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)You will learn to conduct pre-departure inspections on tachographs, telematics, and driver assistance systems, covering calibration verification, driver login procedures, ADAS and camera functionality tests, as well as 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 section outlines the required HGV walkaround inspection, emphasising tyres, wheels, lights, reflectors, bodywork, underbody, suspension, exhaust systems, and fluid leaks, along with defect reporting, rectification processes, and record-keeping obligations.
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 gearHere you will learn safe procedures for coupling and uncoupling semi-trailers, including fifth wheel inspections, kingpin engagement, visual and tug tests, air and electrical line connections, landing gear operations, and measures to prevent trailer roll-away incidents.
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 section covers handling limited quantities of hazardous goods, including packaging inspections, labelling and marking requirements, segregation guidelines, documentation, emergency information provision, PPE usage, spill response protocols, and adherence to ADR exemptions for compliance.
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 awarenessThis section explains securing mixed freight safely using pallets, straps, chains, and dunnage. It addresses load distribution, centre of gravity considerations, axle weights, blocking and bracing techniques, and compliance with EN 12195 standards and company policies.
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 section reviews essential transport documents and digital records, such as CMR consignment notes, waybills, ADR declarations, vehicle and trailer papers, driver qualifications, and tachograph cards, including methods to verify their validity and availability.
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 checksHere you will review inspecting HGV air brake systems prior to departure, covering pressure build-up tests, leak detection, warning devices, reservoirs, slack adjusters, and operational checks of ABS and EBS on both tractor and trailer units.
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
