LGV Theory Test 3

Red Routes operate in many busy cities and are designed to ensure the route has no obstructions to cause delays during peak periods. Road signs and red road markings identify roads where Red Route waiting and loading restrictions apply.

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

Select an appropriate gear in good time and, if your vehicle has a dashboard-mounted lever, apply the endurance brake (retarder) in stages. Braking too much, too soon may result in locking your drive wheels.

Motorcyclists and cyclists may be more difficult to see, especially at junctions. They can be easily hidden by obstructions such as other vehicles, and the small size of an approaching motorcycle may make it difficult to judge its speed and distance. It's vital that you don't emerge until you're sure it's safe.

Never attempt to change direction to the right without checking your right-hand mirror. A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could have decided to overtake. This action should be a matter of routine.

The hours of operation of Red Routes vary from one area to another. As a rule, you mustn't stop on a Red Route, but there may be special marked boxes where loading and unloading can be carried out at certain times. Look out for signs giving information about the restrictions in place.

If your current tachograph chart becomes damaged, you should start another and then attach it to the damaged one. Your records must be clear and up to date at all times. It's sensible to carry more tachograph charts than you think you'll need for your journey. Then you'll be able to use a spare if one becomes dirty or damaged.

When the roads are wet, have consideration for pedestrians walking or standing near the kerb.

When a tyre explodes, fragments are thrown over a wide area. This can create a serious hazard for other drivers. You should regularly check your tyres for cuts, damage and pressure. Frequent checks and proper maintenance can help prevent a blow-out.

Plan well ahead and take care if you need to move out or straddle lanes due to the length of your vehicle. Other road users may not understand your reasons for doing this and may try to pass on your left. Check your mirrors before and as you turn. It's better to use extra space on the road you're leaving than to find there's not enough room when you turn in.

Changing down to an inappropriate gear at too high a speed will cause your vehicle to slow down suddenly. With no separate braking for the trailer, the tractor could be pushed to the point where it turns over.

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.

Plan your journey and take breaks to keep in touch if necessary. When driving on motorways, you can't just stop to use your mobile phone. You'll need to turn off the motorway or wait until you reach the next service area. Avoid being distracted by switching your phone off while you're driving; use the message facility to listen to any calls when you've parked safely.

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.

Many buses and coaches have a large panel of warning lights on the dashboard. A system check built into the ignition system will allow you to check that all the warning-light bulbs are working before you start your journey. If a warning light stays on, there's a fault. Have it checked before continuing. Remember, your passengers' lives are in your hands.

If the trailer begins moving while you're working on it, you could put yourself and others in great danger. You must make sure that it's properly secured by the brake before you start work.

You should take account of the weather forecast when you plan your route. You're most likely to be subjected to side wind on exposed routes; for example, on long bridges, open roads and exposed stretches of motorway.

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.

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.

It's illegal to drive a vehicle that's emitting excessive exhaust smoke, so you should get the problem fixed as soon as you're aware of it. Excessive exhaust smoke increases pollution and creates a hazard for other road users.

Leaving the filler cap off, or not properly securing it, could result in a spillage of diesel onto the road. Because diesel is slippery, this would be a major hazard, so make sure to correctly secure the filler cap after use.

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.

Wet roads will increase the time it takes you to stop. Four seconds is the minimum gap you should leave on wet roads. This is double the gap you should normally keep from the vehicle in front on good, dry roads.

Emergency refuge areas may be found next to the hard shoulder on a smart motorway. If possible, you should use one of these areas, rather than the hard shoulder, when you break down. If the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane, take care when you rejoin the motorway.

Modern tankers are fitted with baffle plates inside the tank compartment. These help to minimise the movement of liquids and, therefore, reduce the 'wave effect'.

A full category D licence entitles you to tow a trailer of up to 750 kg. If you wish to tow a trailer over 750 kg, you must pass an additional test.

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.

Goods and passenger vehicles with a MAM of more than 7.5 tonnes, those required to be fitted with a speed limiter, and vehicles towing trailers must not use the right-hand lane on a motorway with more than two lanes, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Always use the MSM routine when you're approaching a hazard. M - Mirrors: check the position of the traffic behind you. S - Signal: signal your intention to slow down or change course in good time. M - Manoeuvre: a manoeuvre is any change in position, from slowing or stopping the vehicle to turning off a busy road.

Roadworks can involve complex lane layouts. Reflective green-and-yellow fluorescent studs are used to separate the lanes in a contraflow traffic system. As you approach roadworks, look for traffic signs giving you advance information, which may relate to the size or type of vehicle you're driving.

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.

When carrying high-value goods, you can become a target for thieves. Avoid developing a set routine or pattern. Vary your routes whenever possible to make it difficult for thieves to predict when and where your cargo can be intercepted.

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.

If you can't return to base within a week of the tachograph becoming defective, it must be repaired during the journey. While it's broken, you must keep a manual record.

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.

Lanes at roadworks often have weight restrictions to keep larger vehicles in the left-hand lane. The lanes through the roadworks are often narrow and therefore not wide enough for large vehicles to pass each other safely. Always look for restriction signs at roadworks. They're usually placed well in advance to give you time to move safely into the correct lane in good time.

At a traffic incident, the danger of further collisions and fire needs to be dealt with first. Then you should deal with injuries in this order: airway, breathing, compressions and bleeding. Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential to do so.

The effect of your vehicle driving through a puddle will be to throw water onto the pavement. If there are pedestrians close by, they could be splashed with the water. Be considerate and, if it's safe to do so, avoid driving through the puddle.

If you're driving an empty curtain-sided vehicle, you can help to lower the resistance to side wind if you tie the curtains open. The air will then be able to flow across the flat bed of the vehicle. This will reduce any loss of control, particularly when crossing exposed viaducts or bridges.

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.

Large vehicles can be fitted with various types of endurance brake (retarder). Make sure you're familiar with how the system operates on the vehicle you're using. Don't risk a crash or collision through ignorance.

It's a legal requirement that information about a vehicle's height can be seen by the driver from their seat. It's important to know the height of your vehicle so that you can avoid any height restrictions on your route.

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.

Both your load and your vehicle can be a target for thieves. Taking simple precautions, such as securing the windows and doors, can deter thieves and help ensure your own safety.

When diesel fuel spills onto the road, it makes the road surface extremely slippery. This can cause danger for all types of vehicle, but particularly for those with two wheels, which rely on their tyres' grip to remain upright.

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.

Vehicles carrying loads between 4.3 metres (14 feet 1 inch) and 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) wide are subject to lower speed limits. The limit depends on the type of road. On a motorway it's 40 mph (64 km/h), on a dual carriageway it's 35 mph (56 km/h), and on all other roads it's 30 mph (48 km/h).

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.

If it's possible, and you can do so without causing further danger, it's safer to drive a vehicle that's on fire out of a tunnel. The greatest danger in a tunnel fire is smoke and suffocation.

When traffic is heavy, plan well ahead so that you don't block crossings. Leave them clear so that pedestrians can cross safely.

If you're driving a high vehicle, make sure that there's enough headroom available for you to go through the tunnel. There may be additional signs showing height and width restrictions.

Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers, but they're able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They only operate in England and work in partnership with the police at incidents. Traffic officers can be recognised by their orange-and-yellow jackets and their vehicles, which have yellow-and-black markings.

When you need to drive close to the kerb, be aware of the dangers.

• Pedestrians may step off the kerb.
• The nearside mirror may be at a pedestrian's head height.
• Cyclists may be tempted to pass you on your left if you're driving slowly in congested conditions.

As well as headlights and tail lights, large vehicles have additional lighting to help other road users see the size of the vehicle. All lights should be clean and working properly. Driving at night when your vehicle is poorly lit is dangerous for you and other road users.

As you turn a corner, the hanging meat carcasses will all swing to one side of your vehicle, adding extra pulling force towards the outside of the curve. The faster you turn a corner, the greater this force will be. After the corner, the carcasses will continue to swing back and forth, like pendulums, making the vehicle unstable.

Continuous use of the brakes on a long downhill gradient can cause them to overheat and become ineffective. This is called brake fade. You should use a low gear to enable the engine's braking effect to help control your speed. Also use the vehicle's retarder, if fitted. As well as reducing the likelihood of brake fade, this helps to keep air pressure in the tanks.

If you try to overtake another vehicle and realise that you're unable to complete the manoeuvre, ease off the accelerator and drop back behind the vehicle. If the vehicle you're trying to overtake is large, then it will take a long time to pass. You should assess whether you have the time and power to complete the manoeuvre before you try to overtake.

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.

At night, a pedestrian carrying a red light should be at the back of an organised walk. The walkers should keep to the left, but this won't always be the case. Pass them very slowly. Be aware that the pedestrians may have their backs to you and might not know you're approaching.

Give them plenty of room. Watch carefully in your nearside mirror, as the high winds and the buffeting effect from your vehicle may blow them off course.

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.

Only overtake when it's safe to do so, and don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate approaching traffic. When overtaking a cyclist, leave plenty of room and, before returning to the left, check in your nearside mirror to make sure you've passed them safely.

Drivers passing incidents often end up having collisions themselves when they're distracted by the scene. You need to keep your concentration in a situation like this and ignore what's happening on the other carriageway.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Drive slowly and be prepared for children running into the road.

If you see a contraflow sign, there'll also be markings on the road to indicate the bus lane. Don't use this lane for parking or overtaking.

Moisture in the braking system can cause serious problems, especially in cold weather, when it could freeze and stop the brakes from working. Most modern vehicles have a system that drains automatically, but make sure you know which system is fitted to any vehicle that you drive.

When passing through immigration control, you should have a list of all your passengers. They must all be accounted for.

Large or long vehicles have many blind spots. It's vital to check all these areas before starting to reverse and then make sure you keep checking all around while completing the manoeuvre.

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.

While overtaking, you'll need to judge carefully when to return to the nearside lane. Check your left-hand (nearside) mirror to make sure the rear of your vehicle is well clear. You should allow for the length of both vehicles and take into account the speed difference. Don't cut in too soon on the vehicle you've overtaken, and don't rely on signals from other drivers; they may be signalling to someone else.

Whenever you uncouple a trailer, you must work through the uncoupling process methodically. Start by making sure that the brakes are applied on both the vehicle and the trailer.

Your tyres must be in good condition and properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Research has shown that the tyres most likely to fail are those that have been over-inflated.

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.

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.

If your vehicle catches fire in a tunnel and it can't be driven, stop on the side of the road, as far away from passing traffic as possible. Turn off the engine and warn other traffic by switching on your hazard warning lights.

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.

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.

The choice of restraint will depend on the load. For example, ropes are unsuitable for loads such as steel plates, as there's a danger of sharp edges shearing the ropes. For steel plates, chains must be used with a suitable tensioning device.

There's no way of knowing how deep the snow could be ahead. If you overtake and then become stuck in the snow, you may cause problems for the snow plough, particularly if you block the road.

Major roadworks often cause complicated diversions for large vehicles. Drivers may be advised to follow a special symbol until the original road can be rejoined. Look for the yellow-and-black symbols in these shapes:

• square
• triangle
• diamond
• circle.

They'll often be shown with additional information and will help guide you around the diversion.

Extra care is needed when driving in heavy rain. Reduce your speed and switch on dipped headlights. Tyres will have less grip on a wet road and it will take up to twice the distance to stop when compared with good dry conditions.

The vehicle handbook will clearly explain what maintenance may be carried out by the driver. Always refer to it and comply with the safety guidance that it contains. However, you need to be aware of your employer's policy on making any minor repairs.

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.

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

You should always check your nearside mirror before any change of direction. Be alert for cyclists and motorcyclists who don't realise the potential danger involved in trying to squeeze through on your nearside when you're waiting at a junction.

You must be aware of the position of other road users, so that you know how they may be affected by your actions. Before opening your door, it's important to check the mirrors, as well as looking around for passing or approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

Vehicles carrying dangerous or hazardous goods need to have markings on them that clearly identify the load. This could, for example, help the emergency services to deal with any incident quickly and safely.

A heavy vehicle will lose speed when climbing a steep hill. Changing to a lower gear will help you to maintain an appropriate speed.

The entrances to roundabouts are often worn. This can make the surface slippery, especially when it's wet. You should plan your approach and brake in good time.

If a warning buzzer or light alerts you to a loss of air pressure, you should stop on the side of the road immediately. You should have enough air in reserve to allow you to do this safely. Don't start or continue your journey until the fault has been repaired.

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.

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.

When you drive too close to the kerb, there's a risk that your nearside mirror could strike the head of a pedestrian. Be aware of this hazard and, if you see pedestrians close to the road, make sure you leave them enough room.

After overtaking, check your nearside mirror carefully before moving back to the left. Don't rely on the other driver flashing their headlights, because only you can make the decision that it's safe.

A green flashing light on a vehicle means the driver or passenger is a doctor on an emergency call. Give way to them if it's safe to do so. Be aware that the vehicle may be travelling quickly or may stop suddenly.