Drivers' hours and rest periods questions LGV theory test

This topic has 76 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.

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  1. Why are goods vehicle drivers' hours of work controlled?

    • To encourage vehicle sympathy
    • To help road safetyRight answer
    • To ensure fair road use
    • To improve vehicle security

    Drivers need to be alert at all times. Fatigue is a recognised danger for professional drivers, so working conditions are governed by assimilated (EU) rules. These set a maximum driving time and minimum requirements for rest and break periods. Setting limits on the length of time a driver can work combats fatigue and so helps road safety.

  2. What does controlling goods vehicle drivers' hours help to improve?

    • Fuel economy
    • Road safetyRight answer
    • Traffic calming
    • Journey planning

    Assimilated (EU) drivers' hours regulations are a series of rules that specify maximum driving time and minimum rest and break periods. These rules are in place to help road safety. Drivers who break them are subject to heavy fines and could lose their licence to drive lorries.

  3. What must you do when driving under the rules for domestic drivers' hours?

    • Keep a written record of hours workedRight answer
    • Only record any driving off public roads
    • Keep a written record of driving time only
    • Always use a vehicle fitted with a tachograph

    Domestic rules apply to certain journeys within Great Britain that are not subject to assimilated (EU) rules. Under domestic rules you must keep a written record of your hours of duty when driving goods vehicles.

  4. You must have enough tachograph charts with you for your journey. When do you need to start a new chart?

    • Every 10 hours
    • Every 24 hoursRight answer
    • Every 36 hours
    • Every 48 hours

    If you're using a vehicle equipped with an analogue tachograph, you'll need at least one chart for every 24 hours. Your employer should supply you with enough tachograph charts for your entire journey.

  5. What period of time does one tachograph chart cover?

    • 24 hoursRight answer
    • 48 hours
    • 5 days
    • 7 days

    Your tachograph chart is a legal document; it's a record of your work covering a rolling 24-hour period. Drivers who break the rules are subject to heavy fines and could lose their vocational licence. Altering your tachograph chart with intent to deceive is against the law and could lead to a prison sentence. Similar penalties exist for those who permit such offences.

  6. What should you do if your tachograph chart becomes dirty or damaged?

    • Continue with the same chart and enter the details in writing
    • Use a spare chart and destroy the damaged one
    • Use a spare chart and attach it to the damaged oneRight answer
    • Continue to use the chart

    If your current tachograph chart becomes damaged, you should start another and then attach it to the damaged one. Your records must be clear and up to date at all times. It's sensible to carry more tachograph charts than you think you'll need for your journey. Then you'll be able to use a spare if one becomes dirty or damaged.

  7. During your break, your vehicle will be moved by another person. What should you do with the tachograph chart?

    • Leave the chart in the vehicle and record the changes on the back
    • Put in a new chart on your return to the vehicle
    • Switch to rest mode to record the break
    • Remove the chart and make a manual record of the break periodRight answer

    If your vehicle is likely to be used by another person while you're away from it, you should take your tachograph chart with you. Your break from driving should be entered on the reverse of the chart.

  8. You've been driving a lorry without a break for 4.5 hours. Under assimilated (EU) rules, you must now take a break. How long must this break be?

    • 30 minutes
    • 35 minutes
    • 40 minutes
    • 45 minutesRight answer

    If you're driving under assimilated (EU) rules, you must not drive continuously for more than 4.5 hours without taking a break. If you've driven continuously for 4.5 hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Include your stops in the timetable when planning your journey.

  9. You're driving a lorry on a motorway and you start to feel drowsy. What should you do when there are no service areas or exits for some distance?

    • Stop on the hard shoulder and rest
    • Open the window and turn down the heatingRight answer
    • Slow down and use the hazard warning lights
    • Increase your speed to get to the next service area sooner

    During very cold weather, it's tempting to have the heating in the cab turned on full. Be aware that this may help to make you feel drowsy, especially after you've eaten a meal. Open the window slightly to let in some fresh air until it's safe for you to stop and rest.

  10. You're driving a lorry. During the journey you begin to feel ill and are unable to concentrate. What should you do?

    • Stop in a safe place and seek helpRight answer
    • Continue your journey and keep your windows open
    • Increase your speed to finish your work earlier
    • Keep stopping at regular intervals for rest

    If you become unwell, it will affect your ability to concentrate. You must be fully alert and ready for any hazards that might occur while you're driving. Stop in a safe place and call for help. You may have to call out a relief driver to complete the journey for you.

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