Driver Health & Conduct Flashcards
6 cards from real CPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Driver Health & Conduct flashcards as text
The '10-20 minute nap' strategy for combating driver fatigue is most effective when:
Answer: Taken before severe fatigue sets in, combined with caffeine (taken just before the nap so it takes effect on waking)
The 'nap + caffeine' strategy works because caffeine takes 20 minutes to absorb; taking it before a 10-20 minute nap means alertness from caffeine coincides with waking, providing enhanced short-term alertness.
Which prescribed medication class is most likely to impair professional drivers and requires DVLA and employer notification?
Answer: Benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics and antihistamines that cause drowsiness or impaired cognition
Benzodiazepines (anxiety/sleep drugs), opioids and sedating antihistamines cause drowsiness, impaired judgement and slowed reaction times — all incompatible with professional driving; both DVLA and employer must be informed.
Professional drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing by employers under:
Answer: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and specific transport industry procedures including DVSA-recommended policies
Employers have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure employees are fit for work; the road transport industry has specific recommended drug and alcohol testing policies supported by DVSA guidance.
What are the specific cardiovascular fitness standards required to hold a Group 2 (HGV/PCV) driving licence?
Answer: Must not have had a heart attack or unstable angina in the preceding 6 weeks and must meet DVLA Fitness to Drive standards for various cardiac conditions
Group 2 drivers must meet strict DVLA cardiovascular standards: recent MI or unstable angina typically requires a period off driving; ongoing conditions are assessed against specific criteria in DVLA's 'At a Glance' guide.
What should a professional driver do if they receive a fixed penalty notice for a traffic offence?
Answer: Notify their employer as required by contract and DVSA guidance, as accumulation of offences may affect their operator's licence
Most HGV employment contracts require drivers to disclose all traffic convictions and FPNs; accumulation of offences reflects on the operator's compliance record and can affect the operator's licence.
Diabetes managed by insulin treatment is subject to specific DVLA licensing conditions for Group 2 drivers. What is the key requirement?
Answer: Drivers must demonstrate awareness of hypoglycaemia, have HbA1c and ophthalmic checks and be reviewed annually by a specialist; short-term licences are issued
Since 2011, insulin-treated diabetics may hold Group 2 licences subject to annual specialist review, confirmed hypoglycaemia awareness, regular blood glucose monitoring and absence of severe hypos in the preceding 12 months.