The Driver

What is the minimum age to drive an HGV in the UK?

• A16
• B17
• C18✓
• D21

Answer: The minimum age to drive an HGV (Category C) is 18. Some restrictions apply for drivers under 21.

What are the eyesight requirements for HGV drivers?

• A20/20 vision required
• BCorrected vision of at least 0.8 (8/10) in each eye✓
• CAny vision level is acceptable
• DUncorrected vision only

Answer: Drivers need corrected vision of at least 0.8 (8/10) in each eye and 0.5 (5/10) in the weaker eye. Glasses/contacts are allowed.

What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in the UK?

• A80 mg per 100ml blood✓
• B50 mg per 100ml blood
• C35 micrograms per 100ml breath
• D22 micrograms per 100ml breath

Answer: The UK limit is 80 mg per 100ml blood (35 micrograms per 100ml breath). Scotland has stricter limits: 50 mg/100ml blood.

What is the policy regarding drugs and driving?

• ASoft drugs are acceptable
• BOnly prescription drugs are allowed
• CAny drug use that impairs is illegal✓
• DNo restrictions on drug use

Answer: Any drug that impairs driving ability is illegal. Prescription drugs must not impair. Testing for illegal drugs is common.

What medical conditions must be declared to the DVLA?

• ANone; medical history is private
• BEpilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke, and others affecting safety✓
• COnly serious conditions
• DDrivers don't need to inform the DVLA

Answer: Certain conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc.) must be declared. Driving with undeclared conditions can invalidate insurance.

What is the procedure for drivers taking prescription medications?

• AContinue driving without changes
• BCheck if the medication impairs ability; adjust driving accordingly or stop✓
• COnly inform the doctor
• DNo special considerations needed

Answer: Check medication side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, impaired vision). If impaired, don't drive or adjust work. Inform your doctor and company.

What is fatigue and why is it dangerous?

• ANormal tiredness; not a safety issue
• BReduced alertness causing slower reactions and poor decisions✓
• COnly affects elderly drivers
• DCan be overcome by willpower alone

Answer: Fatigue reduces alertness, reaction time, and judgment. It's a major cause of accidents. Only rest cures fatigue.

How can a driver manage fatigue on long journeys?

• AKeep the cab warm
• BDrink coffee and continue
• CTake regular breaks, get proper rest, and use multiple drivers✓
• DDrive during the day only

Answer: Only proper rest and breaks genuinely reduce fatigue. Coffee is temporary. Sharing driving on long hauls is essential.

What is the consequence of driving while unfit to drive?

• AMinor issue
• BCan result in accidents, injuries, prosecution, and license suspension✓
• CNo consequence
• DOnly affects the driver

Answer: Driving while unfit is dangerous and illegal. Consequences include accidents, prosecution, fines, and license disqualification.

What should a driver do if they feel unwell during a shift?

• AContinue driving
• BDrive to the nearest hospital
• CStop safely, inform the company, and seek medical advice✓
• DRest in the cab

Answer: Stop safely, don't continue driving, and contact your company and doctor. Your health and others' safety are paramount.

What is the purpose of a medical examination for HGV drivers?

• AInsurance requirement only
• BTo ensure the driver is fit to operate large vehicles safely✓
• CUnnecessary unless injured
• DTo check driving skills

Answer: Medical examinations ensure drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate HGVs safely. Vision, hearing, and health are checked.

How should a driver declare health changes to the DVLA?

• ANo declaration needed
• BInform the DVLA in writing and notify their insurance✓
• CTell the employer only
• DNo action required

Answer: Changes in health (new conditions, medications, treatments) must be declared to the DVLA in writing. Failing to do so can invalidate insurance.