VIC Heavy Rigid Knowledge Test key terms

A Victorian driver licence class that allows you to drive a rigid motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass over 8 tonnes, and to tow a trailer with a gross vehicle mass up to 9 tonnes.

The maximum loaded mass a vehicle is designed to carry, as set by the manufacturer. It includes the vehicle's own mass plus fuel, occupants and cargo, and must never be exceeded.

The maximum loaded mass of a motor vehicle and any trailers it tows combined, as specified by the manufacturer. It applies to the whole combination, not just the towing vehicle.

The mass of a vehicle with no cargo or passengers, as specified by the manufacturer, including coolant, lubricants, tools and a small amount of fuel. It is used to work out how much load can be carried.

The maximum loaded mass of a trailer as set by its manufacturer, including the load it carries and the mass it places on the towing vehicle's coupling.

The maximum mass permitted on a single axle or group of axles, set by the vehicle manufacturer or by heavy vehicle mass rules. Exceeding it overloads tyres, brakes and the road surface.

A heavy vehicle built as one unit, with the cabin and load-carrying body on the same chassis and no articulation point. It may tow a trailer but does not bend in the middle.

A heavy vehicle designed mainly to tow a semi-trailer. It has a turntable, or fifth wheel, over the rear axles that the trailer couples to, so part of the trailer's mass is carried by the prime mover.

The national legislation, applied in Victoria, that sets rules for heavy vehicle mass, dimensions, loading, fatigue and maintenance, and places duties on everyone who influences how a heavy vehicle is used.

The independent body that administers the Heavy Vehicle National Law. It issues permits and defect notices and provides guidance on heavy vehicle operations, including load restraint and fatigue management.

The principle in heavy vehicle law that everyone who influences a heavy vehicle's use, including operators, schedulers, loaders, consignors and drivers, shares legal responsibility for compliance with mass, loading, speed and fatigue rules.

Operating a vehicle or axle above its permitted mass limit. Overloading reduces braking and steering performance, damages roads and is an offence for the driver and for other parties in the supply chain.

A written approval issued by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator allowing a vehicle or combination that exceeds standard mass or dimension limits to travel on specified roads, usually with conditions such as approved routes and escort requirements.

A systematic inspection carried out before driving, covering tyres, wheels, lights, brakes, fluids, load and coupling security, so faults are found and fixed before the vehicle is used on the road.

A fault or condition on a vehicle, trailer or its equipment that affects, or could affect, safety, or that means it does not comply with the standards required for use on the road.

A defect that makes a heavy vehicle unsafe or a serious risk to safety, such as a badly worn tyre or a failed brake. The vehicle must not be driven until the defect is repaired.

A defect that does not stop the vehicle being used immediately but must still be repaired within the time required by the notice, such as a faulty light or a small fluid leak.

An official notice issued after a roadside inspection or authorised officer's check that lists the defects found and states whether the vehicle can keep being used and by when repairs must be completed.

A vehicle that does not meet the safety and construction standards required to be driven on a road. Driving one is an offence and can void insurance and lead to licence action.

The system of lashings, gates, headboards and other equipment used to stop a load moving or falling from a vehicle. It must prevent movement in all directions under normal driving and emergency braking.

The national reference, published by the National Transport Commission, that sets out performance standards and methods for restraining loads on heavy vehicles, and which regulators and courts use as the benchmark.

A strap, chain or rope used to tie a load to the vehicle. Lashings must be rated, in good condition and tensioned so the load cannot shift, tip or fall during braking, cornering or bumps.

How the weight of a load is spread over the vehicle's axles and along its length. Good distribution keeps every axle within its limit and keeps the centre of gravity low and central.

A strong barrier fitted at the front of a tray or trailer, directly behind the cabin, that stops the load from sliding forward when the vehicle brakes.

The point where a vehicle's and its load's weight is balanced. A high or off-centre centre of gravity makes a heavy vehicle more likely to roll over, especially in turns or on uneven ground.

A secondary braking system, such as an engine compression brake or a transmission retarder, that helps slow the vehicle on long descents without overheating the service brakes. Also called a Jake brake.

Using a low gear so the engine holds the vehicle back on a downhill grade. Select the gear before the descent begins so the service brakes are not relied on and do not overheat.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, best measured in seconds. Heavy vehicles need a longer gap than cars because they take much further to stop when loaded.

The total distance travelled from when a hazard appears until the vehicle stops: reaction distance plus braking distance. It grows quickly with speed, load and wet or loose surfaces.

The tendency of a heavy vehicle's rear wheels to follow a path inside the front wheels when turning. Drivers must allow for it so the rear of the vehicle does not hit kerbs, poles or other vehicles.

An area around a heavy vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors, including directly in front, beside the cabin and close behind. Other road users should never assume they have been seen.

People at greater risk in traffic, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. Heavy vehicle drivers should give them extra space and time, especially when turning or passing.

A reflective sign marked 'LONG VEHICLE' that certain long combinations must display at the rear, and sometimes the front, so other drivers can judge the vehicle's length and overtake safely.

A place where a road crosses a railway line. Heavy vehicle drivers must approach at a speed that lets them stop, check for trains in both directions and never enter unless there is room to clear the crossing.

A record book or electronic record in which a heavy vehicle driver writes their work, rest and other duty time. It must be accurate, kept current and produced when an authorised officer asks for it.

The default fatigue limits under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, setting maximum work hours and minimum rest periods over 24-hour, 7-day and 14-day periods, including breaks during a shift.

Physical and mental tiredness that slows reaction time, reduces concentration and impairs judgement. It is a major cause of heavy vehicle crashes and must be managed through proper rest and planning.

A period of rest taken during a shift to manage fatigue. Under standard hours, drivers must not work more than a set number of hours without taking the required break.

An accreditation under the Heavy Vehicle National Law that lets an operator with approved fatigue policies, scheduling and training work more flexible hours than standard hours, within set limits.

A reflective, folding triangle carried in heavy vehicles and placed on the road around a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. Position it so drivers have time to slow down and pass safely.