CPC Vehicle Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does an amber warning light on an HGV dashboard typically indicate?
- Everything is operating normally
- An advisory or developing issue that needs attention soon (Correct answer)
- An immediate critical failure requiring the vehicle to stop
- The vehicle is in reverse
Correct answer: An advisory or developing issue that needs attention soon
Amber warning lights indicate an advisory condition or developing fault that needs attention soon but may not require immediate stopping. Red warning lights indicate critical failures requiring immediate action.
Question 2: Why is it important to check mirrors and camera systems before moving off?
- To check your appearance
- To identify vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians in blind spots (Correct answer)
- To see if there are any speed cameras ahead
- To check the weather conditions
Correct answer: To identify vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians in blind spots
HGVs have significant blind spots. Checking mirrors and camera systems before moving off is essential to identify vulnerable road users — particularly cyclists and pedestrians — who may be in these blind spots. Failure to do so has caused numerous fatal incidents.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the HGV's secondary braking system?
- To increase speed downhill
- To provide braking if the main service brake fails (Correct answer)
- To apply parking brake automatically
- To reduce fuel consumption
Correct answer: To provide braking if the main service brake fails
The secondary braking system provides an alternative means of stopping the vehicle if the main service brake fails. It must be capable of slowing and stopping the vehicle safely, though with reduced efficiency.
Question 4: What should a driver check regarding wheel fixings during a walkaround?
- Only whether the wheels are round
- That wheel nuts are present, properly tightened, and there are no signs of loosening (Correct answer)
- Only the number of wheels
- Just the colour of the wheel rims
Correct answer: That wheel nuts are present, properly tightened, and there are no signs of loosening
Drivers should check that all wheel nuts are present, properly tightened, and show no signs of loosening such as rust staining or movement indicators being misaligned. Loose wheels are a serious hazard that can cause fatal incidents.
Question 5: When should marker lights and reflectors be checked on an HGV?
- Only during MOT tests
- During every daily walkaround check (Correct answer)
- Only when driving at night
- Once per month
Correct answer: During every daily walkaround check
Marker lights and reflectors should be checked during every daily walkaround check. They are essential for making the vehicle visible to other road users, especially in poor light conditions, and defective lighting is a common prohibition item.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an air dryer in an HGV braking system?
- To dry the exterior of the vehicle
- To remove moisture from the compressed air system to prevent brake failure in cold weather (Correct answer)
- To cool the driver's cabin
- To dry fuel before it enters the engine
Correct answer: To remove moisture from the compressed air system to prevent brake failure in cold weather
The air dryer removes moisture from the compressed air used in the braking system. Without it, moisture could freeze in cold weather, blocking air lines and causing brake failure. It is a critical safety component.
CPC Vehicle Safety 2
What does an amber warning light on an HGV dashboard typically indicate?