Vehicle loading questions Car theory test

This topic has 21 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.

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  1. What restrictions apply if you're towing a trailer on a three-lane motorway?

    • You must not exceed 50 mph
    • You must not overtake
    • You must have a stabiliser fitted
    • You must not use the right-hand laneRight answer

    The motorway regulations for towing a trailer state that you must not • use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless directed to do so (for example, at roadworks or due to a lane closure) • exceed 60 mph.

  2. What should you do if you're towing a trailer and it starts to swing from side to side?

    • Ease off the accelerator to reduce your speedRight answer
    • Let go of the steering wheel and let it correct itself
    • Brake hard and hold the pedal down
    • Accelerate until it stabilises

    Strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles can cause a trailer or caravan to swing from side to side ('snake'). If this happens, ease off the accelerator. Do not brake harshly, steer sharply or increase your speed.

  3. When would you increase the pressure in your tyres so that it's above the normal value?

    • When the roads are slippery
    • When the vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes
    • When the tyre tread is worn below 2 mm
    • When carrying a heavy loadRight answer

    Check the vehicle handbook. This should give you guidance on the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle and when you may need to adjust them. If you’re carrying a heavy load, you may need to adjust the headlights as well. Most cars have a switch on the dashboard to do this.

  4. How will a heavy load on your roof rack affect your vehicle's handling?

    • It will improve the road holding
    • It will reduce the stopping distance
    • It will make the steering lighter
    • It will reduce stabilityRight answer

    A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce the stability of the vehicle because it moves the centre of gravity away from that designed by the manufacturer. Be aware of this when you drive round bends and corners. If you change direction at speed, your vehicle and/or load could become unstable and you could lose control.

  5. What would be affected if you carry a very heavy load on your vehicle?

    • The vehicle's gearbox
    • The vehicle's ventilation
    • The vehicle's handlingRight answer
    • The vehicle's battery

    Any load will have an effect on the handling of your vehicle, and this becomes worse as you increase the load. You need to be aware of this when carrying passengers or heavy loads, fitting a roof rack or towing a trailer.

  6. Who's responsible for making sure that a vehicle is not overloaded?

    • The driver of the vehicleRight answer
    • The owner of the items being carried
    • The person who loaded the vehicle
    • The licensing authority

    Carrying heavy loads will affect control and the vehicle's handling characteristics. If the vehicle you're driving is overloaded, you'll be held responsible.

  7. You're planning to tow a caravan. What will help the handling of the combination?

    • A jockey wheel fitted to the tow bar
    • Power steering fitted to the towing vehicle
    • Anti-lock brakes fitted to the towing vehicle
    • A stabiliser fitted to the tow barRight answer

    Towing a caravan or trailer affects the way the towing vehicle handles. A stabiliser device is not designed to overcome instability caused by incorrect loading but it can give added security in side winds and from buffeting caused by large vehicles.

  8. Are passengers allowed to ride in a caravan that's being towed?

    • Yes, if they're over 14
    • No, not at any timeRight answer
    • Only if all the seats in the towing vehicle are full
    • Only if a stabiliser is fitted

    Riding in a towed caravan is highly dangerous. The safety of the entire unit is dependent on the stability of the trailer. Moving passengers would make the caravan unstable and could cause loss of control.

  9. What safety device must be fitted to a trailer braking system?

    • Stabiliser
    • Jockey wheel
    • Corner steadies
    • Breakaway cableRight answer

    In the event that the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle, the breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes before snapping. This allows the towing vehicle to get free of the trailer and out of danger.

  10. You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight for your vehicle’s tow hitch?

    • In the vehicle handbookRight answer
    • In The Highway Code
    • In your vehicle registration certificate
    • In your licence documents

    You must know how to load your trailer or caravan so that the hitch exerts an appropriate downward force on the tow ball. Information about the maximum permitted noseweight can be found in your vehicle handbook or obtained from your vehicle manufacturer’s agent.

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