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Case Study 32

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Dave is driving a refrigerated truck, it has a MAM of 18 tonnes. The tail lift holds 2,5 tonnes, each pallet is 1 tonne. Dave found a headlight not working on his daily walk around check.
Dave intends to modify his vehicle by putting extra aerodynamic equipment on. Sometimes Dave's delivery routes require him to negotiate level crossings.
The weather is cold and icy and there is a snow plough in the distance.

There are 8 multiple choice questions in this case study. Read this carefully and ensure you fully understand the scenario before starting the test. You need to score 6 out of 8 to pass.

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A After completing his deliveries
B At any time during the day when he thinks he should have his lights on
C Before leaving the depot
D Only if visibility becomes seriously reduced
Correct Answer: C Before leaving the depot
Explanation: • He should get the headlight fixed before he leaves the yard: No driver should leave the yard with a safety related defect.
Correct Answer: C 12:40
Explanation: • The question is about "working time" and therefore the Working Time Directive. This requires that a "break" be taken after "6 hours of work". Dave has completed 4.5 hours of work (2.5 hours of other work and 2 hours of driving) therefore he can drive or work for another 1.5 hours before requiring a break. The Period of Availability does not count as either "work" or "break", 1.5 hours from 11.10 (the current time) takes Dave to 12.40 hrs.
A By leaving his braking as late as possible
B By selecting neutral when going downhill
C By using cruise control when possible and switching the engine off when stopped at his delivery points
D By using red diesel for both the refrigeration unit and the vehicle
Correct Answer: C By using cruise control when possible and switching the engine off when stopped at his delivery points
Explanation: • By leaving his braking as late as possible: No, this is potentially dangerous and will not help.
• By selecting neutral when going downhill: No, this is a potentially dangerous practice and could lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
• By using red diesel for both the refrigeration unit and the vehicle: No, the use of red diesel as a road fuel is prohibited for most vehicles and in any case would not affect fuel consumption.
• By using cruise control when possible and switching the engine off when stopped at his delivery points: Yes, using cruise control will increase efficiency and switching the engine off when stopped at his delivery points will help to reduce wasted fuel.
Correct Answer: B 14
Explanation: • Simple arithmetic - 18 tonnes maximum permitted weight minus 4 tonnes unladen weight = 14 tonnes - each pallet weighs 1 tonne therefore 14 pallets.
A Flash his lights at the gritting vehicle so it will pull over and let him pass
B Overtake the gritting vehicle to be on time with his deliveries
C Stay behind the gritting vehicle and contact his depot when safe to let them know he will be late
D Stop and take a break until the vehicle has finished gritting
Correct Answer: C Stay behind the gritting vehicle and contact his depot when safe to let them know he will be late
Explanation: • Overtake the gritting vehicle to be on time with his deliveries: Not the "best answer" as it would then require Dave to drive on un-gritted, potentially dangerous roads.
• Flash his lights at the gritting vehicle so it will pull over and let him pass: The Highway Code states that 'Flashing lights' are only a warning of your presence to other road users so this would not be an appropriate signal here and also see 1 above.
• Stop and take a break until the vehicle has finished gritting: A possibility but not the best answer and it does not let the customer know of the delay as in answer 2.
• Stay behind the gritting vehicle and contact his depot when safe to let them know he will be late: Yes.
A Do nothing as it's a bright summers day and he won't need his lights
B Record the defect in the defect book and report it to his supervisor before leaving base
C Record the defect in the defect book and report it to his supervisor when he returns to base
D Report it to his supervisor
Correct Answer: B Record the defect in the defect book and report it to his supervisor before leaving base
Explanation: • Report it to his supervisor: No, this is not sufficient. DVSA require a defect report to be 'in writing'.
• Do nothing as it's a bright summers day and won't need his lights: No, the scenario tells us it is cold and icy and a snowplough is on the road - this suggests poor weather and the need for headlights.
• Record the defect in the defect book and report it to his supervisor when he returns to base: No, he should not leave base with a defect that is safety related.
• Record the defect in the defect book and report it to his supervisor before leaving base: Yes.
A By asking the office staff to see the LOLER certificate
B By checking for the presence of a LOLER sticker on or near the tail lift
C By checking the driver's handbook
D By doing his walk-round checks
Correct Answer: B By checking for the presence of a LOLER sticker on or near the tail lift
Explanation: • By doing his walk round checks: Perhaps, but this is not specific enough here and is certainly not the "best answer".
• By asking the office staff to see the LOLER certificate: No, not the "best answer" as there may be no office staff present.
• By checking the drivers hand book: No, the driver's handbook is likely to be silent on this matter.
• By checking the presence of a LOLER sticker on or near the tail lift: Yes.
Correct Answer: B 2
Explanation: • The tail lift has a 2.5 tonne capacity or SWL (Safe Working Limit) therefore only 2 pallets can be loaded onto it.