AF Commercial Driving Theory flashcards

65 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Two-second rule

Maintain at least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions; double the gap to four seconds in rain, ice, fog or darkness.

Stopping distance formula

Stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance; braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples braking distance.

Fog light rule

Use fog lights only when visibility is below about 50 metres; switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Skid recovery

Ease off the accelerator, steer in the direction of the skid and avoid harsh braking; abrupt inputs worsen loss of control.

Daily driving limit

EU rules allow 9 hours of daily driving, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice per week.

Weekly driving limit

Maximum 56 hours of driving in any week, and no more than 90 hours across two consecutive weeks combined.

Continuous driving break

After at most 4.5 hours of continuous driving, take a break of at least 45 minutes, which may be split into 15 minutes then 30 minutes.

Daily rest minimum

Normally 11 hours of daily rest, reducible to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rest periods.

Weekly rest minimum

Normally 45 hours of weekly rest, reducible to 24 hours provided the reduced time is compensated later.

Tyre tread minimum

Cars and light commercial vehicles need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre width.

ABS warning light

If the ABS warning light stays on after start, the system has a fault; braking distance may increase and wheels can lock.

Daily walk-around check

Pre-trip inspection covering tyres, lights, mirrors, wipers, fluid levels, load security and visible leaks.

Brake test criteria

The vehicle must stop in a straight line without pulling, the pedal must not feel spongy, and air-brake pressure loss must stay within the manufacturer's limit.

STOP sign meaning

An octagonal red sign requires a complete halt at the stop line and yielding to traffic before entering the junction.

GIVE WAY sign meaning

An inverted red triangle requires yielding to traffic on the priority road; stop only if necessary to give way.

Solid white line

A solid white centre line may not be crossed or straddled for overtaking; a broken line may be crossed when safe.

Yellow box junction

Do not enter the yellow box unless the exit is clear; the exception is when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.

Traffic light sequence

The sequence is red, red plus amber, green, amber, red; amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Zigzag markings

Zigzag lines near pedestrian crossings prohibit parking and overtaking within the marked zone.

Roundabout priority

Give way to traffic already on the roundabout; at unmarked equal junctions yield to vehicles approaching from the right.

Overtaking prohibitions

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, level crossings, blind bends and wherever a solid line separates the lanes.

Professional driver alcohol limit

Commercial drivers face a stricter alcohol limit, generally 0.0 to 0.2 g/L, than private drivers in many jurisdictions.

Maximum authorised mass

MAM is the maximum total weight of the vehicle plus its load as set by the manufacturer; exceeding it is an offence.

Payload calculation

Payload equals maximum authorised mass minus the kerb weight of the vehicle; it is the maximum weight of cargo that may be carried.

Height and width limits

General height limit is 4.0 metres; width is 2.55 metres, or 2.60 metres for refrigerated vehicles.

Overhanging load marking

Loads projecting more than 1 metre beyond the rear must be marked in daylight and lit at night.

Load securing principle

Load must not move, shift, fall or affect stability under braking, acceleration or cornering; lashings must be rated for the load.

Incident scene protection

First switch on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest and place a warning triangle at least 30 metres behind on normal roads.

CPR ratio and depth

For an adult not breathing, give 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, compressing 5 to 6 cm at 100 to 120 per minute.

Recovery position

An unconscious but breathing casualty is placed in the recovery position while the airway and breathing are monitored continuously.

Severe bleeding control

Apply direct pressure with a clean dressing and elevate the limb if no fracture is suspected.

Documents to carry

Carry driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance certificate, transport licence where applicable, and tachograph records.

Operator licence criteria

An operator licence requires good repute, financial standing and professional competence, plus a valid transport licence.

Driving licence categories

Category C covers rigid vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, C plus E adds a trailer, D covers buses and D plus E a bus with trailer.

Tachograph calibration

The tachograph must be calibrated and sealed by an approved workshop, typically every two years; tampering is an offence.

Motorway restrictions

On motorways, stopping is allowed only in an emergency; reversing, U-turns and driving on the hard shoulder are prohibited.

Seat belt rule

Seat belts are mandatory for driver and passengers; children under 12 or under 1.5 metres need an appropriate child restraint.

Mobile phone rule

Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless it is hands-free and the driver remains in full control.

Fatigue remedy

Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgement; the only effective remedy is rest, not caffeine, fresh air or loud music.

Eyesight requirement

Drivers must meet the minimum visual acuity standard and wear prescribed corrective lenses while driving if required.

Level crossing rule

Stop when the barrier is down or lights flash; never zig-zag around barriers or enter while a train is approaching.

Parking prohibitions

Parking is prohibited within 5 metres of a junction, on pedestrian crossings, on pavements unless signed, and in front of driveways.

Emergency vehicle priority

Vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; give way safely and do not follow closely behind them.

Hazard warning lights use

Hazard warning lights are for breakdowns and emergencies only, not for parking or as a substitute for proper parking lights.

Warning triangle placement

Place the warning triangle at least 30 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads and about 100 metres on motorways where permitted.

Speed limits default

General default limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on national roads, 80 km/h on regional roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas; posted signs override.

Signal timing

Signal intention at least 30 metres before a manoeuvre in built-up areas, and earlier at higher speeds on open roads.

Chevron markings

White chevron markings separate diverging lanes; driving over them is prohibited.

End of restriction sign

A circular blue sign with a red diagonal slash marks the end of a previously indicated restriction or mandatory instruction.

Sign shape meanings

Red triangles warn of danger, red circles prohibit, blue circles give mandatory instructions and blue rectangles provide information.

Tyre pressure check

Check tyre pressures when cold; under-inflation raises rolling resistance, heat build-up and the risk of a blowout.

Headlight aim

Headlights must be correctly aimed; misalignment causes dazzle to oncoming drivers and is a defect at inspection.

Unfit vehicle rule

A vehicle must not be used with a defective tyre, faulty braking system, broken lights or insecure bodywork.

Manual tachograph entries

Any activity not automatically recorded by the tachograph must be entered manually so the record is complete and accurate.

Break versus other work

Breaks and rest periods cannot be counted as other work; they must be recorded separately from driving and working time.

Axle load limits

Each axle has a manufacturer-set maximum load that must not be exceeded; overloading an axle risks tyre and brake failure.

Load distribution

Place heavy items low and over the drive axle to maintain stability, steering control and correct axle loading.

Overloading effects

Overloading increases stopping distance, tyre heat and the risk of axle or brake failure, and may void insurance.

Recovery position detail

The recovery position keeps the airway open in an unconscious but breathing casualty; monitor breathing continuously until help arrives.

Do not move casualties

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire, traffic or explosion.

Incident details to record

Record the other party's details, insurance information, witness contacts, vehicle registrations and photographs at the scene.

Insurance requirement

Insurance must be valid for the vehicle and its use; commercial goods transport requires appropriate liability cover.

Periodic technical inspection

The roadworthiness certificate must be valid; commercial vehicles are inspected more frequently than private cars.

ADR requirements

Transporting dangerous goods requires an ADR driver training certificate, orange plates and the correct placards on the vehicle.

Operator financial standing

Operator licensing requires demonstrated financial standing, good repute and professional competence.