Leaving the Vehicle & Coupling

Before leaving the cab of your parked lorry, what must you do?

• ALeave the engine running so the air stays built up
• BSwitch on the hazard lights and leave the key in
• CLeave the gearbox in neutral with the brake off
• DApply the parking brake and switch off the engine✓

Answer: Rule 239 says you must switch off the engine and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Removing the key also helps prevent theft.

You are about to open the cab door after parking on the road. What does the Highway Code advise?

• ACheck for cyclists and others, and open it with the hand furthest from it✓
• BOpen it a little, and wait for approaching traffic to sound its horn
• CSignal left first, then open the door without needing to check mirrors
• DOpen it quickly, so that the door is open for the shortest possible time

Answer: Rule 239 advises checking for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians before opening a door, and recommends opening it using the hand on the opposite side, which makes you turn your head to look behind.

Where does the Highway Code say a goods vehicle over 7.5 tonnes must not be parked without police permission?

• AIn a lorry park, unless it has a security fence
• BIn a lay-by on a main road, even for a short driving break of 45 minutes
• COn a verge, a footway or land between two carriageways✓
• DOn a road at night, even with its lights on

Answer: Rule 246 says goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight over 7.5 tonnes must not be parked on the verge, pavement or any land between two carriageways without police permission, except where essential for loading or unloading.

What is the safest way to climb down from a lorry cab?

• AJump down facing the road to save time and effort
• BFace the cab, using the steps and grab handles✓
• CStep down facing away from the cab, holding the door
• DSlide down the step using the door edge to steady you

Answer: Climbing down facing the cab and keeping three points of contact on the steps and handles reduces the risk of falls, a common cause of injury among lorry drivers.

On a tractor unit and trailer, which colour air line is usually the emergency (supply) line?

• ARed✓
• BBlue
• CYellow
• DGreen

Answer: On most tractor-trailer combinations the red line is the emergency or supply line and the yellow line is the service or control line. Connect them correctly and check for leaks.

What is the purpose of a 'tug test' after coupling a tractor unit to a semi-trailer?

• ATo test that the landing legs will lower automatically
• BTo measure how far the tractor unit can pull the trailer
• CTo check that the trailer's tyres are correctly inflated
• DTo confirm the fifth wheel has locked onto the kingpin✓

Answer: With the trailer brakes applied, gently trying to pull forward in a low gear confirms that the fifth-wheel jaws have locked onto the kingpin before you rely on the coupling.

When uncoupling a semi-trailer, what should you do before disconnecting the air lines?

• ADrive forward to take the weight off
• BRelease the fifth-wheel locking handle
• CRaise the landing legs fully
• DApply the trailer parking brake✓

Answer: The trailer parking brake should be applied before the air lines are disconnected, so the trailer cannot move. The landing legs are lowered before the fifth wheel is released and the unit is driven away.

Before driving onto a ferry or train bound for the UK, what should a lorry driver do about clandestine entrants?

• ACheck the cab, as the trailer is the operator's job
• BSeal the load if the trailer is carrying food or drink
• CLeave the trailer unlocked so that border staff can look
• DCheck the vehicle for people hiding and record the checks✓

Answer: Home Office guidance says drivers must check their vehicle for clandestine entrants and keep a record of the checks. Failing to secure and check a vehicle can lead to a civil penalty.