CPC Vehicle Safety Checks 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a 'walkaround check' before a journey involve?
- Checking only tyre pressures
- A systematic inspection of tyres, lights, brakes, fluid levels, bodywork, mirrors and load security before driving (Correct answer)
- A check completed by the transport manager only
- Checking the tachograph is working
Correct answer: A systematic inspection of tyres, lights, brakes, fluid levels, bodywork, mirrors and load security before driving
The walkaround check is a pre-journey inspection required of all professional drivers, checking all safety-critical items including tyres, lights, brakes, oils, mirrors and load security.
Question 2: What is the legal requirement for the condition of HGV tyres on UK roads?
- Minimum 1 mm tread depth across 50% of the tyre width
- No cuts or bulges, minimum 1 mm tread depth across the central 75% of the width around the full circumference (Correct answer)
- New tyres to be fitted every 12 months regardless of wear
- Minimum 3 mm tread depth on steer axle tyres only
Correct answer: No cuts or bulges, minimum 1 mm tread depth across the central 75% of the width around the full circumference
HGV tyres must have at least 1 mm of tread depth across the central 75% of the tread width around the full circumference, and must be free from cuts, bulges or damage.
Question 3: Before undertaking a tipping operation with a tipper lorry, the driver should check:
- Only that the receiving site is open
- Ground stability, overhead hazards such as power lines, and that the body mechanism functions correctly before raising the body (Correct answer)
- That the tachograph is recording correctly
- The traffic on the road behind only
Correct answer: Ground stability, overhead hazards such as power lines, and that the body mechanism functions correctly before raising the body
Before tipping, the driver must check the ground is stable and level, there are no overhead obstructions (especially power lines) and the tipping mechanism is functional to prevent toppling or electrocution.
Question 4: What does DVSA prohibition notice category 'S' (serious) mean?
- The vehicle may continue to its destination for repair
- The vehicle must not be driven until the defect is repaired and the prohibition is cleared (Correct answer)
- The driver is suspended pending investigation
- The operator licence is revoked immediately
Correct answer: The vehicle must not be driven until the defect is repaired and the prohibition is cleared
A 'S' (Serious) prohibition means the vehicle is unsafe and must not move until the defect is rectified and a DVSA examiner inspects and removes the prohibition.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an annual test (MOT equivalent for HGVs) for goods vehicles?
- To check driver competence
- To ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety and roadworthiness standards set by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Correct answer)
- To verify the operator licence is current
- To check tachograph calibration
Correct answer: To ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety and roadworthiness standards set by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations
The Annual Test (ATT) for HGVs checks that the vehicle complies with construction and use regulations covering brakes, lights, tyres, steering and other safety-critical systems.
Question 6: How should a driver report vehicle defects discovered during a walkaround check?
- Tell a colleague informally
- Complete a defect report form immediately, record it in the defect book and report to the transport manager before driving if the defect is safety-critical (Correct answer)
- Text the transport office and proceed if minor
- Wait until the end of the shift to report
Correct answer: Complete a defect report form immediately, record it in the defect book and report to the transport manager before driving if the defect is safety-critical
Safety-critical defects must be reported before driving; all defects must be formally recorded in the defect book and reported to the transport manager so repairs can be arranged.
CPC Vehicle Safety Checks 1
What does a 'walkaround check' before a journey involve?