Class 3 Theory Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Class 3 minimum age

In many jurisdictions the minimum age for a Class 3 heavy vehicle licence is 25, though some allow 21 with a Class 2 held for a set period. Check the local rule.

Class 3 prerequisite licence

A full car licence (Class 1) held for at least 2 years, or a Class 2 licence held for at least 6 months, is typically required before applying for a Class 3 licence.

Medical certificate validity

A current medical certificate, usually no more than 60 to 90 days old at application, is required for a Class 3 licence; older drivers must renew medicals more often.

Eyesight standard

Corrected visual acuity of at least 6/9 in the better eye and 6/12 in the worse eye, with a horizontal visual field of at least 140 degrees, is the usual benchmark.

Theory test validity

The Class 3 theory test must be passed before the practical assessment, and the theory result normally lapses after about 12 months if the practical is not completed.

Application documents

Typical evidence includes proof of identity, proof of address, a current photo, the prerequisite licence, a medical certificate, and a passed theory test result.

Licence class ladder

Classes build upward: Class 1 car, Class 2 medium rigid, Class 3 heavy rigid or heavy combination, then Class 4 and 5 for heavier specialist combinations.

Condition on licence

Conditions such as corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, or geographic restrictions may be imposed and must be complied with while driving a heavy vehicle.

Address change notification

A change of address or name must be notified to the licensing authority within a set period, commonly 14 to 28 days, to keep the licence valid.

Heavy vehicle GVM threshold

A heavy motor vehicle generally has a gross vehicle mass above 4,500 kg; vehicles at or below that threshold are light or medium rigid, not Class 3.

Class 3 vehicle scope

Class 3 covers heavy rigid vehicles above 4,500 kg GVM and heavy combinations where the trailer's gross mass exceeds a set threshold, often 4,500 kg.

Class 3 does not include

A Class 3 licence does not authorise a Class 4 or Class 5 vehicle, a heavy passenger vehicle, or dangerous goods transport without the relevant endorsement.

Passenger endorsement

Carrying passengers for hire or reward in a heavy passenger vehicle requires a P endorsement added to the Class 3 licence, with separate eligibility and testing.

Dangerous goods endorsement

Transporting placarded dangerous goods requires a D endorsement in addition to the Class 3 licence; the base class alone is not sufficient.

Higher class includes lower

A Class 3 licence holder may also drive light vehicles (Class 1) and medium rigid vehicles (Class 2), because higher classes include the lower ones.

GVM governs class

The licence class is determined by the vehicle's gross vehicle mass and configuration, not by the driver's experience or the actual weight carried on the day.

Combination mass limit

Trailer towing under Class 3 is limited to the permitted combination mass for the class; a heavier combination moves the vehicle into a higher licence class.

Special purpose vehicles

Cranes, forklifts, and agricultural machines may require a separate endorsement or special-purpose vehicle licence, not just a Class 3 licence.

Pre-trip inspection

Check tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors, coupling and locking pins, load restraints, and fluid levels before every trip in a heavy vehicle.

Air brake leak-down test

With the engine off and brakes applied, the air brake system should show no more than a specified pressure drop, commonly about 10 psi in one minute.

Load restraint forces

Loads must be restrained against braking, acceleration, and cornering forces, commonly 0.8 g forward and 0.5 g sideways and rearward.

Certificate of Inspection

Heavy vehicles must pass a periodic safety inspection at an authorised station, often annually or every 6 to 12 months depending on vehicle age and class.

Chain of responsibility

Under heavy vehicle national law, schedulers, consignors, loaders, drivers, and operators share responsibility for safety, fatigue, speed, mass, and load restraint.

Fatigue work diary

Prescribed work and rest hours apply to heavy vehicle drivers, and a work diary recording those hours must be kept and produced on demand.

Defect reporting

A driver who identifies a safety defect must report it, and the vehicle must not be used until repaired; major defects take the vehicle out of service.

Speed limiter requirement

Heavy combinations and buses are typically required to be speed-limited to 100 km/h, and tampering with a speed limiter is an offence.

Tyre tread minimum

Heavy vehicle tyres commonly require a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm, with no significant cuts, bulges, or exposed cords, and pressure suited to the load.

RUC formula

Road user charges equal the distance in kilometres divided by 1,000, multiplied by the RUC rate per 1,000 km for the vehicle's weight band.

RUC weight band

The RUC weight band is based on the vehicle's gross vehicle mass, or gross combination mass for combinations, and the operator must buy the correct band.

RUC licence display

A current RUC distance licence must be carried and displayed in the vehicle; operating without one or exceeding the purchased distance is an offence.

RUC purchase units

RUC is bought in advance, commonly in 1,000 km increments, and the odometer reading at purchase is recorded on the licence.

Odometer tampering

The odometer must be accurate; tampering with or disconnecting an odometer to avoid road user charges is a serious offence with heavy penalties.