Cambodia Heavy Vehicle Driving Test cheat sheet
Cambodia Heavy Vehicle Driving Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Traffic Law
Cambodia drives on the right; overtake on the left unless the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is clear space on the right.
Default urban speed limit is 40 km/h; rural roads 80 km/h; national highways 100 km/h; expressways posted up to 120 km/h.
Maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05 g/100 mL (0.05%) for standard drivers; 0.00 for professional/heavy vehicle drivers and novices.
Seat belts are mandatory for driver and front-seat passengers; children under 10 must use an appropriate child restraint where available.
A driver must carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration card, and compulsory third-party insurance certificate while driving.
Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders and passengers; heavy vehicle drivers must ensure all occupants are belted.
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to traffic already in the intersection and to vehicles approaching from the right unless signs/markings indicate otherwise.
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving; hands-free use is permitted only if it does not distract the driver.
Signs, Signals and Road Markings
Red octagon = STOP: come to a complete halt at the stop line, yield to all traffic, then proceed only when safe.
Red inverted triangle = YIELD/GIVE WAY: slow down and give priority to traffic on the intersecting road; stop only if necessary.
Circular signs with red border = prohibition (e.g., no entry, speed limit, no overtaking); blue circles = mandatory instruction (e.g., turn left, minimum speed).
Yellow diamond = priority road; the priority road ends when a yellow diamond with a black diagonal bar is shown.
Solid white centre line: no crossing or overtaking; broken white line: overtaking permitted when safe; double solid lines: absolute no crossing.
Zebra crossing (white stripes across road): pedestrians have right of way; stop before the crossing if a pedestrian is waiting or crossing.
Traffic light sequence: red → red+amber → green → amber → red. Amber means stop unless stopping would cause a collision.
Chevron markings (white arrows) indicate a hazard or traffic island; do not drive over them.
Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Load Security
Daily pre-start check: tyres (pressure, tread depth ≥1.6 mm, damage), lights, brakes, steering, mirrors, horn, wipers, fluids, and load restraints.
Maximum load must not exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or axle load limits stated on the compliance plate.
Load must be evenly distributed and secured with at least two independent restraint systems; no part may protrude dangerously or obscure lights/plates.
Tyre inflation: check cold; under-inflation increases heat and blowout risk; over-inflation reduces grip. Use the manufacturer's placard values.
Brake system: check air pressure build-up and leak-down rate daily for air-braked vehicles; listen for air leaks and test low-pressure warning.
Annual vehicle inspection (roadworthiness) is required; keep the inspection certificate in the vehicle and display the registration sticker as required.
Load height must not exceed 4.0 m, width 2.5 m, and length 12 m for rigid trucks unless an over-dimension permit is carried.
After any load shift or long trip, re-check straps, chains, and load distribution before continuing.
Safe Driving, Hazard Perception and Defensive Driving
Follow the 3-second rule in dry conditions; increase to 6 seconds in rain or poor visibility; heavy vehicles need more due to stopping distance.
Scan 12–15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5–8 seconds; identify escape routes and potential conflicts early.
Blind spots: large vehicles have significant no-zones on both sides, front, and rear; always check mirrors and use a spotter when reversing.
Hazard perception: anticipate pedestrians, motorcycles filtering, animals, and slow-moving farm vehicles on rural roads.
At night, dip headlights when within 150 m of oncoming traffic or when following within 60 m; do not dazzle other drivers.
In rain, reduce speed and avoid sudden braking; hydroplaning risk increases above 80 km/h with worn tyres.
When overtaking, ensure clear visibility, signal, check mirrors and blind spot, and return only when the overtaken vehicle is fully visible in the mirror.
Defensive driving: assume other road users may not see you or may make errors; maintain a space cushion around the vehicle.
Vehicle Controls, Manoeuvring and Practical Driving
Pre-drive cockpit drill: seat position, mirrors, steering wheel, seatbelt, gear in neutral, handbrake on, check surroundings before starting.
Use the clutch smoothly; change gears according to engine speed and load; avoid coasting in neutral, especially downhill.
Steering: use pull-push or hand-over-hand method; keep both hands on the wheel except when shifting or operating controls.
Reversing: use mirrors and a spotter; if visibility is restricted, get out and check behind before reversing.
Hill start: apply handbrake, select first gear, find biting point, release handbrake smoothly while accelerating to prevent rollback.
Turning: signal early, position correctly, check mirrors and blind spot, and maintain appropriate speed for the turn.
Parking: use designated spaces; heavy vehicles must not obstruct traffic, pedestrian crossings, or fire hydrants.
Engine braking: use lower gears on long descents to control speed and reduce brake fade; do not ride the brakes.
Heavy Vehicle Braking, Speed Control and Stability
Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance; at 60 km/h a heavy vehicle may need 80–100 m in dry conditions.
Air brake system: check pressure gauge; warning buzzer/buzzer must activate before pressure drops below 4.5 bar (65 psi).
Brake fade: caused by overheating; use engine braking and lower gears on long descents; stop to cool brakes if fade occurs.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) prevents wheel lock; maintain firm pressure and steer during emergency braking; do not pump the pedal.
Load affects stability: high centre of gravity increases rollover risk; reduce speed in curves and avoid sudden steering inputs.
Speed control: use cruise control only on dry, straight roads; disengage in rain, traffic, or winding roads.
Jackknifing: avoid sudden braking with a lightly loaded trailer; brake progressively and steer smoothly.
Tyre blowout: hold steering firmly, ease off accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer to a safe stop.
First Aid, Emergency Response and Accident Procedures
At an accident scene: stop, switch on hazard lights, set up warning triangle 50–100 m behind the vehicle, and call emergency services (119 or 117).
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); stabilize the head and neck and keep them warm.
Control bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth or bandage; do not remove embedded objects.
If the casualty is not breathing, start CPR: 30 chest compressions (100–120/min) followed by 2 rescue breaths if trained.
Report the accident to the police within 24 hours if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage; exchange details with other parties.
Do not leave the scene of an accident involving injury or death; it is a criminal offence.
For suspected spinal injury, keep the casualty still and wait for trained responders; avoid twisting or bending the neck.
Keep a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle; check expiry dates regularly.
Driver Fitness, Fatigue, Alcohol and Drug Rules
Maximum BAC for professional/heavy vehicle drivers is 0.00%; any alcohol is prohibited.
Fatigue: take a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving; do not drive more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period without a rest.
Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination; effects increase with fatigue and medication.
Illegal drugs and certain prescription medications (e.g., sedatives, antihistamines) can impair driving; check with a doctor before driving.
Medical fitness: drivers must meet vision standards (e.g., visual acuity 6/12 in at least one eye) and have no uncontrolled epilepsy, diabetes, or heart conditions that impair driving.
Report any medical condition or medication that may affect driving to the licensing authority; a medical certificate may be required.
Penalties for drink-driving include fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment; repeat offences carry heavier penalties.
Sleepiness signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting, missing signs; stop in a safe place and rest; do not rely on caffeine or fresh air.
Licensing Categories, Documents and Administrative Procedures
Cambodian licence categories: A (motorcycle), B (car/light truck up to 3.5 t), C (truck over 3.5 t), D (bus), E (trailer).
Heavy vehicle drivers need a Category C or D licence; a medical certificate and driving test are required.
Licence renewal: apply before expiry; late renewal may require a penalty and re-test if expired over a certain period.
Vehicle registration card must be carried; registration is renewed annually and requires inspection certificate and insurance.
Compulsory third-party insurance is mandatory; keep the certificate in the vehicle and produce it on demand.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognised for visitors; local residents must obtain a Cambodian licence.
Change of address or name must be reported to the licensing authority within 30 days.
Traffic fines must be paid within the specified period; failure may result in licence suspension or vehicle impoundment.