LGV Theory Test 5

A sleeper cab can create extra blind spots. Look out for vehicles just to the rear offside and nearside of your cab - they could soon become hidden in your blind spots.

In exposed places, such as high-level bridges, viaducts or some motorways, high winds can cause the road to be closed to certain vehicles. If you're driving a high-sided vehicle and high winds are forecast, plan an alternative route in case your intended route is closed.

As a local-service bus driver, you may use the bus lane at any time. The restrictions apply to other road users, to keep the lane clear for you at peak times. Don't be tempted to speed when driving up the inside of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Be alert for pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road.

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

It's essential to know the height of your vehicle before setting off. This should be clearly marked, usually in the cab, and visible from the driving position. Look out for restrictions that you may not have seen on a map - they may be temporary.

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.

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.

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.

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).

From your raised driving position, you may not be able to see the area directly in front you. The Class VI (Cyclops) mirror on the front of your vehicle can reveal pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who would otherwise be hidden from view. Check this mirror carefully before moving off, especially at pedestrian crossings and in stop/start city traffic.

Drinking black coffee or waiting a few hours won't make any difference. Alcohol takes time to leave the body, so you should find a way to get home without using your vehicle; for example, by public transport. Depending on how much you've had to drink, you may even be unfit to drive the following morning.

All tyres must be properly inflated and in good condition. Tyre failure on a motorway can have serious consequences. This can be avoided by checking your tyres at the start of each journey.

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.

At the scene of an incident, you should tell your passengers what has happened, while reassuring them that they're not in danger. Explain to them that the emergency services are dealing with it and they should remain on the coach.

Drivers queuing behind you may make hasty or ill-judged decisions in an effort to overtake. If you see a queue of traffic building up behind, give way as soon as you can do so safely by pulling in to the left.

A warning-lights check is sometimes performed automatically when the ignition is switched on. However, you may need to do this manually by operating a separate check switch. Never start a journey without carrying out this check. If there's a problem, have it repaired before you set off.

Workshop manuals give detailed technical advice about the servicing, maintenance and repair of your vehicle. They're essential for anyone who wants to service or repair their own vehicle.

Potholes and raised drain covers in the road can unsteady a motorcyclist. They may suddenly swerve to avoid these uneven surfaces. Watch out at places where the road is in poor condition and this is likely to occur.

It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while you're driving, other than to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency. Switch it off before you start driving and use the messaging facility. You can pick up messages when you stop for a rest break. If you must make a call, stop in a safe place before using the phone.

To prevent your wheels from locking, you'll need to brake very gently on ice. Give yourself as much room and time as possible to stop. If your front wheels lock, you can't steer, and that will mean you can't avoid any obstacle in your path.

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.

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.

Stopping where you see this sign is likely to cause an obstruction, which could lead to traffic delays. Obeying the sign will help keep the traffic flowing.

Be aware that cyclists and pedestrians could be hidden from view when you're in slow-moving traffic or at pedestrian crossings. The Class VI (Cyclops) mirror on the front of your vehicle shows the area directly in front of you. Use this mirror to check that no-one is in front of your vehicle before you start to move.

Roll-over' usually happens as a result of the inside rear wheels of an articulated vehicle starting to lift when the driver changes direction sharply. This tends to happen when a driver is changing direction to leave a roundabout. If the load moves during the change of direction, the vehicle is increasingly at risk of rolling over. The problem often involves vehicles carrying fluids in bulk.

A tyre may burst or shred if it overheats. This could result in serious loss of control. Stop on the hard shoulder as soon as it's safe to do so and call for help.

When using a lorry-mounted crane, stabilisers should always be used. All drivers should be fully trained and regularly tested on their competence in using stabilisers.

If you see this sign, be aware that there's a danger of grounding. This can happen where there's a pronounced bump in the road, such as at a level crossing or a hump bridge.

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.

Your vehicle will make more noise than a car, so you should try to avoid making unnecessary noise at any time of the day or night. This is especially important when you're in a residential area at a time when people are likely to be sleeping.

You mustn't park or stop on a road marked with double white lines (even where one of the lines is broken) except to pick up or set down passengers.

When a wheel is refitted, the wheel nuts/studs should be tightened gradually and diagonally across the wheel. You should tighten the nuts to the specified torque setting, using a calibrated torque wrench.

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.

Whenever possible, call the emergency services first. If you're able to give first aid, remember DR ABC. Check for Danger, then check the casualty for a Response. Check the Airway, and try to establish Breathing by gently lifting the chin up and forward. Give Compressions if necessary. Try to stop any severe bleeding. If you feel you aren't capable of carrying out first aid, consider taking some training. It could save a life.

Children getting off the bus will be hidden from your view, and they may not be able to see you. Even if they can see you, they may have poor judgement of danger. You should drive slowly as you pass the bus and be ready to stop.

At hump bridges, there's a risk of long vehicles grounding. If you aren't sure whether the floor of your vehicle will clear the bridge, find another route.

To help a casualty who isn't breathing, you should remove any obstructions from their mouth and tilt their head back slightly. These actions will help to keep their airway clear and maintain the correct position if mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is required.

If you become unwell, it will affect your ability to concentrate. You must be fully alert and ready for any hazards that might occur while you're driving. Stop in a safe place and call for help. You may have to call out a relief driver to complete the journey for you.

Rain, combined with oil, rubber particles, dirt and debris on the road surface, reduces the tyres' grip on the road. It can be especially slippery when it rains after a long dry spell.

You're responsible for your vehicle, so you should reduce the risk of it being stolen. Plan any lengthy stops for places where your vehicle will be safest, such as a well-lit rest stop at night. Also have an alarm and immobiliser fitted to the vehicle by a security specialist.

Take care; it's not worth taking risks. Always check with your doctor to be absolutely sure. The medicine may have an effect on you later in the day and for longer than you think.

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.

You should take precautions against dropping mud on the road, because it's a hazard to other road users. It's also an offence for which you could be prosecuted.

If you want to keep a vehicle untaxed and off the public road, you must make a SORN. It's an offence not to do so. When you've made a SORN, you won't have to pay vehicle tax, but you also won't be able to use the vehicle on the road. The SORN remains valid until your vehicle is taxed, sold, scrapped or exported.

It's important to check all fluid levels during your daily checks, but it's especially important to remember the hydraulic fluid reservoir. A loss of fluid could lead to brake failure.

An engine fire is serious. If the fire breaches the fuel lines, it can easily spread to the fuel tank. If that happens, both the vehicle and its cargo will probably be lost. Therefore, your priority is to shut off the fuel supply.

Using the brakes to control a lorry's speed as it's driven down a hill will cause them to get hot. If they overheat, they can become less effective - a condition known as brake fade. By selecting a low gear, the engine's resistance will slow the lorry. This reduces the demands on the brakes, making them less likely to overheat.

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.

If you're following cyclists onto a roundabout, be aware that they might not take the exit you expect. Cyclists approaching in the left-hand lane could be turning right but may not have been able to get into the right-hand lane. Give them plenty of room.

The parking brake must always be set whenever you leave the vehicle. It's an offence not to leave your vehicle properly secured.

When you see this sign, you must give way to traffic from the opposite direction, regardless of the size of your vehicle.

When you have to slow down or stop, you should always avoid harsh, late braking. This is particularly important on icy or slippery roads, where you need to brake gently and in good time to make sure you keep control of your vehicle.

All spare sheets and ropes carried on the vehicle must be tied down securely to prevent them falling onto the road, where they may be a hazard for other vehicles.

Your vehicle will make more noise than a car, so you should try to avoid making unnecessary noise at any time of the day or night. This is especially important when you're in a residential area at a time when people are likely to be sleeping.

You should be aware that motorcyclists are likely to be affected by side wind and can be blown into your path. Adjust your speed so that you can stop or take avoiding action safely if necessary.

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

While moving, hazard warning lights may only be used on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a need to slow down, due to a hazard ahead.

The view you get in your mirrors may vary, depending on the size of the trailer and the load it carries. Always adjust your mirrors to ensure that you have the best possible view down each side of the trailer before you drive away.

It's important to know what's happening behind as well as ahead. Your mirrors must always be clean and properly adjusted.

The usual advice is to leave a minimum time gap of two seconds, but on wet roads you should leave at least double that time. Always take the road and weather conditions into account when you're driving.

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.

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.

The sign prohibits buses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats and so doesn't apply to you.

Good forward planning can help you keep other road users out of trouble. Information to help you do this is available if you look for it. Watch for clues: for example, a motorcyclist taking a 'lifesaver' look over their shoulder could be about to change direction.

On smart motorways, the hard shoulder can be used as a running lane when a speed limit is shown above it. However, a red cross above the hard shoulder means that this lane shouldn't be used, except for emergencies and breakdowns.

A long lorry with a heavy load will need more time to pass you than a car. It won't be able to accelerate enough to pass you quickly, especially on an uphill stretch of road. Be considerate to the lorry driver - ease off the accelerator and allow the lorry to pass.

Continually using the brakes could cause them to overheat. When that happens, they become less effective. This is called brake fade, and it occurs most often when the driver has to control the vehicle's speed on a long downhill gradient. To help prevent brake fade, use the endurance brake (retarder) and a lower gear to keep the vehicle's speed in check, rather than the wheel-mounted brakes.

Be careful of giving lifts to strangers; some employers actively discourage it. Allowing strangers in your cab or telling people about your load could put the security of your vehicle and load at risk, and may put you in danger.

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.

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).

Continuous use of the brakes can result in them overheating and losing their effectiveness. This is known as 'brake fade' and it's most likely on long downhill gradients.

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.

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 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.

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.

Buffer lanes are often found in places that are frequently subjected to high winds. Examples include high-level bridges, high-level roads, exposed viaducts and exposed stretches of motorway. Listen to the weather forecast, which should tell you of any need to re-plan your route.

The exit from a motorway is indicated by countdown markers. These are positioned 90 metres (100 yards) apart, the first being 270 metres (300 yards) from the start of the slip road. Move into the left-hand lane well before you reach the start of the slip road.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The size and design of some cabs can create blind spots. This is especially true of a sleeper cab. A quick sideways glance might show something you can't see in your mirrors, especially when traffic is merging.

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.

Parking on the yellow zigzag lines will block the view of the school entrance. This will endanger the lives of children wanting to cross the road on their way to and from school.

Blind spots can occur when bodywork - such as a door or window pillar - restricts your view. Different types of vehicle have different blind spots.

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).

If any vehicle displaying a warning symbol is involved in an incident, the consequences could be serious. The emergency services need to be aware of how a dangerous or hazardous material will behave in different situations; for example, when it's wet.

Stay back and allow the cyclist to proceed. You mustn't cut across in front of them. Also be aware of any cyclists who may try to pass on your left as you slow for the turn.

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.

If you're carrying a load that consists of loose materials, it must be covered by suitable sheeting. You mustn't risk losing any part of your load. This could cause damage or injury to other road users, and you would be responsible.

You should always allow engines fitted with turbochargers to idle for about a minute before stopping the engine. This prevents the turbine bearings from being starved of oil.

When you're driving a long vehicle, you'll often need to straddle lanes to turn into narrow side roads. When you do this, watch out for smaller vehicles - especially motorcycles and cycles - trying to squeeze past on your inside.

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.