Gerry drives a 3-axle shunter vehicle for a company based just outside Felixstowe Dock. He regularly pulls unaccompanied semi-trailers from various terminals in the dock to the company yard just outside, a distance of about 2 miles.
Although old (first registered in 1999), his vehicle is maintained and kept on an Operator licence as it does carry goods on the public road, albeit only for a short distance.
Although old (first registered in 1999), his vehicle is maintained and kept on an Operator licence as it does carry goods on the public road, albeit only for a short distance.
There are 7 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 7 to pass.
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1. When pulling forward on the "tug test" Gerry notices that the jaws have clearly not engaged. What should he do?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • Reverse back faster to ensure the lock engages: No, this is likely to damage the jaws.
• Defect the tractor unit: No, it is unlikely to be a fault with the tractor unit.
• Defect the semi-trailer and transship the load: No, without investigating, it is impossible to say that there is anything wrong with the jaws or anything else.
• Pull out from under the trailer. Leave the cab and check the jaws for any problem: Yes, this is the best and safest action.
Explanation: • Reverse back faster to ensure the lock engages: No, this is likely to damage the jaws.
• Defect the tractor unit: No, it is unlikely to be a fault with the tractor unit.
• Defect the semi-trailer and transship the load: No, without investigating, it is impossible to say that there is anything wrong with the jaws or anything else.
• Pull out from under the trailer. Leave the cab and check the jaws for any problem: Yes, this is the best and safest action.
2. After connecting the red air line the driver notices a slight air leak from the coupling but it stops soon afterwards. What should he do?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • Continue on because the air leak has stopped: No, this may be a temporary stop of the leak.
• Make a note in the defect book but continue with the journey as the air leak has stopped: No, any brake defect is potentially serious, a driver is required to report any defects or "symptoms of defects" and this needs to be checked by a competent person before the vehicle is used.
• Continue the journey and report the defect on return to the depot: No, any braking defects are potentially serious and dangerous. To take the vehicle out before it is checked by a competent person risks danger to the driver and others.
• Make a note in the defect book and do not drive the combination until it is checked by a competent person: Yes.
Explanation: • Continue on because the air leak has stopped: No, this may be a temporary stop of the leak.
• Make a note in the defect book but continue with the journey as the air leak has stopped: No, any brake defect is potentially serious, a driver is required to report any defects or "symptoms of defects" and this needs to be checked by a competent person before the vehicle is used.
• Continue the journey and report the defect on return to the depot: No, any braking defects are potentially serious and dangerous. To take the vehicle out before it is checked by a competent person risks danger to the driver and others.
• Make a note in the defect book and do not drive the combination until it is checked by a competent person: Yes.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: • Remove the registration number plate from the semi-trailer: No, this is not important at this stage and is not a safety issue.
• Drop the legs on the semi-trailer: No, unless the trailer is secured, winding down the landing legs could cause it to move.
• Unclip the dog chain and pull the trailer release handle: No, the semi-trailer must be secured before it is released from the tractor unit.
• Apply the trailer brake: Yes, ensure that the trailer cannot move anywhere if something does go wrong.
Explanation: • Remove the registration number plate from the semi-trailer: No, this is not important at this stage and is not a safety issue.
• Drop the legs on the semi-trailer: No, unless the trailer is secured, winding down the landing legs could cause it to move.
• Unclip the dog chain and pull the trailer release handle: No, the semi-trailer must be secured before it is released from the tractor unit.
• Apply the trailer brake: Yes, ensure that the trailer cannot move anywhere if something does go wrong.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • Electrical cables: No.
• The parking brake: No.
• Any supplementary or auxiliary equipment on the catwalk: No.
• Kingpin release handle: Yes.
Explanation: • Electrical cables: No.
• The parking brake: No.
• Any supplementary or auxiliary equipment on the catwalk: No.
• Kingpin release handle: Yes.
5. Because of the nature of the job, Gerry is in and out of his vehicle many times during the day. What is the safest method of entry/egress?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: • Jump out facing away from the truck: No, this is a very risky way to get down from the truck.
• Jump out facing towards the truck: This is the most dangerous way to get out, jumping backwards, effectively.
• Climb out backwards using steps and vehicle tyre for best grip: No, climbing backwards is a good method, but using the tyre for best grip is not a good idea. You should use the handholds and steps provided for the purpose.
• Climb out using the "three points of contact" method and only using steps provided for the purpose: Yes, this is the safest method to get down from the cab, reducing the risk of falling.
Explanation: • Jump out facing away from the truck: No, this is a very risky way to get down from the truck.
• Jump out facing towards the truck: This is the most dangerous way to get out, jumping backwards, effectively.
• Climb out backwards using steps and vehicle tyre for best grip: No, climbing backwards is a good method, but using the tyre for best grip is not a good idea. You should use the handholds and steps provided for the purpose.
• Climb out using the "three points of contact" method and only using steps provided for the purpose: Yes, this is the safest method to get down from the cab, reducing the risk of falling.
6. Whilst connecting air lines and checking the semi-trailer what mode switch should Gerry select on his analogue tachograph?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • The 'steering wheel' symbol: No, this denotes actual driving time and is selected automatically, it cannot be selected by the driver.
• The 'box with a line through it' symbol: No, this symbol is used to show 'periods of availability'.
• The 'chair or bed' symbol: No, this symbol is used only for periods of rest or break.
• The 'crossed hammers' symbol: Yes, this denotes any 'other work' that is not driving.
Explanation: • The 'steering wheel' symbol: No, this denotes actual driving time and is selected automatically, it cannot be selected by the driver.
• The 'box with a line through it' symbol: No, this symbol is used to show 'periods of availability'.
• The 'chair or bed' symbol: No, this symbol is used only for periods of rest or break.
• The 'crossed hammers' symbol: Yes, this denotes any 'other work' that is not driving.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: • No because he is travelling less than 3 miles each journey: No.
• No because he is travelling less than 5 miles each journey: No.
• No provided he does not exceed 100 km in any week: No, this radius applies to recovery vehicles, vehicles carrying equipment for use by the driver, vehicles carrying livestock to or from local markets and vehicles propelled by LPG or electricity.
• Yes: Correct, there is no exemption for this vehicle or type of work.
Explanation: • No because he is travelling less than 3 miles each journey: No.
• No because he is travelling less than 5 miles each journey: No.
• No provided he does not exceed 100 km in any week: No, this radius applies to recovery vehicles, vehicles carrying equipment for use by the driver, vehicles carrying livestock to or from local markets and vehicles propelled by LPG or electricity.
• Yes: Correct, there is no exemption for this vehicle or type of work.