CPC Road Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a motorway in England and Wales?
- 50 mph
- 56 mph
- 60 mph (Correct answer)
- 70 mph
Correct answer: 60 mph
The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on motorways in England and Wales is 60 mph, compared to 70 mph for cars. This recognises the longer stopping distances and greater kinetic energy of heavy vehicles.
Question 2: What should an HGV driver do if their vehicle breaks down on a motorway?
- Stop in the right-hand lane and wait for help
- Move to the hard shoulder if possible, activate hazard lights, and use the emergency telephone (Correct answer)
- Continue driving slowly in the left lane
- Attempt repairs in the running lane
Correct answer: Move to the hard shoulder if possible, activate hazard lights, and use the emergency telephone
If an HGV breaks down on a motorway, the driver should pull onto the hard shoulder if possible, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle if safe to do so, and use the emergency telephone to call for assistance. All occupants should leave via the nearside and wait behind the barrier.
Question 3: An HGV driver notices black ice on the road. What should they do?
- Apply the brakes firmly to test them
- Reduce speed gently, avoid sudden steering or braking inputs, and increase following distance (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get past the icy section quickly
- Drive in the highest gear possible regardless of speed
Correct answer: Reduce speed gently, avoid sudden steering or braking inputs, and increase following distance
On black ice, any sudden inputs (braking, steering, acceleration) can cause loss of control. The driver should reduce speed gradually, avoid sudden changes, increase following distance significantly, and use the engine brake gently rather than the foot brake.
Question 4: What is 'brake fade' and when does it occur?
- When brakes get stronger with use
- A reduction in braking effectiveness caused by overheating, typically on long downhill gradients (Correct answer)
- When the brake pedal breaks off
- Normal brake operation after 100,000 miles
Correct answer: A reduction in braking effectiveness caused by overheating, typically on long downhill gradients
Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat, typically from prolonged use on long downhill gradients. The overheated brake components become less effective, increasing stopping distances dangerously. Drivers should use lower gears and retarders on descents to preserve service brakes.
Question 5: What should an HGV driver consider when driving in strong crosswinds?
- Strong winds have no effect on HGVs due to their weight
- The vehicle may be pushed sideways, especially when unladen, on bridges, or passing gaps in hedges (Correct answer)
- Only convertible vehicles are affected by wind
- Wind only affects vehicles travelling over 100 mph
Correct answer: The vehicle may be pushed sideways, especially when unladen, on bridges, or passing gaps in hedges
HGVs present a large surface area to crosswinds and can be pushed sideways or even overturned, particularly when unladen (lighter), on exposed roads such as bridges, or when passing gaps in hedgerows or buildings where gusts can strike suddenly.
Question 6: When reversing an HGV, what is the safest practice?
- Reverse quickly to minimise time spent manoeuvring
- Use a banksman (guide), check all mirrors and cameras, and reverse slowly (Correct answer)
- Only use the nearside mirror
- Sound the horn continuously while reversing
Correct answer: Use a banksman (guide), check all mirrors and cameras, and reverse slowly
The safest practice is to use a trained banksman to guide the manoeuvre, check all mirrors and cameras before and during the reverse, and reverse slowly with frequent stops to reassess. If no banksman is available, the driver should walk the route first.
CPC Road Safety 2
What is the speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a motorway in England and Wales?