Road Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real CPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Road Safety flashcards as text
What is the speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a motorway in England and Wales?
Answer: 60 mph
The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on motorways in England and Wales is 60 mph, compared to 70 mph for cars. This recognises the longer stopping distances and greater kinetic energy of heavy vehicles.
What should an HGV driver do if their vehicle breaks down on a motorway?
Answer: Move to the hard shoulder if possible, activate hazard lights, and use the emergency telephone
If an HGV breaks down on a motorway, the driver should pull onto the hard shoulder if possible, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle if safe to do so, and use the emergency telephone to call for assistance. All occupants should leave via the nearside and wait behind the barrier.
An HGV driver notices black ice on the road. What should they do?
Answer: Reduce speed gently, avoid sudden steering or braking inputs, and increase following distance
On black ice, any sudden inputs (braking, steering, acceleration) can cause loss of control. The driver should reduce speed gradually, avoid sudden changes, increase following distance significantly, and use the engine brake gently rather than the foot brake.
What is 'brake fade' and when does it occur?
Answer: A reduction in braking effectiveness caused by overheating, typically on long downhill gradients
Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat, typically from prolonged use on long downhill gradients. The overheated brake components become less effective, increasing stopping distances dangerously. Drivers should use lower gears and retarders on descents to preserve service brakes.
What should an HGV driver consider when driving in strong crosswinds?
Answer: The vehicle may be pushed sideways, especially when unladen, on bridges, or passing gaps in hedges
HGVs present a large surface area to crosswinds and can be pushed sideways or even overturned, particularly when unladen (lighter), on exposed roads such as bridges, or when passing gaps in hedgerows or buildings where gusts can strike suddenly.
When reversing an HGV, what is the safest practice?
Answer: Use a banksman (guide), check all mirrors and cameras, and reverse slowly
The safest practice is to use a trained banksman to guide the manoeuvre, check all mirrors and cameras before and during the reverse, and reverse slowly with frequent stops to reassess. If no banksman is available, the driver should walk the route first.