To drive a lorry or large goods vehicle (LGV) you need to obtain a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). TRS Training’s LGV Apprenticeship helps you prepare for and gain your CPC as well as a variety of skills for working in the road haulage industry.
The CPC includes a theory test which is made up of two parts – multiple choice and hazard perception. The test covers many LGC driving related topics which will help give you the foundation knowledge that will underpin your practical driving skills.
This blog looks at just one of the topics on the theory test: Securing your lorry’s load. Here’s five of the facts you’ll need to know about securing loads to pass your theory test and to drive a goods vehicle safely.
Five Facts About Securing Loads
If you don’t know your half loop from your spring lashing; you might be surprised to learn these are both terms that any lorry worth their salt – or load – is familiar with.
As you can imagine, ensuring your lorry and its load are safe is a significant aspect of the job. Being a successful LGV driver requires a lot more than just sitting in the cab!
1. There are many different ways that a lorry load can be secured. But did you know that each ratchet, strap or chain must be rated with a capacity for safe use? For instance a ratchet and strap won’t be deemed suitable for securing machinery, pieces of plant have to be secured with chain and approved devices to tension it.
2. It seems obvious to ensure a low centre of gravity so a lorry won’t overturn, especially on corners. But anybody wanting to start a career as a driver will also have to know about gross vehicle axle weights, dimensions of any load and what order to place various items onto a lorry.
3. Before you set off on the road you have a responsibility to other road users, pedestrians and the environment. A lorry driver is expected to be able to conduct a load risk assessment. You’ll look at things like whether the vehicle is suitable and assessing the securing devices mentioned above. In fact the Department for Transport has a code of practice that you have to work within.
4. During the theory test you may be asked about who is responsible for the load. Ahead of getting behind the wheel, you’ll appreciate various roles of operator, consignor and driver. In order to pass your theory test and start your career you will need to know where the responsibility of each person or company starts and ends.
5. We don’t want to scare you but in any year Highways England can record in the region of 20,000 road impact incidents of items falling from vehicles. Getting it right can help you to avoid a fixed penalty on your license, penalty points, a fine of £5000 or even a prison sentence.
When you sit your theory test expect 100 questions and the pass mark is 85%. Here at TRS we focus on more than just coaching you to pass the written exam. Train with us and you’ll have an in-depth understanding of applying the theory both in the depot and out on the road. Lorry driving is a real career choice; drivers are in demand and help to keep the UK and Europe moving. We’d love to hear from anybody who thinks it could be the career for them.
Government official information on CPC
More information on doing an LGV Apprenticeship with TRS Training
