Vehicle Weights And Dimensions Flashcards
Triangular projection markers are required when your load is wider than 2.9 metres (9 feet 5 inches). What colour are these markers?
Red/white
When must you take extra care if you’re driving a vehicle more than 3.0 metres (10 feet) high?
When driving under overhead cables -
You must take care when approaching any hazard where height is limited. Know the height of your vehicle and what you can drive under safely. If you aren’t sure that it’s safe, take another route.
How wide can a load be before you must use side markers?
2.9 metres (9 feet 5 inches) -
Side markers must be displayed if your load is over 2.9 metres (9 feet 5 inches) wide. Make sure that they’re clearly visible, at both the front and rear, and that they indicate the actual width of the projection.
How far can a load overhang at the rear before you must use projection marker boards?
2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) -
Projection marker boards must be fitted if the load on your vehicle overhangs by more than 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches). This will help other road users who may not notice the projecting load.
WEAK BRIDGE - (7.5t m g w)
Vehicles over the weight shown are prohibited -
Always look out for road signs, but be especially aware of those that refer to large or heavy vehicles. Get into the habit of checking for signs at junctions. There might be an indication on the junction layout sign. Before you turn, make sure that the road you’re using doesn’t have any restrictions for the vehicle you’re driving.
When should you consider the effect a speed limiter will have on your vehicle?
When overtaking - Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.
You’re driving on a motorway and you see this sign. What does it mean?
End of restriction - Look out for variable-message warning signs telling you about
lane closures
speed limits
hazards.
When you’re clear of the restriction, you’ll see a sign telling you that it has ended.
What does this motorway sign mean?
Lane ahead closed - Warning lights show when there’s danger ahead. This includes
lane closures
incidents
fog
icy roads.
What type of fastening or restraint should you use when carrying a load of steel?
Chains - You’re responsible for the safety of the load you’re carrying. At no time should the load endanger other road users. It’s vital that you make sure your load is secure and safely distributed on your vehicle. How you do this will depend on the
bulk
weight
type of vehicle you’re driving (flat bed, curtain side, etc)
nature of the load.
What should be your main concern as you approach this sign?
Your vehicle’s length- At hump bridges, there’s a risk of long vehicles grounding. If you aren’t sure whether the floor of your vehicle will clear the bridge, find another route.
What’s the minimum height of an unmarked bridge?
5.0 metres (16 feet 6 inches) - If a height isn’t shown on the bridge, the headroom (in the UK) will be at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches).
You’re driving a large vehicle on a narrow road with passing places. What will you need to be most aware of?
It’s length- If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.
Where can you park large vehicles at night without needing to use parking lights?
In an off-road parking area - Off-road lorry and coach parks are often well lit and patrolled by police or security firms. Never leave your vehicle unlit on a public road or in a lay-by after dark.
You’re driving a low loader and you see this sign. What’s your main concern at this hazard?
The ground clearance - You have a responsibility to be aware of the dimensions of your vehicle, including ground clearance. When planning your route, you’ll have to consider whether the roads you intend to use have any limits that would apply to your vehicle, such as
weight
length
height
ground clearance.
What’s the speed limit on a dual carriageway when you’re carrying a load that’s 4.5 metres (14 feet 9 inches) wide?
35 mph
You’re driving a large vehicle in a straight line. When is it most stable?
During gentle acceleration - A vehicle is most stable when travelling in a straight line under gentle acceleration. Sudden acceleration, steering or braking can cause severe loss of control. For maximum control, keep your driving as smooth as possible.
You’re scheduled to make a delivery. You arrive at your destination during the morning rush hour. The road is edged with double red lines. What do they mean?
Unload only within a ‘white box’ area - White boxes allow you to unload at any time, but during the day the length of stay is restricted. You should check nearby signs for the specific times. At other times, when it’s not so busy, there may not be any restrictions on parking.
You’re driving an articulated lorry on a narrow road. There’s a left-hand bend ahead. Why may you need to move out before driving around the bend?
To make room for the trailer cutting in - You should always be aware of the amount of room your trailer needs when it’s going around bends and corners. If you need to go onto the other side of the road, make sure there’s no oncoming traffic before you move out.
Where must the repair of a speed limiter be carried out?
At an authorised speed-limiter centre - Speed limiters may only be repaired by authorised speed-limiter centres. They’ll ensure that all the connections are sealed and that the system is tamperproof.
When should you allow for the effects of a speed limiter?
When you’re overtaking - Forward planning is important whenever you consider overtaking another road user. You should carefully assess the speed of the vehicle you intend to overtake. Remember that your vehicle’s speed is limited and this could considerably increase the distance and time needed to complete the manoeuvre safely.
Why do many drivers park at overnight stops with their rear doors close to another lorry?
To keep the load safe - Load security is extremely important. Make sure you park legally and, preferably, in a well-lit area. Some lorry parks are patrolled regularly by the police or security services.
The height of your vehicle is 4.2 metres (14 feet). What should you do as you approach this bridge?
Keep to the centre of the arch and give way to oncoming traffic - The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) unless marked otherwise. However, this might refer only to the highest point of an arch.
If your vehicle hits a bridge, you must report the incident to the police. If a railway bridge is involved, you must also report it to the railway authority.
You’re driving a vehicle that’s over 17 metres (55 feet) long. What should you do at a level crossing?
Stop before the crossing and phone the signal operator - If your vehicle is over 17 metres (55 feet) long and you wish to cross a level crossing, you must stop before the crossing and telephone the signal operator.
When must you notify telephone companies that you’re moving a high load?
When the load’s height exceeds 5.25 metres (17 feet 6 inches) - You should tell telephone companies about your intended route when planning the movement of loads over 5.25 metres (17 feet 6 inches) high. You should tell them in plenty of time before making the journey.
