NSW Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test Cheat Sheet

General Knowledge Section

Not published of exam
Licence Classes Test Logistics Dimension Limits Mass Terms Coupling a Semi-trailer

Road Safety: Road Rules

Not published of exam
Speed Limits Speed Limiter Fitment Turning and Intersections Pedestrians and Bicycles

Road Safety: Load and Fatigue

Not published of exam
Load Restraint Standard Standard Hours Solo Driver Fatigue Schemes and Diary Following Distances

Road Safety: Alcohol and Offences

Not published of exam
Alcohol and Drugs Penalties and Demerit Points Seat Belts and Integrity Who Needs 0.02

Traffic Signs Section

Not published of exam
Heavy Vehicle Signs Regulatory vs Warning Signs Which Sign Stops You Stop vs Give Way

Quick Facts

Test NSW Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test
Questions 45 multiple-choice
Pass mark Not published by TfNSW
Time limit Not published by TfNSW
Fee AUD $58 per attempt
Versions Rigid or combination
Pass validity 36 months
Retake Same day if available
Source books Three official handbooks

Dimension Numbers GE

4.3 high, 2.5 wide, 12.5 rigid, 19 combination
4.4 m double deck bus 26 m B-double 3.7 m rear overhang

Rigid vs Combination Test GE

Rigid version

For LR, MR, HR
Rigid handling focus
Sit this version only

Combination version

For HC and MC
Coupling and trailer swing
Sit this version only
Test matches licence class

Do I Need a Permit GE

Height over 4.3 m → 4.6 m notice route ( Otherwise permit )
Rigid longer than 12.5 m → NHVR permit
Combination longer than 19 m → B-double notice ( Up to 26 m )
Rear overhang over limit → NHVR permit ( 60% or 3.7 m )
Width over 2.5 m → NHVR permit
Route off the RAV network → NHVR access permit

Licence Classes GE

LR Rigid, 4.5 to 8 t
MR Two axles, over 8 t
HR Three axles, over 8 t
HC Prime mover, single semi-trailer
MC B-doubles and road trains
Every class Covers lower classes, not motorcycles
Towed trailer Rigid classes: 9 t maximum LR MR HR

GVM vs GCM GE

GVM

Loaded rigid vehicle
Set by the manufacturer
Defines licence class limits

GCM

Loaded combination weight
Prime mover plus trailers
Also triggers 0.02 BAC
One unit vs whole combination

Licence Prerequisites GE

LR and MR Class C for 1 year
HR Class C for 2 years
HC MR or HR, 1 year
MC HR or HC, 1 year
Every class Knowledge test plus eyesight test
MC only Medical exam required
Learner or P1 Cannot learn heavy vehicles

B-double vs Road Train GE

B-double

Two semi-trailers, one turntable
Up to 26 m
Class 2 B-double notice

Road train

Hauls two or more trailers
Approved areas only
Keeps 200 m behind
Both restricted access vehicles

Test Logistics GE

Questions 45 multiple-choice
Pass mark Not published by TfNSW Not 41/45
Knowledge test fee $58 each attempt
Driving test fee $72
HVCBA participation $36 scheme fee
Pass validity 36 months
Languages English plus nine others
Source books HVDH, Road User, Load Restraint

Service vs Auxiliary Brakes GE

Service brake

Used in normal conditions
Pedal travel controls air
Fades on long descents

Auxiliary brake

Exhaust, engine, retarder
Slows but cannot stop
Noisy; limit in towns
Stops vehicle vs helps slow

Dimension Limits GE

General height 4.3 m including load
Double deck bus 4.4 m
Notice route height 4.6 m, listed routes only
Width 2.5 m including load
Mirrors and monitors Excluded from width
Rigid length 12.5 m including overhang
Combination length 19 m general limit
B-double length Up to 26 m

Mass Terms GE

GVM Loaded weight, rigid vehicle
GCM Loaded weight, combination vehicle
GTM Loaded mass on trailer axles
GRTM Loaded weight, road train
Tare mass Vehicle without its load
Unladen mass Tare plus fuel and tools
Load capacity GVM minus tare mass
Single axle, four tyres 9 t statutory limit

Projection and Overhang GE

Front projection 1.2 m maximum
Side projection 150 mm maximum
Rear overhang 60% of wheelbase or 3.7 m
Whichever is less The smaller figure governs
Daytime warning Flag, 300 mm each side
Night warning Red light, visible 200 m
Over the limit NHVR permit required

Coupling a Semi-trailer GE

Skid plate height About 5 cm below turntable
Turntable jaws Open before reversing under
Trailer too low Chassis hits trailer front
Trailer too high Turntable misses the kingpin
Tug test First gear, trailer brakes on
Repeat Do the tug test twice
Gap check No gap under skid plate
Landing gear Raise fully, stow the handle

Brakes and Pre-departure GE

Air reserve Enough for five brake applications
Low pressure warning Stop immediately
Warning signal point About 410 kPa
Manual tank valves Drain the tanks daily
Trailer breakaway Brakes hold 15 minutes
Parking brake Holds on 15-degree grade
Tread depth 1.5 mm over 75%
Maxi-brakes Air pressure holds them off

Rear Plates and Triangles GE

Rear marking plates Motor vehicles over 12 t GVM
Trailer plates Trailers over 10 t GTM
Do not overtake plate Only 7.5 m or longer
Under 7.5 m Must not display it
Triangles carried Three, over 12 t GVM
Use triangles when Unseen from 200 to 300 m
Under 80 km/h road Place at 50 and 150 m
Over 80 km/h road Place at 200 and 250 m

Speed Limits RO

Over 4.5 t GVM 100 km/h maximum
Street lights, no sign 50 km/h default
No lights, no sign 100 km/h default
Shared zone 10 km/h maximum
School zone School days, signposted times
Truck speed sign Regulatory, must be obeyed
Roadworks zone Slow to posted limit

Speed Limiter Fitment RO

Truck built 1988 on GVM over 15 tonnes
Public bus built 1988 on GVM over 14.5 tonnes
Truck built 1991 on GVM over 12 tonnes
Public bus built 1991 on GVM over 5 tonnes
Limiter setting 100 km/h maximum
Non-compliance Operator offence, heavy fines

Turning and Intersections RO

Left turn Start turn further in
Block the left Stop others passing inside
One-way right turn Lane left of far right
Two right-turn lanes Use the far left one
Moving off Signal at least 5 seconds
Reversing Hazard lights on first
Level crossing Never enter if blocked
Stuck on crossing Leave vehicle, call 000

Pedestrians and Bicycles RO

Turning Give way to crossing pedestrians
At a crossing Never overtake a stopped vehicle
Bicycle, 60 or less Leave 1 m gap
Bicycle, over 60 Leave 1.5 m gap
Crossing lines to pass Allowed if view is clear
Crossing supervisor Stay stopped until sign lowered

Load Restraint Numbers LO

Forward 80, back 50, side 50, up 20
80% forward 50% rearward 50% sideways 20% upward

Work Diary vs Vehicle Monitor LO

Work diary

Driver writes work and rest
Carry last 28 days
Duplicates within 21 days

Vehicle monitor

Device records automatically
Over 13.9 t, built 1991
Owner keeps six months
You record vs it records

Which Following Distance LO

Long vehicle behind long vehicle → 60 m minimum ( Legal minimum )
Road train behind long vehicle → 200 m minimum ( Legal minimum )
Multilane or built-up area → Minimum does not apply ( Still keep space )
While overtaking → Minimum does not apply
Good conditions, heavy vehicle → 4-second gap ( Handbook standard )
Wet, gravel, icy, night → 5 seconds or more

Load Restraint Standard LO

Forward Restrain 80% of weight
Rearward Restrain 50% of weight
Sideways Restrain 50% of weight
Upward Restrain 20% of weight
Lashing angle Under 30 degrees not recommended
Steeper angle Greater clamping tension
Most important block Headboard or bulkhead
Heaviest items Low and near centreline

Standard Hours Ladder LO

12 in 24, 72 in 7, 144 in 14
7 hours continuous rest 24 hours weekly rest Four night rests fortnightly

3-second vs 4-second Gap LO

Road User Handbook

3 seconds, good conditions
4 or more when poor
Applies to all drivers

Heavy Vehicle Handbook

4 seconds, good conditions
5 or more when poor
Heavy vehicle standard
Heavy vehicles need more

Can I Keep Driving LO

Worked 5 h 15 min → Rest 15 continuous minutes
Worked 7 h 30 min → Rest 30 minutes total ( 15-minute blocks )
Worked 10 hours → Rest 60 minutes total ( 15-minute blocks )
Worked 12 hours → Stop; rest 7 hours ( Continuous stationary )
Worked 72 hours weekly → Stop; rest 24 hours ( Continuous stationary )
Worked 144 hours fortnightly → Stop; take night rests ( Two consecutive )

Securing Methods LO

Blocking Headboard, racks, stakes, chocks
Lashing Chains, webbing, load binders
Containing Solid sides, tanker, container
Covering Tarpaulin over loose loads
Twist locks Only way to secure containers
Dunnage Align layers directly above
Belly wrap Loop over, never under
Friction Helps, never restrains alone

Work Diary Days LO

Carry 28, send 21, keep 3 years
28 days in vehicle 21 days to keeper 3 years of copies

Blocking vs Lashing LO

Blocking

Headboard, racks, chocks
Physical barrier stops movement
Load sits against headboard

Lashing

Chains, webbing, binders
Tension clamps load down
Under 30 degrees is weak
Barrier vs tension

Standard Hours Solo Driver LO

In 5 h 30 min Work 5h15; rest 15 min
In 8 hours Work 7h30; rest 30 min
In 11 hours Work 10h; rest 60 min
In 24 hours Work 12h; rest 7h continuous
In 7 days Work 72h; rest 24h continuous
In 14 days Work 144h; four night rests
Night rest 7 hours between 10pm and 8am

Long Vehicle Gaps LO

Long behind long 60, road train 200
60 m long vehicles 200 m road trains Not on multilane roads

Fatigue Schemes and Diary LO

Regulated truck GVM over 12 tonnes
Regulated combination Combined GVM over 12 tonnes
Regulated bus GVM More than 4.5 tonnes
Regulated bus seats More than 12 adults
Standard Hours 12 hours work per 24
BFM 14 hours work per 24 Existing accreditation only
AFM outer limit 15.5 hours work per 24
Carry in vehicle Last 28 days of records
Send to record keeper Duplicates within 21 days
Record keeper holds Copies for three years
Work time rounding Always rounded upwards
Rest time rounding Always rounded downwards

Following Distances LO

Long vehicle 7.5 m or longer
Long behind long At least 60 m
Road train behind long At least 200 m
Rule does not apply Multilane, built-up, overtaking
Heavy vehicle gap 4 seconds, good conditions
Poor conditions 5 seconds or more
Reaction time About 1.5 seconds alert
Response time At least 1.5 seconds

Who Needs 0.02 AL

Big truck, public passengers, dangerous load
Over 13.9 t GVM Over 13.9 t GCM Buses, taxis, rideshare Dangerous goods vehicles

Demerits vs Immediate Suspension AL

Demerit points

13 points, unrestricted licence
14 points, professional driver
Three-year accumulation window

Immediate suspension

Over 45 km/h: six months
Over 30 km/h: three months
Police act at roadside
Accumulation vs one offence

Which BAC Limit Applies AL

Truck over 13.9 t GVM → Under 0.02 ( Not zero )
Combination over 13.9 t GCM → Under 0.02 ( Trailer counts )
Bus, coach, taxi, rideshare → Under 0.02 ( Public passenger )
Carrying a dangerous load → Under 0.02
Full licence, lighter vehicle → Under 0.05 ( Licence limit )
Learner or provisional licence → Zero ( No alcohol )

Alcohol and Drugs AL

Heavy vehicle over 13.9 t BAC under 0.02
Combination over 13.9 t BAC under 0.02 GCM
Public passenger vehicle BAC under 0.02
Dangerous goods vehicle BAC under 0.02
Full licence otherwise BAC under 0.05
Learner or provisional Zero BAC
Back to zero Over 18 hours after binge
Coffee and showers Change nothing; only time
Refusing a breath test Offence in its own right
Roadside drug test THC, meth, cocaine, ecstasy

Penalties and Demerit Points AL

Unrestricted licence 13 points in three years
Professional driver 14 points in three years
Provisional P2 7 points
Good behaviour period 2 points over 12 months
Over 45 km/h Six months suspension
Over 30 km/h Three months suspension
Double demerits Declared holiday periods
Clearance sign breach Registration suspended, three months

Seat Belts and Integrity AL

Compulsory since 1 February 2000
Unbelted seat Move to a belted seat
Driver duty Ensure passengers are restrained
Passengers 16 and over Can be fined individually
Removing a fitted belt Offence in itself
Bribery for a licence Fines and imprisonment
Everyone involved Reported and investigated

Stop vs Give Way TR

Stop sign

Complete stop every time
Stop before the line
Proceed only when safe

Give way sign

Slow, prepare to stop
Stop only if needed
Yield to others crossing
Always stop vs maybe

Which Sign Stops You TR

Gross mass exceeds sign → Do not proceed ( Bridge load limit )
No truck sign, no figures → Over 4.5 t banned ( Unless destination beyond )
Load limit on light road → Delivery access only
Clearance below your height → Take another route
Low gear sign on descent → Gear down, spare brakes
Truck lane marked → Over 4.5 t must use

Heavy Vehicle Signs TR

Bridge or gross load limit Do not exceed shown mass
No truck, with figures Obey the mass or length
No truck, no figures Nothing over 4.5 t GVM
Destination beyond sign Allowed if no other route
Trucks must enter Enter the marked area
Truck lane Compulsory over 4.5 t
Low gear sign Gear controls speed, not brakes
Clearance sign Maximum height that passes
Over 22 m combination Rear warning sign required

Regulatory vs Warning Signs TR

Stop sign Full stop before the line
Give way sign Slow, stop only if needed
Keep left unless overtaking Roads over 80 km/h
Light traffic road Local pick-up or delivery only
Dragon's teeth markings Make school zones more visible
Zig-zag road lines Pedestrian crossing ahead

Common Traps

BAC is 0.02, not zero

Under 0.02 over 13.9 t ≠ Not a blanket 0.00 limit

Pass mark is not published

TfNSW states 45 questions only ≠ 41 of 45 is unofficial

GVM is not GCM

GVM is one rigid vehicle ≠ GCM is the whole combination

Speed cap is not limiter

Cap applies over 4.5 t ≠ Limiter fitted to specified vehicles

3-second gap is not 4

Road User Handbook says 3 ≠ Heavy Vehicle Handbook says 4

B-double is not a road train

B-double: two semi-trailers, 26 m ≠ Road train: truck plus trailers

Rear overhang is not fixed

60% of wheelbase or 3.7 m ≠ Whichever is less applies

Height 4.3 is not 4.6

4.3 m is general limit ≠ 4.6 m needs notice route

Minimum gap is not universal

60 m and 200 m minimums ≠ Not multilane, built-up, overtaking

Work diary is personal

Carry last 28 days records ≠ Lending your diary is illegal

Last Minute

1. 45 questions; pass mark not published
2. Fee $58; retake same day possible
3. Knowledge test pass lasts 36 months
4. Rigid test covers LR, MR, HR
5. Combination test covers HC, MC
6. BAC under 0.02 over 13.9 t
7. Trucks over 4.5t: max 100km/h
8. Restrain 80% forward, 50% rearward
9. Restrain 50% sideways, 20% upward
10. Standard Hours: 12 work per 24
11. Standard Hours: 7 hours continuous rest
12. Carry 28 days of diary records
13. Long vehicles: 60 m minimum gap
14. Road trains: 200 m minimum gap
15. Height 4.3 m; width 2.5 m
16. Rigid 12.5 m; combination 19 m
17. Rear overhang max 3.7 m
18. Demerits: 14 points for professional drivers
19. Tug test in first gear, twice
20. Air reserve: five brake applications
21. Three warning triangles over 12 t

NSW Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test

Practice Questions 114 questions Study Guide 35 topics Cheat Sheet 179 facts Flashcards 50 cards Shorts 1 short

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