DRTS Heavy-Vehicle Theory study guide
DRTS Heavy-Vehicle Theory · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The DRTS Heavy-Vehicle Theory credential is a knowledge assessment for people who drive, or intend to drive, heavy vehicles such as rigid trucks, prime movers and heavy combinations on public roads. It is aimed at new heavy-vehicle drivers seeking a first theory clearance, at light-vehicle drivers moving up a class, and at experienced operators who need to demonstrate current road-rule and safety knowledge. The DRTS Heavy-Vehicle Theory study guide has 8 sections and about 2,481 words.
01Road Rules and Traffic Law for Heavy Vehicles
Heavy-vehicle law layers extra duties on top of the general road rules. You must know both the universal rules (give way, speed, signals, following distance) and the heavy-specific overlays: mass and dimension limits, load restraint, fatigue hours, and chain-of-responsibility duties.
354 words, about 2 min02Vehicle Inspection, Roadworthiness, and Defect Reporting
Roadworthiness is a continuous duty, not an annual event. You must inspect before driving and report defects promptly.
343 words, about 2 min03Mass, Dimension, and Load Restraint Limits
Three separate regimes apply: mass limits, dimension limits, and load restraint. A load can be legal on one and illegal on another.
323 words, about 2 min04Driver Fatigue Management and Work/Rest Hours
Fatigue law sets maximum work and minimum rest, plus a duty on the driver and operator to manage fatigue. Questions test the rules and the shared duty.
304 words, about 2 min05Heavy-Vehicle Braking Systems and Air Brakes
Air brakes work on pressure, and their failure modes are different from hydraulic brakes. Questions test how the system builds pressure, what warning signs mean, and what to do when pressure is lost.
316 words, about 2 min06Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and Load-Induced Handling
Heavy vehicles have high mass, high centre of gravity, and long swept paths. Handling changes with load, speed, and road.
300 words, about 2 min07Hazard Perception and Safe Driving Behaviour
Hazard perception is about seeing early and planning . Heavy vehicles stop slowly and cannot manoeuvre quickly, so anticipation matters more than reaction.
281 words, about 1 min08Incident Response, Emergency Procedures, and Chain of Responsibility
When something goes wrong, the priorities are safety, then notification, then evidence. Questions test the order and the duties.
260 words, about 1 min