Route restrictions, parking, and tunnel/urban transit rules
What this domain tests
This domain tests journey planning and restrictions. The exam expects you to avoid populated areas where possible, obey tunnel and urban bans, and choose parking that does not put people or property at risk.
Core rules
- Plan the route before departure. Prefer designated dangerous goods routes and avoid crowded residential areas, markets and sensitive premises where a safer route exists.
- Tunnel signs and local restrictions override a GPS instruction. Some tunnels prohibit certain classes, especially explosives and bulk flammable gases, and may require a minimum following distance.
- Park away from homes, schools, hospitals, bridges, tunnels and busy roads. Use secure parking or a depot where available, apply the parking brake and secure the load.
- Urban curfews, night bans and delivery time windows may apply. Do not leave a loaded vehicle unattended in an urban area unless it is secured and authorised.
Worked example
A route plan sends an explosives vehicle through a tunnel marked with a restriction on Class 1 goods. Reasoning: the tunnel restriction applies regardless of the shortest distance. The driver must use the approved alternative route and record the change. Ignoring the sign because the GPS says the tunnel is faster would breach the route restriction.
Traps
Following GPS into a restricted tunnel; parking beside a hospital because it is convenient; assuming a local ban does not apply to a small load; leaving the engine running while parked; failing to check urban delivery curfews.