DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a standard rigid truck on Irish roads?
- 32 tonnes for a two-axle rigid (higher for multi-axle combinations up to 44 tonnes for articulated) (Correct answer)
- 25 tonnes for any rigid vehicle
- 40 tonnes for all truck types
- 44 tonnes only for articulated trucks with 5 or more axles
Correct answer: 32 tonnes for a two-axle rigid (higher for multi-axle combinations up to 44 tonnes for articulated)
Weight limits depend on axle configuration. A two-axle rigid truck is limited to 18 tonnes. Articulated vehicles with 5 or more axles can reach 44 tonnes. The standard 6-axle artic limit is 44 tonnes.
Question 2: What is the legal requirement for securing a load on a commercial vehicle?
- The load must be secured so it cannot move, shift, fall, or cause danger — the driver is responsible for checking security before and during the journey (Correct answer)
- Only loose loads require securing — palletised goods do not
- Securing is the shipper's responsibility — the driver only drives
- Loads exceeding 1 tonne must be secured with ratchet straps
Correct answer: The load must be secured so it cannot move, shift, fall, or cause danger — the driver is responsible for checking security before and during the journey
Under Irish and EU law, the driver is responsible for ensuring the load is secure before and during transport. An unsecured load causing an accident creates serious criminal and civil liability.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of lashing points required for securing a pallet load?
- At least one lashing per tonne of cargo, or as determined by the load's weight, size, and the securing system's capacity (Correct answer)
- Two straps per pallet regardless of weight
- Four corner straps for any pallet load
- No specific legal number — competent securing is the standard
Correct answer: At least one lashing per tonne of cargo, or as determined by the load's weight, size, and the securing system's capacity
EN 12195 load securing standards specify that the number of lashings must be calculated based on the load's weight, friction, and the strength of securing devices. As a rule of thumb, one lashing per tonne is a minimum starting point.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'headboard' on a flatbed or curtainsider trailer?
- To prevent the load from shifting forward in emergency braking — a front restraint for forward load movement (Correct answer)
- To protect the trailer cab from damage during loading
- To carry the vehicle's rear registration plate
- To mount clearance lights required by law
Correct answer: To prevent the load from shifting forward in emergency braking — a front restraint for forward load movement
A headboard (bulkhead) at the front of a flatbed or curtainsider prevents the load from shifting forward during emergency braking. It provides a rigid forward restraint as part of the load securing system.
Question 5: What is the danger of overloading a commercial vehicle?
- Increased stopping distance, risk of tyre failure, structural damage to the vehicle, and road infrastructure damage — plus legal penalties (Correct answer)
- Slightly increased fuel consumption only
- Overloading is only dangerous on mountain roads and sharp bends
- Only a problem if the vehicle lacks ABS
Correct answer: Increased stopping distance, risk of tyre failure, structural damage to the vehicle, and road infrastructure damage — plus legal penalties
Overloading dramatically increases stopping distance, overstresses tyres (blowout risk), damages suspension and chassis, causes structural road damage, and carries significant legal penalties including prohibition from the road.
Question 6: What is a 'Dynamic Load Certificate' and when is it required?
- A certificate confirming the lashing equipment has been tested and approved — required when using rated lashing straps or chains in professional transport (Correct answer)
- A certificate issued to the driver after load securing training
- A document required for hazardous goods transport only
- A certificate confirming vehicle suspension is rated for the load weight
Correct answer: A certificate confirming the lashing equipment has been tested and approved — required when using rated lashing straps or chains in professional transport
Load lashing equipment (straps, chains, and binders) must have a rated working load limit and certification. For commercial transport, EN 12195 compliant equipment with appropriate Load Capacity (LC) marking is required.
DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 2
What is the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a standard rigid truck on Irish roads?