Vehicle Loading

What is the legal maximum gross weight for a rigid HGV (5-axle)?

• A44 tonnes
• B38 tonnes
• C25 tonnes
• D32 tonnes✓

Answer: A rigid goods vehicle with four or more axles is capped at 32 tonnes maximum gross weight under the Construction and Use Regulations, so adding a fifth axle to a rigid does not lift it above 32 tonnes. Higher weights need an articulated combination: 40 tonnes on five axles and 44 tonnes on six. The 38-tonne figure is the pre-2001 limit for five-axle articulated vehicles and never applied to rigids.

What is the purpose of load securing?

• APrevent load shift, spillage, and falls during transport✓
• BTo reduce speed
• CTo comply with the operator's rules on vehicle appearance and livery
• DTo improve appearance

Answer: Proper load securing prevents cargo shifting, falling off, or spilling during transport. This protects other road users and the cargo.

What is an axle weight limit?

• AWeight that axles can support indefinitely
• BWeight distributed on a single axle (e.g., 8 tonnes per axle)✓
• CMinimum weight for safety
• DMaximum weight the entire vehicle can carry

Answer: Axle weight limits specify the maximum weight per axle. Exceeding these damages roads, axles, and creates safety issues.

How should heavy items be secured on a vehicle?

• APlaced randomly
• BOnly secured if the load can be seen from the cab mirrors
• CAs high as possible, so the load can be seen by other drivers
• DAs low as possible, centred, secured with rated straps✓

Answer: Heavy loads must be placed low and centred to maintain stability, then secured with properly rated straps or cables.

What is the consequence of overloading an HGV?

• ABarely any consequence, as the suspension is built to carry the extra weight
• BIt only affects the driver's comfort and the ride quality over rough ground
• CIncreased stopping distance, poor handling, damage to roads and axles✓
• DA minor increase in fuel consumption over the journey and nothing more

Answer: Overloading increases braking distance dramatically, reduces control, damages axles and roads, and is illegal. It's a serious safety and legal violation.

What documents must accompany loads of dangerous goods?

• ANo specific documents needed
• BOnly transport permit
• CVehicle registration only
• DHazard cards, packaging labels, and transport documents✓

Answer: Dangerous goods must have hazard documentation cards, packaging labels identifying contents, and transport documents showing shipper and destination.

What is the Working Load Limit (WLL) of a securing strap?

• AThe weight the strap can hold, shown by its colour code
• BThe minimum weight needed before the ratchet will hold
• CDecorative markings woven into the webbing by the maker
• DMaximum safe weight the strap can secure✓

Answer: WLL is the maximum weight a securing device can safely handle. It must be checked before loading and clearly marked on the strap.

How should a driver check that a load is properly balanced?

• ABy colour coding on the load
• BVisually inspect and confirm axle weights are within limits✓
• CIt cannot be checked by the driver
• DBy the feel of the vehicle over the first few miles of the journey

Answer: Balance is checked by visual inspection and confirmed by axle weight scales to ensure each axle is within legal limits.

What is load distribution and why is it important?

• AWeight spread across axles correctly; prevents overloading individual axles✓
• BWeight distribution is unimportant for safety, provided the total weight is legal
• COnly matters for appearance
• DHow goods are arranged inside the body during transport; it affects nothing else

Answer: Load distribution ensures weight is spread evenly across axles within legal limits. Poor distribution damages roads and axles.

What are the dangers of carrying loose loads?

• AItems can shift, fall off, and cause accidents to following vehicles✓
• BA slight danger only, provided the vehicle's own body panels are all secure
• CLoose loads are always acceptable on any vehicle fitted with high sides
• DOnly a concern for heavy items, since light items cannot cause damage

Answer: Loose loads can shift in transit, fall onto roads, and cause accidents. All loads must be properly secured regardless of type.

What is ADR (Accord Européen Relatif au Transport International des Marchandises Dangereuses)?

• AAn insurance requirement for operators carrying high-value goods
• BThe regulations that set the UK speed limits for goods vehicles
• CLoading weight formula
• DInternational agreement regulating dangerous goods transport✓

Answer: ADR is the European Agreement on transport of dangerous goods by road. Drivers carrying dangerous goods must comply with ADR regulations.

How should bulky items (e.g., furniture) be loaded?

• AOnly one item per load
• BStack as high as possible
• CLoad randomly
• DLower and secure to prevent tipping✓

Answer: Bulky items should be loaded low, positioned to prevent tipping, and secured against all movement during transport.

What is the maximum height for cargo in the open back of a vehicle?

• ANo limit
• BUp to 15cm above the sides of the vehicle body
• CLevel with or below the vehicle sides✓
• D50cm above sides

Answer: Cargo must not exceed the vehicle's load lines or sides. Anything higher is unsecured and at risk of falling.

What does it mean if a load extends beyond the vehicle's length?

• AIt only requires a flag to be tied to the end of the overhang
• BIt's normal for long items
• CIt must have a red/white marker and be within legal length✓
• DIt doesn't need securing

Answer: Overhanging loads must have red/white markers (or red/white warning boards) and not exceed legal dimensions for the road.

How should liquid loads be transported safely?

• ALiquids don't need special handling
• BUse baffled tanks designed for liquids to prevent surge and spillage✓
• CUse any container that fits
• DOnly partially fill containers

Answer: Liquid loads require baffled tanks that prevent the liquid from surging, which can destabilise the vehicle.

What should a driver do if they suspect a load is overweight?

• ARefuse to transport and report to the company✓
• BContinue driving, but keep the speed well down throughout
• CDrive slowly
• DSimply monitor how the vehicle handles during the journey

Answer: Drivers must refuse overweight loads and report to their company. Overloading is illegal and dangerous.

What is the responsibility of a driver regarding load security?

• AIt rests with the loader, who is responsible for securing the load
• BTo check the load only if the loader or manager asks them to
• CTo check the load only on arrival at the destination
• DFinal check before departure and during transport✓

Answer: Drivers must verify load security before departure and monitor during transport. They share responsibility if loads fall.

How should fragile items (e.g., glass) be transported?

• AFragile items cannot legally be carried on a heavy goods vehicle
• BOnly during daylight hours, when the road surface is much smoother
• CSpecially packaged and padded with additional securing straps✓
• DIn the normal way, using the same basic securing as any other load

Answer: Fragile items need protective packaging, padding, and careful securing to prevent breakage and spillage.

What is the penalty for transporting overweight loads?

• AA verbal warning given by the examiner at the roadside check
• BNo penalty
• CPenalties only apply where the overloading is excessive
• DFine, potential prosecution, and vehicle impoundment✓

Answer: Overweight vehicles face fixed penalties, prosecution, and vehicle impoundment. The penalties increase with severity.

How should a driver secure a load that shifts during transport?

• AOnly secure at the next loading point
• BIncrease speed to stabilise it
• CStop safely, re-secure the load, and check for damage✓
• DContinue to the destination

Answer: If a load shifts, stop safely, re-examine and re-secure it, and check for any vehicle or load damage before continuing.

What documents prove a load's weight and contents?

• AConsignment notes and weighbridge records✓
• BVisual inspection
• CThe driver's own vocational driving licence
• DVehicle registration

Answer: Consignment notes document contents; weighbridge records prove weight. These must be checked before loading.

What is the maximum overhang permitted for cargo at the front of a vehicle?

• AUp to 1.5 metres
• BUp to the driver's vision limits
• CNo overhang allowed
• D30cm or less✓

Answer: Front overhang is limited to approximately 30cm to maintain steering and control. Excessive overhang affects visibility and safety.

How should hazardous chemical containers be secured?

• ALaid down on their sides so that any pressure build-up can escape
• BUpright, secured, away from cab, with spillage containment✓
• CIn any stable position
• DLoosely secured for safety

Answer: Hazardous containers must be secured upright, isolated from the cab, and positioned where spillage won't affect the driver.

What is tyre degradation risk from overloading?

• AIncreased wear, blowouts, and potential failures✓
• BOnly affects old tyres
• CA slight effect on tyres
• DImproves tyre life

Answer: Overloading stresses tyres excessively, causing rapid wear, blowouts, and failures. This is a major safety risk.

What must happen before a vehicle departs with a loaded cargo?

• AOnly the fuel level needs to be checked before the vehicle sets off
• BLoad weight checked, security confirmed, and cargo documented✓
• CThe driver's pre-journey walk-round inspection on its own is sufficient
• DThe same preparation as for an empty vehicle

Answer: Before departure: verify load weight at weighbridge, confirm security of all items, and document cargo details and weight.