CPCS A59 360 EXCAVATOR (ABOVE 10
TONNES) 2026 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS
Instructions: This exam contains multiple-choice questions covering the core
content tested on the CPCS A59 360 Excavator theory and technical test. Topics
include machine safety checks, travel and manoeuvring, excavation and
trenching, lifting operations, quick-hitch couplers, and legislation.
1. Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine's
Operator's Manual?
A. Only the site supervisor
B. Maintenance staff, supervisors and transporter drivers
C. No one else
Correct Answer: B — Maintenance staff, supervisors and transporter
drivers
Rationale: The Operator's Manual must be accessible not just to the
operator but also to maintenance staff, supervisors, and transporter
drivers who may need information about the machine's specifications
and safety procedures.
,2. Why must the seat belt be worn, even with the cab door closed?
A. It is a legal requirement only
B. It keeps you in your seat and minimizes injury in the eventuality of a
rollover
C. It prevents the door from opening
Correct Answer: B — It keeps you in your seat and minimizes injury in
the eventuality of a rollover
Rationale: In the event of a rollover, the seat belt keeps the operator
within the confines of the operating seat, which minimizes injury by
preventing them from being flung around inside the cab.
3. What is the purpose of the counterweight of the machine?
A. To increase digging force
B. To counteract the tipping effect of the machine
C. To improve fuel efficiency
Correct Answer: B — To counteract the tipping effect of the machine
,Rationale: The counterweight is designed to counteract the tipping
effect created by the weight of the boom and load being lifted or
excavated.
4. If the operator has loaded the machine onto a transporter/trailer on
behalf of a driver, what checks must be carried out before they leave
the cab?
A. Ensure fuel tank is full
B. Machine is in the agreed position, hydraulic components are not
grounded, parking brake applied and engine switched off, windows
shut
C. Ensure cab is clean
Correct Answer: B — Machine is in the agreed position, hydraulic
components are not grounded, parking brake applied and engine
switched off, windows shut
Rationale: Before leaving the cab after loading onto a transporter, the
operator must ensure the machine is in the agreed position, hydraulic-
, operated components are not grounded and pressure removed,
parking brake is applied and engine switched off, and windows are
shut.
5. Why should different soils be segregated during excavating?
A. To make the site look tidy
B. Because soils can be re-used elsewhere
C. To reduce machine wear
Correct Answer: B — Because soils can be re-used elsewhere
Rationale: Different soils are segregated during excavation so they can
be re-used on or off site.
6. When must a banksman/signaller be used before moving an
excavator?
A. When the operator is experienced
B. When operator cannot see the direction of travel or in confined
TONNES) 2026 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS
Instructions: This exam contains multiple-choice questions covering the core
content tested on the CPCS A59 360 Excavator theory and technical test. Topics
include machine safety checks, travel and manoeuvring, excavation and
trenching, lifting operations, quick-hitch couplers, and legislation.
1. Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine's
Operator's Manual?
A. Only the site supervisor
B. Maintenance staff, supervisors and transporter drivers
C. No one else
Correct Answer: B — Maintenance staff, supervisors and transporter
drivers
Rationale: The Operator's Manual must be accessible not just to the
operator but also to maintenance staff, supervisors, and transporter
drivers who may need information about the machine's specifications
and safety procedures.
,2. Why must the seat belt be worn, even with the cab door closed?
A. It is a legal requirement only
B. It keeps you in your seat and minimizes injury in the eventuality of a
rollover
C. It prevents the door from opening
Correct Answer: B — It keeps you in your seat and minimizes injury in
the eventuality of a rollover
Rationale: In the event of a rollover, the seat belt keeps the operator
within the confines of the operating seat, which minimizes injury by
preventing them from being flung around inside the cab.
3. What is the purpose of the counterweight of the machine?
A. To increase digging force
B. To counteract the tipping effect of the machine
C. To improve fuel efficiency
Correct Answer: B — To counteract the tipping effect of the machine
,Rationale: The counterweight is designed to counteract the tipping
effect created by the weight of the boom and load being lifted or
excavated.
4. If the operator has loaded the machine onto a transporter/trailer on
behalf of a driver, what checks must be carried out before they leave
the cab?
A. Ensure fuel tank is full
B. Machine is in the agreed position, hydraulic components are not
grounded, parking brake applied and engine switched off, windows
shut
C. Ensure cab is clean
Correct Answer: B — Machine is in the agreed position, hydraulic
components are not grounded, parking brake applied and engine
switched off, windows shut
Rationale: Before leaving the cab after loading onto a transporter, the
operator must ensure the machine is in the agreed position, hydraulic-
, operated components are not grounded and pressure removed,
parking brake is applied and engine switched off, and windows are
shut.
5. Why should different soils be segregated during excavating?
A. To make the site look tidy
B. Because soils can be re-used elsewhere
C. To reduce machine wear
Correct Answer: B — Because soils can be re-used elsewhere
Rationale: Different soils are segregated during excavation so they can
be re-used on or off site.
6. When must a banksman/signaller be used before moving an
excavator?
A. When the operator is experienced
B. When operator cannot see the direction of travel or in confined
