Norway Theory Test - Category CE key terms

The combined weight of a vehicle and everything it carries at a given moment, including driver, passengers, fuel and load. It must never exceed the vehicle's permitted maximum weight.

The highest total weight a vehicle or combination is legally allowed to have, as stated in the vehicle registration document. Exceeding it is an offence and affects braking, tyres and road wear.

The weight a vehicle may legally carry in addition to its own kerb weight, such as goods, passengers and driver. It is found by subtracting kerb weight from permitted maximum weight.

The weight of an empty vehicle with fuel, coolant, lubricants and standard equipment, but without load, driver or passengers. It is the starting point for calculating how much you may load.

The weight carried by a single axle or axle group, measured on the road surface. Each axle has a permitted maximum, and load must be distributed so no axle is overloaded.

Placing and securing goods so weight is spread correctly over axles and the centre of gravity stays low and central. Poor distribution can overload an axle, destabilise the combination and lengthen braking distance.

Using straps, chains, nets or blocking to stop cargo moving or falling during transport. Securing must withstand forces from braking, acceleration and cornering, and be checked during the journey.

The horseshoe-shaped coupling on a tractor unit that grips the kingpin of a semi-trailer, allowing articulation. Correct locking, wear inspection and a visible locking handle are essential before driving.

The vertical steel pin under a semi-trailer that locks into the tractor's fifth wheel coupling. It transfers traction and braking forces, so wear and correct engagement must be checked before departure.

A trailer whose front rests on the towing tractor via the fifth wheel coupling, so part of its weight is carried by the tractor. It cannot stand alone without support legs.

A trailer connected to the towing vehicle by a drawbar and coupling, with its own axles carrying its full weight. It follows the towing vehicle's path and needs correct coupling and safety chains.

A towing vehicle plus one or more trailers operated as a unit, such as a tractor unit with semi-trailer. Its length, weight and coupling must meet construction and use rules.

A device that prevents a heavy goods vehicle from exceeding a set maximum speed, typically 90 km/h for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. It reduces severity of accidents and is checked at periodic inspection.

Loss of control where the tractor and trailer fold against each other, often after harsh braking or poor grip on a slippery surface. It can be avoided with smooth braking and engine braking.

Slowing the vehicle by using the engine's compression resistance, often with a retarder or exhaust brake, instead of the service brakes. It reduces brake fade on long descents and lowers jack-knife risk.

Loss of braking power when brakes overheat, common on long downhill gradients with continuous use. It is prevented by selecting a low gear and using engine braking so service brakes cool.

When tyres lose contact with the road because a layer of water builds between them and the surface. Steering and braking stop working, so speed must be reduced in heavy rain.

Areas around a heavy vehicle that the driver cannot see in mirrors, especially close alongside and directly behind. Mirrors, camera systems and careful observation before turning are essential to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

The gap kept to the vehicle ahead, which must increase with speed and weight. A heavy combination needs a longer stopping distance, so a larger time gap and space for escape are required.

Time spent driving a vehicle subject to tachograph rules. Daily driving time is normally limited to nine hours, extendable to ten twice a week, and must be recorded on the tachograph.

A period when the driver does no driving or other work, used to interrupt driving time. After 4.5 hours of driving a break of at least 45 minutes is required, splittable into 15 and 30 minutes.

The uninterrupted rest a driver must take within each 24-hour period, normally at least 11 hours. It may be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests.

A longer rest period required after a week of driving, normally at least 45 hours. It may be reduced to 24 hours under conditions, with compensation taken before the next week ends.

An approved recording device that logs driving time, other work, availability and rest. Digital tachographs store data on a driver card and must be used correctly whenever the regulation applies.

A personal smart card inserted into a digital tachograph to identify the driver and record activity. It is personal, must not be used by others, and must be carried during driving.

The regular roadworthiness test a vehicle must pass at an approved inspection body at set intervals. It covers brakes, steering, lights, tyres, emissions and structure, and a valid pass is required to drive.

The official document stating a vehicle's identity, owner, permitted weights, dimensions and technical data. It must be available for inspection and kept updated when the vehicle is modified or sold.

The European agreement governing transport of dangerous goods by road, covering classification, packaging, labelling and driver training. Drivers need an ADR certificate and vehicles must meet special equipment rules.

A document listing the goods carried, their quantity and destination. It supports correct loading, delivery and traceability, and helps emergency services know what is on board.

Driving smoothly with early gear changes, steady speed, anticipation and minimal idling to cut fuel use and emissions. It also reduces wear on brakes, tyres and the driveline.

Leaving the engine running while stationary, which wastes fuel and adds emissions and noise. Modern engines should be switched off during longer stops unless power is needed for equipment.

The physical and mental condition required to drive safely, including eyesight, alertness and freedom from impairing illness, medicine or alcohol. Doubt about fitness means you must not drive.

Reduced alertness from long driving, poor sleep or irregular hours, which slows reactions and judgment. It is a major accident cause, so regular breaks and stopping when tired are essential.

Immediate basic care given at an accident scene, such as securing the site, calling emergency services, stopping bleeding and keeping casualties warm until help arrives.

A reflective triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic. It should be set up at a safe distance on the road shoulder before other warning measures.

Setting main, wide-angle and close-proximity mirrors so the driver sees as much as possible alongside and behind. Correct adjustment reduces blind spots and must be checked before each trip.

The pre-departure inspection confirming the trailer is correctly hitched, locked, connected to lights and brakes, and that safety devices are in place. Skipping it risks the trailer detaching in motion.