Vehicle Safety

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

• AVisual inspection of the vehicle exterior and tyres✓
• BCheck the fuel level
• CCheck the tyre pressure
• DTest the radio and windscreen wipers

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?

• ABefore every journey✓
• BOnly during MOT
• CMonthly
• DWeekly

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?

• A2.0mm
• B3.0mm
• C1.6mm
• D1.0mm✓

Answer: The legal minimum tread depth for goods vehicles over 3,500kg is 1.0mm across a continuous band of at least three-quarters of the tread breadth, around the entire circumference (reg. 27) — this differs from the 1.6mm standard for cars/light vans.

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?

• ACover it with tape
• BAdjust it more carefully
• CContinue driving; it's still visible
• DReplace it immediately before driving✓

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?

• AProper straps with tensioners
• BPlastic ties only✓
• CRope and knots rated for the load
• 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 test electrical connections only
• BTo clean dirt
• CTo ensure safe connection and prevent trailer detachment✓
• DTo adjust air suspension

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 applying hand brake and listening for escaping air✓
• BBy listening for hissing
• 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?

• AAir filter needs cleaning
• BNormal operation
• CBrake fluid is low
• DLoss of air pressure below safe limits✓

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?

• AMonthly
• BDaily or before each service✓
• CWeekly
• DDuring the annual MOT inspection only

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.

What is the consequence of operating with brake fluid leaks?

• AAffects only rear wheels
• BOnly affects stopping distance slightly
• CBrakes may fail without warning✓
• DMinor issue, top up the fluid

Answer: Brake fluid leaks can lead to complete brake failure with no warning. This is extremely dangerous and the vehicle must not be operated until repaired.

How should reflectors and retro-reflective devices be maintained?

• AThey never need maintenance
• BClean regularly and replace if damaged✓
• CReplace annually regardless of condition
• DCheck only if damaged by accident

Answer: Reflectors must be kept clean and replaced immediately if damaged. They are critical for visibility and vehicle identification, especially at night.

What should you check regarding the vehicle's suspension before driving?

• AVisual inspection for leaks and damage
• BListen for unusual noises
• CCheck for broken springs or shock absorbers
• DAll of the above✓

Answer: Complete suspension checks include visual inspection for leaks and damage, listening for unusual noises, and checking for broken components. All are safety-critical.

Which is a sign of tyre overloading?

• ABulging sidewalls and rapid wear✓
• BReduced noise
• CImproved handling
• DIncreased fuel economy

Answer: Overloaded tyres show bulging sidewalls and wear rapidly, especially at the edges. This increases the risk of blowouts and accidents.

What action must be taken if windscreen wipers are worn?

• AContinue using until they fail
• BJust use water to clean
• CReplace blades immediately✓
• DWait until the next service

Answer: Worn windscreen wiper blades must be replaced immediately. They are essential for safe visibility in wet conditions.

How should fuel be checked for water contamination?

• ABy smell alone
• BBy visual inspection only
• CUsing a fuel check dipstick or drain valve✓
• DBy checking the fuel cap pressure

Answer: Water in fuel is checked using fuel drain valves on tanks or with test equipment. Water contamination can damage the engine and fuel system.

What is the minimum visibility requirement for a vehicle's headlights?

• A50 metres
• B100 metres✓
• CDepends on speed
• D150 metres

Answer: Headlights must be able to illuminate the road for at least 100 metres ahead, so you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear at night.

What should a driver do if the exhaust system is leaking?

• ARepair it immediately; leaks indicate damage✓
• BContinue driving carefully
• COnly fix if it's very loud
• DMonitor it and have it looked at at the next routine service

Answer: Exhaust leaks must be repaired immediately. Leaks indicate structural damage and can allow dangerous fumes into the cab.

How are load-securing straps typically rated?

• ABy colour only
• BBy thickness alone
• CRatings are not necessary
• DBy Working Load Limit (WLL) marked on them✓

Answer: Straps have a Working Load Limit (WLL) marked on them indicating the maximum safe load. This must be checked before use.

What is the purpose of vehicle pre-journey inspection records?

• ATo reduce insurance premiums
• BAn administrative requirement of the operator licence only
• CTo prove maintenance and identify defects early✓
• DTo satisfy the inspector

Answer: Records document the vehicle's condition, identify defects early, and provide legal evidence of proper maintenance and safety checks.

How should a driver check ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation?

• AIt cannot be checked by the driver
• BBoth B and testing on a safe road✓
• CBy observing the warning light on the dashboard
• DBy testing on a safe stretch of road

Answer: ABS can be monitored by the warning light and safely tested in empty areas by noting if the brake pedal pulsates. The warning light indicates any faults.

What does it mean if the engine temperature gauge reads high?

• ANormal operation
• BThere's a cooling system fault requiring investigation✓
• CContinue driving to the delivery point while keeping an eye on the gauge
• DTop the radiator up with cold water straight away and carry on

Answer: High engine temperature indicates a cooling system fault (leak, failing thermostat, etc.). The vehicle must be stopped and investigated before continuing.

Which statement about brake pads is true?

• AThey wear at the same rate on all vehicles
• BReplacement is optional if the vehicle still stops
• CThey must be replaced before they wear completely✓
• DThey never need checking

Answer: Brake pads must be replaced before they wear completely. Complete wear damages the brake discs and reduces braking effectiveness.