LGV Vehicle Safety Checks 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before starting a journey, what fluid level must an LGV driver check under a daily walkaround check?
- Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and screenwash (Correct answer)
- Engine oil only
- Fuel and oil only
- Coolant and brake fluid only
Correct answer: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and screenwash
A thorough daily walkaround check includes checking all fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and screenwash. Low levels can cause mechanical failure on the road.
Question 2: How should an LGV driver check tyre pressure is correct?
- Use a calibrated tyre pressure gauge when tyres are cold (Correct answer)
- Check visually for obvious deflation only
- Tap the tyres with a hammer
- Ask the depot fitter to check monthly
Correct answer: Use a calibrated tyre pressure gauge when tyres are cold
Tyre pressure must be checked with a calibrated pressure gauge when tyres are cold (before driving). Visual checks alone are not sufficient as a tyre can lose significant pressure without appearing flat.
Question 3: What is the minimum legal tread depth for LGV (goods vehicle) tyres?
- 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width (Correct answer)
- 1.6 mm across three-quarters of the tread width
- 2 mm across the full tread width
- 0.5 mm minimum depth
Correct answer: 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width
For goods vehicles, the minimum legal tread depth is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width, and the original tread pattern must be visible across the full width of the tyre.
Question 4: During a walkaround check, a driver notices a cracked windscreen. What should they do?
- Report it to the transport manager and assess if it impairs vision before driving (Correct answer)
- Only report it when it reaches the driver's field of vision
- Continue driving — small cracks are acceptable
- Apply windscreen repair film and continue
Correct answer: Report it to the transport manager and assess if it impairs vision before driving
A cracked windscreen must be reported immediately to the transport manager. If the crack is in the driver's field of vision (swept area of the wiper) or impairs visibility, the vehicle must not be driven until repaired.
Question 5: What should a driver check regarding the vehicle's lights during a daily inspection?
- That all lights (including brake lights, indicators, and marker lights) function correctly (Correct answer)
- Headlights only
- Only legally required lights such as brake lights
- Just the dashboard warning lights
Correct answer: That all lights (including brake lights, indicators, and marker lights) function correctly
All lights must be checked: headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights, and any marker or hazard lights required for the vehicle. Faulty lights are a common roadside prohibition reason.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'DVSA defect reporting system' or 'driver defect report'?
- To document defects found during the walkaround so the operator can arrange repair (Correct answer)
- To inform DVSA directly of every defect
- To record the driver's working hours
- To list the vehicle's load details
Correct answer: To document defects found during the walkaround so the operator can arrange repair
The driver defect report is a formal record of defects found during the daily walkaround check. The driver must complete it and the operator must ensure the defects are rectified before the vehicle goes back into service.
LGV Vehicle Safety Checks 1
Before starting a journey, what fluid level must an LGV driver check under a daily walkaround check?