LGV - Free Test #4

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.

Leave plenty of room if you're following a cyclist who's signalling to turn right at a roundabout. Give them space and time to get into the correct lane.

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

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.

This sign gives you advance warning of a junction where the permanent sign is obscured by roadworks.

Look out for signs giving you advance warning of height restrictions. As a professional driver, you should always know the height of your vehicle or load. If you aren't sure of the safe height, stop and check.

During high winds, one of the lanes on a high bridge might be closed to traffic to create a buffer lane. The buffer lane is kept free to prevent vehicles from being blown into the path of other road users in the next lane. The closure of this lane may cause traffic congestion and delay.

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.

Tailgating is very dangerous because there isn't enough room to stop if an emergency arises. It's also intimidating for the driver that you're following.

The transition from 'rear wheel lift' to 'roll-over' is more rapid on vehicles equipped with air suspension systems. Make sure you take advantage of any extra training that may be available to drivers of this type of vehicle.

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.

The driver mustn't allow any cargo to be damaged during transit, loading or unloading. This requires a responsible attitude to safeguard the load at all times.

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.

Use the two-second rule when conditions are good and you're driving on roads carrying faster-moving traffic. Choose a fixed reference point, and when the vehicle ahead passes that point say to yourself 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close and you need to drop back and check again.

Maintenance of the fifth wheel should be carried out regularly, ideally monthly or every 10 000 km.

If you notice any missing wheel nuts, park and phone for assistance. It's essential that all wheel fixings are in place and tightened to the torque specified by the manufacturer. Checks should be made before you start any journey, but make a visual check every time you start up again after a rest stop.

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.

By planning your journey to avoid busy times, you'll avoid the build-up of traffic that often occurs.

If seat belts are fitted to your lorry, you must wear them. Exemptions are allowed for holders of medical exemption certificates and for delivery drivers when travelling less than 50 metres (162 feet).

Drivers need to be alert at all times. Fatigue is a recognised danger for professional drivers, so working conditions are governed by EU rules. These set a maximum driving time and minimum requirements for rest and break periods. Setting limits on the length of time a driver can work combats fatigue and so helps road safety.

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.

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 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.

If there's any danger that the load you're lifting with a crane is too heavy for ropes or straps, or that sharp edges on the load may damage them, you should use chains with compatible tensioners.

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.

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.

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.