Car study notes
Vehicle Loading
Roof racks, towing, load distribution and the legal limits.
What this topic covers
Roof racks, towing, load distribution and the legal limits. The full Car Driving Theory Test app contains 18 questions on this topic.
In the app's syllabus: Stability, Towing regulations.
Worked examples
Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.
Example 1
What's the minimum depth of tread on the tyres of a trailer?
- A. 1.6 mm ✓ correct
- B. 1 mm
- C. 2.2 mm
- D. 2 mm
Explanation: Your car or small van must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the centre of the tread and around the entire circumference. This also applies to the tyres on your trailer.
Example 2
Who's responsible for making sure that a vehicle is not overloaded?
- A. The licensing authority
- B. The person who loaded the vehicle
- C. The owner of the items being carried
- D. The driver of the vehicle ✓ correct
Explanation: Carrying heavy loads will affect control and the vehicle's handling characteristics. If the vehicle you're driving is overloaded, you'll be held responsible.
Example 3
What safety device must be fitted to a trailer braking system?
- A. Breakaway cable ✓ correct
- B. Corner steadies
- C. Jockey wheel
- D. Stabiliser
Explanation: In the event that the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle, the breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes before snapping. This allows the towing vehicle to get free of the trailer and out of danger.
Example 4
You're about to start a journey towing a trailer. What should you do if you notice that a light on your trailer is not working?
- A. Book the trailer in for repair before continuing with your journey
- B. Repair the fault before continuing with your journey ✓ correct
- C. Disconnect the trailer electrical coupling before continuing with your journey
- D. Continue with your journey because the lights on your car are working
Explanation: You must make sure that your vehicle and trailer are roadworthy. Check that your tyres are legal, and the brakes and lights are working properly. If any of these things are not working, you must not drive or tow your trailer until the fault is repaired.
More Car study notes
Get all 18 questions on this topic in the Car Driving Theory Test app.
