ACT Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test flashcards

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

Heavy rigid licence class

HR covers a rigid motor vehicle with three or more axles and a gross vehicle mass greater than 8 tonnes, including a truck or bus of that configuration.

Multi-combination licence class

MC authorises driving a heavy combination with two or more trailers, such as a B-double or road train, and requires prior heavy combination or equivalent experience.

Qualifying period for HR

A driver must generally hold a medium rigid licence for at least 12 months, or a car licence for 24 months, before being eligible for heavy rigid.

Carrying your licence

A heavy vehicle driver must carry the current licence at all times while driving and produce it for inspection by police or an authorised officer on request.

Demerit point threshold

An unrestricted ACT licence holder who accrues 12 or more demerit points within 12 months faces suspension or a good-behaviour period.

Interstate licence recognition

Heavy vehicle licences issued in other Australian states and territories are recognised in the ACT, though new residents must transfer within the required period.

Default urban speed limit

In the ACT the default speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h unless signs indicate a different limit; school zones are 40 km/h when operating.

Three-second following rule

A driver should leave at least a three-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions, increasing the gap in rain, darkness, or poor visibility.

Level crossing rule

A heavy vehicle must stop at a level crossing unless a sign or signal permits proceeding, and must confirm the far side is clear before crossing.

Emergency vehicle passing rule

When passing a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights, a driver must slow to 40 km/h or a safe lower speed in the same direction.

Roundabout give-way rule

A driver entering a roundabout must give way to vehicles already circulating, and heavy vehicles must signal left before exiting the roundabout.

Load projection warning

A load projecting more than 1.2 metres behind a vehicle must display a warning flag in daylight and a red light at night.

Single steer axle limit

Under general mass limits a single steer axle is limited to 6.0 tonnes, and a single axle with dual tyres is limited to 9.0 tonnes.

Tandem axle group limit

A tandem axle group under general mass limits is limited to 16.5 tonnes, provided the axles are spaced at least 1.2 metres apart.

Tri-axle group limit

A tri-axle group under general mass limits is limited to 20.0 tonnes, with at least 1.8 metres between the first and last axle.

Vehicle height limit

The general maximum height for a heavy vehicle in Australia is 4.3 metres, measured from ground level to the highest point of the vehicle or load.

Vehicle width limit

The general maximum width is 2.5 metres, with 2.55 metres permitted for some refrigerated vehicles and buses on approved networks.

Semi-trailer length limit

A semi-trailer combination has a general maximum length of 19.0 metres, while a B-double may operate up to 25.0 metres.

Rear overhang limit

For a rigid vehicle, rear overhang must not exceed the lesser of 3.7 metres or 60 percent of the wheelbase; semi-trailers are limited to 3.7 metres.

Load restraint forces

Restraints must withstand 80 percent of the load weight forward, 50 percent rearward and sideways, and 20 percent upward during normal operation.

Concessional mass limits

Concessional mass limits add 5 percent to general mass limits for eligible vehicles operating under an approved mass management accreditation.

Heavy vehicle tyre tread

Heavy vehicle tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.5 millimetres across the tread width, with no exposed cord or structural damage.

Air brake pressure check

With the engine off and brakes released, air pressure loss should not exceed the manufacturer's limit, typically about 10 kilopascals per minute.

Kingpin coupling check

Before moving off, confirm the kingpin is locked, the dog clip is fitted, and a tug test shows the trailer is securely coupled.

Low air pressure warning

A low-pressure buzzer or warning light signals insufficient air pressure; the vehicle must not be driven until pressure is restored to the safe range.

Defect reporting duty

A driver who identifies a heavy vehicle defect must record it in the daily inspection record and report it to the operator before further use.

Stopping distance for heavy vehicles

A loaded heavy vehicle may need more than 100 metres to stop from 100 km/h, so the three-second gap is a minimum, not a target.

Standard hours work limit

A solo driver under standard hours must not work more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period and must take at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest.

Minimum rest break

Standard hours require a stationary rest break of at least 30 minutes after no more than 5 hours of work before driving continues.

Seven-day work limit

A solo driver under standard hours may work at most 72 hours in any 7-day period, including at least 24 continuous hours of stationary rest.

Work diary requirement

A fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle driver must keep a work diary recording work and rest, carry it while driving, and produce it on request.

Secondary employment

All other work a driver performs counts toward total work time for fatigue limits and must be declared to the operator before duty.