CPC Vehicle Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a daily walkaround check on an HGV, which of the following should be inspected?
- Only the tyres
- Tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, fluid levels, bodywork, and load security (Correct answer)
- Just the fuel level and windscreen wipers
- Only items that failed the last MOT
Correct answer: Tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, fluid levels, bodywork, and load security
A daily walkaround check must cover tyres (pressure, tread, damage), all lights and indicators, mirrors, brakes (including air pressure), fluid levels (oil, coolant, AdBlue), bodywork condition, coupling gear, and load security.
Question 2: What is the minimum tread depth for tyres on an HGV in the UK?
- 0.8mm
- 1.0mm across three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference (Correct answer)
- 1.6mm
- 2.0mm
Correct answer: 1.0mm across three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference
HGV tyres must have at least 1mm of tread depth across three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and in a continuous band around the entire outer circumference. This differs from the 1.6mm requirement for cars.
Question 3: What should a driver do if they discover a serious vehicle defect during a walkaround check?
- Drive carefully to the nearest garage
- Report the defect and do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired (Correct answer)
- Cover the defect with tape and continue
- Wait until the end of the day to report it
Correct answer: Report the defect and do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired
A serious defect must be reported immediately and the vehicle must not be driven until the defect is repaired. Driving a defective vehicle is an offence and could result in prosecution of both the driver and the operator.
Question 4: What is the 'O' licence (Operator's Licence) in the UK?
- A personal driving licence
- A licence required by anyone operating HGVs or PSVs for hire, reward, or in connection with a trade or business (Correct answer)
- A fuel discount card
- A licence to operate a taxi
Correct answer: A licence required by anyone operating HGVs or PSVs for hire, reward, or in connection with a trade or business
An Operator's Licence is required by any business or individual that uses HGVs over 3.5 tonnes or PSVs. It ensures the operator meets standards for vehicle maintenance, driver management, and financial standing.
Question 5: How often must an HGV undergo an annual test (equivalent to MOT) in the UK?
- Every 6 months
- Annually, from 1 year old (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: Annually, from 1 year old
HGVs must undergo an annual test every year from when they are one year old. This is carried out at DVSA testing stations and is more rigorous than a car MOT, covering brakes, emissions, chassis condition, and safety equipment.
Question 6: What is the legal requirement regarding a driver's responsibility for vehicle condition?
- The driver has no responsibility — it is entirely the operator's duty
- The driver shares responsibility and must not drive a vehicle they know to be defective (Correct answer)
- Only mechanics are responsible for vehicle condition
- The driver is only responsible for the interior cleanliness
Correct answer: The driver shares responsibility and must not drive a vehicle they know to be defective
Under UK law, the driver shares responsibility for the vehicle's roadworthiness. A driver must not drive a vehicle they know or suspect to be in a dangerous condition, and can be prosecuted alongside the operator for defective vehicle offences.
CPC Vehicle Safety
When conducting a daily walkaround check on an HGV, which of the following should be inspected?