Specialist vehicle drivers Practical test Experienced drivers The Official DSa GUiDE to DRiViNG GOODS VEHiclES Packed with advice to help you prepare for your driving tests and Driver CPC From the Driving Standards Agency Full CPC update Downloadable PDF Format Explains the practical LGV test syllabus Written and compiled by Driving Standards Agency Learning Materials. © Crown Copyright 2007 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form without the written permission of the copyright owner except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd. Crown copyright material is reproduced with permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland. First edition Crown copyright 1994 Second edition Crown copyright 1997 Third edition Crown copyright 1999 Fourth edition Crown copyright 2001 Fifth edition Crown copyright 2002 Sixth edition Crown copyright 2003 Seventh edition Crown copyright 2005 Eighth edition Crown copyright 2007 Ninth edition Crown copyright 2009 Third impression 2010 ISBN 978 0 11 5530814 A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Other titles in the Driving Skills series The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers (CD-Rom) Theory Test Extra - the official DSA guide The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive Prepare for your Practical Driving Test DVD DSA Driving Theory DVD Quiz The Official Highway Code Interactive CD-Rom The Official DSA Guide to Riding - the essential skills The Official DSA Theory Test for Motorcyclists The Official DSA Theory Test for Motorcyclists (CD-Rom) The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Ride Better Biking - the Official DSA Training Aid (DVD) The Official DSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches The Official DSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles The Official DSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles (CD-Rom) Driver CPC - the Official DSA Guide for Professional Bus and Coach Drivers Driver CPC - the Official DSA Guide for Professional Goods Vehicle Drivers The Official DSA Guide to Tractor and Specialist Vehicle Driving Tests The Official DSA Guide to Hazard Perception (DVD) Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of going to press. The Stationery Office cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Information in this book is for guidance only. All metric and imperial conversions in this book are approximate. Acknowledgements The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) would like to thank the staff of the following organisations for their contribution to the production of this publication: Volvo Trucks Skills for Logistics Eurotunnel Bennetts of Malvern County Building Supplies Picanini Stud Countrywide PLC Worcester Truck Services Avon Line Transport Home Delivery Network SMH Fleet Solutions Ltd DSD Contracting, Bedford David Haynes Commercial Maintenance Hereford & Worcester Ambulance Service DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:04 Page 2 Business Link Business Link is the place to find all government motoring information for professional drivers. Go to: businesslink.gov.uk/transport Theory and practical tests direct.gov.uk/drivingtest Practical & Theory Tests Enquiries & Bookings 0300 200 1122 Welsh speakers 0300 200 1133 Practical Tests Minicom 0300 200 1144 Fax 0300 200 1155 Theory Tests Minicom 0300 200 1166 Fax 0300 200 1177 Customer Enquiry Unit 0300 200 1188 DVA (Northern Ireland) Theory test 0845 600 6700 Practical test 0845 247 2471 Driving Standards Agency dsa.gov.uk The Axis Building, 112 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LP Tel 0115 936 6666 Fax 0115 936 6570 Driver & Vehicle Agency (Testing) in Northern Ireland dvani.gov.uk Balmoral Road, Belfast BT12 6QL Tel 02890 681 831 Fax 02890 665 520 Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (GB licence enquiries) dvla.gov.uk Longview Road, Swansea SA6 7JL Tel 0300 790 6801 Fax 0300 123 1278 Minicom 0300 123 0798 Driver & Vehicle Agency (Licensing) in Northern Ireland dvani.gov.uk County Hall, Castlerock Road, Coleraine BT51 3TB Tel 02870 341 469 24 hour tel 0345 111 222 Minicom 02870 341 380 Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (The Parliamentary Ombudsman) Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP Tel 020 7217 4163 Fax 020 7217 4160 DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:04 Page 3 The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. You’ll see its logo at theory and practical test centres. DSA aims to promote road safety through the advancement of driving standards, by • establishing and developing high standards and best practice in driving and riding on the road; before people start to drive, as they learn, and after they pass their test • ensuring high standards of instruction for different types of driver and rider • conducting the statutory theory and practical tests efficiently, fairly and consistently across the country • providing a centre of excellence for driver training and driving standards • developing a range of publications and other publicity material designed to promote safe driving for life. The Driving Standards Agency recognises and values its customers. We will treat all our customers with respect, and deliver our services in an objective, polite and fair way. dsa.gov.uk The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is an executive agency within the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. Its primary aim is to promote and improve road safety through the advancement of driving standards and implementation of the Government’s policies for improving the mechanical standards of vehicles. dvani.gov.uk DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:04 Page 4 Contents 01 Getting started A message from the Chief Driving Examiner 9 Before you start 10 The theory and practical tests 12 Medical requirements 13 Professional standards 16 Driver Certificate of Professional Competence 17 Responsibility and attitude 20 Work organisation 24 Manual handling techniques 30 Diet and driving ability 33 02 Understanding large goods vehicles Understanding LGVs 39 Forces affecting your vehicle 42 Vehicle characteristics 48 Vehicle limits 57 Vehicle maintenance 67 Loads and load restraint 85 03 Limits and regulations Environmental impact 107 Drivers’ hours and records 115 Operator licensing - driver’s responsibilities 133 Driving in Europe 135 Your health and conduct 141 Your vehicle 152 Your driving 160 04 Driver skills Professional driving 165 Driving at night 178 Motorway driving 184 All-weather driving 197 Avoiding and dealing with congestion 204 Green issues - helping the environment 213 Road traffic incidents 221 First aid 228 Breakdowns 231 DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:04 Page 5 05 Preparing for the driving test About the driving test 233 The theory test 236 How to apply for your test 237 Before attending your test 239 Legal requirements 240 At the test centre 242 The official syllabus 243 06 The LGV driving test Safety check questions 257 The reversing exercise 259 The braking exercise 261 The vehicle controls 262 Other controls 267 Moving off 268 Using the mirrors 271 Giving signals 273 Acting on signs and signals 274 Awareness and anticipation 275 Making progress 276 Controlling your speed 277 Separation distance 278 Hazards 279 Selecting a safe place to stop 296 Uncoupling and recoupling 297 Your test result 301 07 Additional information Disqualified drivers 305 DSA service standards 306 DSA contact details 308 LGV test centres 309 Traffic commissioners and Traffic area offices 310 Other useful addresses 312 Categories of goods vehicle licences 314 Minimum test vehicle (MTV) requirements 315 Cone positions 318 Glossary 319 Hazard labels 326 Tying a dolly knot 326 DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:05 Page 6 About this book This book will help you to • understand what is expected of a Goods Vehicle driver • prepare for your practical large vehicle driving test • prepare for and maintain your Certificate of Professional Competence qualification. The information in this book should be read in conjunction with the general driving advice given in The Highway Code and The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills, which provide valuable information on driver skills in general. You will need this information in addition to the specific skills detailed regarding driving goods vehicles, shown in Section Four of this book. All publications are available by mail order by calling 0870 241 4523. They are also available from good bookshops or online at tsoshop.co.uk/dsa The important factors Reading this book should help you to appreciate the principles of driving goods vehicles and so lead you to become a safer driver. However, this book is a guide, and should not be taken as a training manual. It is only one of the important factors in your training. The others are • a good instructor • plenty of practice • your attitude Once you have obtained your goods vehicle licence you should take pride in your driving. Your professionalism will be seen and appreciated by other road users. Driving is a life skill. DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:05 Page 7 This section covers Before you start The theory test Medical requirements Professional Standards Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Responsibility and attitude Work organisation Manual handling techniques Diet and driving ability section one GETTING STARTED DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 22/3/10 13:08 Page 8 section one getting started 9 As the driver of a goods vehicle you have a special responsibility – not just to yourself, but to all other road users. A professional driver should set an example to other drivers by ensuring that the vehicle is driven, at all times, with the utmost safety and with courtesy and consideration for everyone else on today’s busy roads. To become a goods vehicle driver you must possess the right attitude and approach to your driving, together with a sound knowledge of safe, modern driving techniques and the ability to apply those techniques. A high degree of skill in the handling of your vehicle and also being prepared to make allowances for the mistakes and errors of others are essential attributes. By successfully passing your car driving test, you’ve already shown that you’ve reached the standard set for driving a motor vehicle unsupervised on today’s roads. This book sets out the knowledge and skills that you must now demonstrate in order to pass a vocational driving test. Included in this revised edition is lots of additional information to help prepare for the extended theory and practical tests that link to the introduction of The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in September 2009. Put the information this book contains into practice and you should be able to reach the higher standards demanded. Having passed your test, you will have demonstrated the skills necessary to become a goods vehicle driver and, above all, to continue to follow DSA’s slogan of ‘ safe driving for life’ . Trevor Wedge Chief Driving Examiner and Director for Safer Driving A message from the Chief Driving Examiner DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:05 Page 9 10 Selecting an instructor It is important that you have the correct training and instruction before taking your large goods vehicle (LGV) test. DSA has developed a voluntary register of instructors. If you would like to take instruction from a registered instructor, contact The LGV Register Section Driving Standards Agency The Axis Building, 112, Upper Parliament Street Nottingham, NG1 6LP Tel: 0115 936 6502 Applying for your licence You should apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea (DVA in Northern Ireland) for the provisional entitlement to drive large goods vehicles. An application form is available online from DVLA or DVA. dvla.gov.uk / dvani.gov.uk Licence restrictions To drive a small goods vehicle (category C1) you must be 18. To drive a small goods vehicle with a trailer (category C1+E) you must be 18, as long as the maximum authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 7.5 tonnes. If the maximum authorised mass does exceed 7.5 tonnes, you may still drive a C1+E at 18 if you hold a CPC. Otherwise you must be 21. In order to drive a large goods vehicle (category C or, if driving with a trailer, C+E) you must be 21, unless you are 18 and • you hold an initial CPC qualification authorising you to drive a motor vehicle of that class, or • the vehicle is being used in the course of a driving lesson or driving test for the purpose of enabling you to obtain a driving licence or the driver CPC. You will also need a full driving licence for a category B vehicle and to hold a Before you start DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37) 19/3/10 12:05 Page 10 [...]... information about using the horn The headlights To avoid dazzle, don’t switch the headlights onto full beam when following another vehicle Don’t • switch on additional auxiliary lights that may be fitted to your vehicle unless the weather conditions require their use (they must be switched off when the weather improves) • repeatedly flash the headlights while driving directly behind another vehicle 22 19/3/10... be followed when you reach the customer’s site On arrival at the delivery point, make sure that you have the paperwork to hand The customer should check the goods against the delivery note during unloading You also need to obtain the customer’s signature on your paperwork This is your confirmation that the goods have arrived safely to the customer’s satisfaction DGV Section 1 Repro:DGV Section 1 (1-37)... your work/rest cycle too Remember that an apology, eg for a late delivery, can help to reduce a customer’s anger or frustration If goods are damaged, you should encourage the customer to sign the delivery note describing the damage Equally though, in most if not all cases, you will be the face -to- face contact with the customer on behalf of your operator If you find you are going to be delayed in any... From the start, you’ll need to appreciate the differences between driving small and large goods vehicles It’s also essential to understand the forces at work on your vehicle and its load Remember, no risk is ever justified 16 As a professional driver you have a responsibility to use your vehicle in a manner which is sympathetic to the environment For more information, go to Section Four and refer to the. .. resting the load midway to change grip keep the load close to your waist Keep the load close to your body for as long as possible while lifting Keep the heaviest side of the load next to your body If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards your body before attempting to lift it 30 adopt a stable position Your feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain... 22 Flashing the headlights lets other road users know that you’re there It doesn’t mean that you wish to give or take priority You may be misunderstood by others when using an unauthorised code of headlight flashing, which could lead to road traffic incidents Neither the headlights nor the horn(s) must be used to rebuke or to intimidate another road user Courtesy and consideration are the hallmarks... This allows the operator to • divert vehicles to a change in delivery point • manage fuel consumption and costs • pass latest information to the driver on the best route which avoids known congestion and trouble spots • monitor the vehicle temperature • monitor the safety and security of the vehicle and its load It can also be used to identify driver habits which can contribute to vehicle running costs,... at the oil well drilling rig where the liquid is extracted and sent for processing into products like fuel and plastic goods for distribution to retail outlets Transport modes are the links on which the supply chain depends The art of making sure the whole of the supply chain is working efficiently is known as Logistics In the UK, road freight is currently the most popular way of delivering goods to. .. On a road tanker, the tank (or shell as it is often known) is permanently fixed to the lorry or trailer chassis The tank container, on the other hand, is normally attached to the vehicle or trailer using twistlock mechanisms and has the advantage of being able to be lifted on or off the vehicle by crane or forklift This means that the carrying lorry is freed up for other work while the tank container... intimidating for the vehicle in front When an LGV appears to be being driven in an aggressive way other road users can often feel threatened Tailgating If you drive too close to the vehicle in front, your view of the road ahead may be severely restricted You may not be able to see or plan for any hazards that might occur The room in which you have to stop is also reduced, probably to less than the stopping . available from the British Library Other titles in the Driving Skills series The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills The Official DSA Theory Test. Drivers The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers (CD-Rom) Theory Test Extra - the official DSA guide The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive