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100+ Free CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Exam

80%

Passing Score

NOCN CPCS

1 hour

Time Limit

NOCN CPCS

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

Pass your CPCS A36 Lorry Loader theory test with 100 comprehensive, UK-compliant practice questions covering duty charts, stabilizers, lifting gear, and LOLER/PUWER regulations.

Sample CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary function of a lorry loader crane installed on a commercial vehicle chassis?
A.To allow the host vehicle to load, transport, and unload goods independently without auxiliary crane support
B.To increase the total gross vehicle weight (GVW) allowance of the host truck under UK road traffic law
C.To replace the need for outrigger stabilizers during heavy highway driving
D.To serve exclusively as an emergency recovery winch for disabled vehicles
Explanation: The primary purpose of a lorry loader is to enable a commercial vehicle to self-load and self-unload cargo efficiently at depots, construction sites, or delivery destinations without requiring external mobile cranes or forklifts.
2In a knuckle-boom lorry loader, what is the specific purpose of the secondary (outer) boom articulated joint?
A.To allow the crane structure to fold compactly behind the cab or over the load bed and provide close-range maneuverability
B.To increase hydraulic pressure supplied directly to the slewing motor
C.To automatically lock the vehicle suspension during highway travel
D.To disconnect the hydraulic pump from the vehicle power take-off (PTO)
Explanation: The knuckle-boom (articulated) design enables the outer boom to fold closely against the inner boom, allowing compact stowing within vehicle transport dimensions and providing versatile articulation close to the bed or structures.
3Which component transfers mechanical rotation between the vehicle chassis mount and the slewing column of a lorry loader?
A.Slewing ring bearing driven by a hydraulic motor and pinion gear, or hydraulic slewing rack and pinion rams
B.Telescopic extension cylinder
C.Luffing cylinder rod end
D.Outrigger leg extension beam pin
Explanation: Lorry loader slewing mechanisms utilize either a gear-driven slewing ring with a hydraulic motor or hydraulic rack-and-pinion cylinders housed in an oil bath at the base column to rotate the crane assembly.
4What is the function of the main relief valve in a lorry loader hydraulic circuit?
A.To protect the overall hydraulic system from dangerous over-pressurization by diverting excess oil back to the reservoir
B.To automatically disengage the vehicle PTO when oil temperature drops below 10°C
C.To lock out slewing controls whenever outriggers are fully retracted
D.To increase fluid velocity inside the hydraulic extension cylinders
Explanation: The main system relief valve limits maximum system hydraulic pressure to a safe threshold predetermined by the manufacturer, opening to spill oil back to the tank when system pressure exceeds set safety limits.
5What feature on a hydraulic cylinder prevents the boom from collapsing rapidly if a hydraulic hose bursts?
A.Overcentre (load-holding) check valve mounted directly on or flanged to the cylinder body
B.Manual bleeder screw on the reservoir tank
C.Flexible rubber hose burst sleeve
D.Pressure gauge bypass port
Explanation: Overcentre or load-holding valves are bolted directly onto lift and extension cylinders. They lock fluid inside the cylinder if pressure drops suddenly due to line failure, preventing uncontrolled boom collapse.
6When fitted to a lorry loader, what is a fly jib attachment used for?
A.To extend the crane's maximum horizontal outreach and up-and-over height capacity for light-to-medium loads
B.To double the maximum rated capacity of the crane at minimum radius
C.To replace the outrigger legs when operating on unpaved ground
D.To lock the slewing mechanism rigid during transport
Explanation: A fly jib is an additional articulated boom section mounted at the tip of the main extension boom. It extends horizontal reach and allows maneuvering over obstacles, albeit at reduced capacity.
7Why must an operator check for wear and play in the slewing column rack or slewing ring gear teeth during pre-start inspections?
A.Excessive backlash or wear can cause uncontrolled load swing, jerky rotation, or mechanical slewing failure under load
B.Wear in gear teeth lowers the hydraulic oil level inside the vehicle gearbox
C.Slewing play causes the outrigger legs to drift downward during road transit
D.Slewing wear automatically disengages the radio remote receiver unit
Explanation: Excessive clearance or tooth wear in the slewing drive leads to backlash, resulting in uncommanded movement or uncontrolled swinging of suspended loads, especially when starting or stopping slewing motions.
8What type of boom extension system uses hydraulic cylinders internal to the boom structure paired with chain or wire rope synchronization?
A.Proportional sequential hydraulic extension boom
B.Manual pull-out extension section
C.Fixed-length lattice extension fly jib
D.Gravity-drop boom counterweight system
Explanation: Proportional telescopic booms utilize internal hydraulic cylinders combined with extension/retraction chains or cables to extend all boom sections evenly and simultaneously.
9On a lorry loader fitted with a winch, what device prevents the wire rope from completely unwinding off the drum?
A.Lower limit switch (or drum payout limit sensor) retaining a minimum of 3 full turns of rope on the drum
B.Hydraulic oil cooler thermostat switch
C.Outrigger beam pressure transducer
D.Vehicle engine speed governor knob
Explanation: Winch drums must maintain at least 3 safety turns of wire rope on the drum under BS 7121 standards. A lower limit switch cuts winch payout before rope anchorage is strained.
10What structural difference distinguishes a rigid-boom lorry loader from a knuckle-boom loader?
A.A rigid boom consists of a straight telescopic boom assembly without an articulating secondary knuckle joint
B.A rigid boom cannot slew 360 degrees under any circumstances
C.A rigid boom does not require outrigger stabilizers for rated lifting
D.A rigid boom relies on pneumatic air lines rather than hydraulic fluid
Explanation: Rigid-boom lorry loaders feature a single straight telescopic boom raised by a main cylinder, lacking the secondary articulated joint (knuckle) found on folding loaders.

About the CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Exam

Master the UK NOCN CPCS A36 Lorry Loader certification exam with 100 realistic practice questions, duty chart load/radius calculations, stabilizer setup, LOLER/PUWER safety rules, and overhead line clearances.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

GBP 80 (NOCN Job Cards / CPCS)

CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Exam Content Outline

13%

Lorry Loader Components and Configurations

Identification, operation, and structural safety of boom types (rigid, knuckle boom, fly jib), slewing systems, and hydraulic capacity control.

13%

Stabilizer Deployment and Ground Conditions

Deploying outriggers/stabilizers, outrigger beams, spreader plates, ground bearing capacity assessment, and levelling.

13%

Duty Charts and Rated Capacity

Reading load-radius duty charts, calculating rated capacity limits, safety margins, net vs gross load, and overload cutoff systems.

13%

Lifting Accessories, Slings, Hooks, and Attachments

Selection, inspection, SWL/WLL, angle factors, and attachment safety (webbing slings, chain slings, brick grabs, clamshell buckets).

12%

Proximity Hazards and Overhead Lines

Safe distance clearance around high-voltage overhead electric power lines (GS6 guidelines), underground services, structures, and traffic.

13%

Remote Control and Manual Operation

Operator posture, line of sight, radio remote transmitter safety protocols, emergency stops, manual lever fallback, and pre-start checks.

13%

LOLER and PUWER Regulations

Legal duties under LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998, HASWA 1974, BS 7121 Part 4 standards, thorough examination, and daily inspection records.

10%

Transport, Stowage, and Travel Safety

Securing the boom, locking stabilizer legs for transport, vehicle height clearance, axle load limits, travel safety, and transit lock pins.

How to Pass the CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour
  • Exam fee: GBP 80

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CPCS A36 Lorry Loader (NOCN/CPCS, UK) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice load-radius calculations using duty charts until you can quickly determine maximum working load at any extension.
2Memorize the HSE GS6 overhead line clearance rules: minimum 9 metres on metal poles/pylons and 15 metres on steel towers unless de-energized.
3Understand the difference between LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).
4Learn the correct outrigger setup procedure: full extension of beam before lowering jack leg, and mandatory use of suitable spreader plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the CPCS A36 Lorry Loader theory exam?

The passing score for the CPCS A36 Lorry Loader technical theory test is typically 80%, requiring correct answers across key safety and duty chart questions.

What topics are covered in the CPCS A36 Lorry Loader exam?

The exam covers 8 core areas: machine components, stabilizer deployment, duty charts & load-radius calculations, lifting accessories, proximity hazards (GS6 overhead lines), remote controls, LOLER/PUWER regulations, and transport stowage.

How long is the CPCS A36 Lorry Loader Blue Competence Card valid for?

The CPCS Blue Competence Card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed by passing the CPCS renewal test and maintaining logbook hours.