DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 2

Question 1

What is the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a standard rigid truck on Irish roads?

Accepted Answer

32 tonnes for a two-axle rigid (higher for multi-axle combinations up to 44 tonnes for articulated)

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

At least one lashing per tonne of cargo, or as determined by the load's weight, size, and the securing system's capacity

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the load from shifting forward in emergency braking — a front restraint for forward load movement

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Increased stopping distance, risk of tyre failure, structural damage to the vehicle, and road infrastructure damage — plus legal penalties

Answer

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.

Irish DTT Truck/Bus Practice Test

Irish DTT Truck/Bus Practice Test

DTT HGV Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing 2