VIC Heavy Rigid Knowledge Test cheat sheet

An HR (Heavy Rigid) licence covers a rigid vehicle with a GVM over 8 tonnes, or a rigid vehicle with 3 or more axles, and towing a trailer with a GVM up to 9 tonnes.

An HC (Heavy Combination) licence covers articulated combinations and rigid vehicles towing a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM; an MC (Multi-Combination) licence covers B-doubles, B-triples and road trains.

An HR licence also authorises driving every vehicle covered by lower licence classes (car and light rigid).

Heavy vehicle licence applicants in Victoria must be at least 18 years old and hold a current full (non-probationary) car licence.

Obtaining an HR licence requires passing a knowledge test and an eyesight test, meeting medical fitness standards and passing a practical driving assessment or approved competency course.

In Victoria a zero blood alcohol concentration limit applies to drivers of vehicles over 15 tonnes GVM, buses and driving instructors.

Demerit points accumulate across all licence classes; 12 points within 3 years suspends an unrestricted driver.

A driver must carry their licence while driving and produce it to police on request; heavy vehicle licences also require a current medical clearance.

GVM is the maximum loaded mass of the vehicle itself; GCM is the maximum loaded mass of the vehicle plus any trailer it tows.

Payload = GVM minus tare mass (the unladen mass of the vehicle with fuel and fluids but no load).

General Mass Limits (GML): steer axle 6.0 t, single axle with dual tyres 9.0 t, tandem axle group 16.5 t, tri-axle group 20.0 t, or the tyre/manufacturer rating if lower.

A 3-axle rigid with a tandem rear group under GML can operate at 6.0 t + 16.5 t = 22.5 t.

Concessional Mass Limits (CML) allow 5% above GML for vehicles accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme.

Higher Mass Limits (HML) apply only on approved routes to accredited vehicles fitted with road-friendly suspension such as air suspension.

An axle load must not exceed the lowest of the statutory limit, the tyre load rating and the axle or suspension manufacturer's rating.

Exceeding a gross, axle group or axle mass limit is an offence and penalties increase with the amount overweight.

Check every tyre, including the spare, for tread depth of at least 1.5 mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords and correct pressure.

Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and washer fluid, and look for leaks under the vehicle.

Test all lights: headlights, indicators, brake lights, marker and clearance lights, reverse lights and any beacons.

Build air pressure until the governor cuts out, confirm the low-pressure warning operates, then check for air leaks with the engine off.

Check mirrors, windscreen, wipers, washers, horn and seat belts for condition and operation.

Check steering for excessive free play, and inspect suspension, springs or airbags and wheel nut indicators.

Confirm the load is within mass limits and secured, and on combinations check the kingpin, turntable and safety clip.

Confirm the fire extinguisher, warning triangles and first aid kit are present and in date.

A major defect makes the vehicle unsafe or non-compliant (for example brake failure, steering failure or a tyre with exposed cords) and the vehicle must not be driven.

A minor defect does not significantly affect safety but must be recorded and repaired within the time set by the operator or regulator.

The driver must report defects to the operator and record them; the operator must keep maintenance and repair records.

Driving a heavy vehicle with a known major defect is an offence and may void insurance cover.

Pre-trip and post-trip inspections form part of the chain of responsibility obligations for heavy vehicle safety.

Authorised officers may issue defect notices; a major defect notice prohibits use of the vehicle until it is cleared.

Clearing a defect notice requires the defect to be repaired and, where specified, the repair to be inspected by an authorised officer.

On an air-braked vehicle the low-pressure warning must activate before pressure drops below the safe operating level.

The load restraint system must withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward and 0.5 g rearward and 0.5 g sideways, relative to the mass of the load.

Tie-down lashings clamp the load onto the deck; the aggregate lashing capacity must exceed the calculated restraint force for the load.

Direct restraint (headboard, barriers, gates, twistlocks) must be rated for the load and must not rely on friction alone.

Curtainsiders do not restrain loads; the curtains provide weather protection and containment only.

A loaded vehicle must remain within its GVM, GCM and axle group limits after loading.

A load projecting more than 1.2 m beyond the rear of the vehicle requires a warning flag by day and a warning light at night.

Distribute the load evenly, keep the centre of gravity low and re-check axle loads after loading.

Inspect straps and chains for cuts, fraying, corrosion and damaged fittings before use, and fit edge protectors where straps contact sharp edges.

A safe following gap for a heavy vehicle is at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead, increased in rain, at night or when fully loaded.

Total stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance; braking distance increases with the square of speed.

Air brakes have a lag, so apply the brakes earlier than in a car and avoid riding the brake pedal.

Select a lower gear before starting a descent; never coast downhill in neutral.

Use engine braking or a retarder where permitted, and obey signs that ban engine brakes.

Slow down before entering a corner; a high centre of gravity increases rollover risk.

Long vehicles off-track, meaning the rear wheels cut inside the path of the front wheels in tight turns, so allow extra room.

Use mirrors and check blind spots before changing lanes, signal early and allow extra time for the manoeuvre.

On multi-lane roads where the speed limit is over 80 km/h, a driver must keep left unless overtaking.

Where a sign requires it, heavy vehicles must not use the right-hand lane.

General dimension limits: width 2.5 m, height 4.3 m, rigid vehicle length 12.5 m and combination length 19 m.

Default speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on rural roads unless signed otherwise, and 40 km/h in school zones when children are present.

When passing a cyclist, leave at least 1 m at speeds up to 60 km/h and at least 1.5 m above 60 km/h.

At a yellow traffic light, stop if it is safe to do so; otherwise proceed with caution.

Give way to all traffic already in a roundabout, and indicate left before exiting.

A heavy vehicle must not be driven on a footpath or nature strip unless a sign or permit allows it.

Standard solo hours: no more than 12 hours work in any 24 hours, no more than 72 hours work in 7 days, at least 7 continuous hours stationary rest in 24 hours and at least 24 continuous hours rest in 7 days.

A work diary is required for drivers of heavy vehicles over 12 tonnes GVM travelling more than 100 km from their home base.

Diary entries must record all work and rest, not just driving, and must be completed at the start and end of each work period.

The work diary must be carried while driving, produced on request and the records retained for 3 years.

Warning signs of fatigue include yawning, drifting between lanes, poor concentration and heavy eyes.

For a breakdown, move off the road where possible, switch on hazard lights and place warning triangles before calling for help.

For a fire, stop the vehicle, evacuate upwind and call 000; do not fully open the engine cover if an engine fire is suspected.

If a vehicle stops on a rail crossing, get everyone out and clear, then call 000 and the rail operator.