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CPC — HGV Practical Test.

The questions below are asked by the tester on the practical CPC exam for HGV and articulated truck drivers. Click each question to reveal the expected answers. Work through all five sections before your test.

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Section 1

Ability to Optimise Fuel Consumption

Questions covering braking systems, retarders, gear use and fuel-saving techniques. Tap a question to see the expected answers.

1. What is the purpose of the Electronic Braking System?

Improves vehicle control during braking.
Improves stability and reaction during braking.
It can simultaneously fulfil the operation of an Anti-Lock System and a Load Sensing System.
It can save fuel because of fast brake release (no brake drag).
Provides better interaction of Anti-Lock System and Traction Control System.

2. What are the advantages associated with the use of a Retarder?

May be used when descending steep hills.
Speed may be stabilised without using the service brake.
The service brake remains cool for optimum performance.
The system can be used in unison with the service braking system.
Retarder can be used at various levels of effectiveness.

3. What are the main types of braking systems fitted to HGVs?

The Service Brake.
The Secondary Brake.
The Parking Brake.
The Endurance Brake (Retarder).

4. How would you bring about a decrease in fuel consumption?

Drive sensibly and keep within speed limits.
Avoid harsh braking.
Avoid rapid acceleration.
Correct tyre pressure.
Proper use of gears.
Switch off engine when vehicle is stationary for a period of time.
Plan routes to avoid busy times and congestion.

5. What types of practices would ensure the optimum use of a vehicle's inertia? (Vehicle inertia is the resistance to movement)

Forward Planning.
Effective anticipation.
Fitting energy saving tyres.
Timely braking.
Ensure vehicle is properly serviced.

6. How would you slow down on downhill stretches?

Footbrake (Service brake).
Retarder.
Footbrake and retarder together.
Engine braking.

7. What course of action should be followed in the event of service brake failure before your vehicle has an ABS system?

Use handbrake / secondary brake.
Apply maximum constant pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not pump the brakes.

8. Many trucks have the facility 'Gear Splitting' — what are the major benefits?

Increased horsepower.
Increased torque.
Prevents drop of RPM during gear changing.

9. In the interest of better fuel consumption, what points should you remember when arranging a load on a vehicle?

Load close to the rear of cab.
Ensure axle weights are not exceeded.
Keep load within the width of the cab.
Avoid gaps between load units on the vehicle (gaps increase drag).

10. What is the purpose of the gearbox?

Multiplies the torque (driving force).
Provides a means of reversing the vehicle.
Provides a permanent position for neutral.

Section 2

Ability to Load the Vehicle with Due Regard for Safety Rules and Proper Vehicle Use

Questions covering load safety, GVW, overloading, gearbox use and the effect of high loads on vehicle stability.

1. What is the most likely outcome where sharp braking is done?

Load may tend to move forward.
Risk of skid.
Risk of loss of traction.
Risk of vehicle "dipping" downward.

2. Explain how you would use the gearbox ratios according to the vehicle load and type of road.

Lowest gears may only be necessary if the vehicle is loaded.
Low gear for climbing steep gradients.
Move off in the most suitable gear.
Change gear in good time before a junction or hazard.
Show an understanding of the type of gearbox you're using to demonstrate its abilities.
Plan well ahead, whether climbing or before starting to descend a long hill.

3. Please tell me the Design Gross Vehicle Weight of this vehicle. Show me the location of the GVW plate displaying that weight.

The tester expects you to:

State the GVW of the vehicle you are being tested on.
Physically point out the GVW plate on the vehicle.

Know your vehicle's GVW before the test day.

4. What safeguards are necessary to ensure your load is safe?

Know the weight of your vehicle (GVW).
Load is securely stowed.
Within the size limits for the vehicle (width of load).
All devices for securing the load are effective.
Correct tyres and correct pressure.
Ensure vehicle / trailer is stable.

5. What are the likely consequences of overloading your vehicle?

Less stable.
Difficult to steer.
Longer to stop.
Strain on tyres.
Insurance implications.
Damage to bridges & roads.
Increased fuel consumption.
Unfair to other operators.

6. With a high-sided vehicle or high load, what would adversely affect the centre of gravity of your vehicle?

Steering (sharp turns at speed).
The slope (camber) of a road.
Braking.
Wheels running over a kerb (load tilting / overturning).
Wind forces.

Section 3

Ability to Prevent Criminality and Trafficking in Illegal Immigrants

Questions on your responsibilities to protect your vehicle, cargo and the public, and how to prevent smuggling and security risks.

1. What are your responsibilities as a driver in respect of your truck and cargo?

Self protection.
Truck and cargo protection.
Protection of general public.
Prevent incidents.

2. If travelling back across a border, what measures/checks would you undertake to prevent smuggling of goods or people?

Open trailer access points and inspect.
Check under the vehicle.
Check panniers.
Check padlocks and doors.
Check the cabin.

3. What steps would you follow to ensure your vehicle is secure and safe while parked?

Avoid parking in obvious vulnerable areas.
Park within sight if possible.
Park in a secure, well-lit and reputable area.
Park with back doors against a wall or another truck.
Lock vehicle and set anti-theft device.

4. If a driver is travelling on a journey to Ireland, what are the appropriate times that checks should be carried out?

Final loading (before departure).
During journey.
Final check before boarding the ferry.
At port operators.

5. What are the "emerging risks" in transport (Operator liability)?

Environmental risks.
Terrorism.
Threat to reputation.

Section 4

Ability to Prevent Physical Risk

Questions on driver posture, fitness, manual handling and safe loading and unloading procedures.

1. Please demonstrate what measures/adjustments you would make before starting a journey to ensure your own comfort, safety and efficiency while driving.

Correct seat adjustment and correct head restraint adjustments if fitted.
Correct mirror adjustment.
Remove wallet from back pocket.
Steering wheel adjustment.

2. Please explain what posture movements or activities could result in a risk of injury to you.

Driving with knees above hip level.
Incorrect positioning of head restraint.
Absence of lumbar support.
Incorrect lifting techniques.

3. How would a lack of physical fitness manifest itself in a driver?

Tiredness.
Generally feeling unwell.
Stress / Worry.
Lack of concentration and alertness.

4. In manual handling situations, what are the key points to a successful lift?

Assess the risk area and load.
Correct position of feet and knees.
Maintain normal curves of the back.
Firm grip.
Keep load/arms close to your waist.
Turn feet in the direction of movement.

5. When loading/unloading a vehicle, what safety precautions should be taken?

Carried out in a safe place away from traffic.
Vehicles should be braked, chocked or stabilised.
Load / unload vehicle evenly.
Ensure load is secure and stable for a journey.
Ensure vehicle is not overloaded.

Section 5

Ability to Assess Emergency Situations

Questions on blow-outs, tunnel breakdowns, daily visual checks, hazardous loads, first aid and fire in the engine compartment.

1. In the event of a front wheel blow-out, what actions would you take?

Firm hold of steering wheel.
Signal left.
Avoid harsh braking.
Check left mirror.
Steer a steady course to the left.

2. If your vehicle breaks down in, or you have an accident in, a tunnel — what should you do?

Switch on hazard warning lights.
Switch off engine.
Leave your vehicle.
Give First Aid to any injured people if you are able.
Call for help from an emergency point.

3. Show me what daily visual checks you would perform before starting a journey (External).

Mirrors.
Excessive exhaust smoke.
Tyres.
Brakes.
Lights.
Wheel nuts.
Reflectors.
Windscreen wipers.
Number plates.

4. In summoning help for a road accident involving a vehicle displaying a hazard warning information plate or a plain orange triangle, what do you need to be aware of?

Give emergency services as much information as possible about labels and any other markings.
Contact the emergency phone number on the plate of the vehicle involved in the accident if a number is given.
Do not use a mobile phone close to the vehicle carrying flammable liquids.
Keep well away from such a vehicle unless you have to save a life.

5. If at the scene of an accident you discover a person that is unconscious, what are the basic First Aid points to remember?

The airway must be clear and kept open.
Breathing must be established and severe bleeding stopped.

6. Please explain the course of action you would take in the event of a fire in the engine compartment of this vehicle.

Stop as quickly as possible.
Evacuate all individuals to a safe place.
Summon help.
Tackle fire with fire extinguisher if safe to do so.

7. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, what incident information is necessary to obtain at the accident scene?

Exchange details of any other driver or road user involved in the accident.
Obtain names and addresses of any witnesses who saw the accident.
Take note of the scene so that you have the information when you need it — time, place, reg numbers, weather, lighting, road conditions, signs, traffic lights, and statements made by other people.

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