Vehicle Safety Checks Flashcards
6 cards from real LGV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Vehicle Safety Checks flashcards as text
What does 'EBS' stand for on modern LGV trailers?
Answer: Electronic Braking System
EBS stands for Electronic Braking System. It manages brake force distribution across axles electronically, improving stopping performance and stability. It replaces or supplements traditional ABS on modern trailers.
What should a driver check regarding the vehicle's exhaust?
Answer: That there is no excessive black, blue, or white smoke and no visible damage to the exhaust system
Excessive black smoke suggests rich fuel mixture or engine problems, blue smoke indicates burning oil, and white smoke can indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Any of these requires investigation and reporting.
During a pre-departure check, why must a driver check that all doors, hatches, and access panels are properly closed?
Answer: Open panels can cause wind resistance, damage to other vehicles, and are a legal requirement
All access panels and doors must be properly secured. Open doors can strike other road users, create dangerous air turbulence, allow load to fall, and are a roadworthiness requirement. The driver is responsible.
A driver notices that a number plate light is not working during a pre-departure check at night. What should they do?
Answer: Report the defect — the vehicle must not be driven at night until it is repaired
Number plate illumination is a legal requirement at night. Driving without it is an offence. The defect must be reported and repaired before night driving. Daytime driving may be possible while repair is arranged.
What is the purpose of daily walkaround checks in relation to the operator's licence?
Answer: Operators are legally required to have a system of regular vehicle checks to maintain their operator's licence
The Traffic Commissioner expects operators to have robust systems for daily vehicle inspections as a condition of holding an operator's licence. Failure to maintain such systems can result in licence revocation.
What must be checked regarding the vehicle's fifth wheel (turntable) on an articulated lorry?
Answer: That it is correctly lubricated, has no excessive wear or cracks, and that the lock mechanism operates
The fifth wheel must be checked for adequate lubrication (prevents wear and coupling problems), visible cracks or excessive wear on the plate and coupling jaw, and that the locking mechanism is properly engaged and secured.