ACT Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test key terms

The maximum total mass a vehicle is designed and permitted to carry, including the vehicle itself, fuel, passengers and cargo, as specified by the manufacturer.

The maximum total mass permitted for a towing vehicle plus its attached trailer or trailers, including all loads, as set by the manufacturer for that combination.

The mass of a vehicle when empty of payload but with standard equipment and all fluids needed for operation, such as coolant and lubricants.

The difference between a vehicle's gross vehicle mass and its tare mass, representing the maximum weight of goods, passengers and other load it may legally carry.

The portion of a vehicle's total weight carried by a single axle or axle group, which must stay within the limits set for that axle configuration.

The way a load's weight is spread across a vehicle's axles and along its length, affecting steering, braking, stability and legal axle limits.

The system of straps, chains, tarpaulins or other devices used to stop a load moving, sliding or falling from a vehicle while it is being driven.

The distance a load or vehicle body projects beyond the front or rear of the vehicle, which is restricted by law and affects clearance and turning.

The legal maximum width, height and length for a vehicle and its load, which vary by vehicle type and may require a permit when exceeded.

An authorisation allowing a vehicle or load that exceeds standard dimension or mass limits to travel on specified roads under stated conditions.

An escort vehicle, often with warning signs and lights, that travels ahead of or behind an oversize load to warn other road users and manage traffic.

A reflective plate or board fitted to the rear of a vehicle or projecting load so other drivers can see its extent, particularly at night or in poor visibility.

The maximum weight a tyre is designed to carry at a specified inflation pressure, which must be sufficient for the load placed on that wheel position.

The nationally agreed legislation adopted in participating states and territories that sets duties for heavy vehicle safety, fatigue, mass and dimensions.

The principle that everyone in the supply chain, including consignors, packers, loaders and drivers, shares responsibility for heavy vehicle compliance and safety.

The overarching legal obligation on parties in the heavy vehicle supply chain to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of their transport activities.

A legal test weighing the likelihood and severity of harm against the cost, effort and availability of measures to reduce or remove that risk.

The planning and practices used to prevent driver tiredness affecting safety, including work and rest limits, scheduling, health and record keeping.

A record in which a heavy vehicle driver notes work, rest and sleep times, used to demonstrate compliance with fatigue management requirements.

The default maximum work and minimum rest periods that apply to heavy vehicle drivers unless a different fatigue management option is approved.

A routine inspection carried out before driving, covering tyres, lights, brakes, fluids, load security and mirrors, to catch faults early.

A scheduled walk-around and functional check of a heavy vehicle performed each day of use to confirm it is safe and compliant to operate.

A written record of a fault found on a vehicle that must be reported to the operator so it can be repaired before the vehicle is used again.

A fault that makes a heavy vehicle unsafe or non-compliant to drive, meaning it must not be used until the defect is repaired.

A check that straps, chains, gates and covers are tight, undamaged and correctly attached, and that the load cannot shift during travel.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead, which should increase with speed, load weight and poor conditions to allow enough stopping room.

The total distance travelled from when a hazard is noticed until the vehicle stops, combining reaction distance and braking distance.

The way large vehicles slow and stop using service brakes, engine braking and retarders, requiring longer distances and smoother planning than light vehicles.

A system that uses engine compression to slow a heavy vehicle on long descents, reducing reliance on wheel brakes and helping prevent brake fade.

Loss of braking power caused by overheating of brake components, often after prolonged or heavy use, making stopping distances much longer.

An area around a heavy vehicle that the driver cannot see directly or through mirrors, requiring careful checks and awareness of other road users.

Setting a vehicle's mirrors so the driver can see along both sides, behind and close beside the vehicle before starting a trip.

The sideways movement of a heavy vehicle's rear end when turning, which can strike nearby objects or vehicles and requires wide, slow turns.

The path swept by a vehicle during a turn, including its inner and outer edges, which affects how much space is needed at corners.

The vertical distance from the road to the highest point of a vehicle or load, which must be checked against bridges, tunnels and overhead structures.

Substances or articles that pose a risk to people, property or the environment during transport and require special packaging, placarding and handling.

A device fitted to a heavy vehicle that restricts its maximum speed, helping operators comply with speed limits and improve safety.

A structured process of identifying hazards in a transport task, judging how likely and serious the harm is, and deciding what controls to apply.