CPC module 4 questions and answers you need to know  

A fundamental part of an HGV driver’s job is to secure the load they need to transport.

But if you found yourself without ratchet straps or chains and binders, would you know how to competently secure a load with just a length of rope?

The trucking experts at HGV Training Network reveal all you need to know about a trucker’s hitch knot and how to tie one!

What is included in an HGV driving test?  

If you intend to get an HGV licence to start a new career driving across the UK and Europe, you will first need to gain your provisional licence and pass a few tests.

These tests are split into multiple parts:

• Part 1 – Theory test

Made up of both multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test – just like when you got your Category B car licence

• Part 2 – Case Studies test

This asks you to answer questions based on computer-based real-life driving situations

• Part 3 – Practical driving test

This includes show me, tell me questions, an off-road reversing manoeuvre, and on-road driving

• Part 4 – Driver CPC Practical demonstration test

Includes safety questions, demonstrations on how to complete vehicle checks, loading/unloading, emergency procedures, and preventing trafficking.

Once combined, passing these tests demonstrates that you can:

• Safely drive the largest vehicles on our roads
• Maintain exceptional safety standards for other road users
• Competently carry out non-driving but career essential tasks, like loading and unloading, vehicle checks, and preventing human trafficking

*If you’d like to start HGV training and experience working on the open road instead of a stuffy office, HGV Training Network can help. Contact the team to get started!ch as HGVs, used to relocate mass goods for businesses, similar to the UK.

The best way to study the CPC module 4 questions and answers

When studying for your test, the best way to do it for you can be highly personal, what works well for one person won’t for another.

However, our top tips include:

• Teaching the information to others

To help beginners or someone who is completely new to a field understand it, you have to have a secure grasp of it yourself. For this reason, teaching it to others allows you to test how much you really know and come up with new ways to explain it if they need it.

• Creating flashcards or similar notes

Creating physical study materials like flashcards helps to embed the information as you write it and then when used to question you – giving you double the benefit!

Just put the question on one side and the key points of the answer on the other so you can’t be tempted to peek!

You don’t need proper flashcards though; any strips of paper will work.

• Completing mock tests with others

Using flashcards, ask a friend or loved one to test you on the answers to questions you might be asked. Just make sure they have a copy of the main parts of the answer so they can check you get them all.

They can also give you hints if you forget something, which can help jog your memory.

• Practising the demonstration aspect with someone else

As part of testing you, your friendly helper will also need you to show them or point out areas on the HGV – you’ll need to do it as part of the test, so best you get used to it now.

However, we don’t expect you to have an HGV in the back garden, so you’ll have to use your imagination a little with this one!

*Retraining can seem intimidating, but with thousands of happy and qualified professional drivers passing annually, the experienced team at HGV Training Network can make it easy! Simply register your interest to get the wheels turning.

Pass your driving tests first time with HGV Training Network

Use our in-depth question guide below and our top tips to get in the best possible position ahead of all of your HGV driving tests – you’re only a few weeks from passing, and the hard work will be worth it!

Alternatively, if you need more information or support, you can email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com, and our professionals will assist however they can to get you into the best possible position on test day.

CPC module 4 questions and answers

Section 1 – Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules

and proper vehicle use

1. Your fully loaded vehicle is ready for you to make a delivery. Show the checks you would make to ensure the vehicle is not overloaded.

b) If you are still in doubt, what else could you do?

• Visual check of the vehicle suspension
• Check the body for excessive leaning
• Tyre checks for touching/mud flaps on the floor
• Confirm the weight by taking the vehicle to nearest Weigh Bridge

• On this empty vehicle you have been asked to collect half a load of palletised paper.

b) Show, by pointing to the correct distribution area(s) on this vehicle, where the load should be placed.

c) Select which restraining device you would use to secure the load.

d) Show me how you would secure the load with the restraining device using the load securing trolley.

e) Show me how you would release the restraining device       

• Show by pointing to the correct distribution areas on this vehicle
• Select which retraining device to use, which should be straps or ropes
• Demonstrate competence in the use of a webbing strap or ‘dolly knot’ rope
• Demonstrate competence in releasing the restraining device

• On this empty vehicle,  you have been asked to collect half a load of steel plates. I want you to show me by pointing to the correct distribution areas(s) on this vehicle where the load should be placed.

b) Select which restraining device you would use to secure the load.

c) Show how you would secure the load with the restraining device using the load securing trolley.

d) Show how you would release the restraining device.

• Point to the correct distribution areas on this vehicle
• Select the correct restraint item – chain/tensioner
• Demonstrate competence in use of chain/tensioner
• Demonstrate how to release the restraining device

• a) Point to the centre of gravity on this vehicle.

b) Explain what effect driving forces would have on this vehicle if it were fully laden.

• Point to the vehicle’s centre of gravity
• Acceleration could cause the load to move backwards or fall off the back
• Braking could cause the load to move forward
• When turning, it could cause the load to continue on its original path and fall off the side

• a) Point to the centre of gravity on this vehicle.

b) Explain what effect driving forces would have on this vehicle if it were fully laden.

• Point to the vehicle’s centre of gravity
• Acceleration could cause the load to move backwards or fall off the back
• Braking could cause the load to move forward
• When turning, it could cause the load to continue on its original path and fall off the side

• You are about to make a long journey in this vehicle. Show me what checks you would make to this vehicle’s fuel system and explain what precautions you should take to ensure it remains in a serviceable condition, especially in very cold weather conditions.

• Check fuel fill level and fuel cap security
• Check fuel tank and mountings for condition
• Explain bad weather fuel measures
• Checks enough fuel for journey (instrument check)

• a) Show me how to check the unladen weight on this vehicle.

b) Walk around the vehicle showing me what checks you would make to ensure the vehicle is not overloaded.

c) If you are still in doubt, what else could you do?

• Identify vehicle design weight plate(s)
• Body check for any excessive leaning
• Tyre checks for touching/mud flaps on the floor
• Confirmation by taking the vehicle to the nearest weigh bridge

Section 2 – Security of vehicle and contents

• a) When you need to leave your vehicle, where might you consider parking.

b) Demonstrate and explain what safety checks and security precautions you would take

• Only park in secure, well-lit, and reputable vehicle parks; where possible park with the rear doors against a wall or backing up to another vehicle
• Remove keys and lock doors
• Activate or explain the use of any other security features
• Walk around security check (seals etc)

• You suspect a brake fault on this vehicle. Show me what checks you can make to confirm if the compressor is working properly, and any checks you could make for identifying air leaks.

• Physical check of the air system, ensuring air lines are serviceable
• Emptying the air tanks by pumping the footbrake
• Restarting the engine and charging the system
• Stop the engine and listen for leaks/wedge footbrake or ask a third party to assist

1. On entering your vehicle for the first time, show me all of the practical and visual safety checks you would make before starting the engine, which I would like you to do.

• Cockpit drill
• Checks handbrake neutral before starting engine
• Audible/visual warning systems are checked and you have sufficient fuel for the journey
• Is aware of vehicle height (sign check)

1. a) You are driving on a motorway and flames appear from the engine compartment. Show me how you would deal with the small electrical wiring fire.

B) Please identify the appropriate extinguisher to use on this fire.

• Stop as quickly and safely as possible on the hard shoulder
• Identify the correct extinguisher to use on an electrical system fire (CO2)/Powder
• Awareness of the need to contact emergency services
• Isolate the vehicle by disconnecting the electric supply

1. Please show me and explain what tyre, wheel and spray suppression checks you would make before driving this vehicle

• Walk around and check all mud guards/flaps
• Visual check for tread depth and condition of tyres
• Any foreign debris between the double wheels
• Wheel nuts secure/marker position

1. a) Please walk around the vehicle and explain to me what projections and overhangs there are.

b) Describe what allowance you would have to make for these projections and overhangs when

driving the vehicle.

• Identify overhangs and projections
• Overhangs can sweep over kerbs when turning, colliding with street furniture, pedestrians other vehicles
• Mirror projections can come into contact with street furniture, pedestrians and other vehicles
• Good all-around observation is required, as well as extensive use of all mirrors to check for any rear-end sweep

1. You intend to drive this vehicle for the first time. Show me how you would check the vehicle’s dimensions and weight.

• Identifies the vehicle height sign (in cab)
• Check train weight VI plate
• Is aware of the train length Is aware of vehicle width

1. a) You are driving on a motorway and flames appear around one of your tyres. Show me how you would deal with this small fire.

b) Please look at this picture. Which extinguisher would you NOT use on a fuel fire.

• Stop as quickly as possible on the hard shoulder
• Awareness of the need to contact the emergency services
• Activate the isolator switch
• Identifies water extinguisher as NOT suitable

Section 3 – Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking of illegal

immigrants.

1. You are parked at a border crossing and have left the vehicle unattended. Show me what checks you would make before driving through customs.

• Check external compartments
• Check under and on top (visual if possible) of the vehicle
• Check inside the cab and load security (trailer seals, curtains, etc)
• Check the fuel cap is in place and not tampered with via a visual check

1. You’ve had a comfort break just before boarding a cross-channel ferry. Show me what checks you would make to this vehicle before driving through customs.

• Check external compartments
• Check under and on top (visual if possible) of the vehicle
• Check inside the cab and load security (trailer seals, curtains, etc)
• Check the fuel cap is in place and not tampered with via a visual check

1. You are parked at the docks, and following a rest break, you suspect your vehicle may have been tampered with. Show me what checks you would make around and within your vehicle before continuing with your journey

• Check external compartments
• Check under and on top (visual if possible) of the vehicle
• Check inside the cab and load security (trailer seals, curtains etc)
• Check the fuel cap is in place and not tampered with via a visual check

Section 4 – Ability to assess emergency situations

1. a) Show me how you would enter the vehicle safely, and then show me all of the precautions you would take before starting the engine.

b) You are now parked on the left on a busy main road. Please show me how you would leave your vehicle safely

• Open the driver’s door fully and use both grab rails to enter the cab making sure that all steps are used
• Close the door, set the preferred seat position, set the mirrors, check the parking brake and gear lever
• Ensure that the vehicle is secure, stop the engine, and before opening the door check all round for safety
• Turn around and use both grab rails making sure that all steps are used to exit the vehicle

Section 5 – Ability to prevent physical risk

• From the driver’s seat and externally, show me and explain the daily safety check you would make to this vehicle before driving on the road.

This explanation should include:

Speed Limiter Settings

Brakes

Lights

Wipers/Washers

Tyres

Horn

Mirrors

Speedometer

Tachograph

Reflectors

Number Plates

Exhaust Systems