HGV Driver Compliance

Ensuring HGV drivers stay safe and compliant means covering key areas of road safety and regulations. These 50 essential questions test knowledge in driving hours, vehicle safety, load security, road laws, and hazardous goods. How well does your team perform?

Question 1:

What is the maximum daily driving limit for an HGV driver under EU regulations?
a) 9 hours, with the possibility of extending to 10 hours twice a week (Correct)
b) 11 hours every day
c) 8 hours with no extensions allowed
d) 12 hours, provided there are sufficient breaks

EU regulations set a daily driving limit of 9 hours, which can be extended to 10 hours no more than twice a week to ensure driver safety.

Question 2:

What is the minimum continuous break required after 4.5 hours of driving?
a) 15 minutes
b) 45 minutes (Correct)
c) 1 hour
d) 30 minutes

After driving for 4.5 hours, drivers must take a minimum break of 45 minutes to prevent fatigue and improve road safety.

Question 3:

What is the maximum weekly driving limit for an HGV driver under EU rules?
a) 50 hours
b) 40 hours
c) 56 hours (Correct)
d) 60 hours

HGV drivers can drive up to 56 hours in a single week, but their total over two consecutive weeks must not exceed 90 hours.

Question 4:

How many rest hours must a driver take within a 24-hour period?
a) At least 11 hours of rest, which can be split into two periods (Correct)
b) 8 hours of rest
c) 9 hours, but only on weekends
d) 7 hours, provided naps are taken throughout the shift

HGV drivers must take a minimum of 11 hours’ rest within a 24-hour period to maintain alertness and safety.

Question 5:

What should a driver do if their tachograph malfunctions while on duty?
a) Manually record driving times and notify the transport operator (Correct)
b) Continue driving as normal and report the issue at the end of the shift
c) Stop driving immediately and wait for repairs
d) Switch to paper logbooks and ignore tachograph rules

If a tachograph malfunctions, drivers must manually record their activities and inform their employer to remain compliant.

Question 6:

How long must tachograph records be retained by an employer?
a) 14 days
b) 1 year
c) At least 12 months (Correct)
d) 6 months

Tachograph records must be stored for at least 12 months to allow for compliance checks and audits.

Question 7:

What is the penalty for breaching HGV driver hours regulations?
a) A written warning only
b) A fine, penalty points, or potential loss of licence (Correct)
c) Mandatory retraining but no fine
d) No penalty unless an accident occurs

Breaching driver hours regulations can result in significant fines, penalty points, or disqualification from driving.

Question 8:

Which of the following is an acceptable way to extend a driver’s working time beyond normal limits?
a) If the driver takes a 30-minute break instead of 45 minutes
b) If the driver voluntarily chooses to work longer hours
c) If the transport company requests it to meet deadlines
d) In exceptional circumstances, if the safety of the driver or others would otherwise be at risk (Correct)

Drivers may exceed their limits only in emergencies where stopping could pose a greater risk to safety.

Question 9:

What is the correct way to take a reduced weekly rest period?
a) A minimum of 24 hours, but the reduced hours must be compensated later (Correct)
b) 18 hours with no need for compensation
c) 36 hours, provided it is taken at home
d) 20 hours as long as the driver rests during breaks

Drivers can take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours, but the difference must be made up before the end of the third following week.

Question 10:

How does a digital tachograph record driving hours?
a) By automatically tracking vehicle movements and driver inputs
b) By requiring manual input at the start and end of every journey
c) By recording driving time, rest periods, and speed continuously (Correct)
d) By monitoring only fuel usage and distance travelled

Digital tachographs automatically track driving time, rest periods, and vehicle speed to ensure compliance with legal limits.

Question 1

What does ADR stand for in relation to transporting hazardous goods?
a) Advanced Dangerous Regulations
b) Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (Correct)
c) Authorised Dangerous Routes
d) Accredited Delivery Requirements

ADR is the European agreement that regulates the transport of hazardous goods by road, ensuring safety and compliance.

Question 2

Which type of hazardous goods require a driver to hold an ADR certificate?
a) Any load over 3.5 tonnes
b) All liquids in bulk
c) Explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and other classified dangerous goods (Correct)
d) Any perishable goods transported in a refrigerated vehicle

Drivers must hold an ADR certificate when transporting classified hazardous substances, including explosives, flammable, and toxic materials.

Question 3

What should a driver do if they suspect a leak from a hazardous goods container?
a) Stop in a safe location, report the leak, and follow emergency procedures (Correct)
b) Continue driving to the nearest delivery point
c) Ignore it unless fumes become visible
d) Try to seal the leak themselves without protective equipment

Any suspected leak should be reported immediately, and emergency procedures must be followed to prevent harm to people and the environment.

Question 4

Which hazard class does petrol fall under?
a) Class 1 – Explosives
b) Class 2 – Gases
c) Class 3 – Flammable Liquids (Correct)
d) Class 4 – Flammable Solids

Petrol is classified as a flammable liquid under Class 3 in the ADR system.

Question 5

What is the purpose of hazard placards on vehicles carrying dangerous goods?
a) To help police track vehicle movements
b) To warn other road users to stay behind the vehicle
c) To ensure the driver follows a specific route
d) To inform emergency responders and the public about the type of hazardous materials being transported (Correct)

Placards provide crucial information to emergency services and the public, ensuring appropriate action can be taken in case of an incident.

Question 6

How should hazardous goods be secured in a vehicle?
a) Placed loosely in the trailer to allow movement
b) Secured according to load restraint guidelines and ADR regulations (Correct)
c) Stored at the rear for easy unloading
d) Mixed with non-hazardous goods to balance the weight

Hazardous goods must be properly secured to prevent movement and meet strict ADR requirements for safe transport.

Question 7

What is the main purpose of a Transport Emergency Card (TREM card)?
a) To provide emergency response information for hazardous loads (Correct)
b) To record driver hours
c) To act as a delivery receipt
d) To verify the vehicle’s roadworthiness

TREM cards provide crucial information on how to respond in an emergency involving hazardous materials.

Question 8

What personal protective equipment (PPE) might be required when handling hazardous goods?
a) High-visibility vest only
b) No PPE is needed if handling sealed containers
c) Only a standard uniform
d) Gloves and face mask depending on the substance (Correct)

PPE requirements depend on the hazardous material being transported, but gloves and face masks are commonly required.

Question 9

How often must an ADR driver training certificate be renewed?
a) Every 3 years
b) Every 5 years (Correct)
c) Every 10 years
d) It does not expire

ADR driver training certificates must be renewed every 5 years to ensure drivers remain up to date with regulations and safety practices.

Question 10

What should a driver do if involved in an accident while transporting hazardous goods?
a) Continue driving if the vehicle is still operational
b) Try to clean up any spills themselves
c) Inform emergency services, follow ADR emergency procedures, and secure the scene (Correct)
d) Only report the incident if the load is damaged

Following ADR emergency procedures and informing emergency services ensures the correct response to minimise risks.

Question 1

What is the national speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a dual carriageway in the UK?
a) 70 mph
b) 50 mph (Correct)
c) 60 mph
d) 40 mph

HGVs over 7.5 tonnes must not exceed 50 mph on dual carriageways to maintain road safety and allow for controlled braking distances.

Question 2

What should a driver do when approaching a roundabout in an HGV?
a) Enter at full speed if the road is clear
b) Use the outside lane regardless of exit direction
c) Ensure the correct lane is used, adjust speed accordingly, and signal exits clearly (Correct)
d) Only signal if there is another vehicle present

Proper lane positioning, speed control, and signalling help ensure safe navigation of roundabouts.

Question 3

What is the minimum following distance for an HGV in dry conditions?
a) 4 seconds (Correct)
b) 3 seconds
c) 2 seconds
d) 1 second

HGVs require a longer stopping distance, so a minimum 4-second gap is recommended in dry conditions.

Question 4

Which of the following is a legal requirement when driving an HGV in foggy conditions?
a) Using full-beam headlights
b) Driving at reduced speed and using fog lights when visibility is less than 100 metres (Correct)
c) Using hazard lights while moving
d) Following closely behind another vehicle for guidance

When visibility is below 100 metres, fog lights must be used, and speed should be adjusted accordingly.

Question 5

What should a driver do when approaching a pedestrian crossing with flashing amber lights?
a) Continue driving as long as no pedestrians are visible
b) Always stop and wait for the lights to turn red
c) Proceed with caution, giving way to pedestrians already on the crossing (Correct)
d) Ignore the lights if no pedestrians are present

Flashing amber lights indicate a zebra crossing where drivers must give way to pedestrians already crossing.

Question 6

Which road sign indicates a height restriction ahead?
a) A red triangle with an exclamation mark
b) A circular sign with a height measurement inside (Correct)
c) A blue square with a lorry symbol
d) A rectangular sign with a speed limit

A circular sign with a height measurement warns drivers of low bridges or tunnels where high vehicles may not pass safely.

Question 7

What should a driver do when feeling fatigued while driving?
a) Open the window for fresh air
b) Drink a strong coffee and continue driving
c) Increase speed to reach the destination faster
d) Stop in a safe location, take a rest, and follow legal break requirements (Correct)

Stopping to rest is the only safe way to manage fatigue and comply with driver hours regulations.

Question 8

What is the maximum permitted blood alcohol level for HGV drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
a) 80 mg per 100 ml of blood
b) 50 mg per 100 ml of blood
c) 35 mg per 100 ml of blood (Correct)
d) 20 mg per 100 ml of blood

The legal alcohol limit for HGV drivers is lower than for car drivers, ensuring they remain fully alert and capable of handling their vehicle safely.

Question 9

What should a driver do if they come across an accident where emergency services have not yet arrived?
a) Stop safely, switch on hazard lights, and provide assistance if it is safe to do so (Correct)
b) Stop only if they personally know the people involved
c) Drive past to avoid causing congestion
d) Move any injured people to the side of the road immediately

Drivers should stop safely, use hazard lights, and provide assistance while waiting for emergency services.

Question 10

Which lane should an HGV use on a three-lane motorway when not overtaking?
a) Any lane, depending on traffic flow
b) The middle lane
c) The right-hand lane
d) The left-hand lane (Correct)

HGVs must stay in the left-hand lane unless overtaking, as they are prohibited from using the right-hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes.

Question 1

What is the main reason for securing a load properly on an HGV?
a) To ensure the load does not shift and cause accidents (Correct)
b) To make unloading faster
c) To prevent cargo theft
d) To reduce vehicle fuel consumption

Properly secured loads prevent shifting, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring road safety.

Question 2

What is the maximum permitted weight for a standard HGV in the UK (without special permits)?
a) 38 tonnes
b) 40 tonnes
c) 44 tonnes (Correct)
d) 50 tonnes

The legal weight limit for most HGVs in the UK is 44 tonnes, including the vehicle, load, and trailer.

Question 3

What should a driver do if their load is overweight at a weighbridge check?
a) Continue the journey and adjust the load at the next stop
b) Request a permit to carry the excess weight
c) Argue that the weight is close enough to the limit
d) Offload excess weight or redistribute the load to comply with legal limits (Correct)

Overloaded vehicles are unsafe and illegal. Drivers must redistribute or offload excess weight to comply with regulations.

Question 4

What is the best method for securing a heavy load on a flatbed trailer?
a) Relying on gravity to keep it in place
b) Using straps, chains, or tensioning devices appropriate for the load (Correct)
c) Using rope and string
d) Placing heavy items on top of lighter ones

Loads must be properly secured with straps, chains, or other approved tensioning devices to prevent movement.

Question 5

Why is it important to distribute weight evenly across an HGV trailer?
a) To make unloading easier
b) To make the vehicle look balanced
c) To allow for a faster journey
d) To prevent excessive tyre wear and improve vehicle stability (Correct)

Uneven weight distribution can lead to instability, increased tyre wear, and a higher risk of rollovers.

Question 6

What is the legal consequence of driving an overweight HGV?
a) A fine, penalty points, or a prohibition notice (Correct)
b) A verbal warning
c) A minor inconvenience but no legal action
d) The company is responsible, so the driver is not affected

Exceeding legal weight limits can result in fines, penalty points, or the vehicle being prohibited from further travel.

Question 7

Which type of load requires extra securing measures such as edge protection and anti-slip mats?
a) Liquid cargo
b) Bulk goods like gravel
c) Steel beams or large machinery (Correct)
d) Fragile items

Heavy or irregular loads, such as steel beams or machinery, require additional securing methods to prevent movement.

Question 8

What is the main risk of an unsecured or poorly secured load?
a) The load shifting or falling, causing accidents and injuries (Correct)
b) Reduced fuel efficiency
c) Slower delivery times
d) More wear and tear on the vehicle

Unsecured loads can shift or fall, leading to serious accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

Question 9

What should a driver check after securing a load?
a) That the vehicle looks balanced from the outside
b) That all straps and restraints are properly tensioned and secure (Correct)
c) That the load is positioned for quick unloading
d) That there is extra room for additional cargo

Drivers must ensure all securing devices are properly tensioned and positioned to prevent movement during transport.

Question 10

How often should a driver check their load during a journey?
a) Only at the start of the journey
b) Once at the halfway point of the journey
c) Only if the route is over 100 miles
d) Every time they stop, or sooner if they feel movement or hear unusual noises (Correct)

Load security should be checked at regular intervals, particularly after braking or cornering, to prevent shifting.

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a daily walkaround check for HGV drivers?
a) To check fuel levels only
b) To ensure the vehicle is clean
c) To identify and report any safety defects before starting a journey (Correct)
d) To inspect the vehicle after the journey is completed

Daily checks help prevent accidents by ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy before setting off.

Question 2

How often should HGV tyres be checked for wear and damage?
a) Once a month
b) Before every journey (Correct)
c) Only if the tyre pressure warning light is on
d) Every time the vehicle is serviced

Tyres should be checked before every journey to prevent blowouts and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Question 3

What is the legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres?
a) 1.6mm
b) 2.0mm
c) 0.5mm
d) 1.0mm (Correct)

HGV tyres must have at least 1.0mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

Question 4

What should a driver do if they discover a serious defect during a vehicle check?
a) Drive cautiously until they reach a garage
b) Continue the journey and report it later
c) Report it immediately and do not drive the vehicle until it is fixed (Correct)
d) Try to fix the issue themselves

Serious defects must be reported immediately, and the vehicle should not be driven until it is repaired.

Question 5

Which of the following is a legal requirement for HGV lights and indicators?
a) They must be checked weekly
b) They must be in working order, clean, and clearly visible (Correct)
c) They only need to work at night
d) Only the brake lights are required to function properly

All lights and indicators must be fully operational and visible to ensure road safety.

Question 6

What is the maximum legal width of an HGV in the UK?
a) 2.55 metres (Correct)
b) 3.00 metres
c) 2.25 metres
d) 2.75 metres

The legal width for most HGVs in the UK is 2.55 metres, except for certain specialised vehicles.

Question 7

What should a driver do if they experience brake failure while driving?
a) Pump the brakes and shift to a lower gear (Correct)
b) Continue driving and look for a service station
c) Press the accelerator to regain control
d) Use the horn to warn other road users but keep driving

If the brakes fail, a driver should pump the brakes, shift to a lower gear, and look for a safe way to stop the vehicle.

Question 8

Which component is essential for keeping an HGV’s load stable during transport?
a) The engine
b) The suspension system
c) The load securing equipment (Correct)
d) The tyre pressure monitoring system

Proper load securing prevents shifting and ensures the vehicle remains stable on the road.

Question 9

How often must an HGV undergo an MOT test?
a) Every five years
b) Every two years
c) Annually (Correct)
d) Only when defects are found

HGVs must pass an annual MOT test to ensure they meet roadworthiness standards.

Question 10

What is the best way to ensure a vehicle’s mirrors provide full visibility?
a) Adjust them while driving
b) Check and adjust them before every journey (Correct)
c) Rely only on cameras and sensors
d) Keep them folded unless reversing

Mirrors should always be checked and adjusted before starting a journey to eliminate blind spots.

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Colin King – CEO of HR Quizzes