AF Commercial Driving Theory study guide
AF Commercial Driving Theory · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The AF Commercial Driving Theory exam is a multiple-choice knowledge test for candidates seeking to drive commercial vehicles professionally. It assesses whether a driver understands the rules, signage, vehicle condition requirements and compliance obligations that apply to heavier and larger vehicles in everyday working conditions. The AF Commercial Driving Theory study guide has 8 sections and about 2,789 words.
01Road Traffic Rules and Regulations
This domain tests whether you can apply the rules of the road to everyday and edge-case situations, not just recite them. Understand the core obligations: keep left unless overtaking on multi-lane roads, obey speed limits and adjust speed to conditions, give way as signed or marked, and follow the correct procedure at junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and level crossings.
367 words, about 2 min02Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
You must be able to recognise the meaning of signs by shape and colour as well as by symbol, because exam questions often describe a sign rather than show it. Learn the families: red-bordered circles are prohibitions or restrictions (speed limits, no entry, no overtaking), blue circles are mandatory instructions (turn left, minimum speed, keep left), triangles with red borders are warnings, and rectangles are information or direction signs.
366 words, about 2 min03Vehicle Safety, Inspection and Maintenance
This domain covers the daily walk-round check, the systems that keep a commercial vehicle safe, and the legal standards for tyres, brakes, lights and bodywork. You should know what a driver must check before setting off: tyres (condition, tread depth, pressure, and that nothing is trapped between twin tyres), lights and reflectors, brakes including air pressure build-up and warning buzzers, mirrors and camera systems, windscreen and wipers, fluid levels, load security and the coupling and safety systems on a trailer.
356 words, about 2 min04Driver Hours, Rest Periods and Fitness to Drive
You need a working command of the EU rules on driving time, breaks and rest as they apply to commercial drivers, plus the fitness and licensing obligations that sit alongside them. Understand the daily driving limit, the weekly and fortnightly limits, when a break is required and how it can be split, daily and weekly rest requirements, and the rules on night work and multi-manning.
355 words, about 2 min05Load Securing, Weights and Dimensions
This domain tests your understanding of how to load a commercial vehicle safely and legally, and the weight and dimension limits that apply. Learn the principles of load distribution: keep the centre of gravity low and central, spread weight evenly, load heavier items first and against the headboard, and never exceed the axle or gross weights.
345 words, about 2 min06Hazard Perception and Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is about anticipating hazards before they become emergencies, and the exam tests your judgement of risk, following distance, speed choice and observation. Understand the two-second rule and how it extends in rain, ice, darkness or when following a large vehicle; know stopping distances and how they change with load, road surface and gradient.
336 words, about 2 min07Incidents, Emergencies and First Aid
This domain covers what to do at the scene of a collision and how to respond to vehicle emergencies. Learn the priorities at an incident: protect the scene and prevent further collisions (hazard lights, warning triangle where safe and legal, high-visibility clothing), check for casualties, call the emergency services with accurate location and casualty information, and give first aid within your competence until help arrives.
341 words, about 2 min08Vehicle Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
This domain tests the paperwork and legal obligations that keep a commercial vehicle and driver compliant. Know the documents you must carry or produce: driving licence, vehicle registration, certificate of roadworthiness (where required), insurance and, for commercial operations, the operator licence details and transport documents.
323 words, about 2 min