Documents, liability and penalties
What the exam tests
This domain checks the documents a Category C driver must carry, who is responsible for the vehicle and load, and the consequences of infringements.
Core rules
- Carry a valid category C driving licence, medical certificate where required, vehicle registration certificate, compulsory third-party insurance, technical inspection certificate and tachograph records or driver card.
- For international transport, carry the CMR consignment note, permits, certificates and ADR documents if dangerous goods are carried.
- The driver is responsible for the vehicle’s roadworthiness, load security and compliance with driving and rest rules; the operator also bears legal responsibility.
- Insurance cover is not unlimited: cargo, trailer and passenger cover may be separate.
- Penalties can include fines in denars, licence suspension, immobilisation of the vehicle and, for serious offences, criminal liability.
Worked example
A truck is stopped and the driver cannot produce the tachograph driver card. The vehicle may be immobilised and a penalty imposed. A photocopy or a promise to produce it later does not replace the required record during the check.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming third-party insurance covers the cargo; letting the medical certificate expire; carrying a copy instead of the required original; blaming the operator for a load the driver failed to secure.
Key points
- Licence, registration, insurance, technical inspection and tachograph records.
- International work adds CMR, permits and ADR documents.
- Driver and operator share responsibility.
- Cargo cover is separate from third-party insurance.
- Penalties include fines, suspension and immobilisation.