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LGV study notes

Vehicle Loading

Securing a load, weight distribution, lashings, restraints and the effect of a load on stability.

What this topic covers

Securing a load, weight distribution, lashings, restraints and the effect of a load on stability. The full LGV & HGV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 71 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Loading, Safety, Types of load.

Worked examples

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

Example 1

How should you load a vehicle?

A. Spread the load evenly ✓ correct
B. Load it towards the rear
C. Load it towards the front
D. Arrange the load to make it easy for unloading

Explanation: It's your responsibility to make sure that the vehicle's load is spread evenly, to avoid overloading individual axles. Overloading carries severe penalties for the driver and operator.

Example 2

You're uncoupling a lorry and trailer. What should you do after disconnecting the electrical line?

A. Stow it away safely ✓ correct
B. Drive forward slowly
C. Lower the landing gear
D. Apply the trailer brake

Explanation: It’s important to stow away all your electrical cables and air lines safely to avoid causing injury to others. Connectors left lying around can be a trip hazard and can be damaged if they're run over by another vehicle.

Example 3

Which load is most likely to move forward with some force when you brake sharply?

A. Heavy material in canvas sacks
B. Loose sand
C. Timber secured with dolly knots
D. Tubular metal ✓ correct

Explanation: When deciding which type of restraint to use, consider what may happen if you have to brake sharply. Tubular loads may move forward with some force if you have to brake sharply in an emergency. This could cause serious damage to the vehicle's headboard.

Example 4

You're covering a load using more than one sheet. Why should you start with the rearmost sheet, then work forwards?

A. To stop you tripping when walking on the load
B. To stop wind and rain from getting under the sheets ✓ correct
C. To make it much easier to fold up the sheets
D. To make it easier to carry longer loads

Explanation: If the load is sheeted incorrectly, the wind may get underneath a sheet, making it flap about. This is dangerous, as it can catch unsuspecting pedestrians or cyclists, and it can also seriously reduce the driver’s view of what’s happening behind.

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More LGV study notes

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