LGV - Free Test #3

Forward planning is important whenever you consider overtaking another road user. You should carefully assess the speed of the vehicle you intend to overtake. Remember that your vehicle's speed is limited and this could considerably increase the distance and time needed to complete the manoeuvre safely.

If you apply for a PCV or LGV licence, you must demonstrate that your eyesight is good enough to drive safely. DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) can give you specific information about this. It's your responsibility to tell DVLA or DVA if your eyesight changes or you can't meet the requirements.

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

Before changing direction, you should check your mirrors for any vehicles that may be overtaking. An overtaking driver or rider might not have seen the narrowing road ahead. You should let them get past before you move across to the right.

The hiss of air-assisted mechanisms, as well as engine noise, can easily startle horses. Keep the noise to a minimum by gentle use of the brakes and, if necessary, stopping and turning your engine off.

Normally, you should avoid having to stop before joining a motorway. Use the slip road to build up your speed so that you can emerge safely. If it's extremely busy, there may be rare occasions when you have to stop and then filter into the traffic. This is most likely to happen where traffic is queuing; for example, at roadworks.

In England and Wales, the national speed limit for lorries over 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass on a single carriageway road is 50 mph. In Scotland, the limit is 40 mph.

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.

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.

While driving on a building site, bricks, mud or other debris can become lodged between a lorry's double rear wheels. When you leave the site and increase your road speed, anything lodged between the tyres could be thrown out. This flying debris can be a hazard for drivers of following vehicles and can create dangerous road conditions, especially for motorcyclists.

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.

An engine fitted with a turbocharger should be allowed to idle for about a minute before it's switched off. This prevents the turbocharger bearings from being starved of oil.

The main causes of lorries shedding their loads are driver errors, such as sudden changes of speed or direction, driving too fast for the conditions, and harsh braking.

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.

Always be aware of your limited vision around your vehicle, due to its size and shape. Never move off without checking along the nearside of your vehicle. You should be aware of the possibility of cyclists and motorcyclists getting trapped between your vehicle and the kerb.

Some drivers might emerge from a junction when it's not safe to do so. In this situation, understand that other drivers might make mistakes. Don't intimidate them by driving aggressively to teach them a lesson.

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.

If your vehicle is likely to be used by another person while you're away from it, you should take your tachograph chart with you. Your break from driving should be entered on the reverse of the chart.

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.

When an analogue tachograph is installed and calibrated, an installation plaque is fixed near the tachograph. This shows the date of the most recent tachograph calibration. Under EU rules, this must take place every six years.

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.

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

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.

To make sure it's safe, you must use the mirrors well before you make any manoeuvre. For example, you need to use them before moving off, turning, overtaking, slowing or stopping, opening a door, or changing direction, lanes or speed.

Just before turning, a check in the offside mirror will help you to see any cyclist or motorcyclist passing on your offside. This check may help to prevent a serious incident from developing.

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

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.

You'll generally see this sign at the approach to a pedestrian-only zone.