Well that’s me passed the whole shebang, got my pink cert and ready to roll.
This was no point and explain test. The man wants to see you getting down and dirty with yer wagon. I was literally crawling about under the thing looking for stowaways and contraband. No ■■■■ overlooked nor crannie unscan…ied (sorry, that was bad. The only other thing that rhymes wasn’t appropriate 
). The Ability to Prevent Physical Risk section (ie daily checks) was likewise taken to extremes of thoroughness, which is fair enough. All in all though, it was all pretty much common sense stuff. I highly recommend the EP Training videos on youtube
I watched that loads of times and it seems to cover pretty much everything. It doesn’t beat actually getting your hands on a truck and physically going through the scenarios but it gives you a good head start. I had an hour or so with the instructor beforehand to make sure I was up to speed and that did the trick. The only disappointment in the test was we never went near the cage so I didn’t get to show off my dolly knot 
The examiner was sound, too. If there was the odd thing I had forgotten he would tease it out with words like “Is there something else you might check here?” or “What other way could you do that?”
For those of you yet to go through the module 4 I have copied out the handout I received. This contains the different sections and relevant questions contained within the test and covered in the video above. Hopefully it will come in handy; print it out, find a friend with some spare time and a truck and have a practice.
Section 1
Ability to load the vehicle with regard for safety and proper vehicle use
The examiner may ask you to show him and explain how you would check to see if the vehicle is overloaded?
Explain and show the examiner how you would check the plating certificate.
Explain that you would check to see if the vehicle body is leaning to one side.
Explain you would check to see if tyres were touching.
Explain you would check to see if the suspension was lower than it should be.
Explain to the examiner if you suspected it was overloaded you would take it to a weighbridge.
The examiner may ask you to show and explain where the centre of gravity is in this vehicle, and what forces could make the load move.
Show the examiner where the centre of gravity is in your vehicle. (Point to a line straight down the middle of the vehicle from front to rear)
Explain that braking could make the load move forward.
Explain that accelerating could make the load move backwards and could possibly fall off.
Explain that when turning, the load could move and could fall off the side.
The examiner may ask you to demonstrate a restraining device for a particular load, and then ask you to demonstrate how to secure the load.
This could be using straps, chain and tensioner, dolly knots and the restraining device.
For palletized loads either straps or rope.
For metal loads use chain and tensioner.
For cages use tensioning bar.
The examiner may ask to explain and demonstrate what checks to the vehicles fuel system you would make before starting a long journey in bad weather / icy conditions.
Explain that you would check the level via the instrument panel and visually check the tank. Show the examiner you checking the filler cap is secure.
Explain and show the examiner how you would check the mountings and fuel pipes are in good condition.
The examiner may ask you to explain what precautions you would take with fuel in bad weather.
Explain to the examiner that in cold weather it is essential that you have enough fuel for your journey in the event of delays due to the conditions etc.
Additives can be added to the fuel to stop it freezing.
Section 2.
Security of the vehicle and its contents.
When you leave your vehicle please explain and demonstrate what precautions and safety checks you would undertake.
Park in a secure well lit reputable secure lorry park.
Ensure that you remove the keys from the vehicle and lock the doors.
If possible park you vehicle with the rear doors against a wall or another vehicle.
Have an alarm fitted/immobilizer fitted, if already fitted make sure it is activated.
Before you leave and when you return to the vehicle conduct a walk round security check.
The examiner may ask you to demonstrate how to enter and exit the vehicle correctly and explain the safety and visual checks (cockpit drill) you would carry out before starting the engine.
Demonstrate entering the vehicle with the three points of contact.
Demonstrate the cockpit drill (door, seat, steering, seatbelt, mirrors, handbrake is on and gear lever is in neutral.
Check all the visual and audio devices (gauges, horn etc)
Check that you have sufficient fuel for the journey.
Demonstrate where the height limit sign is located.
Before exiting the vehicle check all round before opening the door, exit the vehicle backwards again using the three points of contact.
The examiner may ask you to explain the following, whilst driving on the motorway flames appear from under the bonnet indicating an electrical fire, how would you deal with it.
Stop as quickly as possible and as safely as you can on the hard shoulder.
Get any passengers off and to a place of safety.
Dial 999 and Contact the emergency services.
Isolate the fuel supply and electrical supply. (If switches are fitted ). Only if you can do so without endangering your own life attempt to extinguish the fire using the correct fire extinguisher.
Don’t use a water fire extinguisher on an electrical fire.
The examiner may ask you to explain and demonstrate what you would do if you suspect a brake fault on your vehicle.
Check to see if the air pressure gauge is down.
Build up air pressure and walk round the vehicle listening for an air leak.
Explain and demonstrate how you would drain the air tanks and then how to recharge the tanks.
If an articulated vehicle check the airlines.
The examiner may ask you by walking round the vehicle to show him any projections or overhangs there may be.
Show the examiner projections i.e. Mirrors, steps, tail swing etc
Explain to the examiner that overhangs can sweep over kerbs and collide with pedestrians, street sign, lampposts etc.
Mirrors could collide with pedestrians, street signs lampposts etc.
Good all round vision is required as well as correct use of mirrors to check for any rear tail swing.
The examiner may ask you to explain and demonstrate what checks you would make with regard to spray suppression, wheels and tyres before commencing a journey.
Explain and demonstrate to the examiner that you would check that the wheel nuts are tight and secure and any wheel security markers are in place.
Explain and demonstrate that you would carry out a visual check of the tread depth and condition of the tyres.
Explain and demonstrate how you would check the spray suppression equipment of the vehicle.
Explain and demonstrate how you would check to see if there are any bricks etc stuck between double wheels.
The examiner may ask you to explain and demonstrate what safety checks and precautions you would take when you leave your vehicle.
Do not discuss details of your load
Never leave the keys in the cad when it’s unattended
Do not give a lift to anyone and try to avoid using the same route and rest stops where possible.
Only park in secure, well-lit reputable lorry parks and if possible with the rear door against a wall or another vehicle.
Section 3
Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants
The examiner may ask you what safety checks you would carry out after taking a comfort break before you drive through customs when returning to the UK.
Demonstrate-:
Check above the vehicle and below the vehicle.
Check all external compartments of the vehicle.
Under wheel arches, between tyres.
Check the rear doors of your vehicle if sealed to check seal has not been tampered with.
Check the fuel cap is secured and has not been tampered with.
If a curtain sider check the curtains are not ripped.
Section 4
Ability to assess emergency situations
The examiner may ask you to explain the following, whilst driving on the motorway flames appear from under the bonnet indicating an electrical fire, how would you deal with it.
Stop as quickly as possible and as safely as you can on the hard shoulder.
Get any passengers off and to a place of safety.
Dial 999 and Contact the emergency services.
Isolate the fuel supply and electrical supply. (If switches are fitted).Only, if you can do so without endangering your own life attempt to extinguish the fire using the correct fire extinguisher.
Don’t use a water fire extinguisher on an electrical fire.
The examiner may ask you to demonstrate how to enter and exit the vehicle correctly and explain the safety and visual checks (cockpit drill) you would carry out before starting the engine.
Demonstrate entering the vehicle with the three points of contact.
Demonstrate the cockpit drill (door, seat, steering, seatbelt, mirrors, handbrake is on and gear lever is in neutral.
Check all the visual and audio devices (gauges, horn etc)
Check that you have sufficient fuel for the journey.
Demonstrate where the height limit sign is located.
Before exiting the vehicle check all round before opening the door, exit the vehicle backwards again using the three points of contact.
Section 5
Ability to prevent physical risk
The examiner may ask you to demonstrate checks you would make to your vehicle at the start of the day before you take the vehicle out. He may ask you to do the checks while sitting in the vehicle or outside the vehicle or both.
Use the vehicle check list starting from the top to the bottom.
EXTERNAL CHECKS:
CHECK ALL TYRES - 1 mm TREAD ¾ WIDTH FULL CIRCUMFERENCEN, NO CUTS OR BULGES,
CORRECT PRESURE. CHECK WHEEL NUTS.
MIRRORS - CHECK THEY ARE CLEAN, NOT CRACKED OR BROKEN.
REFLECTORS - CHECK THEY ARE CLEAN AND NOT BROKEN.
NUMBER PLATES - CHECK FRONT AND REAR OF VEHICLE.
EXHAUST - CHECK FOR EXCESSIVE SMOKE OR NOISE.
LIGHTS - CHECK ALL LIGHTS, ASK THE EXAMINER TO CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS.
INTERNALLY:
HORN - CHECK HORN IS WORKING.
WIPERS AND WASHERS - CHECK THEY ARE OPERATING CORRECTLY.
HEIGHT - CHECK THE HEIGHT LIMIT SIGN IS VISABLE.
SPEED LIMITER - CHECK THE SPEED LIMITER SIGN IS VISABLE.
TACHOGRAPH / SPEEDOMETER - EXPLAIN HOW TO INSERT A DISC. SPEEDO LOCATION
BRAKES - MOVE FORWARD AND CHECK BRAKES ARE OPERATING EFFICIENTLY.
Well, I hope that’s of use to someone. I’m off to buy a Yorkie bar to go with my Stella 
