Mixed Deck — All CPC Topics Flashcards

If a casualty has an object embedded in a wound, what should you do?

Answer: Leave it in place, apply pressure around (not on) the object, and build up padding either side

Never remove an embedded object as it may be stemming blood flow. Apply pressure around the object, build up padding either side to support it, and bandage around it. Removing it could cause catastrophic bleeding.

What should a driver do if they notice the load has shifted during a journey?

Answer: Stop safely as soon as possible, check and re-secure the load before continuing

If a load shifts during transit, the driver must stop as soon as it is safe to do so. They must check the load, re-secure it properly, and only continue once satisfied the load is safe. Continuing with an insecure load is both dangerous and illegal.

If you arrive at the scene of a road traffic collision, what should your first priority be?

Answer: Ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others before approaching

The first priority at any incident scene is to ensure your own safety and that of others. This means assessing hazards (traffic, fuel, fire), switching off vehicle ignitions if safe, using hazard lights and warning triangles, and calling 999 before approaching casualties.

How does vehicle weight affect fuel consumption?

Answer: Every additional tonne increases fuel consumption — reducing unnecessary weight improves economy

Every additional tonne of vehicle weight increases fuel consumption, particularly during acceleration and hill climbing. Drivers should ensure unnecessary items are not carried, trailers are not overloaded, and empty return trips are avoided where possible.

What is the purpose of the EU Driver CPC Directive (2003/59/EC) as retained in UK law?

Answer: To ensure professional drivers maintain and update their driving knowledge and skills through periodic training

The Driver CPC Directive ensures professional LGV and PCV drivers undergo initial qualification and then complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. This maintains and updates their professional competence in areas including road safety, health, and regulations.

What is the maximum speed limit for a goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes on a UK motorway?

Answer: 60 mph

UK law restricts goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes to a maximum of 60 mph on motorways.

When using ratchet straps to secure a load, what should you check before use?

Answer: That the straps are not damaged, are within date, have readable load ratings, and the ratchet mechanism works correctly

Before use, ratchet straps should be checked for damage (cuts, fraying, UV degradation), that the manufacturer's label is readable with load ratings visible, that the ratchet mechanism operates freely, and that the hooks and fittings are not bent or damaged.

What is the primary risk of a large vehicle driving too close to the nearside kerb in an urban area?

Answer: Striking pedestrians or cyclists in the nearside blind spot

Pedestrians and cyclists in the nearside blind spot can be struck by the vehicle's body or wheels when it passes too close to the kerb.

What does DR ABC stand for in first aid?

Answer: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation

DR ABC is the primary assessment sequence: check for Danger, check for Response (is the casualty conscious?), open the Airway (head tilt, chin lift), check for Breathing, and check Circulation. This systematic approach ensures nothing is missed.

What is the recommended minimum safe following distance for a large commercial vehicle in good conditions?

Answer: At least a two-second gap, increased significantly in poor conditions

The Highway Code recommends at least a two-second gap in good conditions, but this must be substantially increased in wet, icy, or foggy conditions.

How should you treat a suspected broken bone (fracture)?

Answer: Immobilise the injury by supporting it in the position found, apply a cold pack, and seek medical help

Do not attempt to straighten or move the injured limb. Support and immobilise it in the position found using padding, slings, or splints if available. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling, and arrange for medical attention.

How many hours of periodic CPC training must a driver complete every 5 years?

Answer: 35 hours

Drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic CPC training every 5 years, in blocks of at least 7 hours each. This training must cover the syllabus areas specified in the directive and be delivered by approved training centres.

Why is it important for professional drivers to maintain a clean driving licence?

Answer: Points and disqualifications can result in loss of their professional livelihood and CPC qualification

A professional driver's licence is their livelihood. Penalty points, endorsements, or disqualification can result in losing their job, being unable to find alternative employment, and potentially losing their CPC qualification. The consequences are far more severe than for non-professional drivers.

What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth for commercial vehicle tyres in the UK?

Answer: 1.6 mm

UK law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width for commercial vehicle tyres.

Why is it important to check the coolant level regularly on an HGV?

Answer: Low coolant can cause the engine to overheat, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage

The cooling system prevents the engine from overheating. Low coolant can lead to overheating, which can cause warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, seized pistons, or complete engine failure. Coolant also provides frost protection and corrosion inhibition.

When manoeuvring a long vehicle around a roundabout, what specific hazard must the driver be aware of?

Answer: Off-tracking, where rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front

Off-tracking causes the rear wheels of a long vehicle to cut the corner more tightly than the front wheels, risking mounting kerbs or striking vehicles alongside.

When loading palletised goods, what should the driver check?

Answer: That pallets are in good condition, loads are properly stacked and wrapped, and the total weight is within limits

The driver should check that pallets are undamaged and structurally sound, goods are properly stacked (not overhanging), shrink wrap is intact and adequate, the load plan distributes weight correctly, and the total weight including pallets is within legal limits.

What is the purpose of dunnage bags (air bags) in load security?

Answer: To fill voids between items in the load to prevent movement

Dunnage bags (inflatable air bags) are placed in voids between items in a load to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement. They expand to fill gaps and provide bracing. They are commonly used in containerised and palletised loads.

Under UK law, who is responsible for ensuring a load is properly secured on an HGV?

Answer: The driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring the load is secure before driving

While the loader has a duty to load safely, the driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring the load is secure before and during the journey. The driver can be prosecuted if an insecure load causes an incident, even if someone else loaded the vehicle.

What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and when should it be used?

Answer: A device that analyses heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed, used when someone is in cardiac arrest

An AED analyses the heart's rhythm and, if it detects a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation), delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart function. It should be used as soon as possible on anyone in cardiac arrest, alongside CPR.