Konrad works for an international haulier and is based just off the M20 in Kent. He drives a 3 axle mid-lift tractive unit and pulls a variety of semi-trailers from the UK and elsewhere in the EU.
Konrad always fills his diesel tank in Europe before returning to the UK to take advantage of the lower fuel price there.
Konrad spends most of his spare time reading and watching old black and white movies. He is aware that his diet of late and has not been as balanced as it might be.
Konrad always fills his diesel tank in Europe before returning to the UK to take advantage of the lower fuel price there.
Konrad spends most of his spare time reading and watching old black and white movies. He is aware that his diet of late and has not been as balanced as it might be.
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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Click on an answer to view the correct choice along with the explanation.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: • Increased risk of headaches: No, this risk would not be significantly increased.
• Increased risk of skin cancer through his increased exposure to direct sunlight: No, most of Konrad's leisure time is spent indoors watching films or reading.
• Increase in life expectancy: No, the lack of exercise is likely to have exactly the reverse effect.
• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions: Yes, various pieces of medical research have linked a sedentary lifestyle to at least 35 chronic conditions including those mentioned here.
Explanation: • Increased risk of headaches: No, this risk would not be significantly increased.
• Increased risk of skin cancer through his increased exposure to direct sunlight: No, most of Konrad's leisure time is spent indoors watching films or reading.
• Increase in life expectancy: No, the lack of exercise is likely to have exactly the reverse effect.
• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions: Yes, various pieces of medical research have linked a sedentary lifestyle to at least 35 chronic conditions including those mentioned here.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: • Leave the line disconnected as the European trailer is not compatible with the UK truck and the line need not be connected: No, this would be potentially dangerous as there would be no braking effort through the semi-trailer wheels.
• Use the shunt valve on the trailer: No.
• Take the trailer back to the depot where the mechanics can sort the problem: No, this would be illegal if the vehicle had to travel on the public road as there would be no braking effort on the semi-trailer wheels.
• Use an approved converter: Yes, this is common practice with European connectors.
Explanation: • Leave the line disconnected as the European trailer is not compatible with the UK truck and the line need not be connected: No, this would be potentially dangerous as there would be no braking effort through the semi-trailer wheels.
• Use the shunt valve on the trailer: No.
• Take the trailer back to the depot where the mechanics can sort the problem: No, this would be illegal if the vehicle had to travel on the public road as there would be no braking effort on the semi-trailer wheels.
• Use an approved converter: Yes, this is common practice with European connectors.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: • When lightly laden it will lift and decrease weight over the drive axle: No, when lifted, the axle will not support its own weight and therefore that weight will be transferred to the drive axle thereby increasing the weight on that axle.
• It makes the vehicle lighter than a two axle unit and it can therefore carry more payload: No, quite the reverse, the extra axle will mean more weight and therefore reduced payload for a 5 axle combination.
• It is easier to service that axle when it is lifted: No.
• When lightly laden it will lift and reduce drag therefore saving fuel: Yes, this is one of the major advantages of this configuration.
Explanation: • When lightly laden it will lift and decrease weight over the drive axle: No, when lifted, the axle will not support its own weight and therefore that weight will be transferred to the drive axle thereby increasing the weight on that axle.
• It makes the vehicle lighter than a two axle unit and it can therefore carry more payload: No, quite the reverse, the extra axle will mean more weight and therefore reduced payload for a 5 axle combination.
• It is easier to service that axle when it is lifted: No.
• When lightly laden it will lift and reduce drag therefore saving fuel: Yes, this is one of the major advantages of this configuration.
4. Konrad's truck is fitted with a downward pointing mirror at the top of the windscreen. What is the purpose of this mirror?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: • It allows Konrad to see clearly what any passengers are doing: No, this is not the purpose of this mirror.
• It provides a view of the road immediately ahead of the truck so that Konrad can see any debris on the road: No, although it does provide a view of the road immediately in front of the truck, the mirror is not fitted for this particular purpose.
• It allows Konrad to get closer to the vehicle in front, particularly when waiting at traffic lights: No, this is not the purpose of this mirror.
• It provides a view of the road immediately ahead of the truck so that Konrad can see any pedestrians below the windscreen: Yes.
Explanation: • It allows Konrad to see clearly what any passengers are doing: No, this is not the purpose of this mirror.
• It provides a view of the road immediately ahead of the truck so that Konrad can see any debris on the road: No, although it does provide a view of the road immediately in front of the truck, the mirror is not fitted for this particular purpose.
• It allows Konrad to get closer to the vehicle in front, particularly when waiting at traffic lights: No, this is not the purpose of this mirror.
• It provides a view of the road immediately ahead of the truck so that Konrad can see any pedestrians below the windscreen: Yes.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: • The semi-trailer brake has been released: No, this could be dangerous. It is important that the semi-trailer brake is applied.
• The tractor unit lights work: No, this should have been done at the start of the duty although it would be good practice to check all unit AND semi-trailer lights AFTER coupling up.
• The load inside the semi-trailer corresponds to the paperwork: No, the trailer may well be locked or sealed and this would not be possible. All a driver can do is to make sure s/he has coupled up to the correct semi-trailer.
• The semi-trailer brake has been applied and any anti-theft device fitted to the trailer kingpin has been removed: Yes, otherwise this could cause damage to the fifth-wheel coupling or trailer.
Explanation: • The semi-trailer brake has been released: No, this could be dangerous. It is important that the semi-trailer brake is applied.
• The tractor unit lights work: No, this should have been done at the start of the duty although it would be good practice to check all unit AND semi-trailer lights AFTER coupling up.
• The load inside the semi-trailer corresponds to the paperwork: No, the trailer may well be locked or sealed and this would not be possible. All a driver can do is to make sure s/he has coupled up to the correct semi-trailer.
• The semi-trailer brake has been applied and any anti-theft device fitted to the trailer kingpin has been removed: Yes, otherwise this could cause damage to the fifth-wheel coupling or trailer.
6. After uncoupling from a semi-trailer and before driving away, what checks must Konrad make on the tractor unit?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: • The on-board satnav is re-programmed with the correct destination: No, this would be a matter of choice for the driver and would not be a compulsory issue.
• The Bluetooth connection has not been lost: No.
• The in-cab height marker has been reset: No, he cannot do this yet as he does not know the height of the next load until he has loaded it onto the vehicle.
• The suspension has been reset at the normal ride height: Yes.
Explanation: • The on-board satnav is re-programmed with the correct destination: No, this would be a matter of choice for the driver and would not be a compulsory issue.
• The Bluetooth connection has not been lost: No.
• The in-cab height marker has been reset: No, he cannot do this yet as he does not know the height of the next load until he has loaded it onto the vehicle.
• The suspension has been reset at the normal ride height: Yes.
7. If Konrad picks up a two axle semi-trailer in France, what would be the maximum permissible weight for his vehicle combination in the UK?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: • 44 tonnes: No, this would only be allowed on a combination with a minimum of 6 axles.
• 42 tonnes: No, this is not an appropriate maximum weight in either France or the UK.
• 38 tonnes: No, this is the maximum permitted weight of a 4 axle articulated combination in the UK.
• 40 tonnes: Yes, 5 axle articulated units are restricted to a maximum of 40 tonnes regardless of the Ministry plate.
Explanation: • 44 tonnes: No, this would only be allowed on a combination with a minimum of 6 axles.
• 42 tonnes: No, this is not an appropriate maximum weight in either France or the UK.
• 38 tonnes: No, this is the maximum permitted weight of a 4 axle articulated combination in the UK.
• 40 tonnes: Yes, 5 axle articulated units are restricted to a maximum of 40 tonnes regardless of the Ministry plate.