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LGV study notes

Vehicle Condition

Daily walkaround checks, tyres, fluids, lights and reporting defects.

What this topic covers

Daily walkaround checks, tyres, fluids, lights and reporting defects. The full LGV & HGV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 86 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Wheels and tyres, In-depth know-how of large vehicles, Vehicle coupling mechanisms, Breakdowns.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What's the main reason for cleaning your wheels and tyres when you leave a building site?

  • A. To keep the tyres in good condition
  • B. To prevent the tyres from damaging the road surface
  • C. To reduce air leakage from the tyre valves
  • D. To stop mud dropping onto the road ✓ correct
Explanation: If your wheels leave mud on the road, you must arrange for it to be cleared. A slippery, muddy surface could cause danger to other road users.
Example 2

You're uncoupling a trailer. What must you do before disconnecting any of the air lines?

  • A. Drain the air tanks
  • B. Apply the trailer parking brake ✓ correct
  • C. Lower the landing gear
  • D. Disconnect the electrical line
Explanation: Whenever you uncouple a trailer, you must work through the uncoupling process methodically. Start by making sure that the brakes are applied on both the vehicle and the trailer.
Example 3

Your vehicle has broken down at night on a two-way road. How should you try to leave the vehicle?

  • A. On the left of the road ✓ correct
  • B. Partly on the pavement
  • C. On a grass verge
  • D. On the right of the road
Explanation: If your vehicle breaks down, try to stop on the left, facing in the same direction as the flow of traffic. This will help other drivers to see you, as your red reflectors will show to the rear. Do not stop on the pavement, as the weight of the vehicle may damage paving stones and underground services.
Example 4

What proportion of the width of a tyre must have at least the legal minimum depth of tread?

  • A. One-quarter
  • B. One-half
  • C. Five-eighths
  • D. Three-quarters ✓ correct
Explanation: Keeping your vehicle's tyres in good condition will give them a good grip on the road and will improve the vehicle's overall stability. Each tyre must have at least the minimum legal depth of tread across three-quarters of its width. Renew tyres well before they wear to less than that.

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