DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the daily walkaround check for a truck or bus driver?
- To identify defects, damage, or safety issues before the vehicle is driven — preventing roadside breakdowns and enforcement issues (Correct answer)
- A legal formality only — modern vehicles self-diagnose faults
- Only required for vehicles over 10 years old
- Required weekly — not daily
Correct answer: To identify defects, damage, or safety issues before the vehicle is driven — preventing roadside breakdowns and enforcement issues
A daily walkaround check is a legal requirement for professional drivers. It identifies defects before they cause a breakdown, collision, or enforcement action. Any defects found must be reported to the operator.
Question 2: What items should be checked on the tyres during a walkaround inspection?
- Tread depth (minimum 1mm for trucks), tyre pressure, condition (cuts, bulges, or damage), and secure fixing of dual wheels (Correct answer)
- Only tyre pressure — other checks are done at service
- Tread depth only — pressure is checked monthly
- Visual check for obvious punctures only
Correct answer: Tread depth (minimum 1mm for trucks), tyre pressure, condition (cuts, bulges, or damage), and secure fixing of dual wheels
Tyre checks include tread depth (minimum 1mm for commercial vehicles across 75% of width), inflation pressure, visual condition (cuts, bulges, exposed cords), and for dual-wheeled axles, that no object is wedged between tyres.
Question 3: What must a driver do if they find a defect during the walkaround check?
- Report it to the transport manager or operator, and do not drive the vehicle if the defect affects roadworthiness (Correct answer)
- Note it in the defect book and drive cautiously
- Repair minor defects themselves before starting
- Continue only if the defect is not related to brakes or tyres
Correct answer: Report it to the transport manager or operator, and do not drive the vehicle if the defect affects roadworthiness
Any defect must be reported using the operator's defect reporting system. If the defect affects roadworthiness (brakes, tyres, steering, lights), the vehicle must not be driven until repaired.
Question 4: What is a CVRT (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test) in Ireland?
- A mandatory annual roadworthiness test for commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers) operated by the RSA (Correct answer)
- A voluntary inspection offered by RSA-approved garages
- A roadside inspection performed by enforcement officers
- A test required only after a collision involving a commercial vehicle
Correct answer: A mandatory annual roadworthiness test for commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers) operated by the RSA
The CVRT is Ireland's mandatory periodic roadworthiness test for commercial vehicles — similar to the NCT for cars. Most commercial vehicles must pass this test annually to legally operate on the road.
Question 5: What should a driver check regarding the braking system during a pre-trip inspection?
- Air brake reservoir pressure, brake warning lights, and test the foot and hand brakes before moving (Correct answer)
- Only check that the brake pedal feels firm
- Brakes are checked only during CVRT and monthly service
- Check brake fluid level only
Correct answer: Air brake reservoir pressure, brake warning lights, and test the foot and hand brakes before moving
For air-braked vehicles, check that air pressure builds to correct operating level, warning lights extinguish at correct pressure, the spring (parking) brake releases properly, and the service brake stops the vehicle effectively.
Question 6: What lighting checks must be done as part of a truck driver's daily inspection?
- All external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, side marker lights, and any trailer lights (Correct answer)
- Headlights and brake lights only
- All lights on the tractor unit — trailer lights checked at coupling
- Only the lights visible from the driver's seat
Correct answer: All external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, side marker lights, and any trailer lights
All external lights must be checked: headlights (both beams), tail lights, brake lights, indicators (front and rear), reverse lights, side marker lights, hazard lights, and all trailer lights including brake and indicator function.
DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 1
What is the purpose of the daily walkaround check for a truck or bus driver?