NZ Heavy Vehicle Theory Test flashcards

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

Class 1 licence

Covers cars and light vehicles up to 4500 kg gross vehicle mass. A standard car licence is Class 1 and does not permit driving heavier trucks.

Class 2 licence

Permits a rigid vehicle with gross vehicle mass between 6001 kg and 18000 kg, and towing a trailer up to 3500 kg laden.

Class 3 licence

Permits a rigid vehicle with gross vehicle mass over 18000 kg, and towing a trailer up to 3500 kg laden.

Class 4 licence

Permits a heavy rigid vehicle plus trailer, or a rigid towing a heavy trailer, where combined mass is up to 25000 kg.

Class 5 licence

Permits any rigid vehicle and any combination, including articulated trucks and B-trains, with no upper mass limit.

Supervision of learner drivers

A learner heavy vehicle driver may drive only while supervised by a person holding the same licence class or a higher one.

Braking distance and speed

Braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples the distance needed to stop a heavy vehicle.

Safe following gap

A heavy vehicle should keep at least a 4-second gap in good conditions, increased to 6 seconds or more in rain, on gravel, or when laden.

Brake fade

Overheated brakes lose stopping power. On long descents, use a low gear and engine braking rather than continuous service braking.

Rear swing-out

On a turn, the rear wheels of a long vehicle cut inside the path of the front wheels, so the driver must check mirrors and allow extra room.

Truck blind spots

Blind spots extend along both sides, directly behind, and in front of a truck. If you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Load security

Loads must be restrained so they cannot shift. A shifting load changes the centre of gravity and can cause rollover in corners.

Certificate of fitness

A CoF is required for heavy vehicles and is generally renewed every 6 months. It certifies the vehicle meets safety and inspection standards.

CoF inspection items

The inspection checks brakes, steering, tyres, lights, glazing, exhaust, structural condition, and load security. Failed items must be repaired and re-inspected.

Heavy vehicle tyre tread

Heavy vehicle tyres need at least 1.5 mm tread depth across the full width of the tread, with no cuts or bulges exposing cord.

Carrying the CoF

The driver must carry a current certificate of fitness and produce it on request. Operating without a current CoF is an offence.

Pre-trip vehicle check

Before a trip, check tyre pressure and condition, wheel nuts, lights and indicators, brake operation, fluid levels, mirrors, and load restraints.

Axle and gross mass limits

Loads must not exceed axle or gross mass limits. Overloading is penalised and damages roads, and axle groups have individual limits.

Air brake daily check

Heavy vehicles typically use air brakes. A daily check includes listening for air leaks and confirming the low-pressure warning operates.

Logbook requirement

A driver must record work time and rest breaks in a logbook, carry it, and show it to an enforcement officer on request.

Road user charges

RUC are paid per 1000 km through a distance licence. A heavy vehicle must have a current licence covering its actual distance.

RUC rate factors

RUC rates depend on vehicle type, weight, and number of axles. Heavier vehicles pay higher rates per 1000 km.

RUC licence label

The licence label shows the licensed distance, and the odometer reading must match it. Buying more distance before expiry avoids an offence.

Vehicles subject to RUC

RUC applies to vehicles using fuel not taxed at the pump, mainly diesel heavy vehicles. Petrol vehicles pay excise in the fuel price.

Overweight permits

Loads exceeding legal mass or dimension limits may need a permit. Operating without the required permit attracts penalties.

Keeping left

Drive on the left except when passing, turning right, or avoiding an obstruction. On multi-lane roads, use the left lane unless overtaking.

Uncontrolled intersection

At an intersection with no signs or signals, give way to vehicles approaching from your right.

Default speed limits

The urban default speed limit is 50 km/h unless signed otherwise. The open road default is 100 km/h for light vehicles.

Adult alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over is 50 mg per 100 mL of blood, or 250 mcg per litre of breath.

Pedestrian crossing rule

Give way to pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing, and do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Yellow traffic signal

A yellow signal means stop unless you are so close that stopping safely is not possible. A red signal means stop and remain stopped.

Fatigue rest breaks

On long trips, take a rest break at least every 2 hours, and stop driving if you feel drowsy.