NSW Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test flashcards
NSW Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Stopping distance formula
- Total stopping distance equals reaction distance plus braking distance. Reaction distance rises linearly with speed; braking distance rises with the square of speed, so higher speeds greatly increase total distance.
- Default rural speed limit NSW
- On roads outside built-up areas in NSW the default speed limit is 100 km/h unless signs show otherwise; heavy vehicles may face lower posted or vehicle-specific limits.
- Level crossing rule
- A heavy vehicle must give way to trains and trams and must not enter a level crossing unless there is room to clear it completely without stopping on the tracks.
- Heavy vehicle blind spots
- Large vehicles have extensive no-see zones in front, behind and along both sides; drivers must check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or reversing.
- Descending steep grades
- Select a low gear before starting a descent and use engine braking. Relying on service brakes alone can cause brake fade and loss of control.
- Keep left rule
- Heavy vehicles must keep left unless overtaking; vehicles over 12 metres or over 4.5 tonnes towing a trailer are typically restricted from the rightmost lane on higher-speed multi-lane roads.
- Overtaking a turning truck
- Never overtake a turning heavy vehicle on the inside; long vehicles swing wide and may need the full lane width to complete the turn.
- NSW licence classes
- Heavy vehicle classes progress from LR (rigid over 4.5 t to 8 t), to MR (over 8 t to 12 t), to HR (over 12 t), then HC (heavy combination) and MC (multi-combination).
- Correct licence class
- A driver must hold the licence class that matches the vehicle being driven and must carry the licence or a digital equivalent while driving.
- Licence condition codes
- Condition codes such as corrective lenses or automatic transmission only must be complied with; breaching a licence condition is an offence.
- Change of address
- A heavy vehicle driver must notify the licensing authority of a change of name or address within the prescribed period, typically 14 days in NSW.
- Disqualified driving
- A person whose licence is suspended or cancelled must not drive a heavy vehicle; driving while disqualified is a serious offence carrying heavy penalties.
- Interstate licence recognition
- Heavy vehicle licence classes are recognised nationally; an interstate driver in NSW must hold a current licence of the correct class from their home jurisdiction.
- GVM definition
- Gross vehicle mass is the maximum loaded mass of a single vehicle, including its own weight, fuel, occupants and payload, as specified by the manufacturer.
- GCM definition
- Gross combination mass is the maximum loaded mass of a vehicle together with all trailers it tows, as specified for the combination.
- Axle and tyre limits
- No axle or tyre may exceed its rated load capacity; the load must be distributed so each axle group and tyre stays within its limit.
- Load restraint principle
- Loads must be contained, blocked or attached so they cannot move or fall; tie-downs must be rated and tensioned to match the load mass.
- Rear projection warning
- A load projecting more than 1.2 metres behind a vehicle must display a warning device such as a flag by day and lights at night, as required by the road rules.
- Overmass and oversize
- Vehicles exceeding mass or dimension limits generally require a permit or must comply with Heavy Vehicle National Law limits administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
- Pre-start inspection
- Before driving, check tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors, coupling, load security and fluids; any defect affecting safety must be fixed before the vehicle is used.
- Air brake pressure
- Heavy vehicle air brake systems must build to the correct pressure before the vehicle is moved; low pressure warning indicates the vehicle should not be driven.
- Reversing a heavy vehicle
- Because of large blind spots, reversing requires mirror checks and a spotter or the driver getting out to check the path before and during the manoeuvre.
- Coupling sequence
- When coupling, confirm the trailer is correctly connected, air lines are secure and landing legs are raised before moving; check the coupling after connecting.
- Securing an unattended vehicle
- Apply the park brake and use wheel chocks where needed before leaving the cab; a heavy vehicle must be secured against rolling away when unattended.
- Tyre condition
- Tyres must have legal tread depth, correct inflation and no significant damage; mismatched or under-inflated tyres can cause blowouts or loss of control.
- Major versus minor defect
- A major defect makes the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired; a minor defect must be recorded and repaired promptly but may not prevent use.
- Defect log
- Defects found during inspection must be recorded in the daily inspection or defect log and reported to the operator, with records kept for inspection.
- Defect notice
- An authorised officer may inspect a heavy vehicle and issue a defect notice; the driver must comply and the vehicle may be restricted until cleared.
- Daily inspection records
- Drivers must carry out and record daily checks and keep the records available for inspection by authorised officers and the operator.
- Standard solo work limit
- Under standard fatigue rules a solo driver may work a maximum of 5 hours in a 5.5 hour period, with a minimum 15 minute rest in each 5 hour work period.
- Major rest break
- Solo drivers must take a minimum 7 continuous hours stationary rest in each 24-hour period, and the 24-hour period begins at the end of the last major rest break.
- Work diary requirement
- A heavy vehicle driver must keep a work diary recording work time, rest time and rest locations in the required format, and retain it for the prescribed period.