Lesson 1Pre-departure telematics and systems checks: tachograph calibration status, fleet telematics login, ADAS/camera/function checks, cab comfort and safety items (fire extinguisher, PPE)Participants will gain knowledge on conducting pre-departure inspections for tachographs, telematics, and driver assistance systems, encompassing calibration verification, driver login processes, ADAS and camera functionality tests, alongside cab comfort features, personal protective equipment, fire extinguishers, and emergency gear.
Confirming tachograph calibration and timeDownloading and inserting driver cardsLogging into fleet telematics systemsChecking ADAS, cameras and proximity sensorsInspecting fire extinguisher and first aid kitVerifying PPE and in-cab emergency itemsLesson 2Mandatory walkaround inspection: tyres, rims, lights, reflectors, underbody, suspension, exhaust, and fluid leaksThis lesson outlines the required HGV walkaround examination, emphasising tyres, wheels, lighting, reflectors, bodywork, underbody components, suspension systems, exhaust setup, and fluid leakage detection, in addition to defect reporting, correction, and documentation responsibilities.
Tyre tread, pressure and sidewall conditionWheel rims, nuts and security indicatorsLights, indicators and reflectors checkBodywork, underbody and chassis inspectionSuspension, exhaust and fluid leak checksRecording and reporting vehicle defectsLesson 3Trailer coupling and decoupling checks: fifth wheel condition, locking, air and electrical lines, landing gearLearners will master secure coupling and uncoupling techniques for semi-trailers, covering fifth wheel evaluation, kingpin connection, visual and pull tests, air and electrical connections, landing gear operation, and measures to prevent trailer movement.
Inspecting fifth wheel, kingpin and mountingCorrect trailer height and alignmentLocking jaws, safety latch and tug testConnecting air, electrical and EBS linesRaising and lowering landing legs safelyFinal coupled trailer walkaround checkLesson 4Handling limited quantities of hazardous goods: packaging, labeling, segregation, emergency information and compliance checksThis lesson covers the management of limited quantities of dangerous goods, including packaging inspections, labelling and marking verification, segregation guidelines, documentation requirements, emergency details, protective equipment, spill management, and adherence to ADR exemption regulations.
Identifying limited quantity and ADR classesChecking packaging integrity and closuresVerifying labels, marks and placardsSegregation of incompatible dangerous goodsCarrying transport and emergency documentsPPE, spill kits and emergency proceduresLesson 5Load security for mixed freight: pallet lashing, use of straps, dunnage, load distribution and axle weight awarenessLearners will understand secure methods for mixed freight using pallets, straps, chains, and dunnage, addressing load placement, centre of gravity, axle weight considerations, blocking and bracing techniques, and compliance with EN 12195 standards and company guidelines.
Assessing load type and securing methodUsing pallets, straps, chains and edge protectorsApplying dunnage, blocking and bracingPlanning load distribution and center of gravityChecking axle weights and legal limitsFinal load security walkaround checksLesson 6Paperwork and digital documents: CMR, waybills, dangerous goods declarations, vehicle papers, driver licence, CPC and digital tachograph cardsThis lesson addresses vital transport documentation and digital records, such as CMR consignment notes, waybills, ADR declarations, vehicle and trailer certificates, driver qualifications, and tachograph cards, including methods to confirm their validity and accessibility.
Checking CMR notes and waybills for accuracyVerifying ADR and dangerous goods declarationsConfirming vehicle and trailer registration papersChecking driver license and CPC validityInspecting digital and analogue tachograph cardsLesson 7Brake system inspection: air system pressure, reservoirs, audible checks, slack adjusters, ABS and EBS functional checksParticipants will examine HGV air brake system inspections prior to departure, including pressure accumulation, leakage tests, warning mechanisms, reservoirs, slack adjuster assessments, and operational verification of ABS and EBS on both tractor unit and trailer.
Pre-trip air pressure and leak checksReservoir draining and moisture controlTesting low pressure warning devicesChecking slack adjusters and pushrod travelABS and EBS warning light verificationTrailer brake performance and balance
