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Vehicle Loading: all 40 questions and answers

Question 1

How should a load be carried on your roof rack?

  1. Tied with string
  2. Securely fastened and evenly distributed
  3. Placed loosely so it can move freely
  4. Covered with a blanket

Any load on a roof rack must be securely fastened and evenly distributed. An insecure or uneven load can affect vehicle handling and stability, and items could fall off and cause danger to others.

Question 2

You are carrying a heavy load in your vehicle. How will this affect your braking?

  1. Your braking will not be affected
  2. Your braking distance will be shorter
  3. Your braking distance will be longer
  4. Your brakes will be more responsive

A heavy load increases the momentum of your vehicle, meaning it takes longer to stop. You should allow more distance between you and the vehicle ahead and brake earlier.

Question 3

You are towing a caravan. What is the maximum speed allowed on a motorway?

  1. 50 mph
  2. 60 mph
  3. 70 mph
  4. 80 mph

When towing a caravan or trailer on a motorway, the maximum speed limit is 60 mph. This is lower than the 70 mph limit for cars without trailers.

Question 4

How can an overloaded vehicle affect your driving?

  1. It improves stability
  2. It makes the steering lighter
  3. It can make the vehicle unstable on bends and affect braking
  4. It has no effect on driving

An overloaded vehicle can become unstable, especially on bends and uneven roads. It also affects braking distance, steering, and tyre wear. Never exceed your vehicle's maximum authorised mass.

Question 5

A load extends more than two metres beyond the rear of your vehicle. What must you do?

  1. Use hazard warning lights
  2. Attach a red flag or light to the end of the load
  3. Drive only in the left lane
  4. Reduce speed to 20 mph

If a load extends more than two metres beyond the rear of your vehicle, you must attach a red flag (during the day) or a red light (at night) to make it visible to other road users.

Question 6

What effect does carrying a heavy roof load have on your vehicle?

  1. It improves fuel economy
  2. It lowers the centre of gravity
  3. It raises the centre of gravity and reduces stability
  4. It has no effect on handling

A heavy roof load raises the vehicle's centre of gravity. This makes the vehicle less stable, especially on bends and curves, and increases the risk of the vehicle rolling over.

Question 7

You are towing a trailer that starts to swerve or snake. What should you do?

  1. Brake hard to stop quickly
  2. Accelerate to straighten the trailer
  3. Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently
  4. Steer sharply in the opposite direction

If a towed trailer starts to snake, ease off the accelerator to reduce speed gently. Do not brake harshly or accelerate as this can make the snaking worse.

Question 8

Where should you put the heaviest items when loading your vehicle?

  1. On the roof rack
  2. On the back seat
  3. As low down and near the centre as possible
  4. In the front passenger footwell

Heavy items should be placed as low down and as near to the centre of the vehicle as possible. This keeps the centre of gravity low and helps maintain vehicle stability.

Question 9

What is the noseweight of a tow bar?

  1. The total weight of the trailer
  2. The downward force the trailer exerts on the tow bar
  3. The weight of the tow bar itself
  4. The maximum weight you can carry in the car

The noseweight is the downward force exerted on the tow ball by the trailer coupling. It must be within the limits specified by both the car and trailer manufacturers for safe towing.

Question 10

You are planning to tow a caravan. What should you check before setting off?

  1. That the caravan weighs more than your car
  2. That the mirrors, lights, coupling, and tyre pressures are all correct
  3. That the caravan's handbrake is left on
  4. That you have removed all items from the caravan

Before towing, check that towing mirrors give adequate rear view, all lights and indicators work, the coupling is secure, and tyre pressures on both the car and caravan are correct.

Question 11

Who is legally responsible for making sure a load on a vehicle is securely fastened?

  1. The person who loaded the vehicle
  2. The driver
  3. The vehicle's owner
  4. The insurance company

The driver is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is not overloaded and that any load is securely fastened before setting off (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 12

You are towing a caravan on a three-lane motorway. Which lane must you NOT use?

  1. The left-hand lane
  2. The middle lane
  3. Any lane after dark
  4. The right-hand lane

Vehicles towing trailers or caravans must not use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes (Highway Code Rules 98 and 265).

Question 13

Why should a trailer be fitted with a secondary coupling device, such as a breakaway cable?

  1. To keep the trailer attached or apply its brakes if the main coupling fails
  2. To stop the trailer swaying in crosswinds
  3. To reduce fuel consumption while towing
  4. To make reversing with the trailer easier

Trailers need a secondary coupling device so that if the main coupling fails the trailer stays connected or its brakes are applied (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 14

When should you fit extended towing mirrors to your car?

  1. Whenever you tow anything, by law
  2. When the trailer or caravan blocks your normal view to the rear
  3. Only when towing at night
  4. Only when towing on motorways

You should use towing mirrors if your trailer or caravan is wider than your car and restricts your view behind (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 15

How is your stopping distance affected when you are towing a loaded trailer?

  1. It increases
  2. It becomes shorter because of extra grip
  3. It stays the same as normal
  4. It only changes in wet weather

The extra weight of a trailer means you should reduce speed and allow for longer stopping distances when towing (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 16

A child under 1.35 metres tall is travelling in your car. What must they normally use?

  1. An adult seat belt only
  2. A lap belt in the front seat
  3. No restraint if the journey is short
  4. An appropriate child restraint such as a child or booster seat

Children under 1.35 metres must use an appropriate baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion fitted per the manufacturer's instructions (Highway Code Rule 100).

Question 17

Who is responsible for ensuring a 12-year-old passenger wears a seat belt in a car?

  1. The child
  2. The child's parents, wherever they are
  3. The driver
  4. The front-seat passenger

The driver must ensure all children under 14 years wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint (Highway Code Rule 100).

Question 18

Why must a rear-facing baby seat never be fitted to a seat protected by an active frontal airbag?

  1. The airbag could seriously injure or kill the child if it inflates
  2. The seat belt will not reach around the baby seat
  3. It blocks the driver's view of the road
  4. The baby seat could damage the airbag sensor

A rear-facing baby seat must not be fitted where an active frontal airbag is present, because in a crash the airbag can cause serious injury or death to the child (Highway Code Rule 101).

Question 19

Children are getting into your car at the side of a busy road. Which door should they use?

  1. Whichever door is nearest to them
  2. The door on the traffic side
  3. The kerb-side door
  4. The front passenger door only

Children should get into a vehicle through the door nearest the kerb, away from passing traffic (Highway Code Rule 102).

Question 20

How should a dog be carried in your car?

  1. Loose on the back seat so it can settle
  2. Suitably restrained with a harness, carrier or guard
  3. On the front passenger's lap
  4. In the front footwell

Animals in vehicles should be suitably restrained, for example with a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard, so they cannot distract or injure you (Highway Code Rule 57).

Question 21

You want to tow a trailer for the first time. What should you check about your driving licence?

  1. That it shows your current address
  2. That you are entitled to tow the weight of trailer you intend to use
  3. That it was issued in the UK
  4. Nothing - any full licence allows any trailer

You must not tow more than your licence permits, so check your licence entitlement covers the weight you plan to tow (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 22

What is the national speed limit for a car towing a trailer on a dual carriageway?

  1. 50 mph
  2. 40 mph
  3. 70 mph
  4. 60 mph

Cars towing trailers or caravans are limited to 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. You must not exceed the maximum speed limits (Highway Code Rule 124).

Question 23

You are towing a heavily loaded trailer at night. What may you need to adjust before setting off?

  1. Your headlight aim
  2. Your tyre tread depth
  3. Your seat belt tension
  4. Your rear fog light colour

Extra weight at the rear can make headlights point upwards and dazzle others, so headlights may need adjusting when towing or carrying heavy loads (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 24

Which of these is most likely to cause a caravan to become unstable and snake?

  1. An evenly distributed load
  2. Poor weight distribution inside the caravan
  3. Driving below the speed limit
  4. Using extended towing mirrors

Weight should be distributed evenly when towing; poor distribution makes a trailer or caravan unstable and more likely to snake (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 25

Is it acceptable for passengers to ride inside a caravan while it is being towed?

  1. Yes, if they are wearing seat belts
  2. Yes, but only on motorways
  3. No, passengers must never travel in a towed caravan
  4. Yes, if the caravan has brakes

Passengers must never be carried in a caravan while it is being towed; it is unsafe and all passengers should travel in the towing vehicle, properly restrained (Highway Code Rules 98 and 99).

Question 26

Before towing, what should you check on both the car and the trailer?

  1. That the radio aerial is retracted
  2. That both have the same tyre brand
  3. That both have matching paintwork
  4. That the brakes and lights are working correctly

Vehicles and trailers must be roadworthy, with functioning brakes and lights, before you tow (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 27

You are driving a car with a fully loaded roof box. What should you expect?

  1. Better fuel economy
  2. Reduced stability, especially in crosswinds and when cornering
  3. Shorter stopping distances
  4. Improved acceleration

A load carried high on the vehicle raises the centre of gravity, reducing stability in crosswinds and on bends. Loads must be secure and not affect control (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 28

Your car is loaded with luggage and four passengers for a long trip. What should you check in the handbook before leaving?

  1. The recommended tyre pressures for a full load
  2. The maximum engine oil temperature
  3. The washer fluid grade
  4. The battery voltage rating

A heavily loaded vehicle usually needs higher tyre pressures; you must not overload your vehicle and should keep it roadworthy for the load carried (Highway Code Rules 89 and 98).

Question 29

Your trailer starts to snake at speed on a motorway. What should you do first?

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Steer sharply from side to side to counter it
  3. Accelerate to pull the trailer straight
  4. Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently

If a trailer starts to swerve or snake, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control; harsh braking or steering can make it worse (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 30

Why should you engage child safety door locks when carrying young children?

  1. To stop the doors rattling
  2. To prevent children opening the doors during the journey
  3. To improve the car's security rating
  4. So the doors close more quietly

Where child safety locks are fitted they should be used when children are carried, so children cannot open the doors while travelling (Highway Code Rule 102).

Question 31

In an estate car without special seats fitted, where must children NOT travel?

  1. In the space behind the rear seats
  2. In the middle rear seat
  3. In the front passenger seat
  4. Behind the driver

Children must not sit in the space behind the rear seats of an estate car or hatchback unless a special child seat has been fitted there (Highway Code Rule 102).

Question 32

How does towing a trailer change the way you should approach junctions and roundabouts?

  1. No differently from normal driving
  2. Allow for the extra length and weight of your combination
  3. Always take the shortest path across the junction
  4. Signal only after entering the junction

When towing you should be aware of the additional length and width of your vehicle and allow for it when manoeuvring (Highway Code Rule 160).

Question 33

You need to carry several loose, heavy tools in your car. Where is the safest place for them?

  1. On the rear parcel shelf
  2. On the front passenger seat
  3. In the driver's footwell
  4. Securely stowed in the boot

Loads must be secured so they cannot move; loose heavy items can become dangerous projectiles in a crash or under braking, so stow them securely in the boot (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 34

An unrestrained dog in your car keeps climbing between the seats. What is the main danger?

  1. It may distract you or injure you if you have to stop suddenly
  2. It will wear out the upholstery
  3. It will set off the airbag warning light
  4. It will invalidate the car's MOT

Unrestrained animals can distract the driver and can injure you or themselves if you stop quickly, so they should be restrained with a harness, carrier or guard (Highway Code Rule 57).

Question 35

What could happen if you set off with the noseweight on your tow ball far too low?

  1. The car's headlights will point down
  2. The trailer may pitch and become unstable
  3. The trailer brakes will lock on
  4. Fuel consumption will fall sharply

Weight must be distributed correctly when towing; too little noseweight makes the trailer unstable and prone to pitching and snaking (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 36

You plan to carry a passenger in the front seat that has an active frontal airbag, using a rear-facing baby seat. What must you do?

  1. Fit the baby seat and drive slowly
  2. Deactivate the airbag or fit the baby seat in another suitable seat
  3. Recline the seat fully before fitting the baby seat
  4. Nothing - airbags protect babies too

A rear-facing baby seat must not be used in a seat protected by an active frontal airbag; the airbag must be deactivated or the child seat placed elsewhere (Highway Code Rule 101).

Question 37

Compared with normal driving, what should you do to your overall speed when towing a trailer?

  1. Match the speed of lorries at all times
  2. Increase it to keep the trailer stable
  3. Keep it exactly the same
  4. Reduce it

When towing you should reduce your speed and expect longer stopping distances because of the extra weight and length (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 38

Your car and trailer combination must comply with which requirements to be used on the road?

  1. Only the trailer manufacturer's warranty terms
  2. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) and Lighting Regulations
  3. The local council's parking rules
  4. Voluntary caravan club guidelines only

You must ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Highway Code Rule 89).

Question 39

A friend offers to sit in the boot of your hatchback because all the seats are full. What should you do?

  1. Allow it for a short journey only
  2. Allow it if they hold on to the seat backs
  3. Refuse - every passenger needs a proper seat and, where fitted, a seat belt
  4. Allow it if you drive under 30 mph

You must not carry passengers in a way that endangers them; seat belts must be worn where fitted and people should not travel in luggage areas (Highway Code Rules 98 and 99).

Question 40

A heavy load has shifted forward against the tailgate during your journey. What should you do?

  1. Continue to your destination and unload there
  2. Stop as soon as it is safe and re-secure the load
  3. Speed up so the load slides back into place
  4. Open a window to check the load while driving

Loads must be securely fastened at all times; if a load moves, stop when safe and make it secure before continuing (Highway Code Rule 98).

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