Denmark Category C/E Heavy Trailer Theory Test key terms

A towed vehicle whose weight is carried partly by its own axle(s) and partly by the drawing vehicle through a coupling. In a heavy combination it is typically a semi-trailer on a tractor unit or a drawbar trailer.

A trailer whose front part rests on and is carried by the tractor unit via the fifth-wheel coupling, with no front axle of its own. It transfers a substantial vertical load to the tractor's rear axle.

The vertical steel pin under the front of a semi-trailer that locks into the fifth-wheel coupling of the tractor unit. Its wear and locking condition are checked before coupling and during inspection.

The horseshoe-shaped plate on the tractor unit that receives and locks the trailer kingpin, allowing articulation. The locking jaw and release handle must be checked for secure engagement after coupling.

The systematic post-coupling inspection: correct height and alignment, kingpin locked, safety catch engaged, air lines and electrical cables connected, landing legs raised, and a visual check under the vehicle before moving off.

Retractable legs under the front of a semi-trailer that support it when uncoupled. They must be fully raised and secured before driving, and correctly lowered before the tractor is driven away.

The downward load a trailer transfers to the towing vehicle's coupling or fifth wheel. It counts toward the tractor's rear axle load and must stay within the manufacturer's and legal limits.

The total weight carried by one axle and its tyres, measured on the ground. Each axle has a legal and a manufacturer's maximum, and overloading is checked at roadside inspections.

The combined weight of a vehicle or vehicle combination including load, fuel and driver. It must not exceed the permitted maximum for the combination, which may be lower than the sum of the individual limits.

The total weight of the drawing vehicle plus all towed units and their loads. It is limited both by the vehicle's design and by national rules for the road network, and is a common enforcement check.

Placing the load so that individual axles are not overloaded and stability is maintained. Heavy items go low and over or ahead of the drive axles, never concentrated behind the trailer axles.

The methods and equipment used to stop cargo shifting, tipping or falling during transport. It combines blocking, lashing and friction, and is the driver's legal responsibility before departure.

Fastening cargo to the vehicle with straps, chains or ropes, using either top-over lashing to press it down or direct lashing to hold it back. Each lashing has a rated strength that must be respected.

The maximum force a lashing component such as a strap or chain is permitted to transmit, marked on the label. It is used with the tension force to calculate how much securing force a lashing provides.

The tension force a tensioning device is expected to achieve in the lashing, marked on the ratchet or tensioner. It is used in the standard calculation of securing effect for top-over lashings.

A number describing how much resistance to sliding exists between two surfaces, such as wood on steel or a tarpaulin on a pallet. Higher friction reduces the number of lashings needed for a given load.

A braking system in which compressed air applies the brakes. Heavy combinations use it because air can be supplied to trailers and because the system fails safe, applying the brakes when pressure is lost.

A parking and emergency brake chamber in which a strong spring applies the brake when air pressure is released. It engages automatically if air pressure falls too low or when the parking brake is set.

The foot-operated braking system used to slow and stop the vehicle in normal driving. In a combination it must act on all wheels of the drawing vehicle and the trailer in a balanced way.

A secondary braking device such as an exhaust brake, engine brake or hydraulic retarder that slows the vehicle without using the friction brakes. It reduces brake fade on long descents with a heavy trailer.

Loss of braking power when the friction brakes overheat, for example during long downhill runs with a loaded trailer. Correct gear selection and use of a retarder prevent it.

An anti-lock braking system that releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheels locking during heavy braking. It helps the driver keep steering control, but does not shorten braking distance on all surfaces.

A condition where a trailer's brakes respond noticeably later than the tractor's because of long air lines or a fault, causing the combination to push forward under braking. It is checked in the coupling procedure.

The EU rules limiting daily and weekly driving, requiring breaks after a set period and daily and weekly rest. They apply to heavy goods transport and are recorded and controlled through the tachograph.

The recording device in the cab that logs driving, other work, availability and rest. Modern digital versions store data on a driver card and must be used correctly, with manual entries where required.

The personal smart card inserted in the digital tachograph to identify the driver and record activity. It is personal, must not be used by others, and must be carried and produced on request.

The uninterrupted rest a driver must take within each 24-hour period, normally eleven hours and reducible under conditions. It must be completed and recorded, and infringements carry penalties.

A required interruption of driving after a set period, used for rest and not for other work. It is recorded on the tachograph and must be taken before the driving limit is reached.

The transport document describing the goods, sender, receiver and any special handling requirements. It accompanies the load and is checked at loading and delivery, and may be required during inspection.

Goods classified as dangerous for transport under the ADR agreement, requiring special packaging, marking, documents and often driver training. Carrying them without the correct papers and equipment is an offence.

Free movement in the steering before the road wheels respond, caused by wear in linkages. Excessive play makes a heavy combination wander and is a defect that must be reported and repaired.

The depth of grooves in the tyre, which must meet legal minimums for the vehicle type. Worn tread reduces grip and water clearance, especially dangerous on a loaded combination in rain.

The written record a driver makes when a fault is found during the daily walk-around check or on the road. It documents the defect and triggers repair before the vehicle is used again.

The pre-departure inspection of lights, tyres, brakes, coupling, load securing and bodywork. It is the driver's routine duty and the first defence against breakdowns and accidents.

Adapting speed and following distance to the combination's weight and braking distance. A loaded lorry with trailer needs far more space than a car, and a safe gap grows with speed and load.

Areas around a lorry and trailer that the driver cannot see in the mirrors, especially alongside the cab and behind the trailer. Checking and using mirrors and cameras before manoeuvring prevents collisions with cyclists and pedestrians.

A collision in which a lorry turning right strikes a cyclist or pedestrian who is alongside it. It is prevented by mirror checks, turning slowly, and being aware of the blind spot on the right.

The mirrors that give the driver a view along both sides and behind the combination, including the front and kerb mirrors required for blind-spot control. They must be adjusted and clean before driving.

The immediate help given to an injured person before professional assistance arrives: securing the scene, checking breathing, stopping bleeding and keeping the person warm. In Denmark the driver must stop and assist at an accident.

The place where a traffic accident has occurred, which must be made safe by warning other traffic, switching on hazard lights and placing a warning triangle. The driver must stop, help and report to the police.

The flashing indicator lights used to warn other road users of a stationary or slow-moving hazard. They are used at accident scenes and breakdowns, together with a warning triangle where required.

A reflective triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down or accident-struck vehicle to warn approaching traffic. It is set at a suitable distance and used with hazard lights, especially on fast roads.

A card in the cab showing rescue services where to cut and where not to cut the vehicle's structure in an emergency. It helps free occupants safely after a crash and should be kept accessible.

Driving smoothly with early gear changes, steady speed, anticipation and limited idling to cut fuel use and emissions. In a heavy combination it also reduces wear and improves safety.

Leaving the engine running while stationary. It wastes fuel and increases emissions, and should be avoided during loading, unloading and rest breaks except where the engine is needed for equipment or heating.