LGV - Theory Test 9

You should always check all your spray-suppression equipment before a journey. Don't ignore it just because it's dry when you set out. The weather can change on the way.

Motor vehicles over 7500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) and trailers over 3500 kg MAM should have these markings fitted to the rear of the vehicle/trailer.

Allow the cyclist plenty of room. Give them space and be prepared for them to change direction. To stay safe, they may travel around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.

If you attempt to move a casualty who has a spinal injury, it could cause further damage. Make sure an ambulance has been called for and talk to the casualty to keep them calm.

When transporting livestock, it's important to limit the amount of space they have to move around. If you allow them to move around freely, it could increase the risk of injury to the animals. It will also affect the stability of the vehicle when braking and cornering, and could even cause the vehicle to tip over.

The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres [16 feet 6 inches], unless otherwise stated. Where the overhead clearance is arched, this headroom is normally only between the limits marked.

Brake fade occurs when the brakes overheat. Good forward planning and correct use of the gears when descending hills, together with proper use of the endurance brake (retarder), can help to prevent brake fade.

Sitting in a high cab doesn't always give you all-round visibility. Other road users might assume that you can see them and position themselves out of sight close to your vehicle. Making good use of any extra mirrors can help prevent dangerous incidents, especially when parking.

Once you have a secure hold on the object, keep your head up and bend your knees.

The motorcyclist might be turning right, changing direction or unsure of their destination. Stay behind until the rider has made a move or you're sure you can pass safely. Don't intimidate them by moving too close.

An exhaust brake alters the engine's exhaust flow, using it to help control the vehicle's speed. It's most efficient when the engine is running at a high speed and the vehicle is in a low gear, such as when descending a long hill. Using the exhaust brake can relieve the service brakes, preventing them from overheating and fading.

When you see this sign, beware of traffic queues ahead. Check your mirrors and reduce your speed. Research shows that you make poor decisions when you're angry, so you're less likely to spot and respond safely to hazards. Be patient when you're delayed and reduce the possibility of being involved in an incident.

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.

If you feel the onset of tiredness, you need to take a break. This might be at a motorway service station, but if there isn't one nearby you'll need to leave at the next exit and find a safe place to stop and rest.

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.

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.

Being as healthy and alert as possible will make you safer on the road. Take regular meal and rest breaks, and keep to foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as bread and vegetables. These release energy slowly and will keep you satisfied for longer than foods with a high sugar content.

Closed curtains on large empty vehicles can hold the wind. Strong side wind can blow a semi-trailer off course and, in severe cases, can blow the whole vehicle over onto its side. To reduce the risk of this happening, you should tie the curtains open.

It's dangerous to drive a vehicle with low air pressure. To alert you to this, all vehicles are fitted with a warning light and/or buzzer. Don't move your vehicle if this warning shows or sounds.

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

When changing or fitting new tyres, consider buying energy-saving tyres. These have a reduced rolling resistance and improved efficiency, which helps to keep fuel costs down.

Small battery-powered vehicles are often used by disabled people. On unrestricted dual carriageways, these vehicles must show a flashing amber light. Be very careful, as they have a maximum speed of 8 mph. You may see other slow-moving vehicles with amber flashing lights, such as agricultural vehicles.

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.

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 should always leave a safety margin between your vehicle and the one in front. This gap will give you a better view of the road ahead. It will also allow you time to react if the traffic in front changes speed or direction.

Before overtaking assess the situation. Look well ahead to see if the cyclist will need to change direction. Be especially aware of the cyclist approaching parked vehicles as they will need to alter course. Do not pass too closely or cut in sharply.

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.

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.

You must show consideration to other road users. The reactions of older drivers may be slower and they might need more time to deal with a situation. Be tolerant and don’t lose patience or show your annoyance.

High-sided vehicles such as box vans are affected by side wind, particularly when they're empty. Drivers should slow down and stay alert for other road users affected by the windy conditions.

Only use your horn to warn people of your presence when they may not have seen you. Don't use it to greet others, to show impatience, or to give or claim priority. Your horn mustn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area, or when your vehicle is stationary, unless another vehicle poses a danger.

Wind deflectors reduce a vehicle's wind resistance and so help reduce fuel consumption.

Take care if you're driving an empty high-sided vehicle when it's windy. Watch for places where the conditions could suddenly change, such as a gap between buildings or when passing under a bridge. Reduce your speed and stay alert for other road users who are also affected by these weather conditions.

Suspension faults may result in road damage. Road-friendly suspension reduces the impact on the environment, the road surface and under-road services.

Make sure you or someone else has called the emergency services. Check the casualties and, if you feel able to give first aid, do so. Alternatively, ask any bystanders if they can help.

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.

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.

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.

The speed limit for lorries is lower in Scotland than it is in England and Wales, so be aware - especially if you drive in the border areas.

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

Driving a large vehicle will sometimes require you to position your vehicle well to the left before making a tight right turn. Inexperienced drivers or riders may not realise your intentions and may try to overtake you. Make sure you signal in good time and make a final mirror check before committing yourself to the turn.

Moving a casualty could cause further injury, so it's important that this is only done if there's danger to them where they are.

To comply with the law, all lights must be in good working order, even in daylight when they're not being used. Before you set out, make sure that everything is working and get any faulty lights fixed. You may need to use your headlights or other lights if you're delayed or find yourself driving in conditions of reduced visibility.

Telephone calls can distract you, meaning that you're not in proper control of your vehicle. If you need to use a telephone when driving, find a safe place to stop first. Better still, use a phone answering service and listen to your messages at the end of your journey.

Check that the ground is firm and level before you uncouple the trailer. If you need to, place a heavy plank under the legs to distribute the weight and stop the legs sinking into the ground. Don't park illegally. Make sure that your unattended trailer isn't blocking access for others.

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.

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.

In England and Wales, vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass are restricted to a maximum of 50 mph on single carriageway roads. In Scotland, this speed limit is 40 mph.

Warn other traffic of the incident, without putting yourself or others at risk. Once the danger of further collisions is dealt with, call the emergency services. While you're waiting for them to arrive, keeping casualties or witnesses calm is important, but never offer a cigarette because of the risk of fire.

Give way to buses whenever you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from bus stops. Look out for people who have left the bus and wish to cross the road. Also look for people rushing to catch a bus: they may be more concerned about catching the bus than watching for traffic.

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.

In windy weather, exposed stretches of road may have lane closures or there may be diversions for some types of vehicle. Consider this when you're planning your journey; delays will add to your driving time.

You should be familiar with the room your vehicle needs to make turns or carry out a manoeuvre. You'll need to consider this as you approach junctions and road layouts. If you're driving a new or temporary vehicle, familiarise yourself with its characteristics before you drive on public roads.

If your vehicle is involved in a traffic incident, you must stop. Follow the guidance set out in The Highway Code if there's injury or damage to any other person, vehicle or property.

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.

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.

Don't continue to drive if you feel the onset of tiredness. Find a safe place to stop for a rest. Walking around in the fresh air during your break will help but it's no substitute for adequate rest.

Never drive after taking drugs you don't know about. They might affect your judgement and perception - and, therefore, endanger lives.

Cycling in today's heavy traffic can be hazardous. Some cyclists might not feel happy about crossing the path of traffic to take up a position in an outside lane. Be aware of this and understand that, although they're in the left-hand lane, the cyclist might be turning right.

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.

If the engine contains too much oil, the moving parts can hit the oil surface, causing a loss of power or even damage to the engine. Excess pressure may damage oil seals, causing oil to leak onto the road, creating a slippery and dangerous road surface.

You should be familiar with all the warning lights fitted to your vehicle. The oil warning light indicates low oil pressure or lack of oil. If it lights up, report the fault and don't continue until it's been corrected.

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.

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.

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

If you're driving an articulated vehicle or a trailer combination, it's vital that you understand the rules that apply to coupling and uncoupling the brake lines. If you take a practical driving test with a trailer, you'll be expected to demonstrate this during the test. The lines are colour-coded: red is the emergency line, blue is the auxiliary line and yellow is the service line. They must be connected strictly in accordance with the correct procedure.

Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.

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.

Applying a firm, continuous brake pressure will enable the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to function properly. However, ABS is becoming increasingly sophisticated, so you should read the vehicle manufacturer's handbook for its advice about using the system.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal. It will distract you from your driving, because your attention is split between the phone call and your driving.

At the scene of an incident, first make sure there's no danger of further collisions or fire before dealing with any casualties. The priority when dealing with an unconscious person is to make sure they can breathe. This may involve clearing their airway if they're having difficulty or there's an obvious obstruction. Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential, as you could cause them serious injury.

The ventilation and temperature-monitoring equipment must have a system to alert the driver when limits are exceeded. The welfare and condition of the animals you're transporting is very important: they must arrive at their destination in good health.

Rain makes the road surface slippery and reduces tyre grip. Doubling your separation distance should allow you the extra time and space you'll need to slow down and stop safely.

Many learners aren't confident when they first start to drive. Allow them plenty of room and don't react impatiently when they take their time. Remember that new drivers are inexperienced in dealing with traffic situations, so be patient.

Before driving into a tunnel, you should take off your sunglasses. If you don't, you'll find that your vision is restricted - even in a tunnel that appears to be well lit.

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.

You should allow the faster-moving vehicle to overtake safely. If you pull out to overtake at this time, you'll cause the car behind to brake sharply. Don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate. Be professional and show consideration to other road users.

If you're trying to resuscitate a casualty, don't give up until medical help arrives. Never assume that someone's dead. People who aren't breathing can survive longer than you may imagine when given chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

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.

Motorcyclists can often pass slow or stationary traffic because of the relatively small size of their vehicle. Take a last look in your right-hand mirror to check for motorcyclists and so avoid turning across their path.

Make allowances for cyclists. Allow them plenty of room, and be aware that they also have to deal with hazards. They might swerve or change direction suddenly to avoid uneven road surfaces.

Red diesel is subject to less excise duty than standard diesel, so it's considerably cheaper. It may only be used for authorised purposes. Any driver whose vehicle is found to be using this fuel illegally faces penalties.

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.

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.

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.

Make certain that your filler caps are properly closed, so that you don't spill fuel as you drive along the road.

If a one-way street has two lanes, you can use either lane and overtake on either side. Use the lane that's more convenient for your destination unless directed by road signs or markings.

Vehicles overtaking in the right-hand lane may return to the centre lane when they've finished their manoeuvre. You should look for this before starting to pull out. Don't rely on the size of your vehicle to claim right of way.

Never follow any road user too closely. This is particularly important when you're following scooter or motorcycle riders, or cyclists. They might brake or swerve suddenly; for example, to avoid a pothole on a road with a poor surface.

If there's a bend just before a level crossing, you may not be able to see the level-crossing barriers or waiting traffic. These signs give you an early warning that you may find these hazards just around the bend

In shopping areas, pedestrians frequently want to cross the road. They may be hidden by parked vehicles before stepping out into your path. Keep your speed down and be aware of the risk of pedestrians suddenly walking into the road.

Higher speeds will cause more spray to be thrown up by vehicles' tyres - particularly the tyres of larger vehicles and trailers. Always use dipped headlights in poor visibility caused by rain and spray.

If you're disqualified from driving because you were two-and-a-half times over the legal limit, you'll be classified as a high-risk offender. Before you can regain your licence, you'll have to satisfy the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you don't have an alcohol problem.

If you don't give your name and address at the time of an incident, report it to the police as soon as you can, or in any case within 24 hours. If any other person is injured and you don't produce your insurance certificate to the police at the time of the incident, or to any other person who has reasonable grounds to request it, you must also

• report the incident to the police as soon as possible, or in any case within 24 hours
• produce your insurance certificate to the police either when reporting the incident or within seven days (five days in Northern Ireland) at any police station.

The spray-suppression equipment helps to prevent water from being thrown up and causing reduced visibility, for you and other drivers. Driving at a reduced speed in wet conditions will also help to reduce the amount of water thrown up by your vehicle's tyres.

The dangers of drink-driving are well publicised. Anyone convicted of this offence will lose their entitlement to drive any motor vehicle on the road.