Vehicle loading, dimensions and vehicle technical requirements
This domain tests the legal limits of the bus and how loading changes its behaviour. Expect questions on dimensions, mass, axle loads, load securing and the equipment that must be on board.
Dimensions and mass
- Standard maximum width is 2.55 m and height is 4.00 m. A rigid bus is generally up to 12 m and an articulated bus up to 18 m; exceptions and permits exist.
- Never exceed the plated gross vehicle weight or the permitted axle loads. A two-axle bus is commonly plated up to about 18,000 kg, but the plate governs.
- Roof luggage must stay within the roof load limit and must not raise the bus above 4.00 m.
Load security
- Distribute luggage and cargo evenly. Heavy items low and forward of the rear axle where possible; secure loose items.
- Do not block doors, aisles, emergency exits or the driver's view. Check that the load cannot shift under braking.
- Technical equipment includes lights, tyres, brakes, ABS/EBS, speed limiter, tachograph, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangle and reflective vest.
Worked example
All heavy suitcases are placed in the rear luggage bay. The rear axle approaches its limit and the front axle becomes light, so steering feels vague and the headlights point high. The correct reasoning is to redistribute the load forward and secure it, then recheck axle loads and tyre pressures before departure.
Traps
- Assuming every route has 4.00 m clearance.
- Forgetting that roof load counts toward height and mass.
- Checking total mass but not axle loads.
- Leaving luggage loose so it becomes a projectile under braking.