LGV - Free Test #5

Before leaving your vehicle parked, you must stop the engine. The parking brake must be set and the vehicle should be safe and secure when you leave the cab.

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.

As well as a height restriction, the tunnel may have a restriction on the available width of headroom for high vehicles. The advance warning gives you the opportunity to find another route if your vehicle is too high or wide to drive through the tunnel.

The operator of a UK-registered vehicle engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods should make sure that the driver has a valid vocational training certificate. These certificates are valid for five years.

When turning at a mini-roundabout, it's unlikely that you'll be able to avoid going over the marked area. You should, however, avoid going over the roundabout where possible.

If you're in a collision, a properly adjusted head restraint can help to reduce the risk of neck injury. However, an incorrectly adjusted head restraint could worsen any damage to your neck.

Some highly dangerous chemicals have to be transported at prescribed temperatures. Drivers must be fully trained in the use of these specially designed, temperature-controlled vehicles.

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.

Take your time when you're using walkways at high levels. Spilt fuel can make the surface slippery and increase the risk of falling.

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods and other materials that may pose a hazard are subject to detailed emergency procedures. These procedures must be followed. Appropriate fire-fighting equipment must be available and the driver must be trained in its use.

Horse riders often keep to the outside of the roundabout even if they're turning right. Give them room in case they have to cross lanes of traffic.

If you overfill the engine with oil, you could cause the engine to build up too much pressure when it's running. This could cause damage to oil seals and gaskets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bus-lane signs show the vehicles allowed to use the lane and its times of operation. Where no times are shown, the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.

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.

The type of training required by drivers carrying livestock varies according to the distance, journey duration and species involved. For journeys of less than 65 km (40 miles), no formal qualification is required but you must have practical experience in the care of animals being transported.

Chilled foods are transported at temperatures above freezing point. Drivers need to be trained in hygiene procedures and how to operate refrigeration units.

DVSA or the police can order an immediate prohibition. The vehicle may be immobilised and you won't be able to drive it until the faults have been rectified. Details are notified to the traffic commissioner. Never use a vehicle that you know is faulty.

If you're carrying a high-value load, you should consider your personal safety. There's always the possibility of an attempted theft. Watch out for and report anything unusual, such as people taking a special interest in you or your vehicle.

To work out your vehicle's payload, use the following formula: maximum authorised mass (MAM), minus tare weight, equals payload. This is the maximum weight your vehicle can carry.

If diesel fuel becomes very cold, it can partially solidify. Additives are used by the fuel companies to try to prevent this. Any solidifying (waxing) of the fuel can prevent it from flowing properly and cause the engine to run erratically or even stop.

You must take care when approaching any hazard where height is limited. Know the height of your vehicle and what you can drive under safely. If you aren't sure that it's safe, take another route.

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.

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.

Before overtaking, you need to make sure it's safe to carry out the manoeuvre. As part of your check, look well ahead for road junctions. You shouldn't overtake as you approach a road junction, because if a vehicle emerges, or has to wait to turn, you could risk a collision.

When visibility is poor or the road is wet, leave a greater separation distance - at least a four-second time gap from the vehicle in front. You should also reduce speed and use dipped headlights.

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.