if you suddenly become tired while you're driving on a motorway?
Explanation
If you're driving for long distances on a motorway, have plenty of rest stops. Many incidents have been caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. If you feel yourself becoming tired, you need to leave the motorway and find a safe place to stop; usually this would be the next service area.
Question 47 of 48
You're waiting for the emergency services to arrive at the scene of an incident. A pedestrian's leg is bleeding heavily, but there's nothing embedded in the wound. What should you do to help?
Explanation
If there's nothing embedded in the wound, you can control the blood loss by applying pressure to the wound and raising the leg if possible.
Question 48 of 48
There's been an incident. What can you do to help a driver who's suffering from shock?
Explanation
You can help someone suffering from shock by talking to them and reassuring them confidently. Don't leave them alone or give them anything to eat or drink.