Vehicle Knowledge, Loading and Mechanical Checks
What this domain tests
Vehicle knowledge, loading and mechanical checks tests your ability to keep an LGV legal and safe before and during a journey. Questions cover daily walk-round checks, tyre condition, dashboard warnings, weight limits and load distribution. The test expects you to know that the driver is responsible for the vehicle's condition, not just the workshop.
Daily checks
Before moving, walk around the vehicle and check:
- Tyres: correct pressure, legal tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters and around the circumference, no cuts, bulges or exposed cords.
- Lights and indicators: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reflectors.
- Mirrors, wipers, washers and horn.
- Brakes and steering: no unusual pedal travel, pull or play.
- Fluids and leaks: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, screen wash; look for drips.
- Dashboard: warning lights should extinguish after start; a brake or ABS warning needs attention.
Weight and loading
Know the permitted gross vehicle weight, axle limits and payload. Distribute heavy items low and centrally, over or between the axles. Do not exceed the roof load or the tailgate's capacity. Secure the load so it cannot move forward, backward or sideways. An overloaded or badly loaded LGV can be unstable, slow to stop and illegal.
Defects
If you find a defect that affects safety, report it and do not drive until it is put right. Record the defect. A tyre bulge, a brake fluid leak or a steering fault is not a 'drive carefully' item.
Worked example
You load a van with a heavy machine at the rear doors. On the road, the steering feels light and the headlights point up. The load is too far back: it has reduced weight on the front axle. The correct action is to stop safely, move the machine forward over the rear axle within the axle limit, secure it, and recheck tyre pressures and lights. Driving on would risk instability and glare to other drivers.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming the annual inspection covers daily safety.
- Ignoring a tyre sidewall bulge because the tread looks good.
- Loading heavy items at the tailgate for convenience.
- Forgetting to recheck the load after a few kilometres.