Road Rules, Signage and Sharing the Road Safely
Speed and lane rules
Heavy vehicles are limited to 100 km/h and may be governed lower. On multi-lane roads with a speed limit over 80 km/h, heavy vehicles must keep out of the right-hand lane unless overtaking or turning. Keep left otherwise, and never straddle two lanes to block traffic behind you.
Signs that apply specifically to you
Learn the signs that restrict heavy vehicles: no trucks, no heavy vehicles over a stated mass, load limits on bridges, clearance height signs, and route restrictions. A clearance sign gives a height that is the lowest point, not an average - if the sign says 4.2 m and your combination is 4.3 m, you stop and find another route.
Sharing the road
Trucks have large blind spots directly in front, along both sides and behind. Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians can disappear into them at intersections - check twice, and watch for riders filtering on your left. At roundabouts, stay in your lane and watch for vehicles in your blind spot; long vehicles may need to use more than one lane, so signal clearly and early.
Special situations
Approach railway crossings expecting to stop, never change gears on the crossing, and make sure there is room on the far side before you commit. Slow down in roadworks and follow traffic controllers' directions. Give cyclists at least a metre, more at higher speeds. When merging, be predictable rather than polite to the point of hesitation.
Rule of thumb: if you cannot see the driver's face in their mirror, they cannot see you - apply exactly the same logic to where you position your own truck.