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driverhandbook
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This handbook is only a general interpretation of the law, made easy tounderstand by using plain English. Laws change often so make sure youhave the most recent handbook.
otHer roads and MaritiMe services (rMs)publications
RoadUsersHandbook
LoadRestraintGuide
Aguidetoheavyvehiclecompetencybasedassessment
Gettingyourheavyvehicledriverlicence
H h hk
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i
TheHeavyvehicle driverhandbookwillhelpyouunderstand thespecialrules and regulations that apply to you and your heavy vehicle. It is a usefulguide outlining rules and regulations, skills and correct attitude required by
professional drivers. This publication must be read in conjunction with theRoadUsersHandbookandLoadRestraintGuidebeforeundertakingaheavy vehicle driver knowledge test.
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1. HoW to use tHis HandbooK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. licences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Ways to get a heavy vehicle driver licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bribing people is against the law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Medical assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
UpgradingfromaP2licence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
HeavyVehicleCompetencyBasedAssessment(HVCBA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Knowledge tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Driving tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
NationalHeavyVehicleDriverLicence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3. driver ManageMent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Healthof professionaldrivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Fatigue is caused by a number of factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Signs of driver fatigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tips on managing driver fatigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Roadsiderestareas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 TheNationalDrivingHoursRegulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
DriverfatigueisanOccupationalHealthandSafetyissue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chainofresponsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Work and rest options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
National work diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Recordkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Looking after your work diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Driver base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ah, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Effects of alcohol on driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Gettingbacktozerotakestime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
What does not sober you up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Drugs and professional drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Drug testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Seatbelts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Entering and exiting a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
c
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Exhaust system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Fuel system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Gearboxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Lights and indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Rearmarkingplates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rustandcorrosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Seats and seatbelts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Windscreen and windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Pre-departurechecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 p- hk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Dealing with problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Defect reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
u . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Uncouplingasemi-trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Couplingasemi-trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Uncouplingatruckandtrailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Couplingatruckandtrailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
7. veHicle diMensions and loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Load shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicledimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
th h h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Containedloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Heavyloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Highloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Tankers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Projectingloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Dangerous projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Load distribution and arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Positioningtheload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Securing the load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Blocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Stakes in pockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Crownedloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Divided crowned loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
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Dunnage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Gates/Fencing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lashings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Belly wrapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Large pipe loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Load anchorage points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Sheets and tarpaulins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
The correct licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Risks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107o h m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Generalpermittypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
8. penalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Demerit points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Goodbehaviourperiod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Speeding offences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113Speed limiter offences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Refusalofalicence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Safe-T-Cam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Heavyvehiclecheckingstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Truckalyser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Alcoholanddrugoffences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Noise pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Smoke from engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119Formal warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Minor defect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Major defect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Major defect grounded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
RMSinspectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
cm em . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
9. industry glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12510. index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
11. useful contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
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1
The Heavyvehicledriverhandbookis an informative resourceaddressing the rules and regulations that apply to heavy vehiclesand the obligations of heavy vehicle drivers. This publicationmust be read in conjunction with the RoadUsersHandbookandLoadRestraintGuidebefore undertaking a heavy vehicle driverknowledge test.
This handbook is divided into sections to make it easy to find what you needtoknowtooperateaheavyvehiclesafelyontheroad.Attheendof eachsection is a summary of the information.
You will need to refer to this handbook in conjunction with theRoadUsersHandbook if you are taking the driving test to get your heavy vehicledriverlicence,orif youareundertakingaHeavyVehicleCompetencyBased
Assessment (HVCBA) or compulsor y Multi-combination TrainingandAssessment.Itisalsohelpfulforexperienceddriverswhowanttocheckcurrent rules and practice. To find information on a specific topic, go tothe Index at the back of the handbook where subjects are listed with pagenumbers. You will also find a glossary of terms in the back to explain themeaning of words used in the heavy vehicle industry.
section 2 licences explains:
The licensing system for drivers of heavy vehicles including the skills andqualifications you need to drive a particular vehicle.
section 3 driver ManageMent explains:
The need for professional drivers to be aware of their fitness, and theirresponsibilities,inparticularthelawsonalcohol,drugs,fatigue,record-keeping and seatbelts.
section 4 safe driving explains:
Important low risk driving behaviours such as observation, speedmanagement, road positioning and crash avoidance space.
section 5 Heavy veHicle road rules explains:
Adetailedcoverageof theroadrulesthatgovernheavyvehiclesandroadusers including the regulations on vehicle monitors.
Hw h hk
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Licence classesThe following diagram shows the classes of heavy vehicle licenses issued by
RMS.You may drive any class of vehicle appearing below your licence categoryon the diagram.
AtthehighestlevelisanMClicencewhichallowsyoutodrivealltypesof vehicles except motorcycles.
licence classes
RoadtrainorB-double(MC)Multi-Combination
Heavyarticulatedvehicle(HC)HeavyCombination
Heavyrigidtruckorbus(HR)HeavyRigid
Mediumrigidtruckorbus(MR)MediumRigid
Smallbusortruck(LR)LightRigid
2
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lr (ligHt rigid licence)
tHe veHicle you Want to drive
rigid
Yes
nuMber of passengers including tHe driverMore than 12 adults including the driver.
gvM
GVMnotgreaterthan8T.Anytowedtrailermustnotweighgreaterthan9TGVM.
WHat you need to get tHis licence
HaveheldaclassClicence,(exceptalearnerlicence)orequivalentforone year or more.
Passaknowledgetest(seethissectiononKnowledgetests).
Passaneyesighttest.
EitherpassanRMSdrivingtestorundertakeHVCBA.
a wh h p1
lr .
2
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Mr (MediuM rigid licence)
tHe veHicle you Want to drive
rigid
Yes
nuMber of axles2
gvM
GVMgreaterthan8T.Anytowedtrailermustnotweighgreaterthan9TGVM.
WHat you need to get tHis licence
HaveheldaclassClicence,(exceptalearnerlicence)orequivalentforone year or more.
Passaknowledgetest(seethissectiononKnowledgetests).
Passaneyesighttest.
EitherpassanRMSdrivingtestorundertakeHVCBA.
a wh h p1
Mr .
2
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Hr (Heavy rigid licence)
tHe veHicle you Want to drive ( h m )
rigid
Yes
Note:Bendi-busesaretreatedasrigidvehicles.
nuMber of axles
3 or more
gvM
GVMgreaterthan8T.Anytowedtrailermustnotweighgreaterthan9TGVM.
WHat you need to get tHis licence
HaveheldaclassClicence,(exceptalearnerlicence)orequivalentfortwo years or more.
Passaknowledgetest(seethissectiononKnowledgetests).
Passaneyesighttest.
EitherpassanRMSdrivingtestorundertakeHVCBA.
TheminimumtestvehicleforaHRdrivingtestorHVCBAisathreeaxlerigidvehiclewithaGVMof morethan15tonnesexcludingbobtailprimemover.
a wh h p1
Hr .
2
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2
Hc (Heavy coMbination licence)
tHe veHicle you Want to drive ( h m )
articulated veHicle orHeavy rigid veHicle trailer coMbination includingunladen dolly
Yes
nuMber of axles
3 or more
gvM
AnytowedtrailerwithGVMofmorethan9T.
WHat you need to get tHis licence HaveheldaclassMRorHRlicenceorequivalent
for one year or more.
Passaknowledgetest(seethissectiononKnowledgetests).
Passaneyesighttest.
EitherpassanRMSdrivingtestorundertakeHVCBA.
TheminimumtestvehicleforaHCdrivingtestorHVCBAisathreeaxleprime
moverwithaminimumtwoaxlesemi-traileroraheavyrigidvehicleplustraileroverninetonnesGVM.
a wh h p2
Hc .
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2
Mc (Multi-coMbination licence)
tHe veHicle you Want to drive
road train or b-double
Yes
WHat you need to get tHis licence
HaveheldaclassHRorHClicenceorequivalentfor one year or more.
Passaknowledgetest(seethissectiononKnowledgetests).
Passaneyesighttest.
UndertakeandsatisfactorilycompleteanRMS-approvedMCdrivertrainingandassessmentcourse.ApplicantsholdingaclassHRlicencearerequiredtopassaclassHClicenceassessmentbeforeundergoingMCtraining.
Passamedicalexamination.
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KnoWledge tests
The knowledge test assesses what you know about the general road rules aswell as rules which relate only to heavy vehicles. For more information on
knowledge tests, see the RoadUsersHandbookorRMSwebsite.
You must pass a heavy vehicle road rules knowledge test before you can:
ApplyforaHeavyVehicleCompetencyBasedAssessmentLearnersLogBookandundertakeHVCBA.
Undertakecompulsorymulti-combinationtrainingandassessment.
Bookaheavyvehicledrivingtest.
If you are learning, you can start to drive straight away on your currentlicence, however, you must pass the heavy vehicle road rules knowledge testbefore booking for a driving test or obtaining a HVCBALearnersLogBook.
The knowledge test pass is valid for 36 months.
driving tests
Whenyouarereadytotakeadrivingtest,contacttheRMSCallCentreon13 22 13 and make a booking at a heavy vehicle testing location. Or book
throughthewebsitewww.myrta.com.If youbookthroughtheCallCentre,you can pay the test fee by credit card cash is not accepted.
Adrivingtestcanalsobebookedandpaidforatanymotorregistry.
The test vehiclemust be currentlyregistered (NOT under theFederalInterstateRegistrationScheme(FIRS))andberoadworthy.Allheavyvehicles(exceptbusesandcoachesusedfordrivingtests)musthaveacomplying(approvedandinworkingcondition)lap-sashretractableseatbeltfittedtothe front left passenger seat for use by the testing officer.
Driving tests can be undertaken in most vehicles authorised for the licenceclassyouareapplyingfor.However,foraclassHRorHClicencethereareminimumstandardsforvehiclesusedforthedrivingtest(seeWhichlicencedoyouneed,inthissection).Vehiclesthatdonotmeetthesestandardswillnotbeacceptedfordrivingtests.Allheavyvehicles,exceptbuses,presentedfor the heavy vehicle driving test must be loaded to at least 75 per cent ofthe maximum mass allowable for the vehicle to be driven on public roads.
Thisisatleast75percentof thelegalmasslimit.
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Also,if you pass a driving test in a vehiclefitted with an automaticorsynchromesh gear box you will be restricted to driving these types of
vehicles. To have the condition removed you have to pass a driving test
inavehiclefittedwithanon-synchromeshgearbox.InformationonwhichvehiclescanbeusedfortestingisavailableontheRMSwebsiteatwww.rms.nsw.gov.au
Manoeuvres
The driving test assesses your ability to drive safely and competently. Duringthe test you will be required to perform certain manoeuvres. The followingchart shows which manoeuvres are conducted for the various licence classesand types.
fail and iMMediate fail iteMs
During the test, you can be failed for doing anything that is unsafe or againstthe law.
test Manoeuvres by licence class and type
lr lr Mr Mr Hr Hr Hck k k
l No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
b k No No No Yes No Yes No
r k Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
u-(h- ) Yes Yes No No No No No
K Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
p-hk No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
c No No No No No No Yes
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national Heavy veHicle driver licence
The National Heavy Vehicle Driver Licence was introduced in theinterests of road safety. It provides a driver with a single licence for all
states.Pointsaccumulatedfortrafficoffencesinanystatecountagainstyour home state record.
You will be given a national licence when you are licensed to drive oneof the following vehicles:
AtruckovereighttonnesGVMwiththreeormoreaxles.
AbusovereighttonnesGVMwiththreeormoreaxles.
l Mc
ApplicantsforlicenceclassMC,coveringB-doubles,road trains and/or road train combinations, should be familiar with
RMSpublication,PermitNoticesfortheoperationof B-doubles,roadtrainsand4.6mhighvehicles.
ThispublicationisavailablefreefromRMSwebsite
www.rms.nsw.gov.au
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Driving a heavy vehicle can be demanding. It is important toabide by the driver fatigue laws and regulations and generally takecare of your health, in the interest of public safety and your own
wellbeing.
A heavy vehicle driver spends a lot of time on the road. The work isdemanding and you are responsible for heavy loads, dangerous goods andpassengers. It is very important that you are in good health for your ownsafety and that of the public.
HealtH of professional drivers
The most important ways to stay healthy and keep on top of your job are:
Getenoughsleep.
Eatawell-balanceddiet.
Exerciseregularly.
Trytorelievestress.
enougH sleep
The need for sleep varies among individuals with some people needing moresleep than others. Make sure that you get most of your sleep at night time
itisbetterthandaytimesleep.Regularnightsleepof aboutseventoeighthours is one of the best ways to manage driver fatigue.
See the following pages in this section on managing driver fatigue and forinformation on the legal minimum work and rest time.
diet and exercise
To stay fit and healthy for your job your weight needs to be within anacceptable range. Eating the right foods and taking regular exercise is theonlyanswer.AskyourGPforadviceorcheckthesewebsitesforinformation:
www.ntc.gov.au and www.austroads.com.au
try to relieve stress
Stress affects your driving. If you are having problems at home or at work,youareuptofivetimesmorelikelytobeinvolvedinacrash.YourGPcanadvise you on where to go for help.
3d mm
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Haveatleasttwonightsof unrestrictedsleeptorepaysleepdebttobecomecompletelyrefreshed.
Lookafteryourhealthandfitnesswithregularexercise
and a healthy diet.
Neverdrinkalcoholbeforeorduringyourtrip.
Neverdrivelongerthanthelegalworkandresthours,or agree to a roster that is longer than the legal work and rest hours.
roadside rest areas
Restareasareavailable24hoursadayallyearroundandareclearlysignposted.
Service centres, petrol stations, parks and country towns are other places you canstop and take a break from driving. The NSW truck rest area road map is a usefulguide to all major trucking routes across the state as well as locations of truckstops. The map is available from www.rms.nsw.gov.au
tHe national driving Hours regulation
The RoadTransport(General)Regulation contains provisions relating tothe management of heavy vehicle driver fatigue. The Regulation applies to
drivers of regulated heavy vehicles and to parties in the supply chain whoseactivities influence the conduct of heavy vehicle drivers in such a way as toaffectthedriversfatigue.TheRegulation sets the maximum hours of workandminimumrestperiodsfordriversof regulatedheavyvehicles.
Aregulatedheavyvehicleisa:
HeavytruckwithaGrossVehicleMass(GVM)of over 12 tonnes or a truck and trailer combination, if the combinedGVMisover12tonnes.
Busthatseatsmorethan12adults(includingthedriver).
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WorK
Work limits are like speed limits. They state the maximum time allowed in idealconditions. That is, when drivers are well rested and alert. If you are likely to be
fatigued for any reason you must not drive a regulated heavy vehicle.Work time is not just driving time.
Work refers to the time that the driver spends driving a regulated heavyvehicle whether or not it is on a road and any other time spent on tasksrelatedtotheoperationof thevehicle.Drivingincludesbeinginthedriversseat while the engine is running and instructing or supervising the driver ofthe vehicle. Work time also includes:
Loadingandunloadingthevehicle. Inspecting,servicingorrepairingthevehicle.
Inspectingorattendingtotheloadonthevehicle.
Attendingtopassengersof abus.
Cleaningorrefuellingthevehicle.
Performingmarketingtasksinrelationtotheoperationof thevehicle.Marketing tasks include arranging for the transport of passengers or
goods as well as canvassing for orders for the transport of passengersor goods.
Recordinginformation.
Work time is a maximum period so is always rounded upwards eg a periodless than 15 minutes is counted as 15 minutes work, a period more than 15minutes up to 30 minutes is counted as 30 minutes work etc.
rest
Allothertimeiscountedasrest.Therestrequirementisaminimumperiod.If you feel fatigued, you will need more rest. When you feel tired, stop, takeabreakorhaveasleep.Restisalwaysroundeddownwardsegaperiodlessthan 15 minutes does not count towards rest while a period of 15 minutesbut less than 30 minutes is counted as 15 minutes rest etc.
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driver fatigue is anoccupational HealtH and safety issue
Employers and employees may be held responsible for driver fatigue crashes.
The OccupationalHealthandSafety(OHS)Act places obligations uponemployers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees inthe workplace. Employers, in consultation with employees, must identifyrisks to health and safety, assess the risks, then eliminate the risks or
wherethisisnotreasonablypracticable,controltherisks.ResponsibilitiesunderOHSlegislationarebroadandincludeemployers,employeesandself employed persons. The Act provides severe penalties where it isestablished the employer has failed to meet that duty. It is important that
employers and employees adopt principles and practices to manage driverfatigue within those limits to ensure that they fulfil their duty of care.
InadditionPart4(LongDistanceTruckDriverFatigue)of theOccupationalHealthandSafetyRegulationplaces obligations on anemployer whose employee drives a heavy truck that transports freight longdistance, to reduce driver fatigue. Employers must assess the risk of harmfromfatiguetothedrivershealthandsafetyandtakestepstoeliminateorcontrolrisk.ADriverFatigueManagementPlanmustbedevelopedand
implementedinaccordancewiththeOHSlegislation.Asimilarobligationis placed on certain carriers, consignors and consignees.
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cHain of responsibility
UndertheRegulationageneralduty(similartoOHSlaws)requiresallpartiesin the supply chain to take all reasonable steps to prevent fatigue of heavy
vehicle drivers.
For example, this means that:
Driversmuststopthevehicleif feelingtiredorfatigued.
Operatorsandschedulersmustplanwhendriverscantakearest.
Loadingmanagersmusttakestepstoensurequeuingismanagedproperly.
Contractsmustnotbepreparedthatrequiredriverstobreakthelaw.
Partiesinthesupplychainincludethe: Employerof thedriverofthevehicle.
Primecontractorof thedriver.
Operatorofthevehicle.
Schedulerof goodsorpassengersfortransportbythevehicle,andthescheduler of its driver.
Consignorof goodsfortransportbythevehicle.
Consigneeof goodsfortransportbythevehicle.
Loadingmanagerof goodsfortransportbythevehicle.
Loaderof goodsontothevehicle.
Unloaderofgoodsfromthevehicle.
y h wk
a h m h h
mm h wk, h k .
WorK and rest options
UndertheRegulation, industry will have a choice of operating under threefatigue management schemes. Each option allows increasing levels of flexibility
which are offset by managing risks through accreditation schemes.
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The tables that follow set the maximum work and minimum rest requirementsprovided in the Regulation.
In a period referred to in column one, a driver must not work for more than
theperiodreferredtoincolumntwo.Adrivermustalsohaveatotalresttimefor a period of not less than the time referred to in column three.
standard Hours
TheStandardHoursoptionisaimedatregularscheduledoperationswithalower fatigue risk with up to 12 hours work in any period of 24 hours.
table 1 standard Hourssolo drivers of a regulated Heavy veHicle
t Mmm wk m Mmm m
Inanyperiodof. Adrivermustnotwork Andmusthaveatleast
for more than a total of
5 hours and 5 hours and 15 minutes 15 continuous minutes rest
30 minutes
8 hours 7 hours and 30 minutes 30 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes
11 hours 10 hours 60 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes
24 hours 12 hours 7 continuous hours
stationary1 rest
7days(168hours) 72hours 24continuoushours
stationary rest
14days(336hours) 144hours 4nightrests(includes2
consecutive night2
rests)
1. Stationary rest is rest time that a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a
stationary regulated heavy vehicle
2.Anightsrestmeans7continuoushourstakenbetween10pmand8amor24continuoushoursstationaryrest.
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table 2 standard Hours fatigue ManageMentsolo driver of buses
t Mmm wk m Mmm m
Inanyperiodof. Adrivermustnotwork Andmusthaveatleast
for more than a total of
5 hours and 5 hours and 15 minutes 15 continuous minutes rest
30 minutes
8 hours 7 hours and 30 minutes 30 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes
11 hours 10 hours 60 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes24 hours 12 hours 7 continuous hours
stationary1 rest
7days(168hours) 6xnightrest2 breaks
28days(672hours) 288hours 4x24continuoushours
stationary rest
1. Stationary rest is rest time that a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a
stationary regulated heavy vehicle.2.Anightsrestmeans7continuoushourstakenbetween10pmand8amor24continuoushoursstationaryrest.
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3
table 3 standard Hours fatigue ManageMenttWo-up drivers of a regulated Heavy veHicle
t Mmm wk m Mmm m
Inanyperiodof. Adrivermustnotwork Andmusthaveatleast
for more than a total of
5 hours and 5 hours and 15 minutes 15 continuous minutes rest
30 minutes
8 hours 7 hours and 30 minutes 30 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes
11 hours 10 hours 60 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes24 hours 12 hours 5 continuous hours
stationary1 rest or
5 continuous hours rest
time in an approved
sleeper berth while the
vehicle is moving
52 hours 10 continuous hours
stationary rest
7days(168hours) 60hours 24hourscontinuous
stationary rest time and
24 hours stationary rest
time in blocks of at least
7 continuous hours
stationary
14days(336hours) 120hours 4nightrests(includes
2 consecutive night
2
rests)
1. Stationary rest is rest time that a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a
stationary regulated heavy vehicle.
2.Anightsrestmeans7continuoushourstakenbetween10pmand8amor24continuoushoursstationaryrest.
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basic fatigue ManageMent (bfM)
BFM gives operators a greater say in when their drivers can work and rest,providing the risks of working long and night hours are managed. This
scheme replaces the current Transitional Fatigue Management Scheme(TFMS).DriverscanworkBFMhourswhentheyhavebeeninductedintotheiroperatorsBFMfatiguemanagementsystemandmeettherequirementsrelating to drivers under accreditation.
The 36 hour rule manages the risk of working long hours in combinationwithnightwork.Adrivercanonlyworkupto36longandnighthoursinany seven day period.
table 4 basic fatigue ManageMentsolo drivers of a regulated Heavy veHicle
t Mmm wk m Mmm m
Inanyperiodof. Adrivermustnotwork Andmusthaveatleast
for more than a total of
6 hours and
15 minutes6 hours
15 continuous minutes rest
9 hours 8 hours and 30 minutes 30 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes
12 hours 11 hours 60 minutes rest, in blocks
of 15 continuous minutes
24 hours 14 hours 7 continuous hours
stationary2 rest
7days(168hours) 36hourslong/night1
14days(336hours) 144hours 2x24continuoushours
stationary rest. First24 hours rest must be taken
after no more than 84 hours
work.4nightsoff (including
2consecutive)
1. Long/night hours means any work time in excess of 12 hours in any 24 hour period or between 12 midnight
and 6am.
2. Stationary rest is rest time that a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a
stationary regulated heavy vehicle.
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table 5 basic fatigue ManageMent
tWo-up drivers of a regulated Heavy veHicle
t Mmm wk m Mmm m
Inanyperiodof. Adrivermustnotwork Andmusthaveatleast
for more than a total of
24 hours 14 hours
82 hours 10 continuous hours
stationary1 rest time
7days(168hours) 70hours 24hourscontinuousstationary rest time and
24 hours stationary rest
time in blocks of at least
7 continuous hours
14days(336hours) 140hours 4x7continuoushours
stationary rest time between
10 pm on a day and 8am
on the next day, using the
timezoneof thebaseof the driver.
1. Stationary rest is rest time that a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a
stationary regulated heavy vehicle.
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national WorK diary
Recordsmustbekeptof workandresthours.Thelogbookhasbeenreplacedby a work diary. Drivers must record information such as whether they are
workingunderStandardHours,BFMhoursorAFMhours,andwhentheychange from work and rest option in their work diary.
The new work diary is available from motor registries.
coMpleting your WorK diary
You must record all work and rest time in your work diary unless operatingunder an exemption. These records must be completed for the whole trip. The
work diary must show: Yourname.
Driverlicencenumber.
State/Territorylicenceissued.
Accreditationnumber(if applicable).
Nameof workandrestoption.
Dateanddayof week.
Timezone(driverbase).
During the journey, you must record:
Workandresthours.
Numberplate(recordatstartandendof dayandateachworkandrestchangeandvehiclechange).
Odometerreading(recordatstartandendof dayandateachworkandrestchangeandvehiclechange).
Nameof locationateachworkandrestchange(restarea,truckstop,suburbortown).
Totalnumberofhoursof eachactivityattheendof theday.
Whenthepageiscompleted,signthedailysheettocertifythattheentries are correct.
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If youareatwo-updriverorbecomeatwo-updriver,youmustrecordthe:
Otherdriversname.
Otherdriverslicencenumber. Securityoridentifyingnumberoftheotherdriversworkdiaryand
name of jurisdiction that issued the work diary.
You must use the work diary pages in strict order from start to finish. Youmust be able to produce your last 28 days driving records. You must giveyour record keeper the duplicate copies of your work diary within 21 days.If you have more than one employer in a single day, you must also give theotherrecordkeeperacopyof yourworkdiarypage.Recordkeepersmust
keep copies of work and rest records for a period of three years.
looKing after your WorK diary
The work diary is issued to you personally and it is an offence to:
Letanyoneelseuseorborrowit.
Havemorethanoneworkdiarycontainingpageswhichhavenotbeenused or cancelled.
Removetheapplicationpageoranyoriginalpages. Alter,defaceordestroyanypage.
Makeanyfalseentries.
c m wk m. y m
h 28 .
driver base
The driver base is the place from where the driver normally does the work.
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3
Alcohol,drugsandprofessionaldriversIt is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including
someover-the-counterandprescriptionmedicines.
effects of alcoHol on driving
Alcoholisadepressantandreducesyourabilitytodrivesafelybecauseit:
Slowsbrainfunctionssothatyoucantrespondtosituations,makedeci-sions or react quickly.
Reducesyourabilitytojudgespeedanddistance.
Givesyoufalseconfidencethatleadstotakingrisks. Makesithardtodomorethanonethingatatime.
Affectsyoursenseof balanceandcoordination.
Makesyousleepy.
getting bacK to zero taKes tiMe
Afteranightof heavydrinking,itcantakemorethan18hoursforyourbloodalcoholconcentration(BAC)leveltogetbacktozero.Manypeoplearebookedfor drink driving the day after.
WHATDOESNOTSOBERYOUUP
Acupofblackcoffee.
Acoldshower.
Freshair.
Mintsorchewinggum.
Milk. Ashortnap.
Vomiting.
These things have no effect on your blood alcohol level. Once you have hada drink, you just have to wait it out.
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tHe effect of stiMulants on driving
Stimulants do not increase your driving ability or coordination, however,they can:
Giveyouafalsesenseof confidence.
Increaseyourrisktakingbehaviour.
Distortyourvisualperceptionsmakingitdifficulttojudgedistances.
Makeyoufeelexhaustedbecauseyoucannotsleepwhichwillaffectyour reflexes and your concentration.
Increaseyourriskofhavingacrash.
Astheeffectsof stimulantsbegintowearoff,youmayexperiencealevelof fatigue that is worse than when you first took the drug.
th -m hh k m :
Anxiety.
Chronic sleep problems.
Compulsive repetition of actions.
Depression.
Extreme mood swings.
High blood pressure.
Heart failure.
Impotence.
Irritability.
Panic attacks or seizures.
Paranoia.
Suspiciousness.
Weight problems.
Agoodsleepistheonlywaytopreventorcurefatigue.
Taking drugs to keep awake can make fatigue worse
when the effect of the drug wears off.
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4
depressants
d slow your reflexes, impair your balance and coordination,affect your vision and perception of time and space, your memory and your
abilitytothinklogically.Thehangovereffectssuchasdrowsinessandpoorcoordination can last for several hours after the initial effects, which canmean you are not able to drive safely.
Depressants greatly increase the risk of having a crash when you are drivingbecause you can have:
Slowerreactiontime.
Distortedperceptionof speedanddistance.
Impairedvision. Reducedabilitytoconcentrate.
Impairedcoordinationanddecreasedabilitytocoordinatethe appropriate reaction when driving.
prescription drugs
Someprescriptionmedicationscanaffectyourdriving.Readtheinstructionson the packaging or consult your doctor or pharmacist to find out if the
drugs you are taking would impair your driving ability. More information onprescriptiondrugsisavailableintheRMSbrochure, Driving and medicines.
drug testing
roadside drug testing
Policenowhavethepowerstocarryoutroadsidedrugtestingonanydriver,riderandsupervisinglicenceholderinNSW.SpecificPolicedrugtestingoperations will target heavy vehicle drivers.
driving under tHe influence of drugs
If the manner of your driving indicates that you are impaired by drugs or youareinvolvedinafatalcrash,Policehavethepowertotakeyoutohospitaltoobtain a blood and urine sample. The sample will be analysed for any drug,including some prescription drugs known to impair driving.
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SeatbeltsItisimportantfortruckandbusdriverstowearaseatbelt.Anydriveror
passenger must wear a seatbelt properly adjusted and securely fastenedwherever there is one available. If there is an empty seat with a seatbelt, apassenger must move to that seat. The driver will not be penalised if there isno seatbelt and the vehicle has been manufactured before the requirement forseatbelts commenced.
Compulsoryseatbeltlawshavebeeninplaceforheavyvehicledriverssince1February 2000.
Vehiclesthathavebeenmodifiedbytheinstallationof non-originalseats(eg
driverssuspensionseat)musthavesuitableseatbeltsinorderforthosevehiclesto comply with mandatory equipment requirements and provide the driverwith a suitable level of comfort.
i m m h.
i m m h w
w m .
tHe driver is responsible
Drivers are responsible for all passengers, particularly children, being properlyrestrained in a seatbelt or approved child restraint where seat belts are fitted.
There are fines and demerit points for a driver who is not wearing a seatbeltand who fails to ensure that passengers use seatbelts.
Passengersaged16yearsandoverwhodonotuseanavailableseatbeltwillalso be individually fined.
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Entering and exiting a vehicleFor safety there is a procedure for entering and exiting a heavy vehicle.
To enter the vehicle the driver must check for traffic before moving out fromthe line of the vehicle and again before opening the door. When entering the
vehicle the driver must use available steps and grab handles to climb into thevehicle, maintaining three points of contact at all times.
To exit the vehicle the driver must check again for traffic before opening thedoor. When exiting the vehicle the driver must exit facing the vehicle usingavailablestepsandgrabs(notjumping)whilemaintainingthreepointsofcontact.
Routebusdriversalsoneedtobeawareof thisprocedure.
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3
WHat you sHould KnoW about driver ManageMent
Afterreadingthissection,youshouldknow:
Howoftentotakeabreakwhendriving. Thewarningsignsof fatigue.
Thebloodalcohollevelfordriversof trucksandbuses.
Standardallowabledrivinghoursforthetypeof vehicleyou intend to drive.
Drugsandtheireffects.
Lawrelatingtoseatbelts.
notes
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Summary
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4
Low risk drivingAsaprofessionaldriveryoushouldatalltimesdisplaylowrisk
driving. Only drive when you are alert, respect other road usersand know how to control your vehicle.
Drivingisneverriskfree,butyoushouldaimtodrivelowrisk.Alowriskdriver has good observation, speed management and road positioning skills.
This is explained in detail in the RoadUsersHandbook.
observation
The key to good observation is scanning.speed ManageMent
Drive at a speed that is within the speed limit and that will allow you to reactand completely stop within the distance you can see is clear. When you seepotentialhazards,slowdownandpreparetostop.If youcannotseeatleastfive seconds ahead you must slow down. Slow down on wet, icy or gravelroads where it will take longer for your vehicle to stop.
road positioning
Positionyourvehicletomaximisethedistancefromhazards(thisisalsoreferredtoasbuffering).Forexample,movingleftatthecrestof ahilltocreate space from oncoming vehicles, or moving away from a parked car toavoid doors opening and pedestrian movement.
crasH avoidance space
Alowriskdrivermaintainsacrashavoidancespacecompletelyaroundthe
vehicle.The crashavoidancespaceismanagedbyadjustingthevehiclesspeed and road position.
To determine the crash avoidance space to the front of the vehicle you needto take into account two key factors reaction time and response time.
r m is the time the driver needs to:
Seetheinformation.
Perceivewhatitmeans.
Decideonaresponse.
Instigatethatresponse.
s
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4
Aheavyvehicledriverwhoisfit,concentrating,andalert,andnotaffectedby alcohol, drugs, fatigue or a distraction, will still require about 1 1/2 secondsto react.
rmisthetimerequiredtotakeaction.Generallyaminimumof two to three seconds is needed to respond. In many situations braking maybe the only possible response. Swerving is rarely appropriate and can resultinamoreseverecrash,forexampleahead-oncollision.
Atotalof atleastfoursecondscrashavoidancespaceisneededtoreactandrespond to a situation in front of you. You may need even longer in poorconditions such as rain or darkness.
Thefour-secondgapcanbeusedwhenfollowinganothervehicleorif thereis potential for something to move into your crash avoidance space.
folloWing anotHer veHicle
f- h .Tocalculateafour-secondcrashavoidance space when following another vehicle use this basic technique:as the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes an object at the side oftheroadsuchasapowerpole,treeorsign,startafour-secondcountonethousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three, one
thousandandfour.
If yourvehiclepassestheobjectyoupickedbeforeyoufinishthefour-
second count, you are following too closely. Your crash avoidance spaceisnotlargeenough.Slowdown,andrepeatthecountagainuntilthefour-second crash avoidance space is achieved.
In poor driving conditions, such as rain, night or gravel roads, it may benecessary to increase your crash avoidance space to five or more seconds.
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potential for soMetHing to Move into tHe crasHavoidance space
Thefour-secondgapcanalsobeusedforsituationswherethereispotential
for something to move into the crash avoidance space, for example, a carin an adjacent street could fail to give way and pull out. Low risk driversexperiencedinmaintainingafour-secondfollowingdistanceareabletomentallyjudgeafour-secondcrashavoidancespaceinfrontof theirvehicle.If thereispotentialforahazardtoenterthiscrashavoidancespace,reduceyour speed and create a buffer. It is necessary to maintain the crash avoidancespaceforallpotentiallyhazardoussituations,includingblindcornersandcrests.
Many of the crashes that occur each day in NSW could be avoided if driversactively maintained their crash avoidance space.
legal MiniMuM distances betWeen large veHicles
Allvehicles7.5metresorlongermustkeepthefollowingminimumdistancesbetween long vehicles:
200metresinaroadtrainarea.
60metresoutsidearoadtrainarea.
Thisrule doesnot applyon multi-lane roads, in built-up areasor whenovertaking.
l m. By law large vehicles must maintain the minimum or greater
following distance.
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veHicle controls
spring braKes or Maxi-braKes
Mostfullyair-brakedvehiclesontheroadareequippedwithspring-loadedparking brakes. These brakes rely on air pressure to hold them in the OFFposition. See this section on Brake failure.
trailer braKe
Some vehicles are fitted with a hand operated trailer brake. This is a separatevalve operated by hand which applies the trailer brake independently of thefootbrake.th k m m k asthey will wear, overheat or burn out, and lose their effectiveness completely.
Atrailerwithineffectivebrakesattachedtoatowingvehiclewitheffectivebrakescancauseittojack-knifeorrolloverif itbrakesheavily.
Atrailerhandbrakemaybeappliedif necessarytopreventthe
vehicle from rolling backwards and to avoid transmission shock loadwhen moving off on a hill. Trailer brakes are not parking brakes and
should not be used as such.
controlling speed
Brakeearlyandgradually.
Wherepossible,brakewhenyourvehicleisdrivinginastraightline.
Allowfortheweightof theloadaloadedvehicletakesfarmorebrak-ing effort to slow down than an unloaded one.
Brakeaccordingtotheroadsurfaceallowmorebrakingdistanceif the road is gravel, steep or slippery.
Easeoff thebrakesasthevehicleslowsdown.
Alwaystestthebrakesimmediatelyafterdrivingthroughdeepwateras wet brakes do not perform well.
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braKe failure
Brakes kept in good condition rarely fail. Most brake failures occur because of:
Lossofairpressure.
Lossof hydraulicpressure.
Brakefade(boilingofhydraulicfluid)onlonghills bad driving practice.
Poorlymaintainedbrakes.
JacK-Knife and trailer sWing
Youcanreducethechancesof jack-knifeortrailerswingbymakingsure
that all brakes and tyres are in good condition and that the load is evenlydistributed between axle groups. You should be especially careful in wetweather.
Trailerswingiswherethetrailerslides Ajack-knifeiswherethetrailerand
dangerously. prime mover lock against each other.
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loss of pressure in air braKes
Whenever you drive, make sure there is enough air pressure for at least fivebrakeapplications.Airbrakescanfailbecauseof aleakintheairlinesor
over-use.s mm if the low air pressure warning device comeson. You should stop by gearing down until the vehicle is slow enough toapply the brakes.
Most vehicles fitted with full air system brakes are usually fitted with springparkingbrakes,alsoknownasmaxi-brakes,whereairpressureisrequiredtokeep them off.
On some older vehicles the spring brakes may come on when the airpressure is very low. You should monitor the air pressure gauges often as low
air pressure can happen anytime. When the gauge shows low air pressure,release the brakes at least twice, so you can move the vehicle to a safe area.
loss of Hydraulic braKes
What to do if your hydraulic brakes fail:
Changegearsdown.
Pumpthebrakessometimespumpingthemcan partially restore hydraulic brakes.
Usetheemergencyparkingbrake.
4
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Basic driving techniques
Hills
before going doWn a Hill
Reducespeedandselectthecorrectgearbeforebeginningthedescent.Seesection5Heavyvehicleroadrulesandinthissection,theinformationunderthe headingg w h. It is very important to select a gear lowenough to slow down the vehicle.
i w m h , h h
wh h k mm, h h .am wh wh h
. d h wh wh
h h.
braKing going doWn Hills
Brake failure can be prevented by good driving techniques.
If you use the brakes to slow a vehicle travelling down hill it can causeoverheating.Thisleadstobrakefade,orbrakeburn-outinwhichthebrakelinings completely lose their grip and are no longer effective.
going doWn Hills
Selectagearlowenoughtoslowdownthevehiclewithout the constant use of brakes.
If youmissthegearwhentryingtogeardown,stopthevehiclewith the brakes immediately, then select the correct gear. It is very dan-gerous to coast while you struggle with the gears.
Useauxiliarybrakestohelpcontrolthevehiclespeed.
Reserveyourservicebrakesforcopingwithemergencies,traffic conditions or sharp corners.
Trytobrakeonstraightsectionsofroadwherepossibleas this reduces the chance of skidding.
Avoidfanning(repeatedlyapplyingandreleasing)thebrakes
as this leads to an increase in brake temperature and failure dueto brake burn out. In air brake systems, fanning wastes compressed air,reducing the reserve available for an emergency.
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going up Hills
Shiftdownearlytopreventenginelugging.Luggingisshudderingor excessive vibration in the engine.
Useenginetorque(theturningforceavailableatthecrankshaft)efficiently. Do not let engine revs fall below the maximum torque speed.
Shiftingdowntwoormoregearsatoncemaybenecessarywhen going up a steep hill.
before entering a sHarp curve
Reducespeedandselectthecorrectgearbeforeyouenterthecurve.The
gear you select should have the engine revs near the maximum torque levelas specified by the engine manufacturer, allowing you to accelerate smoothlyout of the turn.
sloWing and stopping
When slowing or stopping a heavy vehicle it is best to use your brakes only.However,whendrivingdownasteephillitmaybenecessarytoremaininalowgeartocontrolthevehiclesspeed.
Never drive out of gear. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to loss ofvehicle control and overheated brakes.
y m w mm
.
aniMals and veHicles
Adriverorpassengermustnotleadananimalincludingbytetheringwhilethe vehicle is moving.
Animalsthatarebeingtransportedmustbeseatedorhousedinappropriateareas.Driversmustnotdrivewithananimalinthedriverslap.
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WHat you sHould KnoW about safe driving
Afterreadingthissection,youshouldknow:
Howtocalculateafour-secondcrashavoidancespace(followingdistance).
Howtocontrolyourspeedgoingdownhills.
Whattodoincaseof brakefailure.
Thereasonsforjack-knifeandtrailerswing.
Howanimalsmustbetransported.
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Summary
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Asaprofessionaldriveritsyourresponsibilitytoknowtheroad rules that apply to all vehicles, especially heavy vehicles.
speed liMits
InNSWthemaximumspeedlimitforavehiclethatexceedsaGVMof 4.5tonnes is 100 kilometres per hour.
Forcertainroadconditions(egsharpbend,steepdescent,windingroad),special speed limit signs may be posted for trucks, road trains and buses. Youmust not drive at a speed greater than the speed shown on the sign.
speed liMiters
Speedlimitersaredevicesthatlimitavehiclesmaximumspeed.If yourvehicle falls into one of the following groups, it must be speed limited to100 kilometres per hour.
Aheavy vehicleorbusmanufacturedonorafter1January1988,beingeithera:
TruckhavingaGVMexceeding15tonnes.
BususedtoprovideapublicpassengerserviceandwithaGVMexceeding14.5tonnes.
Aheavyvehicleorbusmanufacturedonorafter1January1991beingeithera:
TruckhavingaGVMexceeding12tonnes.
BususedtoprovideapublicpassengerserviceandwithaGVMexceedingfivetonnes.
tHe speed coMpliance regulation
The speed compliance component of the RoadTransport(General)
Regulationplaces duties on parties in the supply chain to take steps to ensurethat their activities, schedules or arrangements do not cause heavy vehicledrivers to exceed the speed limits.
It complements existing chain of responsibility provisions for mass, loadrestraint, vehicle dimension and fatigue management.
The speed compliance component applies to heavy vehicles with a grossvehicle mass of more than 4.5 tonnes.
H h
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parties in tHe cHain
There is a specific duty on seven off road parties to take all reasonable stepsto ensure that their actions do not cause drivers to exceed speed limits. The
parties in the chain include: Employers
Primecontractors
Operators
Schedulers
Loadingmanagers
Consignors
Consignees
It is the performance of any of these functions that determines whether aperson falls into one of the above categories rather than their job title ordescription.
In addition, a person may be a party in the chain in more than one capacity.
Heavy veHicle drivers
The Regulation does not impose any obligations on employed drivers.Driversof heavyvehiclesarerequiredtoobeythespeedlimits.Penaltiesondrivers failing to comply with speed limits include demerit points, licencesuspension, cancellation or disqualification and fines.
driving in Wet conditions
Wet roads reduce tyre grip and can result in loss of control.
You should drive at a speed that allows you to brake gradually and stop
within the distance you can see. The safe speed for your vehicle and its loadmay be much lower than the posted speed limit.
t k, w w wh h
m h
wh h k.
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intersections
Atintersectionsyoumayhavetoswingwidetomakealeftturn.Atmarkedintersections:
Positionyourvehiclesothatanyvehiclesbehindcannotpasson your left.
Positionyourself togetthebestviewpossibleof theroadyou are turning into.
Bus and truck drivers need to start a left turn further into the intersectionthan a car so that the back wheels do not run over the kerb.
crossing or entering trafficYou must choose a suitably large gap in the traffic to get across anintersection, enter a new street or merge with traffic.
Considerthesizeandweightof yourvehiclewhencrossingorenteringintersections,changinglanes,andmakingothermanoeuvres.Alsorememberthat a loaded vehicle will accelerate slower than an empty one.
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turning
Trucks and buses need more space to turn wide or cut into traffic so allowenough space on either side of your vehicle to avoid sideswiping other roadusers or objects.
turning rigHt froM a one Way streetAvehicle(orvehicleandtrailer)thatis7.5metresorlongerandhasaDONOTOVERTAKETURNINGVEHICLEsigndisplayedontheback,canturn right from the lane on the immediate left of the far right lane.
Planyourturnearlysothatyouareinthecorrectpartof theintersectionandyouhavetimetosignal.Avoidturningtoosoonbecausethesideofyour vehicle may hit vehicles on your right as the back of your vehicle cutsin to the turn.
In a road with two right turn lanes, always use the turning lane on the farleft.
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a h 7.5 m m h w do
not overtaKe turning veHicle h
mk .i h ( h ) 7.5 m
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reversing
When reversing a heavy vehicle, you must:
Activatehazardwarninglightsbeforestartingtoreverse.
Avoidunnecessaryreversing.Planaheadtousetheshortest possible reversing distance.
Useahelpertoguideyouwheneverpossible.Youshouldbeable to see the guide who should have a clear view of whereyour vehicle is going.
Getoutandhavealookif youarenotsurewhatisbehindyou.
Alwaysreverseyourvehicleintopositioninadriveway
or loading dock.Althoughyoumayneedtoholduptrafficwhileyoureverse,itismuchsaferto drive forward into traffic as you leave.
overtaKing
There are special problems associated with overtaking while driving a heavyvehicle.
It is very important to watch for small vehicles, such as motorcycles. Beforepulling out, check your mirrors and glance down to check for vehicles belowyourcabin.Airmovementcausedbyalargevehicletravellingfastcanforceasmall vehicle off the road, or draw it into the side of a larger vehicle.
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being overtaKen
If it is safe, move into the left lane to allow faster moving traffic to overtake.
It is illegal and dangerous to direct following vehicles to overtake, using yourhand or the indicator. You may be encouraging an inexperienced driver toattempt an unsafe move.
lane cHanging
It is very important to check that the road is clear when you want to changelanes, or when lanes merge. You also need to check before leaving the kerband before turning. You must look in the appropriate mirrors and do blindspot head checks before making any of these moves. In a heavy vehicle it isalso essential to check down the side door in the cabin.
Before pulling out check mirrors, signal, check blind spot below cabin.
restricted areas for road trains and b-doubles
Allapprovedroutesarelistedintheroadtrainpermitnotice,andappearontheroadtrainmapavailableontheRMSwebsiteatwww.RMS.nsw.gov.au
Roadtrainsmayoperateonallroutesinthepurpleareashownontheroadtrain map, and on specific roads in the orange area.
Unloadedroadtrainconverterdolliescanalsobetowedbehindthestandardprimemover/semi-trailercombinationsintheroadtrainarea,onother
specificroadtrainroutesandall25metreB-doubleroutesexceptthosein the Sydney region. When towing an unloaded dolly you must carry a
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copy of the ConverterDollyCombinationNotice2005 and comply with theoperating requirements.
B-doublescanoperateonallapprovedroadtrainroutesaswellasonthe
state-widenetworkof B-doubleroutes.
YoumusthavethecorrectpermitnoticetooperateaB-double.Youmustcarry it in the vehicle at all times and present to an authorised officer, ifrequested. The PermitNoticefortheOperationof B-doubles and the mapsfor road train and B-doubleroutesinNSWareavailablefromtheRMSwebsiteat www.rms.nsw.gov.au
th m h k h m
h 22 m. b- h
h h .
HeigHt and lengtH liMits
The heightof aB-double, including load, is limited toamaximumof 4.3metres.Heightsof 4.6metresarepermittedunderthe4.6metreHighVehicleRouteNotice2008.The4.6VehicleRouteincludesB-doublesandspecifiesapprovedroutesforvehicles4.6metreshigh.AB-doublecombinationmay have a maximum length of 26 metres.
b- wh h h 19 m
m 50
m wh h
m h .
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ligHt traffic roads
You must not use any road with a load limit sign if thetotal weight of your vehicle is the same as, or heavier
than, the weight shown on the sign.
You may use a light traffic road when that road is yourdestinationfora pick-upordeliveryand thereis noalternative route.
load liMit sign
You must not drive past a BRIDGELOADLIMIT(GROSSMASS)signor GROSSLOADLIMITsignif thetotalof thegrossmass(intonnes)of your vehicle, and any vehicle connected to it, is more than the gross massindicated in the sign.
no trucKs sign
Drivers of long or heavy vehicles except buses must notdrivepastaNOTRUCKsignunlessthevehicleisequalto or less than the mass or length specified on the sign.
When the sign does not provide detailed information,notruck(ieGVMgreaterthan4.5tonnes)ispermittedtodrivepastthesign,unlessthedriversdestinationliesbeyond the sign and it is the only route.
trucKs Must enter sign
Heavyvehicledriversmustentertheareaindicatedbyinformation on or with this sign.
WHere Heavy veHicles can stand or parK
Heavyvehicles(GVMof4.5tonnesormore)orlongvehicles(7.5metreslongorlonger)mustnotstoponalengthofroadoutsideabuiltuparea,excepton
the shoulder of the road. In a built up area they must not stop on a length ofroadforlongerthanonehour(busesexcepted).Formoreinformationonwhere
vehicles can stand or park, refer to the RoadUsersHandbook.
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Warning triangles
AvehicleoravehicleandtrailerwithaGVMof morethan12tonnes,must
carry three portable warning trianglesto use if the vehicle breaks down.
If a vehicle required to carry warningtriangles stops or the load being carriedby the vehicle falls onto the road andis not visible for 200 metres in alldirections, the driver must put:
Thefirsttrianglebetween50-150mfromthefrontof the
vehicle or fallen load.
Thesecondtrianglebetween50-150mfromtherearof the
vehicle or fallen load.
Thethirdtriangleatthesideof the vehicle, or fallen load,
in a position that gives sufficientwarning to other road usersof the position of the vehicleor fallen load.
Requirementsforplacing
warning triangles.
trucK and bus lanes
trucK lanes
Truck lanes are marked by the following sign. Trucksmorethan4.5tonnesGVMmustusetheselanes.
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bus and bus only lanes
Bus and bus only lanes are markedby the following signs, or by lane
markings.Publicbusesconstructedprincipally to carry persons andequipped to seat more than eightadults, including the driver, and usedto convey passengers for hire orreward, or in the course of trade orbusiness, may use these lanes.
priority for buses
Other vehicle drivers should give way to a bus displayingthegivewaysigninabuilt-uparea,whenthebusisaboutto enter or proceed in the lane or line of traffic and thebus is in front of the driver.
You are stil l required to obey the road rules whenentering the traffic.
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mm .
buses
stopping at a bus stop
Bus drivers should pull up so the entrance and exit doors are as close aspossible to the kerb at a bus stop.
Signalyourintention.
Stopthebussmoothly.
Stopparallelwiththekerb.
Stopwithin300millimetresfromthekerbmeasured from the front bus step.
Stopthebuswithouthittingthekerb.
Applythebusstopbrake.Ifthebusdoesnothaveabusstopbrakethen you must apply the normal parking brake.
Indicateforatleastfivesecondsbeforepullingoutofabusstop.
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Stop within 300 mm of the kerb.
bus (b) signals
B signals separate buses and othervehicles at intersections with trafficlights. B signals are attached to thetraffic lights and show a white B on ablack background. Some traffic lightshave a red, yellow and white signalattached. Shortly before the usualtraffic signals change to green the
B signal lights up white. Buses mayproceed in any direction unless signs ormarkings indicate otherwise.
fires
To minimise the risk of fire:
Makeregularchecksof thevehicleduringyourtrip.
Followrecommendedvehicleoperatingrules.Seesection7Vehicledimensionsandloading.
Checktheinstrumentsandmirrorsaspartofyourregularscanning routine.
If there is a fire in your vehicle:
Stopitwellawayfromanythingelsewhichmayburn.
Notifyemergencyservices(dial000).
Usethecorrectfireextinguisher. If thetrailerisonfire,anditissafetodoso,uncouplethe
prime mover and move it away.
White B means
buses only go.
RedBmeans
buses stay.
Greenmeansother
vehicles go.
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If theengineisonfire,trynottoopenthebonnetanymorethan necessary. Spray the fire extinguisher through louvres,or from the underside of the vehicle.
Wheretheloadisonfireinavanorboxtrailer,openthedoorsslowly and only far enough to let you use the extinguisher properly.
veHicle Monitors
Vehiclemonitorsaredeviceswhichautomaticallyrecorddetailsabouttheoperation of a vehicle at all times, whether the engine is on or off. Therearevarioustypesof vehiclemonitors.Amongthemaretachographsandelectronic boxes, also known as trip computers or black boxes.
Monitors record:
Lengthsoftimethevehicleismovingandstationaryduringajourney.
Speedsatwhichthevehicleisdriven.
Distancethevehicletravelsbetweenstops.
Thetime,dateandplaceofstartingandfinishingajourney,driversdetailsandvehicleidentification.
Monitors produce a continuous record of vehicle operation, allowing driversandoperatorswhobreakthelawtobeidentified.Vehiclemonitoringrecordsalso help identify vehicles on which the speed limiter has been tampered
with or disabled.
nsW registered veHicles WHicH Must Have Monitors
PrimemoversandarticulatedvehicleswithaGVMorGCMof more than 13.9 tonnes and manufactured on or after
1January1991. AlltruckswithaGVMorGCM(if travellingincombination)
of more than 13.9 tonnes carrying dangerous goods andrequired to display signs.
Allcoachesusedinthecourseoftradeorbusinessor for hire or reward.
vh w
h h j h m h.
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veHicles not required by nsW laW to Have Monitors
Vehiclesbeingusedwithinaradiusof 80kilometresfromtheirusualdepotunless carrying bulk dangerous goods. This includes:
Vehiclesbeingdrivenforthepurposesof originalregistration.
Vehiclesbeingdrivenforsale,providednogoodsare carried in bulk quantity.
NSWprimaryproducersvehicles,providedevidenceof theprimaryproducersconcessionregistrationiscarriedin the vehicle.
Vehiclesbeingdrivenunderthedirectionof police
or an authorised officer. Coachesusedexclusivelyasrouteservicebusesonroutes
of less than 40 kilometres.
Coachesusedonlyasschoolbuses.
Vehiclesregisteredfederallyorinotherstatesorterritories.
requireMents for veHicles WitH Monitors
b h j:
Makesurethemonitorisworkingproperly.
Recordthetime,dateandplacewherethejourneystarts.
Recordtheregistrationnumberof thevehicle(unlessautomaticallyrecorded).
d h j:
Recordthetimesthevehiclewasdrivenandwhen
it was stationary unless automatically recorded by the monitor. Recordthenameofeachdriverandtimesthateachdriver
was in charge of the vehicle.
a h h j:
Recordthedate,timeandplacewherethejourneyfinished.
Youmayusetheduplicatepagesof thedriversworkdiarytorecordthisinformation. If your monitoring device produces charts, attach the duplicate
pagetothechart.Alternatively,youcanrecordtheinformationonthebackof the chart.
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If your monitor breaks down during a trip, you must record, either on achart or on a separate report:
Time.
Date.
Place.
Typeofbreakdown.
You must continue to record the items referred to in this section and thedistance travelled.
If you own a vehicle, you must ensure that:
Yourvehiclemonitorisworkingcorrectly,isproperlycalibratedand that its seals are intact.
Yourvehiclespecificationsarenotalteredinanywaythatcould affect calibration of the device.
Yourdeviceisrecalibratedimmediatelywhenthevehiclespecifications are altered or at least every six years.
Yourdriversareinstructedproperlyintheuseofthedevice.
Yourecovertriprecordsfromyourvehicleandstorethemin continuous date order for at least six months.
Youmakeyourrecordsavailableattherequestofanauthorised officer.
Youchecktherecordsforeachtripandforeachdriverto ensure that driving hours and speed limits have been observed.
Yourdriverscontinuetokeepmanualrecordsforeachjourneyif the monitor breaks down.
police cHecKs and rMs inspections
The police can check that your vehicle monitor is fitted and workingproperly. If you are ever involved in a serious crash, or if there is suspicionof serious offences, police may need your monitor and data.
RMSinspectorsmakechecksof monitorrecordsbyvisitingvehicledepotsorbyusingrecordsmailedtoRMSfromvehicleoperators.
CompanyauditsareconductedbyRMSinspectors.TheymaycheckmonitorrecordsbyvisitingvehicledepotsorbyusingrecordsmailedtoRMSfromvehicleoperators.AlsoseeSection8Penalties.
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WHat you sHould KnoW about Heavy veHicleroad rules
Afterreadingthissection,youshouldknow:
Speedlimitsthatapplytoheavyvehicles.
Rulesforturningatintersections,overtakingandreversing.
Restrictionsthatapplytoheavyvehicles.
Rulesforstoppingatbusstops.
Lawsrelatingtovehiclemonitors.
Guidelinesonhowtomanagefires.
notes
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Summary
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Heavyvehiclescomeinavarietyofconfigurations. Itsyourresponsibilitytoknowyourvehicle.Regularchecksandservices are required by law, to minimise the risk of breakdownand ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
roadWortHiness
The driver and the owner/operator are responsible for a vehiclesroadworthiness.Aroadworthyvehicleisasafeonethatoffersadvantagestobothdriverandoperatoraswellasotherroadusers.Unroadworthyvehiclescan be heavily fined, especially if they are involved in a crash.
Itisveryimportanttocheckyourvehicleisroadworthy.Pre-departurechecks can save time and expense later on and reduce the chance of a crashresulting from mechanical failure.
To make sure that your vehicle remains roadworthy, you should carry outdailypre-departurechecksandmoreindepthweeklyinspections.Refertothe checklists in this section as a guide. This icon will help you locatethem.
body/cab condition
Alldoorlatchesorhingesmustbesecureandworkingwell.Thecabinmustbesealed from engine and fuel areas.
braKes
air braKe operation
Most heavy vehicles have full air brakes. It is important that brakes are
properly adjusted and well maintained.
When you apply the foot brake pedal you are opening a valve that allowspressurised air to flow to the brake chambers at each wheel. Thereforebraking effectiveness depends on how far you depress the pedal, unlike acar where the braking effectiveness depends on how hard you depress thepedal.
It is very important to check your brakes properly and regularly, and to refertothemanufacturersmanual.Usethefollowingprocedureasaguideonlyand get a professional to service your brakes often.
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inspection of Hydraulic braKes
step 1: e hk1 Checkforlinedamageandleaks.
2 Checkwheelbackingplatesandbrakehosesfor any signs of leaks or damage, such aschafed hoses or pipes
3 Checkaroundthemastercylinderandhydraulicoilreservoirforleaks.Alsocheck
that the reservoir is full.step 2: sm hk
1 Checkthefeelofthebrakepedal when you apply the foot brake.If the pedal sinks down further than usualor if it feels spongy, there may be a leakor air in the system.
2 Keep full pressure on the pedal it shouldcontinue to be hard. If the pedal starts to sink,there may be a leak in the system.
3 Vacuumbrakescheckboosterretentionwithfull vacuum and the engine off. When you applythe pedal it should stay down without resistance.
The vacuum must be available soon
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