TheoryAU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Practice Test
Prepare for your heavy vehicle licence with 500+ practice questions covering road rules, load limits, fatigue management and vehicle safety. Pass first time.
Heads up: the app and the web exam use separate accounts — a web unlock and an in-app purchase do not carry over. Buy on the web to practice on the web.
AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge exam — full Q&A walkthrough
Every question read aloud with the answer explained. Play it on your commute, then test yourself.
30 free AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge questions
Sampled across every topic area — not just the first page. Try them as a quiz or flip them as flashcards.
-
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
When approaching a STOP sign at an intersection, what must a heavy vehicle driver do before proceeding?
Correct — D. Under the Australian Road Rules, a driver at a STOP sign must bring their vehicle to a complete stop and give way to all vehicles and pedestrians on the road they are entering, regardless of whether traffic is visible. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
What is the default speed limit for a heavy vehicle on an urban road where no speed limit sign is posted?
Correct — C. Under the Australian Road Rules, the default speed limit in a built-up area where no sign is posted is 50 km/h, and this applies equally to heavy vehicles unless a lower limit is specifically prescribed for heavy vehicles on that road. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
At a multi-lane roundabout, a heavy vehicle driver intending to turn right should position their vehicle in which lane on approach?
Correct — C. Under the Australian Road Rules, a driver turning right at a multi-lane roundabout must approach in the right lane (or as near to the right as practicable), though drivers of long vehicles may need to swing wide to safely navigate the roundabout geometry. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A heavy vehicle approaches an uncontrolled T-intersection where the driver is on the road that ends (the top of the T). Who must give way?
Correct — C. Under the Australian Road Rules, a driver on the terminating road of a T-intersection must give way to all vehicles travelling on the through road, regardless of vehicle weight or arrival order. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A heavy vehicle driver approaches a railway level crossing that has flashing red lights and a boom gate beginning to lower. The driver should:
Correct — A. Under the Australian Road Rules, a driver must stop at the stop line when a level crossing has flashing red lights or a lowering boom gate, and must not proceed until the signals have ceased and any gate has fully risen, ensuring the crossing is completely clear. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A 'no stopping' sign applies to a heavy vehicle driver. Which of the following actions is permitted in the no-stopping zone?
Correct — B. Under the Australian Road Rules, a no-stopping zone prohibits all vehicles from stopping for any reason or duration, and no exemption exists for brief passenger drops, deliveries, or activation of hazard lights. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A heavy vehicle displaying a 'DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE' sign is permitted to do which of the following when turning?
Correct — A. Under the Australian Road Rules, a vehicle displaying a 'DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE' sign is legally permitted to occupy any part of the road necessary — including the oncoming lane — to complete a turn, and other drivers must not overtake it while it is turning. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A B-double travelling on an open highway sees a 'NO OVERTAKING TRUCKS' sign. This sign applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass above what threshold?
Correct — D. In Australia, a 'NO OVERTAKING TRUCKS' sign prohibits overtaking by vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes, which encompasses all heavy vehicles including rigid trucks, semi-trailers, and combinations such as B-doubles. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A heavy vehicle is travelling on a road and passes a sign showing a white truck silhouette on a blue background with a left-pointing arrow and the words 'TRUCK ROUTE'. This sign indicates:
Correct — D. A 'TRUCK ROUTE' directional sign indicates the location of a route that is designated and suitable for heavy vehicles; unless a corresponding 'no trucks' restriction prohibits through travel, following the truck route is the driver's choice, though it is strongly recommended for vehicle dimension and mass compliance. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Which of the following is a recognised early warning sign that a driver should stop and rest immediately?
Correct — B. Frequent yawning, heavy eyelids and drifting within the lane are well-established early signs of fatigue; the driver must stop and take a rest break immediately. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Who bears the primary legal responsibility for completing and maintaining a National Driver Work Diary under the HVNL?
Correct — D. Under the HVNL it is the driver who is primarily responsible for accurately completing every entry in their National Driver Work Diary. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL, on which of the following vehicles is a driver MOST likely to be required to keep a National Driver Work Diary?
Correct — B. The work diary requirement under the HVNL applies to drivers of heavy vehicles (GVM over 4.5 t) travelling beyond a 100 km radius of their base; an interstate overnight run in a 12-tonne truck clearly meets both criteria. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL standard hours option, what is the maximum total work time permitted in any 24-hour period?
Correct — D. The HVNL standard hours option caps total work time at 12 hours in any rolling 24-hour period, leaving sufficient time for mandatory rest. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL Chain of Responsibility for fatigue management, which of the following parties does NOT share legal responsibility for ensuring a driver is not fatigued?
Correct — D. Chain of Responsibility obligations attach to those who have influence over transport tasks — schedulers, consignees, consignors and operators — but a mechanic performing routine servicing has no influence over how or when the driver works. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL standard hours option, what is the minimum night rest period (continuous stationary rest) a driver must obtain in every 24-hour period?
Correct — B. The HVNL standard hours rules require every driver to obtain at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest in each 24-hour period as their night rest. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A scheduler instructs a driver to complete a delivery run that, given realistic travel distances and conditions, can only be accomplished if the driver exceeds HVNL standard hours work limits. Under the HVNL Chain of Responsibility, what is the scheduler's legal position?
Correct — B. The HVNL Chain of Responsibility means a scheduler who creates a schedule that makes it impossible for the driver to comply with fatigue management laws can personally face prosecution, even without a crash. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL standard hours option, a driver reaches their maximum accumulated work hours for a work week. What must the driver do before the weekly work-time accumulation can recommence?
Correct — D. Once a driver has reached the HVNL standard hours weekly work limit, they must complete a reset rest of at least 24 consecutive hours of stationary rest before their work-time accumulation clock restarts. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL, which statement correctly describes a driver who is genuinely exempt from keeping a National Driver Work Diary?
Correct — C. Diary exemption does not remove the underlying obligation to comply with HVNL work and rest limits; the operator must record and monitor the exempt driver's hours to ensure compliance. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), what does the term 'Gross Vehicle Mass' (GVM) refer to?
Correct — B. Under the HVNL, GVM is the maximum loaded mass of a single vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, covering the vehicle itself plus its payload. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
What is the primary purpose of the load restraint performance standard set out in the Load Restraint Guide published by the NHVR and National Transport Commission?
Correct — B. The load restraint performance standard requires that loads be restrained so they cannot shift, tip, or fall from the vehicle under the forces encountered in normal driving and foreseeable emergency situations. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
When distributing a load on a rigid heavy vehicle, why is it important to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible?
Correct — C. Keeping the centre of gravity low reduces the overturning moment on the vehicle, significantly lowering the risk of rollover during cornering, braking, and emergency manoeuvres. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL, which of the following parties is considered part of the Chain of Responsibility for load restraint compliance?
Correct — A. The HVNL Chain of Responsibility provisions hold all parties — including consignors, packers, loaders, operators, and drivers — liable if their actions or omissions contributed to a load restraint breach. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A B-double combination has a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) limit of 68.5 tonnes. The prime mover has a GVM of 24 tonnes, the lead semi-trailer has a GVM of 22.5 tonnes, and the rear semi-trailer has a GVM of 22 tonnes. What is the maximum total loaded mass the combination may legally carry?
Correct — A. The GCM sets the upper limit for the whole combination, but the legal mass is also constrained by individual axle group limits; both the GCM cap and each axle group limit must be simultaneously satisfied. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under standard Australian heavy vehicle dimension rules, what is the maximum permitted overall length for a rigid truck (not a combination) operating under general access conditions?
Correct — B. Under the nationally harmonised Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, the general access length limit for a single rigid truck is 12.5 metres. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Which statement about axle spacing and axle group mass limits under the HVNL is correct?
Correct — B. Under the HVNL mass schedule, greater spacing between axles in a group typically permits a higher mass limit because the load is spread over a longer section of pavement, reducing peak road stress. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
Under the HVNL, a 'class 1 heavy vehicle' (oversize/overmass) permit condition requires the driver to carry a copy of the permit at all times during the journey. If an authorised officer requests to inspect the permit and the driver cannot produce it, what is the correct legal position?
Correct — B. Under the HVNL, an authorised officer has the power to direct a driver to stop and not proceed with a regulated heavy vehicle journey if required documentation such as a permit cannot be produced for inspection. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
A semi-trailer carrying coiled steel is loaded so that the load rests against fixed headboards and is secured with four lashings rated at 4 000 daN each. The coils have a total mass of 18 000 kg. Assuming the headboard is structurally approved and rated to take forward loads, what minimum rated lashing restraint capacity is required for the remaining three directions (rearward, lateral, and vertical) under the performance standard?
Correct — A. The Load Restraint Guide performance standard requires 100% of load mass forward, 50% rearward, 50% laterally on each side, and 20% vertically; a compliant headboard can satisfy the forward requirement, leaving the other three directions to be met by the lashings. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
When should a heavy vehicle driver conduct a pre-trip inspection of their vehicle?
Correct — C. Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, drivers have a primary duty to ensure their vehicle is safe and roadworthy, which requires a pre-trip inspection before each journey to identify any defects. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
During a daily pre-trip check, you notice a headlight is not functioning. What is the correct action?
Correct — C. Under the HVNL, a driver must not operate a vehicle with a defect that makes it unsafe or non-compliant; a defective light must be reported and rectified before the vehicle is used on a public road. -
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge
When checking tyre condition on a heavy vehicle before a trip, which of the following would make a tyre unroadworthy?
Correct — D. Australian Road Rules and vehicle standards require heavy vehicle tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm across the full width of the tread; anything less renders the tyre unroadworthy.
AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge During a pre-trip brake check on an air brake system, the driver notices the air pressure gauge drops significantly when the brakes are applied and does not recover quickly. This most likely indicates:
A. The air compressor is running slightly faster than usual
B. A significant air leak in the brake system that must be investigated before driving ✓
C. The brakes are operating normally and holding correctly
D. The trailer brake line needs to be pressurised for the first time today
Correct — B. Rapid or excessive pressure loss when brakes are applied is a symptom of an air leak in the system; under the HVNL a driver must not drive a vehicle with defective brakes as it presents a serious safety risk.
Real Exam Practice What will happen if you are caught cheating on the knowledge test?
A. You will never be allowed to take another test.
B. You will not be allowed to take another test for 6 weeks. ✓
C. Nothing, there is no penalty.
Correct — B. That's the right answer.
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge What is the purpose of the park (spring) brake in a heavy vehicle's air brake system?
A. To automatically increase air pressure in the system when the engine is idling
B. To apply the brakes mechanically when air pressure is lost or when the vehicle is parked ✓
C. To supplement the hydraulic brakes when the vehicle is on a steep gradient
D. To provide additional stopping force only at speeds below 20 km/h
Correct — B. Spring brakes (park brakes) are mechanically applied by spring pressure and held off by air pressure; if air pressure is lost they apply automatically, preventing runaway — this is a fundamental safety feature of heavy vehicle air brake systems.
Real Exam Practice What will happen if you offer a testing officer a bribe to pass your driving test?
A. Nothing, there is no penalty.
B. Only the testing officer will be investigated.
C. Action will be taken against you. The penalties are severe and include fines and imprisonment. ✓
Correct — C. That's the right answer.
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Before coupling a semi-trailer, a driver should check that the fifth wheel jaw is in which position?
A. Fully open so the kingpin can enter freely and trigger the automatic lock ✓
B. Position does not matter as the kingpin will force the jaw open on contact
C. Fully locked with the locking lever secured, ready to receive the kingpin
D. Half-open to provide a controlled resistance that confirms correct seating
Correct — A. Before reversing under a trailer, the fifth wheel jaw must be fully open; reversing under with a partially or fully closed jaw can cause the kingpin to sit on top of the jaw rather than seating and locking correctly, risking uncoupling.
Real Exam Practice What will happen if a testing officer asks you for a bribe to pass your driving test and you give it to him or her?
A. Nothing, there is no penalty.
B. Only the testing officer will be investigated.
C. Action will be taken against all involved. The penalties are severe and include fines and imprisonment. ✓
Correct — C. That's the right answer.
Heavy Vehicle Knowledge After coupling a prime mover to a semi-trailer, which of the following checks confirms the trailer is properly secured to the fifth wheel?
A. Rev the engine to full power while stationary to stress-test the connection
B. Visually confirm the air lines are connected before performing any physical check
C. Apply the trailer park brake, then attempt to drive forward slightly to test the connection under tension ✓
D. Check that the trailer landing legs are still fully retracted against the chassis
Correct — C. A tug test — applying the trailer brake and attempting to creep forward in low gear — places the fifth wheel under tension and is the standard physical check to confirm the kingpin has locked correctly in the jaw.
Real Exam Practice Can a P1 or P2 provisional driver legally instruct a learner driver?
A. Yes, provided the provisional driver has held a P2 licence for more than 6 months.
B. Yes, provided L and P1 or P2 plates are displayed.
C. No. ✓
Correct — C. That's the right answer.
About the AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge test
Practice for your Australian heavy vehicle licence knowledge test with original questions based on the nationally harmonised Australian road rules and the Heavy Vehicle National Law (NHVR). Every question has a clear explanation.
What you get
- Road rules and signs, fatigue management, mass and load restraint, vehicle safety checks, low-risk driving techniques, and legal responsibilities including Chain of Responsibility and licence classes.
- A clear explanation for every question.
- Timed practice tests to check your knowledge.
Original & safe
Every question is written for this app from public NHVR and road-rule material. Nothing is copied from any real exam, test pool or third-party question bank.
You will be tested on
- Road signs, signals and markings
- Right-of-way and intersection rules
- Speed, stopping distances and safe following
- Hazard perception and defensive driving
How TheoryPractice helps you pass
- Real exam-style questions with instant, detailed explanations
- Full timed mock exams that mirror the real test format
- Flashcards & quiz modes from the same question bank
- Progress tracking so you know exactly when you're ready
Topics in this question bank
Road signs, signals and markings
Right-of-way and intersection rules
Speed, stopping distances and safe following
Hazard perception and defensive driving
Full AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock AU Heavy Vehicle Knowledge →