DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'vehicle defect report' in professional transport operations?
- A formal written record of defects found during walkaround checks — creates a legal record and triggers the repair process (Correct answer)
- A document the driver signs to accept responsibility for the vehicle's condition
- Only required when defects are found — no defect means no report needed
- An insurance claim form for vehicle damage
Correct answer: A formal written record of defects found during walkaround checks — creates a legal record and triggers the repair process
A defect report is a legal document that records vehicle faults, triggers maintenance action, and creates an audit trail. Even 'nil defect' reports may be required to demonstrate the check was carried out.
Question 2: What does 'axle weight' mean and why does it matter for road use?
- The weight borne by each individual axle — exceeding axle weight limits damages roads and bridges and is a legal offence (Correct answer)
- The combined weight of all tyres on one axle
- The rated capacity of the axle suspension springs
- The weight of the axle assembly itself
Correct answer: The weight borne by each individual axle — exceeding axle weight limits damages roads and bridges and is a legal offence
Axle weight is the downward force on the road surface from each axle. Legal limits protect road infrastructure from damage. A vehicle within its GVW can still breach axle limits if the load is unevenly distributed.
Question 3: What checks must be made on a vehicle's steering system during a walkaround inspection?
- Check for play in the steering wheel, look for leaks from the power steering fluid reservoir and hoses, and visually inspect track rod ends and steering components (Correct answer)
- Steer the wheel left and right — if it moves freely, no further check is needed
- Steering checks are for workshops only — drivers check tyres and lights
- Test the electric power steering by turning the wheel once before moving off
Correct answer: Check for play in the steering wheel, look for leaks from the power steering fluid reservoir and hoses, and visually inspect track rod ends and steering components
A professional driver should check for excessive play in the steering wheel (typically no more than 1/6 of a turn before the wheels begin to turn), signs of power steering fluid leaks, and visible damage to steering linkage.
Question 4: How should curtainsider trailer curtains be checked as part of a load security inspection?
- Check curtains are tensioned correctly on all fixing points, buckle bars are in place and tightened, and the curtain is not torn or damaged (Correct answer)
- Pull the curtain closed and move off — curtains are primarily for weather protection not load security
- Curtains are checked only by the loader — not the driver
- Check that the curtain reaches the floor and no gaps are visible
Correct answer: Check curtains are tensioned correctly on all fixing points, buckle bars are in place and tightened, and the curtain is not torn or damaged
Curtainsider curtains can form part of the load restraint system — but only if the structure is rated and the curtains are properly tensioned on all fixing points. A damaged or improperly secured curtain provides no restraint.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'load restraint guideline' such as the Department of Transport's Code of Practice?
- To provide practical guidance on calculating and applying load securing — compliance provides a strong legal defence in case of a load-related incident (Correct answer)
- To set minimum wages for load securing operatives
- To regulate the working conditions of loaders and unloaders
- A guide for vehicle inspectors only — not applicable to drivers
Correct answer: To provide practical guidance on calculating and applying load securing — compliance provides a strong legal defence in case of a load-related incident
Load restraint codes of practice (such as the DOT Code of Practice for Load Securing) provide practical guidance for securing various load types. Following the code provides a strong defence if challenged about load security.
Question 6: Before leaving a loading bay, what final check should a truck driver make regarding the load?
- Walk around the full load and confirm all straps/chains are tensioned, doors or curtains are secured, and no part of the load overhangs unsafely (Correct answer)
- Trust that the loaders have secured the load correctly
- Check only the rear doors are locked — side restraints are the loaders' responsibility
- Check the manifest matches the load description and sign the delivery note
Correct answer: Walk around the full load and confirm all straps/chains are tensioned, doors or curtains are secured, and no part of the load overhangs unsafely
Before moving, the driver must personally confirm the load is secure — regardless of who loaded it. This includes checking all lashing tensions, door locks, curtain security, and overhanging loads.
DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 4
What is the purpose of a 'vehicle defect report' in professional transport operations?