CPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What are the signs that a casualty may be going into shock? → Pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and rapid shallow breathing
2. How does carrying a full load affect the braking distance of a commercial vehicle? → It significantly increases braking distance due to greater momentum
3. How frequently should a professional driver carry out risk assessment while on a journey? → Continuously throughout every journey
4. By how much can stopping distances increase when driving on ice compared to a dry road? → Up to ten times as far
5. When is a large vehicle most likely to create a dangerous bow wave affecting pedestrians and cyclists? → When travelling at speed through standing water
6. When manoeuvring a long vehicle around a roundabout, what specific hazard must the driver be aware of? → Off-tracking, where rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front
7. What is 'blocking and bracing' in load security? → Using physical barriers and wedges to prevent the load from moving within the vehicle
8. What does a flashing amber beacon on a slow-moving vehicle on the road indicate? → The vehicle is wide, slow, or requires extra caution from passing drivers
9. Why must you avoid overtaking another vehicle on a left-hand bend? → Your view ahead is restricted by the bend, hiding oncoming traffic
10. What is the fuel saving potential of good eco-driving techniques? → 5-15% reduction in fuel consumption
11. What is the most fuel-efficient way to accelerate in an HGV? → Accelerate smoothly and progressively, using the green band on the rev counter
12. What should a driver do if they notice the load has shifted during a journey? → Stop safely as soon as possible, check and re-secure the load before continuing
13. What should a professional driver do if they witness a road traffic collision? → Stop safely, ensure scene safety, call 999, and provide what assistance they can
14. What is the correct ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths in adult CPR? → 30 compressions to 2 breaths
15. Why is it important to distribute a load evenly across the trailer floor? → To ensure axle weights are within legal limits and the vehicle handles safely
16. Where should a professional driver be especially alert for motorcyclists when operating a large vehicle? → In mirrors and blind spots, particularly when turning
17. What is the maximum speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a single carriageway road in the UK? → 50 mph
18. What is the safest action to take if you feel drowsy while driving a commercial vehicle? → Pull over safely at the earliest opportunity and rest
19. What is the primary risk of a large vehicle driving too close to the nearside kerb in an urban area? → Striking pedestrians or cyclists in the nearside blind spot
20. Which lights should be switched on when driving in conditions where visibility is reduced but above 100 metres? → Dipped headlights
21. What is the main benefit of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) when activated? → It prevents wheel lock-up so the driver can steer while braking
22. What does DR ABC stand for in first aid? → Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation
23. Under UK law, who is responsible for ensuring a load is properly secured on an HGV? → The driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring the load is secure before driving
24. What document must UK drivers carry when driving commercially in EU member states? → A UK driving licence plus a Driver Qualification Card (DQC)
25. What is the function of the air compressor in an HGV? → To generate compressed air for the braking system, suspension, and other pneumatic systems
26. What should you NOT do if a casualty in a vehicle collision has a suspected spinal injury? → Move them unless there is immediate danger to life such as fire
27. How many hours of periodic CPC training must a driver complete every 5 years? → 35 hours
28. What significant danger does a strong crosswind pose to a high-sided vehicle? → It can push the vehicle sideways causing instability or rollover
29. What is the primary danger when a high-sided vehicle passes under a bridge? → Striking the structure if the vehicle exceeds the height restriction
30. Which vehicles are exempt from the EU/UK drivers' hours rules? → Emergency vehicles, military vehicles, and vehicles used by certain public services