LGV Vehicle Safety Checks 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should an LGV driver check regarding the coupling before driving a trailer?
- That the coupling is fully engaged, safety locks are in place, and trailer brake connections are secure (Correct answer)
- Only that the coupling sounds engaged
- Check visually from inside the cab
- Only inspect if the trailer is loaded
Correct answer: That the coupling is fully engaged, safety locks are in place, and trailer brake connections are secure
Before driving with a trailer, the driver must physically check that the kingpin coupling is fully engaged with the fifth wheel, safety locks (jaws) are closed, trailer brake airline and electrical connections are secure, and trailer legs are fully raised.
Question 2: How should a driver check that the vehicle's brakes are working correctly before a journey?
- Conduct a brake test at low speed in a safe area, checking for pulling or unusual noises (Correct answer)
- Check only the handbrake by applying it on a slope
- Brakes are serviced regularly — no daily check required
- Apply the footbrake firmly once before leaving the depot
Correct answer: Conduct a brake test at low speed in a safe area, checking for pulling or unusual noises
A basic brake check at low speed in a safe area should be performed, feeling for any pulling to one side, sponginess, or unusual noises. Air pressure gauges should also be checked for correct pressure. Any concerns must be reported.
Question 3: What does an amber ABS warning light on the dashboard indicate?
- The ABS system has detected a fault and is disabled on that axle or the whole system (Correct answer)
- Brakes are overheating
- ABS is active and working
- Low brake fluid level
Correct answer: The ABS system has detected a fault and is disabled on that axle or the whole system
An illuminated amber ABS warning light indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system. The standard brakes may still work, but ABS protection is reduced or lost. The fault must be investigated and repaired promptly.
Question 4: What must a driver check regarding the vehicle's steering?
- Check for excessive free play by turning the wheel gently and feeling resistance (Correct answer)
- Only check if the vehicle has been recently serviced
- Check steering at high speed only
- Steering is maintenance-only — no driver check required
Correct answer: Check for excessive free play by turning the wheel gently and feeling resistance
Before driving, a driver should check for excessive free play in the steering wheel. Any looseness or play beyond the normal small amount indicates a potential steering problem that must be reported.
Question 5: Why must a driver check the vehicle's mirrors before departure?
- To ensure they are correctly adjusted to give maximum field of view and are clean and undamaged (Correct answer)
- Only to check they are not broken
- Mirrors are adjusted by depot staff — no driver action needed
- To check the wing mirror lights are working
Correct answer: To ensure they are correctly adjusted to give maximum field of view and are clean and undamaged
Mirrors must be adjusted for the driver's position and height before every journey. They must also be clean and free from cracks or distortion. Poorly adjusted mirrors create blind spots that can lead to collisions.
Question 6: What should a driver check regarding the load before departure?
- That the load is secure, correctly distributed, and does not exceed the vehicle's maximum authorised mass (Correct answer)
- Only check the load is covered
- Check load weight but not distribution
- Load checks are the consignor's responsibility
Correct answer: That the load is secure, correctly distributed, and does not exceed the vehicle's maximum authorised mass
The driver must check that the load is secure using appropriate restraints, that weight is correctly distributed across axles, and that the total weight does not exceed the MAM. The driver shares responsibility for load safety.
LGV Vehicle Safety Checks 2
What should an LGV driver check regarding the coupling before driving a trailer?