Gethin drives a variety of rigid and articulated vehicles for his employer based in the West Midlands. He is often engaged in work taking him to major distribution warehouses and satellite sites throughout the UK.
All of the vehicles he drives are less than 5 years old. The company he works for does operate some refrigerated vehicles.
Most of his driving is on motorways and dual carriageways and he often drives for long periods of time "on the speed limiter".
All of the vehicles he drives are less than 5 years old. The company he works for does operate some refrigerated vehicles.
Most of his driving is on motorways and dual carriageways and he often drives for long periods of time "on the speed limiter".
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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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: • Switch off the fridge as he approaches the delivery point to allow the temperature to start rising and save fuel: No, it is important to keep the temperature at the required level until the chickens are off-loaded to prevent the growth of bacteria etc.
• Switch off the fridge before loading the ambient goods: No, in order to reduce the environmental impact of the fridge, this needs to be switched off as soon as possible i.e. after unloading the frozen chickens.
• Leave the fridge running as it will also be needed for the ambient goods: No, "ambient" goods are carried at the prevailing outside temperature and using the fridge may damage those goods and will certainly add unnecessarily to the vehicle running costs and increase the risk to the environment.
• Switch off the fridge 3fter unloading the chickens: Yes, the ambient goods will be carried at "ambient" temperatures and switching of the fridge will reduce fuel consumption and thereby lessen the impact of the fridge on the environment.
Explanation: • Switch off the fridge as he approaches the delivery point to allow the temperature to start rising and save fuel: No, it is important to keep the temperature at the required level until the chickens are off-loaded to prevent the growth of bacteria etc.
• Switch off the fridge before loading the ambient goods: No, in order to reduce the environmental impact of the fridge, this needs to be switched off as soon as possible i.e. after unloading the frozen chickens.
• Leave the fridge running as it will also be needed for the ambient goods: No, "ambient" goods are carried at the prevailing outside temperature and using the fridge may damage those goods and will certainly add unnecessarily to the vehicle running costs and increase the risk to the environment.
• Switch off the fridge 3fter unloading the chickens: Yes, the ambient goods will be carried at "ambient" temperatures and switching of the fridge will reduce fuel consumption and thereby lessen the impact of the fridge on the environment.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: • It can run at lower temperatures and therefore does not "wax": No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is more environmentally friendly than the normal "white" diesel: No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is more fuel efficient in the smaller engine used for the fridge motor: No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is cheaper to buy as it does not have the same, high level of VAT: Yes, and therefore reduces the running cost of the vehicle. It is however illegal to use this diesel as a road fuel, hence it can only be used in the engine powering the fridge unit.
Explanation: • It can run at lower temperatures and therefore does not "wax": No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is more environmentally friendly than the normal "white" diesel: No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is more fuel efficient in the smaller engine used for the fridge motor: No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is cheaper to buy as it does not have the same, high level of VAT: Yes, and therefore reduces the running cost of the vehicle. It is however illegal to use this diesel as a road fuel, hence it can only be used in the engine powering the fridge unit.
3. What is the maximum permitted weight of the largest 2-axle rigid vehicle Gethin drives in the UK?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • 16,260 kg: No, This was the weight limit many years ago but it is higher now.
• 17,000 kg: No, this was the weight limit some years ago but it has been increased now.
• 26,000 kg: No, this is the weight limit for a 3 axle rigid.
• 18,000 kg: Yes.
Explanation: • 16,260 kg: No, This was the weight limit many years ago but it is higher now.
• 17,000 kg: No, this was the weight limit some years ago but it has been increased now.
• 26,000 kg: No, this is the weight limit for a 3 axle rigid.
• 18,000 kg: Yes.
4. Gethin sometimes becomes sleepy driving along the motorway. How can he reduce this risk?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: • Ensure the cab is always kept warm and draft free: No, a warm cab would increase the likelihood of falling asleep.
• Drink high energy canned drinks regularly and often: No, many of these high-energy drinks contain high levels of sugar and over 100 calories per can which may have side effects like increasing the risk of weight gain.
• Drive a little faster to maintain focus: No, this is probably going to be illegal and will not really help in any case.
• Ensure the cab is well ventilated by opening a window and take frequent breaks (every 2 hours): Yes, a well ventilated cab and fresh air help to reduce the risk of falling asleep and frequent breaks and short periods of gentle exercise such as walking can help to prevent fatigue.
Explanation: • Ensure the cab is always kept warm and draft free: No, a warm cab would increase the likelihood of falling asleep.
• Drink high energy canned drinks regularly and often: No, many of these high-energy drinks contain high levels of sugar and over 100 calories per can which may have side effects like increasing the risk of weight gain.
• Drive a little faster to maintain focus: No, this is probably going to be illegal and will not really help in any case.
• Ensure the cab is well ventilated by opening a window and take frequent breaks (every 2 hours): Yes, a well ventilated cab and fresh air help to reduce the risk of falling asleep and frequent breaks and short periods of gentle exercise such as walking can help to prevent fatigue.
5. Gethin sees a sign on the motorway giving advance notice of a "crawler" lane. What should he expect?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • A section of roadworks with heavy plant occupying one lane: No - this is not what a crawler lane is.
• A steep downhill section of motorway: No - more likely the opposite.
• That the left hand lane will only be for use by trucks and buses: No, any slow moving vehicle would be expected to use this lane.
• A steep uphill section of motorway, with the left-hand lane being used by very slow moving traffic: Yes, a "crawler" lane will be put in to aid traffic flow which otherwise may be restricted by slow moving traffic climbing a gradient.
Explanation: • A section of roadworks with heavy plant occupying one lane: No - this is not what a crawler lane is.
• A steep downhill section of motorway: No - more likely the opposite.
• That the left hand lane will only be for use by trucks and buses: No, any slow moving vehicle would be expected to use this lane.
• A steep uphill section of motorway, with the left-hand lane being used by very slow moving traffic: Yes, a "crawler" lane will be put in to aid traffic flow which otherwise may be restricted by slow moving traffic climbing a gradient.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: •Adjust after reversing into the bay so that you achieve the correct height: No, this could cause damage to the trailer and/or the loading bay.
• Leave any adjustment to the loading staff as they are more experienced and know what is required: No, they may not be familiar with your vehicle and its controls.
• Rely upon the dock leveller to make any adjustment: No, the dock leveller may not have the necessary range of movement.
• Adjust before reversing into the bay to prevent damage to the vehicle and bay bump stops: Yes.
Explanation: •Adjust after reversing into the bay so that you achieve the correct height: No, this could cause damage to the trailer and/or the loading bay.
• Leave any adjustment to the loading staff as they are more experienced and know what is required: No, they may not be familiar with your vehicle and its controls.
• Rely upon the dock leveller to make any adjustment: No, the dock leveller may not have the necessary range of movement.
• Adjust before reversing into the bay to prevent damage to the vehicle and bay bump stops: Yes.
7. In addition to his driving licence, what will Gethin need to drive all of the company vehicles?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • An ATP certificate: No, all of the work is within the UK and the ATP certificate is only required for the vehicle on an international journey.
• A banksman certificate: No, Gethin will not be acting as banksman.
• A 6 year tachograph calibration certificate: No, all the vehicles Gethin will be driving for his employer are less than 5 years old and will therefore be fitted with a digital tachograph which requires calibrating every TWO years. In any case, it is the vehicle, rather than Gethin, that would require this certificate.
•A digital tachograph driver card and a Driver Qualification card: Yes, as all of his employer's vehicles are less than 5 years old. so they will all be fitted with digital tachographs and all drivers (with a few exceptions) will require a Driver Qualification card as proof that they have attended the required Driver CPC elements.
Explanation: • An ATP certificate: No, all of the work is within the UK and the ATP certificate is only required for the vehicle on an international journey.
• A banksman certificate: No, Gethin will not be acting as banksman.
• A 6 year tachograph calibration certificate: No, all the vehicles Gethin will be driving for his employer are less than 5 years old and will therefore be fitted with a digital tachograph which requires calibrating every TWO years. In any case, it is the vehicle, rather than Gethin, that would require this certificate.
•A digital tachograph driver card and a Driver Qualification card: Yes, as all of his employer's vehicles are less than 5 years old. so they will all be fitted with digital tachographs and all drivers (with a few exceptions) will require a Driver Qualification card as proof that they have attended the required Driver CPC elements.