Vehicle Safety

What is the first daily check a driver should perform on their vehicle?

• ACheck the fuel level
• BVisual inspection of the vehicle exterior and tyres✓
• CTest the radio and windscreen wipers
• DCheck the tyre pressure

Answer: A visual inspection of the vehicle exterior and tyres is the first essential daily check. Drivers must look for damage, leaks, and tyre condition before operating the vehicle.

How often should tyre pressure be checked?

• AMonthly
• BBefore every journey✓
• CWeekly
• DOnly during MOT

Answer: Tyre pressure must be checked before every journey or at least daily. Incorrect pressure affects safety, fuel consumption, and tyre wear.

What is the minimum tread depth for HGV tyres?

• A1.0mm
• B1.6mm
• C2.0mm✓
• D3.0mm

Answer: The legal minimum tread depth for HGV/PCV tyres is 2.0mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width. Most professional operators maintain 3.0mm.

Which brake system component should be checked for wear daily?

• ABrake pads
• BBrake fluid level
• CBrake hoses and connections
• DAll of the above✓

Answer: All brake system components must be regularly inspected: pads for wear, fluid level for leaks, and hoses for cracks or damage. This is critical for safety.

What should you do if mirror glass is cracked?

• AContinue driving; it's still visible
• BReplace it immediately before driving✓
• CCover it with tape
• DAdjust it more carefully

Answer: Cracked mirrors must be replaced immediately. Distorted reflections create blind spots and are a safety hazard. Damaged mirrors are an MOT failure.

How many mirrors must an HGV have at minimum?

• A2 (left and right)
• B3 (left, right and centre)
• C4 (left, right, convex and flat)✓
• DDepends on the vehicle length

Answer: Modern HGVs require at least 3 mirrors: left, right, and a centre (or convex) mirror to see the offside blind spot. Many have additional mirrors.

What indicates a failing brake light bulb?

• AVisual inspection from behind
• BThe brake warning light on the dashboard
• CA hissing sound when braking
• DBoth A and B✓

Answer: Both the visual check (or other vehicle flashing) and dashboard warning lights indicate brake light failure. Faulty lights are a serious safety and legal issue.

Which load securing method is NOT acceptable?

• ARope and knots rated for the load
• BPlastic ties only✓
• CProper straps with tensioners
• DWire cable secured correctly

Answer: Plastic ties alone are insufficient for securing loads on moving vehicles. They lack the strength and durability. Proper rope, straps, or cables with adequate fastening are required.

What is the main purpose of checking the coupling mechanism daily?

• ATo clean dirt
• BTo ensure safe connection and prevent trailer detachment✓
• CTo adjust air suspension
• DTo test electrical connections only

Answer: The coupling mechanism must be checked daily to prevent accidental trailer detachment, which is extremely dangerous and could cause serious accidents.

How should a driver check for air leaks in brake systems?

• ABy listening for hissing
• BBy applying hand brake and listening for escaping air✓
• CBy checking brake fluid level
• DAir leaks cannot be detected by drivers

Answer: Air leaks produce a hissing sound, especially when the brake is applied. This indicates a serious fault requiring immediate repair.

What does the red warning light on an air brake system indicate?

• ANormal operation
• BLoss of air pressure below safe limits✓
• CAir filter needs cleaning
• DBrake fluid is low

Answer: The red warning light indicates dangerous loss of air pressure in brake systems. The driver must stop immediately and not continue driving.

When should PCV (bus) driver door seals be checked?

• AWeekly
• BMonthly
• CDuring annual MOT only
• DDaily or before each service✓

Answer: Door seals must be checked daily or before each service to ensure passenger safety and prevent water ingress. Damaged seals are a safety hazard.