Driving technique and vehicle control
What the exam tests
Driving technique and vehicle control tests how you handle a C1 lorry’s weight, brakes, gears and blind spots on the road.
Core rules
- A laden lorry needs longer braking distance. Increase following distance and brake progressively.
- Use engine braking and a low gear on long descents; do not ride the brakes, which can fade or overheat.
- ABS and ESP help but cannot overcome physics. Keep steering inputs smooth, especially on slippery roads.
- Reversing and turning require mirror checks and awareness of blind spots. Use a banksman if visibility is poor.
- Start, steer and stop smoothly to protect load, tyres and fuel economy.
Worked example
You descend a 6% mountain road with 3,000 kg of cargo. The service brakes begin to feel weak after repeated use. Correct response: select a lower gear before the descent, let engine braking control speed, use short brake applications only when needed, and stop safely to let brakes cool if fade continues. Wrong response: keep riding the brakes and speed up to “get it over with”.
Traps
Do not coast in neutral downhill. Do not assume a light C1 lorry handles like a car when loaded. Do not forget the tail swing when turning. Do not rely on mirrors alone in the blind spot.