LGV - Theory Test 9

The full name of the CMR is the 'Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road'. You'll need this document to transport goods internationally by road. Of the four copies required, the consignor, consignee and originator all have one copy, and the fourth travels with the vehicle.

In dense fog, large vehicles are no more visible than any other. If visibility falls below 100 metres (328 feet), use your fog lights to help other drivers see you.

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.

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.

Causing excessive smoke is an offence and could contribute to causing an incident or collision. You could also end up creating serious traffic problems if your vehicle breaks down in a difficult location.

When deciding which type of restraint to use, consider what may happen if you have to brake sharply. Tubular loads may move forward with some force if you have to brake sharply in an emergency. This could cause serious damage to the vehicle's headboard.

Fluids carried in tankers can move in waves as the vehicle's speed or direction changes. This happens particularly when you brake and then ease off the pedal; the moving wave of liquid causes the vehicle to surge forward. Baffle plates are designed to reduce this surging effect.

You should always try to stop, if it's safe, for people waiting at pedestrian crossings. However, avoid waving them to cross. Another driver may not have seen them, may not have seen your signal or may not be able to stop safely.

Your head restraint should be adjusted so that, in the event of a collision, it protects your neck from whiplash injury.

Look well ahead and be ready to deal with any hazards you see coming up, such as animals in the road. Horses are easily scared by the noise of an engine and the size of your vehicle may also be intimidating. Approach them as slowly and quietly as you can.

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

When securing a load, the driver must use the most suitable type of restraint. Scrap metal is likely to have sharp edges that could wear through straps or ropes. Security of the load is the driver's responsibility; a load that has been correctly secured shouldn't move if an emergency arises.

Where the road surface has been made slippery (for example, by spilt diesel fuel), motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to skidding.

Some lanes are set aside for certain types of vehicle. Signs and road markings show the authorised vehicles in words or pictures. There's usually also a sign showing the times that the lane is in operation. Some lanes might only be in operation for a short time. Check the sign and only use the lane if you're allowed to do so.

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.

Too much weight on an axle can reduce braking efficiency and cause brake fade. As well as being dangerous, exceeding the axle weight limit is an offence that can result in prosecution.

You should use a suitable restraint and chock the wheels when another vehicle is being carried piggyback. Don't just rely on the other vehicle's parking brake.

When you're being overtaken, the other driver has to decide when it's safe to complete the manoeuvre. Don't give an unofficial signal, however well intended. There may be a hazard you're unable to see from your position.

Wet roads will increase the time it takes you to stop. Four seconds is the minimum gap you should leave on wet roads. This is double the gap you should normally keep from the vehicle in front on good, dry roads.

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.

On a hot day, the fuel in your tank will expand. If this happens when the tank has been filled to the brim, fuel will spill onto the road. This can be very dangerous or even fatal for other road users - especially motorcyclists. Allow for this expansion when filling your tank.

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.

Double red lines indicate that you're on a Red Route and in a no-stopping area. Red Routes also have single red lines, with signs showing the times that restrictions are in force. There are also parking and loading boxes, which have signs explaining the restrictions that apply.

Traffic-calming measures are becoming more common. Look out for signs warning you of humps in the road ahead. If necessary, change your route rather than take risks.

You mustn't make a U-turn on roads where this sign is displayed.

Heavy braking can cause an articulated vehicle to become unstable and may even lead to jack-knifing; this is more likely to occur when the trailer is unladen.

If you're travelling on a motorway and your view ahead is poor, then you should reduce your speed. Leave at least four seconds between your vehicle and the one in front, and make sure that others can see you by using your dipped headlights.

Continuous use of the brakes on a long downhill gradient can cause them to overheat and become ineffective. This is called brake fade. You should use a low gear to enable the engine's braking effect to help control your speed. Also use the vehicle's retarder, if fitted. As well as reducing the likelihood of brake fade, this helps to keep air pressure in the tanks.

Heavy rain and the resulting spray from large vehicles travelling at speed can seriously affect visibility on the motorway. Reduce your speed and use your headlights. Don't use high-intensity rear lights unless visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less.

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.

Staying well behind the vehicle in front will improve your view of the road ahead. This will give you more time and room to react to hazards. Use the two-second rule to make sure you're not too close. Don't move out to the right, as this could put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle or obstruct smaller vehicles that wish to overtake.

Keeping your vehicle's tyres in good condition will give them a good grip on the road and will improve the vehicle's overall stability. Each tyre must have at least the minimum legal depth of tread across three-quarters of its width. Renew tyres well before they wear to less than that.

Driving in heavy traffic needs 100% concentration. If you become lost, find a safe place to stop before checking a map or asking for directions. Don't risk losing concentration by glancing at a map while driving, even if you're in traffic that keeps stopping.

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 load isn't covered, rubbish can be blown onto the carriageway. This can cause danger for other road users, as well as environmental damage. It may also lead to legal action against both the driver and the operator.

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.

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.

Use your air conditioning only when it's absolutely necessary. Running it continuously increases overall fuel consumption by up to 15%.

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.

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.

The handling of a six-wheeled bus or coach is not much different from that of a two-axle vehicle, except that punctures can be more difficult to detect.

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 should be familiar with all warning lights and buzzers fitted to your vehicle. If you're driving the vehicle for the first time, make sure that you know the function of each. If the brake warning light shows a fault in the system, stop as soon as it's safe to do so. Report the fault, and don't continue until it's been corrected.

You should tell telephone companies about your intended route when planning the movement of loads over 5.25 metres [17 feet 6 inches] high. You should tell them in plenty of time before making the journey.

The risk of fire will be reduced if all fuel supplies are switched off. However, don't put yourself or your passengers at any risk. If there's a fire, call the fire service.

Where a motorway has a long or steep gradient, slow-moving large vehicles might get in the way of other traffic. To help the traffic flow, an extra lane - called a crawler lane - is sometimes found on these gradients. This helps the traffic to flow by providing the slower heavy vehicles with a dedicated lane on the left.

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.

Look out for restrictions on long vehicles. Length restrictions are found where there isn't much room to turn (for example, in a tunnel) or where there's a risk of grounding.

This sign is found where a shallow stream crosses the road. Heavy rainfall could increase the flow of water. If the water looks too deep or the stream has swelled over a large distance, stop and find another route.

At night, you can tell whether a vehicle is facing towards or away from you by the colour of its lights. Additionally, its brake lights or indicators can give you information about its direction and intentions. This information helps you to make safe driving decisions.

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.

When you're driving on a smart motorway, speed limits will show above each lane. These limits are shown inside a red circle and must be obeyed. A red cross will usually appear above the hard shoulder. When the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane, an appropriate speed limit will be displayed instead.

A flashing amber light is shown at pelican crossings, but not at puffin crossings. Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are using the crossing.

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).

When you're stationary for any length of time (for example, in a traffic jam), switch off your engine. This will cut exhaust emissions and so help to protect the environment.

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.

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.

If a height isn't shown on the bridge, the headroom (in the UK) will be at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches).

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.

Never commit yourself to overtaking unless you're absolutely certain that you have the time and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. Don't take any risks that will endanger other road users.

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.

Short-wheelbase vehicles will bounce more noticeably than some long-wheelbase vehicles when empty. This can affect braking efficiency and all-round control.

Drain covers usually have a metal surface. When wet, these covers are slippery and can cause a motorcycle to skid; be prepared for riders to avoid them.

Faulty power steering will make your steering wheel very difficult or almost impossible to turn. Continuing to drive could cause danger to you and other road users. You should park safely and get help.

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.

Make sure the locking mechanism is secure by selecting a low gear and attempting to move forward. Apply the parking brake again before leaving the cab. Connect the 'dog clip' to secure the kingpin release handle.

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.

Anti-lock brakes are a driver aid, and can help you maintain steering control while braking. However, you mustn't rely on them to get you out of trouble or expect to be able to make sudden direction changes if you're going too fast.

Before using the crane, it's vital to make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the stabilising legs are lowered. This will reduce the risk of the load becoming unstable during lifting. Also check for any overhead cables that may obstruct the crane.

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.

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.

An unladen vehicle that also has high sides will be vulnerable to the effects of strong side wind. An evenly distributed load will help to keep the vehicle more stable, but the higher the vehicle is, the more it will be affected. Be aware that such a vehicle may become unstable or difficult to control in windy conditions.

Avoiding busy times means that you're not adding needlessly to traffic congestion. Other advantages are that you'll use less fuel and you may have an easier journey, making you feel less stressed.

When more than one sheet is used to cover and protect a load, the rear sheet should be positioned first. This is so that the overlaps face backwards, rather than forwards, preventing wind and rain from getting between the sheets.

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.

Look out for signs above your lane or on the central reservation. These will give you importantn information or warnings about the road ahead. To allow for the high speed of motorway traffic, these signs may light up some distance from any hazard. Don't ignore the signs just because the road looks clear to you.

The amber light means stop. You may only go on if the light changes to amber after you've crossed the stop line or when you're so close to the line that stopping might cause a collision. The amber light is followed by the red light. You must wait behind the stop line until the green light shows.

Some loads need to be transported in special conditions. For example, chilled or frozen foods need to be transported in a refrigeration unit. To drive one of these units, you'll need to be trained in how to use it. You'll also need relevant training in hygiene procedures.

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.

Plan well ahead to enable you to brake normally. Don't rely on anti-lock brakes to compensate for deficiencies in your driving.

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.

Always look into the road you're entering. If pedestrians are already crossing, be considerate and give way to them. Don't wave or signal them to hurry; they have priority here.

Cyclists and motorcyclists may become unbalanced by your vehicle passing too close. Plan ahead and give them plenty of room. Remember that your large vehicle can cause a vacuum, which will suck the rider towards it. The noise and close proximity of your vehicle can also startle them, and could cause them to swerve suddenly.

As the lubricating oil is pumped around the engine, it collects tiny fragments of metal from the moving parts. The oil filter is designed to remove these fragments. Most filters are designed to be replaced at service intervals.

Prompt treatment can help to deal with shock. Warning signs to look for include rapid pulse, sweating, pale grey skin, and rapid shallow breathing. While waiting for help to arrive, keep the casualty warm and comfortable, and speak reassuringly to them.

In icy or snowy weather, your stopping distance can increase by up to ten times. Because snowy weather increases the distance needed to stop, you must look further ahead and leave an increased safety margin.

All your concentration should be on your driving; any pain you feel will distract you. Be safe and wait until you're fit before starting your journey.

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

A front tyre bursting will seriously reduce your control of the vehicle. Keep calm and resist the temptation to brake hard or swerve. Hold the steering wheel firmly and try to get the vehicle onto the hard shoulder while allowing it to slow down gradually. Stop as far to the left as possible and switch on your hazard warning lights.

Getting out of the cab on the offside, directly into the road, can be hazardous - especially if traffic is travelling at speed. Use your mirrors to check that it's safe to leave the vehicle. Be sure to use all proper footholds and hand grips when you leave the cab.