LGV - Free Theory Test 2

When you're being overtaken, the other driver has to decide when it's safe to complete the manoeuvre. Don't give an unofficial signal, however well intended. There may be a hazard you're unable to see from your position.

You should allow the faster-moving vehicle to overtake safely. If you pull out to overtake at this time, you'll cause the car behind to brake sharply. Don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate. Be professional and show consideration to other road users.

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

Drain covers usually have a metal surface. When wet, these covers are slippery and can cause a motorcycle to skid; be prepared for riders to avoid them.

Warn other traffic of the incident, without putting yourself or others at risk. Once the danger of further collisions is dealt with, call the emergency services. While you're waiting for them to arrive, keeping casualties or witnesses calm is important, but never offer a cigarette because of the risk of fire.

The main reason why there are so many collisions at junctions is that drivers fail to see motorcyclists. A bright jacket or single headlight may help you identify an approaching motorcyclist, but you should be aware that not all motorcyclists wear bright clothing or use their headlights during the day.

If possible, lay the casualty down. Raising the arm above the level of the heart will reduce the flow of blood. Check that the limb isn't broken and that there's nothing in the wound before applying pressure over it.

Keeping the markings clear ensures that drivers and riders passing and children crossing have a clear, unrestricted view of each other.

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).

In congested tunnels, you should always obey the instructions given by variable message signs and tunnel officials. Listen out for radio announcements and observe the road signs and signals. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

Other road users can be affected by the spray from large vehicles, severely reducing their vision. Always take care when you need to change lanes: signal in good time and watch your mirrors carefully before pulling out in these conditions.

Wind deflectors reduce a vehicle's wind resistance and so help reduce fuel consumption.

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.

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.

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.

Drivers are required to take 35 hours of training every five years to maintain their Driver CPC. This can be split into shorter sessions of at least seven hours each. These can be spread over the five years, so effectively one day's training is taken each year. The penalties for non-compliance are the same as those for driving without a licence.

Watch out for pedestrians if you see a bus ahead. They may not be able to see you if they're crossing behind the bus.

Cyclists and motorcyclists may become unbalanced by your vehicle passing too close. Plan ahead and give them plenty of room. Remember that your large vehicle can cause a vacuum, which will suck the rider towards it. The noise and close proximity of your vehicle can also startle them, and could cause them to swerve suddenly.

In very wet conditions, tyres may be unable to clear all the water from their path. This can result in a layer of water building up between the road and the tyre - a situation known as aquaplaning. To regain control, ease off the accelerator and, as the vehicle slows, the tyres should regain their grip. It's safer to reduce the risk of aquaplaning occurring by driving more slowly in very wet weather.

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.

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.

The closer you are to the vehicle in front, the less you'll be able to see of the road ahead. You must be aware at all times that you won't be able to see all around your vehicle. This is why you must have an excellent mirror routine and constantly update yourself on what's going on around you.

Check your mirrors to make sure that it's safe to overtake. Remember that traffic coming up behind will be travelling at a faster speed.

Don't park where you would endanger or inconvenience others. If your choice of parking place obstructs drivers, riders or pedestrians, move to a more suitable area.

Horses and their riders will move more slowly than other road users. They might not have time to cut across heavy traffic to take up a position in the offside lane when they're turning right; it could also be hazardous for them to do so. Therefore, a horse and rider may approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane, even though they're turning right.

Articulated lorries aren't allowed to drive in the right-hand lane of motorways with three or more lanes. The only exceptions are when an escort vehicle gives you a signal, when road signs indicate, or when directed by a police officer.

Traffic queues on the motorway are fairly common, often due to the volume of traffic at peak times or to incidents. If you see a queue of stationary traffic ahead, switch on your hazard warning lights for a short while to warn those behind you of a hazard ahead.

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.

Some vehicles are fitted with an audible warning device that sounds when the vehicle is being reversed. As these devices make a loud noise, they shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area. Audible warning devices are an effective safety feature, but they don't take away the need to use effective observation around the vehicle before and while reversing.

You should always leave a safety margin between your vehicle and the one in front. This gap will give you a better view of the road ahead. It will also allow you time to react if the traffic in front changes speed or direction.

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.

Fast-moving traffic is passing close by, so wait for the breakdown services to arrive. Their vehicle will provide protection while your vehicle is repaired or recovered.

Local-authority environmental health departments check vehicles' exhaust emissions. They have the power to prosecute the driver and the operator, as do enforcement bodies such as DVSA.

The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres [16 feet 6 inches], unless otherwise stated. Where the overhead clearance is arched, this headroom is normally only between the limits marked.

If you've been convicted of drink- or drug-driving, statistically you're a risk to yourself and others on the road. For this reason, when you're able to drive again, insurance companies may charge you a high premium to insure your vehicle.

Your tachograph chart is a legal document; it's a record of your work covering a rolling 24-hour period. Drivers who break the rules are subject to heavy fines and could lose their vocational licence. Altering your tachograph chart with intent to deceive is against the law and could lead to a prison sentence. Similar penalties exist for those who permit such offences.

Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.

The faster the traffic is moving, the greater the distance that needs to be kept between vehicles to maintain safety margins. If you find another vehicle driving too close behind you, gradually reduce your speed to increase your distance from the vehicle in front. You'll then be able to brake more gently when you need to, reducing the likelihood of the lorry behind running into the back of your vehicle.

When driving downhill, gravity will cause the vehicle to increase speed. More braking effort will be required, and stopping distances will increase.

In windy weather, try to avoid routes where you would have to drive across suspension bridges and other exposed stretches of road. Plan a route that takes you across lower ground and where you'll be less exposed.

Always look for the more vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians (especially children), animals and horse riders. All need your consideration. Motorcycles are relatively small, but they can move just as fast as other vehicles, making them easy to overlook.

Use your hazard warning lights on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn following drivers of an obstruction or hazard ahead. This will alert drivers who may not be able to see the hazard due to the size of your vehicle.

Drag is caused by wind entering the cavity of an uncovered tipper. If the cavity is covered, then the drag is reduced.

If you're waiting to emerge from a side road, remember to look for motorcycles. Their small size makes them easy to overlook. Be especially careful if parked vehicles are restricting your view. If you can't see, don't go.

Better knowledge and use of fuel-efficient driving techniques can result in lower fuel consumption and emissions. Other benefits include improved road safety and greater professionalism.

Fuel spilled on the road is a serious danger to other road users, especially motorcyclists. To prevent this from happening, make sure the filler cap is secure after refuelling.

On a motorway, it's best to use a roadside emergency telephone so that the emergency services are able to locate you easily.

This sign tells you that the verge is soft. If you park here, there's a danger that your vehicle will become stuck. This can be inconvenient and could be costly if you need to be pulled out. In extreme cases, your vehicle may even tip over.

It's important to stow away all your electrical cables and air lines safely to avoid causing injury to others. Connectors left lying around can be a trip hazard and can be damaged if they're run over by another vehicle.

Reflective studs on motorways and dual carriageways are provided to help drivers in bad visibility. Reflective studs are coloured

• red on the left-hand edge of the carriageway
• white to indicate lane markings
• green at slip roads and lay-bys
• amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway, marking the central reservation.

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.

On a poor road surface, the rider may need to move out to avoid potholes. You may not get much warning. A look to the right or a 'lifesaver' check may warn you that they're about to move out. Stay well back and allow the rider plenty of room until you can pass safely.

Overloading an axle has an impact on the environment, causing damage to road surfaces. You also risk a fine and driving penalties.

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.

Turning off the engine is safer and emits less fumes into the environment. Leaving the engine idling unnecessarily will also waste fuel.

The horn shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area. The only exception is when another road user is unaware of you and poses a danger.

You must check the nearside mirror during and after overtaking a motorcyclist. Make sure that the rider is still in control and that your vehicle's draught hasn't caused them to lose their balance.

The operator must have a system in place so that drivers can report defects and have them repaired properly.

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.

Being as healthy and alert as possible will make you safer on the road. Take regular meal and rest breaks, and keep to foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as bread and vegetables. These release energy slowly and will keep you satisfied for longer than foods with a high sugar content.

Always think of your own and others' physical safety before lifting any heavy object. Plan the lift and move any other items out of the way. Decide whether you need assistance.

Pedestrians and cyclists are shown the green light together. The signals are push-button-operated and there's no flashing amber phase.

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.

When securing a load, the driver must use the most suitable type of restraint. Scrap metal is likely to have sharp edges that could wear through straps or ropes. Security of the load is the driver's responsibility; a load that has been correctly secured shouldn't move if an emergency arises.

Never commit yourself to overtaking unless you're absolutely certain that you have the time and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. Don't take any risks that will endanger other road users.

Plan your overtaking carefully. The weight of your vehicle, combined with the restrictions imposed by a speed limiter, is likely to make your vehicle lose speed on uphill gradients. You should take this into consideration before attempting to overtake another moving vehicle.

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.

When transporting livestock, it's important to limit the amount of space they have to move around. If you allow them to move around freely, it could increase the risk of injury to the animals. It will also affect the stability of the vehicle when braking and cornering, and could even cause the vehicle to tip over.

You must take 35 hours of training every five years to maintain your Driver CPC. This can be done at any time during the five years: all at once or split into sessions of at least seven hours each. The penalties for non-compliance are the same as those for driving without a licence.

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.

When emerging, if you can't see, don't go. Be aware that there could be an approaching cyclist or motorcyclist hidden by parked vehicles. Edge out very slowly, checking in all directions, and be ready to stop.

Normally, you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns. On smart motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane, but only when speed-limit signs are shown directly above it. This technology has been introduced to ease traffic congestion.

If your vehicle catches fire in a tunnel, you should first try to drive it out - but only if you can do so safely.

Jack-knifing occurs when the tractor unit is pushed by the semi-trailer pivoting around the coupling (fifth wheel). This is more likely to occur with an unladen vehicle.

If a school crossing patrol steps out into the road with a 'stop' sign, you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road or get impatient and rev your engine.

Remember that the buffeting caused by large vehicles can affect other road users, including

• cars towing caravans
• motorcyclists.

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.

You can reduce the chance of a breakdown with routine maintenance and regular checks on your vehicle.

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.

These signals can be found at level crossings, some airfields, bridges and emergency access sites. You must stop if the red lights are flashing. At level crossings, if the lights continue to flash after a train has passed, continue to wait because another train is coming.

Don't rely on an audible warning device to claim right of way. It's your responsibility to be cautious and take all-round observation while you're reversing.

When air is compressed, moisture condenses and collects in the air tanks. This can find its way along the network of pipes connected to the brakes. In frosty weather, the moisture can freeze in the pipes, blocking them completely. On modern vehicles, the air is dried before it's compressed and the air tanks drain automatically to shed any moisture. On older vehicles, the air tanks need draining manually.

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.

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).

You should check your oil level regularly and pay attention to any oil warning devices. A damaged engine can be very expensive to mend. It could also cause sudden and unexpected loss of control, putting you and others in danger. If your engine seizes, you should make every effort to stop in a safe place.

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

• flammable gas
• toxic gas
• corrosive agents.

These are just some of the types of hazard encountered. Strict regulations apply to the storage and carriage of these goods. All drivers of this type of load must receive specific certificated training.

A person who's hysterical may do things that you wouldn't expect. Try to keep the distressed person calm and safe until the emergency services arrive.

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.

Always be prepared to give way to overtaking lorries or buses. Maintaining your speed will only block the motorway to other traffic unnecessarily. You may find yourself in a similar situation if the limiter on your vehicle doesn't allow you enough speed to successfully overtake another vehicle.

Always maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. If another vehicle pulls into the gap, slow down to re-establish a safe following distance. Following too close is dangerous and places you and other road users in unnecessary danger; your view of the road ahead will be seriously reduced, and you won't be able to see or plan effectively.

Make sure you have enough rest before you start a night shift. Driving at night can be tiring and you must be able to stay alert for the whole of your shift. Making sure that there's enough fresh air in the cab can help you to stay alert. Stale, warm air can dull your senses and cause drowsiness.

You don't know what the driver of this car will do. Be prepared for any hazard. The driver may not have seen you. Planning ahead will allow you to be in the correct gear and at the correct speed to cope if this hazard develops.

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.

Block' gear changing means changing up or down to the most appropriate gear without going through each gear in turn. It reduces the number of gear changes, and this can improve fuel consumption.

At motorway roadworks, some lanes may be narrower than normal and large vehicles may not be allowed to use those lanes. Look for weight-limit signs to check for any lanes that you can't use. Move to the appropriate lane in good time.