Rules and tools for heavy vehicle drivers in Australia, written from the NHVR’s published rules
DriverComplydirectory
CountryAustralia
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustralia
Truck stops and roadhouses370Truck rest areas1,895Heavy vehicle training organisations531Heavy vehicle test and inspection centres53Approved electronic work diaries13

Heavy vehicle knowledge test practice

For NSW drivers going for a heavy rigid (HR), heavy combination (HC) or multi-combination licence, studying the Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook. 50 questions on licence classes and eligibility, speed limits and limiters, alcohol limits, fatigue hours and work diaries, air brakes, hills and following distances, size limits, projecting loads, load restraint, dangerous goods and road rules for heavy vehicles. Your progress is saved on this device.

Our own questions, each answered from the Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook published by Transport for NSW. They are not the official question bank, and the handbook does not state the pass mark, so the exam simulation uses an 80% target.

All 50 questions with answers

For reading through. Tap "Show answer" under a question to see the answer and the reason.

  1. A Light Rigid (LR) licence covers rigid vehicles in which GVM range?

    1. Over 4.5 t, up to 8 t
    2. Over 4.5 t, up to 6 t
    3. Over 3.5 t, up to 4.5 t
    4. Over 8 t, up to 12 t
    Show answer
    A. Over 4.5 t, up to 8 t LR is for rigid vehicles over 4.5 tonnes but not over 8 tonnes GVM, such as small delivery trucks, plus vehicles up to 8 tonnes seating more than 12 adults including the driver. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Licence classes)

  2. Two rigid trucks both have a GVM over 8 tonnes. What decides whether you need an MR or an HR licence?

    1. Whether it carries freight or passengers
    2. The overall length of the truck
    3. Whether the gearbox is synchromesh
    4. The axles: two axles is MR, three or more is HR
    Show answer
    D. The axles: two axles is MR, three or more is HR MR covers rigid vehicles with 2 axles and a GVM over 8 tonnes. HR covers rigid vehicles with 3 or more axles over 8 tonnes, and articulated buses. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Licence classes)

  3. You want to drive a rigid truck towing a trailer with a GVM over 9 tonnes. What is the lowest licence class that allows it?

    1. HR
    2. HC
    3. MC
    4. MR
    Show answer
    B. HC LR, MR and HR only let you tow a trailer of up to 9 tonnes GVM. A rigid vehicle towing a trailer over 9 tonnes GVM needs an HC licence. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Heavy Combination (HC) licence)

  4. Which licence class do you need to drive a B-double?

    1. HC with a B-double permit
    2. MC
    3. HR
    4. HC
    Show answer
    B. MC B-doubles, road trains, low loader dollies and low loader trailer combinations all need a Multi Combination (MC) licence. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Multi Combination (MC) licence)

  5. How long must you have held a class C licence (provisional time included) before you can get an HR licence?

    1. 5 years
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    4. 3 years
    Show answer
    C. 2 years HR needs a class C licence (or equivalent) for 2 years or more. LR and MR need 1 year or more. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Heavy Rigid (HR) licence)

  6. What must you already hold to be eligible for an HC licence?

    1. An MR or HR licence for at least 1 year
    2. A class C licence for at least 3 years
    3. An LR licence for at least 1 year
    4. Any licence, as long as you pass a HVCBA
    Show answer
    A. An MR or HR licence for at least 1 year An HC applicant needs a class MR or HR licence (or equivalent) held for 1 year or more, then a knowledge test, an eyesight test and a Driving Test or HVCBA. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Heavy Combination (HC) licence)

  7. Which statement about getting an MC licence is correct?

    1. You need a class C licence held for 3 years
    2. You must pass a HVCBA and a medical examination
    3. No knowledge test is needed if you already hold HC
    4. You can choose between a Driving Test and a HVCBA
    Show answer
    B. You must pass a HVCBA and a medical examination For MC you need HR or HC for 1 year or more, a knowledge test, an eyesight test, a HVCBA and a medical. An HR holder must first pass an HC driving assessment before MC training. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Multi Combination (MC) licence)

  8. You hold a P2 provisional licence. Which heavy vehicle class are you not allowed to start learning?

    1. HR
    2. LR
    3. HC
    4. MR
    Show answer
    C. HC Learner and P1 drivers cannot learn LR, MR or HR. For HC and MC the ban also covers P2 drivers. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Licence classes)

  9. While you learn to drive a heavy vehicle, your supervisor must have held that licence class (or a higher one) for at least:

    1. 3 years
    2. 1 year
    3. 6 months
    4. 2 years
    Show answer
    B. 1 year The person supervising you must have held the class for the vehicle, or a higher class, for one year or more. You may also need a National Driver Work Diary. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Learning to drive)

  10. Once you pass the heavy vehicle knowledge test, how long does the pass stay valid?

    1. 24 months
    2. 5 years
    3. 36 months
    4. 12 months
    Show answer
    C. 36 months The pass lasts 36 months. You need it before you can book a Driving Test or get a HVCBA Learner Log Book. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Knowledge test)

  1. In NSW, what is the maximum speed limit for a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes?

    1. 110 km/h
    2. 90 km/h
    3. Whatever the posted limit is
    4. 100 km/h
    Show answer
    D. 100 km/h The cap is 100 km/h. Lower truck, road train or bus speed signs may also be posted on sharp bends, steep descents and winding roads, and you must obey them. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Speed limits)

  2. A truck built in 1995 has a GVM of 13 tonnes. What does the handbook say about a speed limiter?

    1. It must be limited to 90 km/h
    2. Limiters are only needed on B-doubles
    3. It must be limited to 100 km/h
    4. A limiter is only needed above 15 tonnes
    Show answer
    C. It must be limited to 100 km/h Trucks built on or after 1 January 1991 with a GVM over 12 tonnes must be speed limited to 100 km/h. The 15-tonne threshold applies to trucks built from 1 January 1988. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Speed limiters)

  3. You drive a truck with a GVM of more than 13.9 tonnes. Your blood alcohol concentration must be:

    1. Under 0.02
    2. Under 0.08
    3. Under 0.05
    4. Any level, if you feel fine
    Show answer
    A. Under 0.02 The under-0.02 limit covers heavy vehicles over 13.9 tonnes GVM, public passenger vehicles such as buses and coaches, and vehicles carrying a dangerous load. One drink can be enough to break it. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Alcohol, drugs and professional drivers)

  4. After a night of heavy drinking, how long can it take for your BAC to get back to zero?

    1. About 8 hours
    2. More than 18 hours
    3. About 12 hours
    4. About 4 hours
    Show answer
    B. More than 18 hours It can take over 18 hours, which is why many drivers are caught the next day. Coffee, a cold shower or a short nap make no difference; only time does. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Alcohol and driving)

  5. A truck is a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle when its GVM is more than:

    1. 15 tonnes
    2. 12 tonnes
    3. 4.5 tonnes
    4. 8 tonnes
    Show answer
    B. 12 tonnes Over 12 tonnes GVM, or a truck and trailer with a combined GVM over 12 tonnes. A bus counts if it is over 4.5 tonnes GVM and seats more than 12 adults including the driver. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: National Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management))

  6. Under Standard Hours, a solo truck driver may work at most how long in any 24-hour period?

    1. 15½ hours
    2. 12 hours
    3. 10 hours
    4. 14 hours
    Show answer
    B. 12 hours Standard Hours allows up to 12 hours of work in 24, with at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest. Other hours options have different limits. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Standard Hours; NHVR standard hours (2026))

  7. Under Standard Hours (solo), in any 5½ hours you may work no more than 5¼ hours. How much rest must you take in that time?

    1. 15 continuous minutes
    2. 30 minutes in two blocks
    3. 10 minutes
    4. 1 hour
    Show answer
    A. 15 continuous minutes At least 15 continuous minutes. The 30-minute and 60-minute rest totals apply to the 8-hour and 11-hour periods. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Standard Hours)

  8. For fatigue records, how does a 12-minute break count?

    1. As 15 minutes of rest
    2. As 30 minutes of rest
    3. It does not count as rest
    4. As 12 minutes of rest
    Show answer
    C. It does not count as rest Rest is rounded down in 15-minute steps, so anything under 15 minutes counts for nothing. Work goes the other way: a short spell of work is rounded up to 15 minutes. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Work and rest)

  9. Which of these counts as work time under the fatigue rules?

    1. Time at home between shifts
    2. Sleeping in an approved sleeper berth while parked
    3. Refuelling and cleaning the truck
    4. A meal break away from the vehicle
    Show answer
    C. Refuelling and cleaning the truck Work is more than driving. It includes loading and unloading, inspecting or repairing the vehicle, checking the load, cleaning, refuelling and filling in records. All other time is rest. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Work and rest)

  10. In the fatigue rules, what counts as a night rest?

    1. Any 5 hours of sleep
    2. 7 continuous hours between 10pm and 8am, or 24 continuous hours of stationary rest
    3. 8 hours of rest that starts before midnight
    4. Any rest in a sleeper berth while the vehicle moves
    Show answer
    B. 7 continuous hours between 10pm and 8am, or 24 continuous hours of stationary rest It is either 7 continuous hours taken between 10pm and 8am, or 24 continuous hours of stationary rest. Standard Hours solo drivers need 4 night rests in 14 days, 2 of them in a row. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Standard Hours)

  11. Under Standard Hours, a solo driver may work at most how many hours in any 7 days?

    1. 84 hours
    2. 144 hours
    3. 72 hours
    4. 60 hours
    Show answer
    C. 72 hours 72 hours of work in any 7 days, with at least 24 continuous hours of stationary rest in that time. 144 hours is the limit over 14 days. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Standard Hours; NHVR standard hours (2026))

  12. You must be able to show your work diary records for how many past days?

    1. 90 days
    2. 7 days
    3. 28 days
    4. 14 days
    Show answer
    C. 28 days You must be able to produce the last 28 days. Duplicate pages go to your record keeper within 21 days, and record keepers hold records for three years. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: National driver work diary)

  13. Most heavy vehicle drivers need at least a 4-second gap in good conditions. What should you do on wet, icy or gravel roads, or at night?

    1. Drop to 3 seconds to see further ahead
    2. Increase it to 5 seconds or more
    3. Keep 4 seconds, as it already allows for this
    4. Double it to 8 seconds every time
    Show answer
    B. Increase it to 5 seconds or more Increase the crash avoidance space to 5 seconds or more in poor conditions. Count it from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed roadside object. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Crash avoidance space)

  14. On a road that is not multilane and outside a built-up area, a long vehicle (7.5 m or more) behind another long vehicle must stay at least how far back?

    1. 100 m
    2. 60 m
    3. 30 m
    4. 200 m
    Show answer
    B. 60 m At least 60 m, or 200 m for a road train. These minimums do not apply on multilane roads, in built-up areas or while overtaking. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Legal minimum distances between large vehicles)

  15. Whenever you drive with air brakes, there should be enough air pressure for at least how many brake applications?

    1. Three
    2. Five
    3. Ten
    4. Two
    Show answer
    B. Five Enough for at least five applications. If the low air warning comes on, stop straight away, gearing down until the vehicle is slow enough to brake. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Loss of pressure in air brakes)

  1. In an air brake check, the low air pressure warning (if fitted) should come on at about:

    1. 700 kPa
    2. 300 kPa
    3. 550 kPa
    4. 410 kPa
    Show answer
    D. 410 kPa About 410 kPa. The check also confirms the warning is working when the system has been drained of air. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Inspection of air brakes)

  2. Starting from empty, air pressure should build up to 80 per cent of the maximum limit within:

    1. 1 minute
    2. 5 minutes
    3. 30 seconds
    4. 2 minutes
    Show answer
    B. 5 minutes It should take no longer than five minutes, with the engine at fast idle. Check the manufacturer’s figure for the maximum pressure. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Inspection of air brakes)

  3. During a trailer check you disconnect the air hoses between the hauling unit and the trailer. What should happen?

    1. The trailer brakes release so it can be moved
    2. Nothing until the engine is restarted
    3. The trailer brakes apply by themselves and stay on for at least 15 minutes
    4. The hauling unit’s spring brakes come on straight away
    Show answer
    C. The trailer brakes apply by themselves and stay on for at least 15 minutes The trailer brakes must come on automatically and hold for at least 15 minutes. That shows the breakaway system works. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Inspection of air brakes)

  4. On the way down a hill you try to change down but miss the gear. What should you do?

    1. Speed up to match the revs and try again
    2. Hold the trailer hand brake on and keep trying
    3. Stop with the brakes straight away, then select the right gear
    4. Coast in neutral while you find the gear
    Show answer
    C. Stop with the brakes straight away, then select the right gear Stop the vehicle with the brakes at once and then pick the correct gear. Coasting while you fight the gearbox is very dangerous. Choose a low enough gear before the descent starts. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Hills)

  5. Why should you avoid fanning the brakes (applying and releasing them over and over) on a long descent?

    1. It heats the brakes up, and with air brakes it uses up the air reserve
    2. It locks the trailer wheels immediately
    3. It wears out the engine brake
    4. It only matters on vehicles with ABS
    Show answer
    A. It heats the brakes up, and with air brakes it uses up the air reserve Fanning raises brake temperature and can end in brake burn-out. In an air system it also wastes the compressed air you may need in an emergency. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Braking going down hills)

  6. Unless a notice or permit allows more, what is the maximum height for a heavy vehicle other than a double-deck bus?

    1. 4.6 m
    2. 4.0 m
    3. 4.15 m
    4. 4.3 m
    Show answer
    D. 4.3 m The general limit is 4.3 m (4.4 m for a double-deck bus). Up to 4.6 m is allowed only for eligible vehicles on approved routes under the 4.6 m notices, or with a permit. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Vehicle dimensions)

  7. What is the maximum width for any vehicle?

    1. 2.45 m
    2. 2.5 m
    3. 2.6 m
    4. 2.4 m
    Show answer
    B. 2.5 m The limit is 2.5 m, including the load. Exterior rear vision mirrors, signalling devices and tyre pressure monitors are left out of the measurement. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Maximum widths)

  8. What is the maximum length of a rigid vehicle, counting any load overhanging at the front or rear?

    1. 19 m
    2. 12.5 m
    3. 11 m
    4. 14.5 m
    Show answer
    B. 12.5 m A rigid vehicle may be 12.5 m long including overhanging load. Anything longer needs a permit from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Projecting loads)

  9. What is the usual maximum length of a heavy combination, and of a B-double that meets the specified conditions?

    1. 19 m and 26 m
    2. 19 m and 25 m
    3. 22 m and 30 m
    4. 20 m and 26 m
    Show answer
    A. 19 m and 26 m Articulated and heavy trailer combinations are usually limited to 19 m. B-doubles meeting the conditions may be up to 26 m, and road trains can be longer in approved areas. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Height and length limits)

  10. For a vehicle over 4.5 t GVM, the rear overhang, load included, must not exceed:

    1. 50 per cent of the wheelbase
    2. 60 per cent of the wheelbase or 3.7 m, whichever is less
    3. 3.7 m in every case
    4. 1.2 m
    Show answer
    B. 60 per cent of the wheelbase or 3.7 m, whichever is less The limit is the smaller of 60 per cent of the wheelbase and 3.7 m. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Projecting loads)

  11. On a vehicle over 4.5 t GVM, how far may the load stick out in front?

    1. 1 m
    2. 1.2 m
    3. 150 mm
    4. 0.5 m
    Show answer
    B. 1.2 m No more than 1.2 m at the front and 150 mm at the side, and the loaded width must stay within 2.5 m. A load more than 1.2 m past the rear needs a warning flag by day and a red light at night. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Projecting loads)

  12. A load restraint system should be able to stop the load moving forward under a force equal to what share of its weight?

    1. 20 per cent
    2. 80 per cent
    3. 100 per cent
    4. 50 per cent
    Show answer
    B. 80 per cent Forward 80 per cent, rearward 50 per cent, sideways 50 per cent and upward 20 per cent of the load’s weight. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Load restraints)

  13. When is a shipping container properly secured on a vehicle?

    1. Only when the twist-locks are used, whether it is full or empty
    2. When it is covered with a tarpaulin
    3. When it is strapped down with webbing
    4. When it is heavy enough not to slide
    Show answer
    A. Only when the twist-locks are used, whether it is full or empty A container is not secure unless the twist-locks are engaged, loaded or empty. A vehicle without twist-locks should not carry containers. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Containers)

  14. You are unloading a tanker with several compartments. Which should you empty first?

    1. The rear compartment
    2. The centre compartments, then work outwards
    3. The front compartment
    4. All of them a little at a time, evenly
    Show answer
    B. The centre compartments, then work outwards Start in the centre and work out to keep the weight balanced over the front and rear axles. Empty each compartment fully before starting the next, because part-filled compartments let the liquid surge. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Tankers)

  15. Your 15-tonne GVM truck breaks down on a divided road and other drivers cannot see it from 200 to 300 m away. Where do the warning triangles go?

    1. One beside the vehicle and two behind it
    2. One in front and two behind
    3. All three behind the vehicle
    4. One at each end and one on the median
    Show answer
    A. One beside the vehicle and two behind it Vehicles over 12 tonnes GVM carry three triangles. On a divided or one-way road: one at the side and two at the rear. On any other road: one at the side, one in front and one behind. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Warning triangles)

  1. In a built-up area, how long may a heavy vehicle (GVM 4.5 t or more) or a long vehicle stop on a length of road, if it is not a bus?

    1. No limit, if the spot is legal
    2. No more than 1 hour
    3. No more than 2 hours
    4. No more than 30 minutes
    Show answer
    B. No more than 1 hour One hour at most in a built-up area. Outside a built-up area such vehicles may only stop on the road shoulder. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Where heavy vehicles can stand or park)

  2. Which vehicles may display a ‘do not overtake turning vehicle’ sign on the back?

    1. A vehicle, or vehicle and trailer, 7.5 m long or more
    2. Only B-doubles and road trains
    3. Any truck over 4.5 t GVM
    4. Any vehicle towing a trailer
    Show answer
    A. A vehicle, or vehicle and trailer, 7.5 m long or more Only vehicles 7.5 m or longer. Below that length you must not show the sign and must turn within the marked lanes. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Turning right from a one way street)

  3. You are passing a bicycle rider where the speed limit is above 60 km/h. What is the least gap you must leave?

    1. 1 m
    2. 2 m
    3. 1.5 m
    4. 0.5 m
    Show answer
    C. 1.5 m 1.5 m above 60 km/h and 1 m at 60 km/h or less. To give that space you may cross lines or move right of centre if it is safe and you can see oncoming traffic clearly. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Overtaking)

  4. Your vehicle gets stuck on a railway level crossing. What should you do?

    1. Leave it, get to a safe place and call the police on 000
    2. Walk along the track towards any train
    3. Stay in the cab with the hazard lights on
    4. Keep trying to reverse until it comes free
    Show answer
    A. Leave it, get to a safe place and call the police on 000 Get out and away, then call triple zero. To avoid it, never drive onto a crossing if a train is coming or the far side is blocked, and check your length and ground clearance. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Railway level crossing safety)

  5. A no trucks sign shows no mass or length details. Which vehicles does it keep out?

    1. Only trucks over 12 t GVM
    2. Only trucks carrying dangerous goods
    3. Trucks over 4.5 t GVM, unless the destination is past the sign and it is the only route
    4. Only B-doubles and road trains
    Show answer
    C. Trucks over 4.5 t GVM, unless the destination is past the sign and it is the only route Without details on the sign, no truck over 4.5 tonnes GVM may pass it unless the destination lies beyond and there is no other way. Buses are not covered. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: No truck sign)

  6. A driver of a vehicle carrying bulk dangerous goods must hold a special licence. What is the minimum age for it?

    1. 21
    2. 18
    3. 25
    4. There is no minimum
    Show answer
    A. 21 At least 21. The driver also needs the right licence class, an approved training course, a medical certificate and a satisfactory driving history. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Dangerous goods)

  7. What is the minimum tyre tread on a heavy vehicle?

    1. 1.5 mm over half the tread
    2. 1.5 mm over 75 per cent of the surface that normally touches the road
    3. 3 mm across the full width
    4. 1 mm across the whole tyre
    Show answer
    B. 1.5 mm over 75 per cent of the surface that normally touches the road At least 1.5 mm of tread over 75 per cent of the road-contact surface, with tyres at the correct pressure. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Wheels and tyres)

  8. Before coupling a semi-trailer, how should the trailer skid plate height compare with the turntable?

    1. Slightly lower than the turntable centre, ideally by about 5 cm
    2. Exactly level with the top of the turntable
    3. As high as the landing gear will go
    4. About 5 cm higher than the turntable
    Show answer
    A. Slightly lower than the turntable centre, ideally by about 5 cm Set it slightly lower, about 5 cm. Too low and the prime mover can hit the trailer front; too high and the jaws may miss the kingpin, letting the cab hit the trailer. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Coupling a semi-trailer)

  9. Lashing angles below what figure are not recommended?

    1. 45 degrees
    2. 30 degrees
    3. 90 degrees
    4. 60 degrees
    Show answer
    B. 30 degrees Below 30 degrees is not recommended; the steeper the lashing angle to the load, the greater the lashing tension. Protect lashings from sharp edges and secure each one separately. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Lashings)

  10. A professional driver holds an unrestricted licence. How many demerit points in three years lead to suspension?

    1. 14
    2. 12
    3. 7
    4. 13
    Show answer
    A. 14 Professional drivers are suspended at 14 points in any three-year period; other unrestricted holders at 13. The P2 limit is seven. (NSW Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook: Demerit points)

About the heavy vehicle knowledge test

In NSW, drivers going for a heavy rigid, heavy combination or multi-combination licence sit the Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test on a computer: 45 questions on road rules and road safety, with one test for rigid vehicles (LR, MR, HR) and another for combinations (HC, MC). A pass stays valid for 36 months. Transport for NSW publishes the question banks alongside the Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook. Other states run their own tests: in Queensland, for example, the heavy vehicle road rules test is 10 multiple-choice questions and you need 8 right. Check with your state’s licensing authority. The work and rest rules for fatigue-regulated vehicles are on the work and rest hours page.