Vehicle Knowledge and Technical Inspection
This domain tests whether you can keep a C1 truck legal and safe between inspections. A C1 vehicle is heavier than a van, often has air brakes or heavy-duty hydraulic brakes, and carries loads that stress tyres, suspension and coupling points. The exam asks about daily checks, warning lamps, inspection intervals and defect criteria.
Daily pre-drive checks
- Walk around the vehicle: tyre condition, tread, pressure and sidewalls; lights and reflectors; mirrors; windscreen; number plates; leaks; load security.
- Under the bonnet or access panels: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and AdBlue if the vehicle uses SCR.
- Brakes: check pedal feel. On an air-brake vehicle, let pressure build until the warning buzzer stops, check for leakage and drain the tanks as required.
- Dashboard: ABS/EBS, brake, engine and emissions warnings must go out after the self-test. A lamp that stays on is a defect, not a reminder.
Periodic inspection and legal limits
- Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg have an annual periodic inspection (syn); the first inspection is normally one year after first registration. The inspection covers brakes, steering, suspension, lights, emissions, body condition and load-security points.
- The tachograph must be calibrated or repaired every two years.
- For tyres on vehicles over 3.5 t, the minimum tread depth is 1.0 mm in the central three-quarters of the tread. Cuts, exposed cords and bulges are rejectable.
- Modifications to brakes, lighting or suspension need approval and can fail the inspection.
Worked example
After starting the engine, the EBS warning lamp stays on. The brakes feel normal at low speed. You may not drive the loaded vehicle. EBS/ABS faults can change braking stability and traction, especially with a high load. Book a workshop and use another vehicle.
Traps that cost marks
Do not treat ABS as a substitute for safe braking. Do not assume the annual syn covers daily defects. Check tyre sidewalls, not only tread depth. A warning lamp that stays on after the self-test is a reason to stop, not a cosmetic issue.