Documents, Licensing and Administrative Requirements
What the exam tests
This domain tests the paperwork you must hold and the licence category needed for the vehicle and combination you drive. Questions often involve expiry dates, insurance cover, permits and inspection records.
Core rules
- Hold the licence category that covers the gross vehicle weight and trailer combination you operate.
- Carry a valid registration, insurance certificate and any road or operating permit required for the journey.
- Keep the vehicle inspection certificate current; an expired certificate can make the vehicle illegal to use.
- Where fitted, keep tachograph or logbook records complete and available for inspection.
- Check expiry dates before departure, not at a checkpoint.
- Report changes of address, medical condition or vehicle use to the licensing authority as required.
Worked example
A driver is allocated a 26-tonne rigid truck but holds a licence limited to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. The correct decision is not to drive. The reasoning: the licence category must match the vehicle's gross weight, and insurance may be invalid if the driver is not licensed for that class. The driver reports the allocation error and waits for a qualified driver or the correct vehicle.
Traps
Do not assume a photocopy is accepted where an original is required. Do not rely on the vehicle owner to check your licence category. Do not drive with expired insurance because a renewal is in progress.