ADI Vehicle Loading — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to UK law, what is the maximum number of passengers a car may carry?
- As many as can fit in the vehicle
- The number of seats fitted with seatbelts, as specified in the vehicle's registration document (Correct answer)
- Up to 8 passengers in any car
- There is no legal limit
Correct answer: The number of seats fitted with seatbelts, as specified in the vehicle's registration document
A car may only carry the number of passengers for which seatbelts are provided. It is an offence to carry more passengers than there are seatbelts (for passengers aged 14+). The vehicle's V5C registration document specifies the number of passenger seats.
Question 2: How does overloading a vehicle affect its handling and safety?
- Overloading has no effect on modern vehicles
- Overloading increases braking distances, reduces steering responsiveness, increases the risk of tyre failure, and can make the vehicle unstable (Correct answer)
- Overloading only affects fuel consumption
- Overloading improves traction
Correct answer: Overloading increases braking distances, reduces steering responsiveness, increases the risk of tyre failure, and can make the vehicle unstable
Overloading a vehicle significantly affects safety: braking distances increase (more mass to stop), steering becomes less responsive, tyres may overheat and fail (exceeding their load rating), the suspension may bottom out, and the vehicle's centre of gravity rises, increasing the risk of rollover.
Question 3: When carrying a roof box or roof rack load, what effect does this have on the vehicle?
- No significant effect on the vehicle's handling
- It raises the centre of gravity, increases wind resistance, affects fuel consumption, and may affect the vehicle's stability, particularly in crosswinds (Correct answer)
- It only affects the vehicle's appearance
- It improves the vehicle's aerodynamics
Correct answer: It raises the centre of gravity, increases wind resistance, affects fuel consumption, and may affect the vehicle's stability, particularly in crosswinds
Roof loads raise the vehicle's centre of gravity (increasing rollover risk), significantly increase wind resistance and fuel consumption, may cause instability in crosswinds, and can affect braking distances. Drivers should adjust their driving style accordingly and check the manufacturer's roof load limit.
Question 4: What is the legal requirement regarding the securing of loads on vehicles in the UK?
- Loads do not need to be secured if the journey is short
- All loads must be securely fastened so that they do not move, shift, or fall from the vehicle, as required by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (Correct answer)
- Only loads over 50kg need to be secured
- Loads only need to be covered, not tied down
Correct answer: All loads must be securely fastened so that they do not move, shift, or fall from the vehicle, as required by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, all loads must be securely positioned and, if necessary, restrained so they cannot move, shift, or fall from the vehicle. The driver is responsible for ensuring the load is safe, regardless of its size or weight.
Question 5: A learner driver asks about towing a trailer. What weight restrictions should they be aware of?
- There are no weight restrictions for towing
- The maximum trailer weight depends on the towing vehicle's gross train weight (GTW), and drivers who passed their test after January 1997 may need an additional licence category for heavier trailers (Correct answer)
- Only commercial vehicles can tow trailers
- The trailer can weigh more than the towing vehicle
Correct answer: The maximum trailer weight depends on the towing vehicle's gross train weight (GTW), and drivers who passed their test after January 1997 may need an additional licence category for heavier trailers
The towing vehicle's manufacturer specifies the maximum towing weight (found in the handbook or on the VIN plate). Drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 on a Category B licence may tow trailers up to 750kg, or heavier trailers if the combined MAM does not exceed 3,500kg. A B+E or C1+E licence may be needed for heavier combinations.
Question 6: What tyre pressure adjustments should be made when a vehicle is carrying a heavy load?
- Reduce tyre pressures to increase the contact patch
- Increase tyre pressures to the manufacturer's recommended 'fully laden' settings, as shown in the vehicle handbook or door pillar label (Correct answer)
- No adjustments are needed
- Only adjust the rear tyres
Correct answer: Increase tyre pressures to the manufacturer's recommended 'fully laden' settings, as shown in the vehicle handbook or door pillar label
When carrying a heavy load, tyre pressures should be increased to the manufacturer's 'fully laden' recommended pressures, which are typically higher than the standard pressures. This is usually specified in the vehicle handbook, on a label inside the driver's door, or on the fuel filler cap.
ADI Vehicle Loading
According to UK law, what is the maximum number of passengers a car may carry?