Cpc pratical question

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

CPC Mod 4 coming up and just wanted to run this one by.
When the examiner asks where you distribute a half load of steel plates, is the answer towards the middle or the back, rather than the front of the trailer? and using steel chains.
Empty steel cages and paper load are both at the front with a tension bar and ratchet straps accordingly.

2

Angloman:
CPC Mod 4 coming up and just wanted to run this one by.
When the examiner asks where you distribute a half load of steel plates, is the answer towards the middle or the back, rather than the front of the trailer? and using steel chains.
Empty steel cages and paper load are both at the front with a tension bar and ratchet straps accordingly.

Its a depends question because the plates could be very long or very short
Very long could be up to the headboard because the weight would not overload the front axle
Short up to the headboard would be likely to overload front axle

I do not see how this can be answered without more info

Steel chains is right in either case

I real life I have had both situations and been axle weighed
If the plates could be split then I would spread them out for an even weight

3

Rog is correct about the length of the steel plates. I have delivered roll cages in a curtainsider before so the answer should depend on what type of truck you are using (box or curtainsider) to what securing device to be used.

However I do think the examiner should hide a package similar to drugs in the truck to make section 3 more realistic.

Paul :smiley:

4

What is important with the steel plates is that they either need to be up to the headboard (if the dimensions allow as already discussed) or that dunnage (spacer) is used if they are further back. This is to prevent forward motion.

The half load of paper I always teach to have in the area of the rear axle coming forwards.

But there is a great deal of latitude as the questions are far from specific.

I think Paul has a great idea with the examiner placing “drugs” to be found.

Pete :laughing: :laughing:

5

Peter Smythe:
The half load of paper I always teach to have in the area of the rear axle coming forwards.

That’s exactly how we teach this particular question

elmet training:
Rog is correct about the length of the steel plates. I have delivered roll cages in a curtainsider before so the answer should depend on what type of truck you are using (box or curtainsider) to what securing device to be used.

We have always taken the view that the question should be answered according to the vehicle being used for this test. As we use a box vehicle we teach to place the empty cages against the headboard and use the tension bar.

As for the steel plates as the question refers to half a load we take that to mean half the maximum payload so we teach to answer the loading as per half load of palletised paper

Peter Smythe:
But there is a great deal of latitude as the questions are far from specific.

You are right there Pete. I have asked different examiners about this question and each gives a different answer !

6

Cheers guys, I was under the impression it was the same question that gets asked (if they chose to ask that one) as that was what the mock paper has which I was provided with. So basically, if the examiner specifies long, then up to the headboard, or if short then secured to prevent forward motion.
I was told to treat section 3 (illegals/drugs) as if I was searching for a small bag of drugs outside and inside the vehicle, so it would make sense if they did hide a package on the day.

7

So basically, if the examiner specifies long, then up to the headboard, or if short then secured to prevent forward motion.
I was told to treat section 3 (illegals/drugs) as if I was searching for a small bag of drugs outside and inside the vehicle, so it would make sense if they did hide a package on the day.

The examiner wont specify long or short.

I always encourage folks to try and think like a criminal when it comes to the drug search. I ignore illegal immigrants as drugs are smaller so that covers both.

Pete :laughing: :laughing:

8

Here is our best stab in the dark at this question, not had any examiner complaints yet in the last 5 years of tests.

  1. Where to place a half load of palletised paper? From centre of rear axle to approx just forward of the middle of the wheelbase of the truck.

  2. Where to place a half load of steel plates? From the headboard distributed the entire length of vehicle, feel free to ramble on about dangers of movement and securing.

  3. Where to place a half load of empty roll cages? Up to the headboard.

You will see those 3 examples neatly give the DVSA Examiners all 3 possibilities, all at the headboard, in the middle of your truck and spread full length, covers all bases, job done, pass! Next victim please! My name is mr examiner, what would you like me to call you?