PCV theory practice test 4

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.

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Warning buzzers are linked to many systems on modern vehicles, including the air brakes. A warning light on the dashboard may help you identify the system that's caused the problem. Stop in a safe place until the fault has been identified and put right. Get professional help if necessary.

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It can be dangerous for vehicles passing close by if you open the door carelessly. Always look properly to make sure that it's safe - checking the blind spots as well as using the mirrors - before you get out of the cab.

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Air suspension reduces the pounding of the vehicle on an uneven road surface. This, in turn, reduces the vibrations transmitted to buildings and underground services along the route.

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Leaking fuel can make the road extremely slippery. Look out for this, particularly on roundabouts.

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Side-wind warning signs are often found on roads that are frequently affected by strong wind. High-sided vehicles, caravans and motorcycles are more susceptible to windy weather, and you should be aware of the difficulties they may be having.

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Sometimes, drivers or riders use arm signals as well as direction indicators and brake lights; for example, in bright sunshine or when approaching a zebra crossing. Using the arm signals shown in The Highway Code can help other road users to understand your intentions.

Explanation

Vehicles over the weight shown on the sign may not use the bridge ahead. You must know the weight of your vehicle, including any load. With this knowledge you should plan your route in advance, so that you don't come to a bridge you can't cross. That way, you'll avoid delays and save time and fuel.

Explanation

In extremely cold weather, you'll have to use diesel fuel with anti-waxing additives to stop the fuel lines from freezing up. During the winter months, these additives are usually put in by the fuel companies.

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High vehicles are often directed to the centre of the road to go under an arched bridge. Check that your vehicle doesn't exceed the height restriction indicated. Plan your route in advance to avoid any bridges that your vehicle won't be able to clear.

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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.

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It's an offence to leave your vehicle unattended at any time without applying the parking brake.

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It's a legal requirement that your tyres have at least the minimum permitted depth of tread and are in good condition before you start any journey. Make sure that you inspect them before setting off, and at regular intervals.

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Coolant solution is also known as anti-freeze. 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.

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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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You should be familiar with all the warning lights fitted to your vehicle. The oil warning light indicates low oil pressure or lack of oil. If it lights up, report the fault and don't continue until it's been corrected.

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Before leaving the cab, it's very important to secure the vehicle by applying the parking brake. After leaving the cab, apply the trailer parking brake.

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When driving a long vehicle around corners, it's sometimes necessary to adopt a different road position to avoid mounting the kerb or colliding with street furniture such as lampposts or traffic signs. Other road users may not understand what you intend to do next. Watch them carefully and always signal in good time.

Explanation

Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.

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.

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.

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Spray reducers or spray-suppression equipment are attachments fitted around the wheel arches of large vehicles. They effectively trap spray thrown up from the wheels, which would otherwise reduce visibility for other road users.

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It's important to use a low gear and keep the engine speed high to prevent water from entering the engine through the exhaust system. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to slip the clutch to keep the road speed as low as possible.

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Driving at high speed on a wet motorway can throw up dense spray, making it very difficult for other drivers to see ahead. Driving more slowly reduces the amount of spray and this makes it safer for other drivers.

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If you're travelling on a long journey, plan your route before you leave. This will help you to avoid delays, reduce stress and save fuel.

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In the darkness, it will be difficult to assess the road ahead - especially if there are bends or hills, which may prevent you from seeing oncoming vehicles.

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Traffic behind that's returning from the right-hand lane is a hazard to be aware of before you move into the middle lane to overtake. Checking your blind spot can help you see these vehicles before you commit to changing lanes.

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It's not always possible for drivers in the left-hand lane to change lanes to let joining traffic merge. However, you should be ready to adjust your speed to help the joining driver merge safely.

Explanation

The term 'crawler lane' doesn't mean the lane is only for extremely slow vehicles. It's advising you of an extra lane on the left. Crawler lanes are usually built on sections of road where the length of the gradient is such that some large vehicles will be slowed to the point where they become a hazard for other road users.

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Always check the road signs. They'll inform you of hazards ahead so you know what problems to expect. A number of different signs show pedestrians in different situations. Learn them all so you'll understand the hazards you're likely to meet.

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Don't hurry elderly people across the road by getting too close to them or revving the engine. Be aware that they might take longer to cross. They might also have hearing difficulties and not hear you approaching.

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Elderly pedestrians may have impaired judgement, hearing and/or vision. Be aware that, if they do start to cross, they could take more time to do so.

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These markings are found on the road outside schools. Don't stop or park on them, even to set down or pick up children. The markings are to make sure that drivers, riders and children have a clear view.

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Passing the moped and then turning into the junction could mean that you cut across in front of the rider. This might cause them to slow down, stop or even lose control.

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Learning is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate others who are at the beginning of this process.

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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

Before entering a tunnel, you should switch on your dipped headlights; these help you to see and be seen. In many tunnels, using headlights is a legal requirement. You should also remove your sunglasses before you drive into a tunnel.

Explanation

If your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel, it could present a danger to other traffic. First, switch on your hazard warning lights. If there are passengers in your vehicle, take them to the nearest exit point. You should then call for help from an emergency telephone. Don't rely on being found by the police or being seen by a CCTV camera. The longer a vehicle stays in an exposed position, the more danger it poses to other traffic.

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.

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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.

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.

Explanation

You may only record a break when you're not doing any other type of work. You're allowed to take a break on a double-manned vehicle while the other crew member is driving, but any break must be a minimum of 15 minutes.

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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.

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If you're the first to arrive at an incident, further collisions and fire are the immediate concerns. Switch on your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic. Stop any running vehicle engines to reduce the risk of fire. Don't assume that someone else has called the emergency services - do it yourself. Don't move casualties trapped in vehicles unless they're in danger.

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

You should be familiar with all warning lights and buzzers fitted to your vehicle. If you're driving the vehicle for the first time, make sure that you know the function of each. If the brake warning light shows a fault in the system, stop as soon as it's safe to do so. Report the fault, and don't continue until it's been corrected.

Explanation

Always use the MSM routine when you're approaching a hazard: Mirrors – check the position of traffic behind you; Signal – indicate your intention in good time; Manoeuvre – change position safely.