QLD Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test cheat sheet

Light rigid (LR): a rigid vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 t but not more than 8 t, or a light bus seating more than 12 adults including the driver.

Medium rigid (MR): a rigid vehicle with a GVM over 8 t but not more than 15 t, or a medium bus seating more than 12 adults including the driver.

Heavy rigid (HR): a rigid vehicle with a GVM over 15 t, or a heavy bus seating more than 12 adults including the driver.

Heavy combination (HC): a prime mover or rigid vehicle towing one or more trailers, with a combined GVM over 15 t.

Multi-combination (MC): a prime mover or rigid vehicle towing two or more trailers, with a combined GVM over 15 t.

A heavy vehicle is any motor vehicle or trailer with a GVM over 4.5 t; buses are classified separately by seating capacity.

Licence class progression in Queensland generally requires holding the lower class for a set period before upgrading; check current minimum time requirements.

An MC licence permits driving all lower heavy vehicle classes; a higher class licence covers the classes below it.

The general urban speed limit is 50 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise; default rural limits are 100 km/h on open roads.

Heavy vehicles must not exceed the posted speed limit and should travel at a speed safe for the load, road, and weather conditions.

A minimum following distance of 3 seconds applies in good conditions; increase to 4 seconds or more in rain, at night, or when loaded.

Heavy vehicles must stop at a stop line, stop sign, or red light; a right turn on red is not permitted in Queensland unless a sign allows it.

When overtaking, a heavy vehicle must leave a safe lateral distance, especially when passing cyclists (at least 1 m at 60 km/h or below, 1.5 m above 60 km/h).

Loads must be secured so they cannot move or fall; any load projecting more than 1.2 m behind the vehicle must carry a warning flag or light.

At railway level crossings, heavy vehicles must stop, look, and listen unless a sign or signal indicates it is safe to proceed without stopping.

Fatigue, alcohol, and drugs impair driving; heavy vehicle drivers must comply with blood alcohol limits (0.00 for heavy vehicle licence holders in Queensland).

General mass limits (GML): steer axle 6.0 t; single axle 9.0 t; tandem axle group 16.5 t; tri-axle group 20.0 t; gross vehicle mass per manufacturer's rating.

General dimension limits: width 2.5 m; height 4.3 m; length for a rigid vehicle 12.5 m; for a combination 19.0 m (except road trains).

Rear overhang must not exceed 3.7 m or 60% of the wheelbase, whichever is less, for a rigid vehicle.

Loads must not project more than 1.2 m to the rear without a warning signal; front projection must not exceed 1.2 m ahead of the vehicle.

A load must be restrained so it cannot become dislodged; use lashings, chains, or straps rated for the load mass.

Concessional mass limits (CML) and higher mass limits (HML) may apply under accreditation; operators must carry appropriate permits.

Overmass or overdimensional vehicles require a permit unless operating under a notice; penalties apply for non-compliance.

Axle mass limits are enforced at weighbridges; drivers must ensure the vehicle and load comply with the applicable mass limits.

Fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle drivers must comply with work and rest limits under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

Standard fatigue limits: in any 24-hour period, a driver must have at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest time.

A driver must not work more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period under standard solo fatigue rules.

A minimum 30-minute rest break is required after 5 hours of work time (or 5.5 hours under some exemptions).

A driver must take a continuous rest break of at least 7 hours in each 24-hour period; night work may require additional rest.

Work diaries must be carried and completed accurately; records must be kept for at least 3 years.

Fatigue-related offences include exceeding work time, failing to take minimum rest, and falsifying work diary entries.

Drivers must not drive while fatigued; if feeling tired, stop and rest before continuing.

Pre-start checks should cover tyres, brakes, lights, steering, fluids, and load security before each journey.

A driver must report any defect that affects the safe operation of the vehicle to the operator and record it in the maintenance system.

A major defect (e.g., brake failure, steering fault, tyre with insufficient tread) means the vehicle must not be driven until repaired.

A minor defect (e.g., faulty interior light) must be repaired within a specified time; the vehicle may continue if safe.

Defect notices issued by authorities must be complied with; failing to rectify a major defect can lead to grounding of the vehicle.

Daily inspection records should be kept and made available for inspection by authorised officers.

Tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.5 mm across the tread width; heavy vehicle tyres may have higher requirements.

Brake systems must be tested regularly; air pressure loss or unusual noises indicate a defect requiring immediate attention.