Login Sign Up

Vehicle Loading Theory Test

Mock Tests > Vehicle Loading Theory Test

There are 12 driving theory test Vehicle Loading questions. You must get 86% (10 out of 12) to pass the test. You may review answers after each question by clicking the 'check answer' button or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!

Sign up to keep track of your progress

Tests Taken

Last Score

Average Score

Your Progress

0 votes - average 0 out of 5

Vehicle Loading Theory Test Quick View

Click the question box to reveal the correct answer. You can print the Vehicle Loading Theory Test questions and answers by clicking the printer icon below.

1. What restrictions apply if you're towing a trailer on a three-lane motorway? Mark one answer
A You must have a stabiliser fitted
B You mustn't exceed 50 mph
C You mustn't overtake
D You mustn't use the right-hand lane
Correct Answer: D You mustn't use the right-hand lane
Explanation: The motorway regulations for towing a trailer state that you mustn't
  • use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless directed to do so (for example, at roadworks or due to a lane closure)
  • exceed 60 mph.
2. What should you do if you're towing a trailer and it starts to swing from side to side? Mark one answer
A Accelerate until it stabilises
B Brake hard and hold the pedal down
C Ease off the accelerator to reduce your speed
D Let go of the steering wheel and let it correct itself
Correct Answer: C Ease off the accelerator to reduce your speed
Explanation: Strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles can cause a trailer or caravan to swing from side to side ('snake'). If this happens, ease off the accelerator. Don't brake harshly, steer sharply or increase your speed.
3. When would you increase the pressure in your tyres so that it's above the normal value? Mark one answer
A When carrying a heavy load
B When the roads are slippery
C When the tyre tread is worn below 2 mm
D When the vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes
Correct Answer: A When carrying a heavy load
Explanation: Check the vehicle handbook. This should give you guidance on the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle and when you may need to adjust them. If you're carrying a heavy load, you may need to adjust the headlights as well. Most cars have a switch on the dashboard to do this.
4. How will a heavy load on your roof rack affect your vehicle's handling? Mark one answer
A It will improve the road holding
B It will make the steering lighter
C It will reduce stability
D It will reduce the stopping distance
Correct Answer: C It will reduce stability
Explanation: A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce the stability of the vehicle because it moves the centre of gravity away from that designed by the manufacturer. Be aware of this when you drive round bends and corners. If you change direction at speed, your vehicle and/or load could become unstable and you could lose control.
5. What would be affected if you carry a very heavy load on your vehicle? Mark one answer
A The vehicle's battery
B The vehicle's gearbox
C The vehicle's handling
D The vehicle's ventilation
Correct Answer: C The vehicle's handling
Explanation: Any load will have an effect on the handling of your vehicle, and this becomes worse as you increase the load. You need to be aware of this when carrying passengers or heavy loads, fitting a roof rack or towing a trailer.
6. Who's responsible for making sure that a vehicle isn't overloaded? Mark one answer
A The driver of the vehicle
B The licensing authority
C The owner of the items being carried
D The person who loaded the vehicle
Correct Answer: A The driver of the vehicle
Explanation: Carrying heavy loads will affect control and the vehicle's handling characteristics. If the vehicle you're driving is overloaded, you'll be held responsible.
7. You're planning to tow a caravan. What will help the handling of the combination? Mark one answer
A A jockey wheel fitted to the tow bar
B A stabiliser fitted to the tow bar
C Anti-lock brakes fitted to the towing vehicle
D Power steering fitted to the towing vehicle
Correct Answer: B A stabiliser fitted to the tow bar
Explanation: Towing a caravan or trailer affects the way the towing vehicle handles. A stabiliser device isn't designed to overcome instability caused by incorrect loading but it can give added security in side winds and from buffeting caused by large vehicles.
8. Are passengers allowed to ride in a caravan that's being towed? Mark one answer
A No, not at any time
B Only if a stabiliser is fitted
C Only if all the seats in the towing vehicle are full
D Yes, if they're over 14
Correct Answer: A No, not at any time
Explanation: Riding in a towed caravan is highly dangerous. The safety of the entire unit is dependent on the stability of the trailer. Moving passengers would make the caravan unstable and could cause loss of control.
9. What safety device must be fitted to a trailer braking system? Mark one answer
A Breakaway cable
B Corner steadies
C Jockey wheel
D Stabiliser
Correct Answer: A Breakaway cable
Explanation: In the event that the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle, the breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes before snapping. This allows the towing vehicle to get free of the trailer and out of danger.
10. You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight for your vehicle's tow hitch? Mark one answer
A In The Highway Code
B In the vehicle handbook
C In your licence documents
D In your vehicle registration certificate
Correct Answer: B In the vehicle handbook
Explanation: You must know how to load your trailer or caravan so that the hitch exerts an appropriate downward force on the tow ball. Information about the maximum permitted noseweight can be found in your vehicle handbook or obtained from your vehicle manufacturer's agent.
11. How should a load be carried on your roof rack? Mark one answer
A Covered with plastic sheeting
B Loaded towards the rear of the vehicle
C Securely fastened with suitable restraints
D Visible in your exterior mirror
Correct Answer: C Securely fastened with suitable restraints
Explanation: Any load must be securely fastened to the vehicle. The safest way to carry items on the roof is in a specially designed roof box. This will help to keep your luggage secure and dry, and it also has less wind resistance than loads carried exposed on a roof rack.
12. You're carrying a child under three years old in your car. Which restraint is suitable for a child of this age? Mark one answer
A A child seat
B An adult holding a child
C An adult lap belt
D An adult seat belt
Correct Answer: A A child seat
Explanation: It's your responsibility to ensure that all children in your car are secure. Suitable restraints include a child seat, baby seat, booster seat or booster cushion. It's essential that any restraint used is suitable for the child's size and weight, and fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.