DTT HGV Vehicle Weights — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight for a rigid two-axle truck in Ireland?
- 18,000 kg (18 tonnes) (Correct answer)
- 16,000 kg (16 tonnes)
- 20,000 kg (20 tonnes)
- 24,000 kg (24 tonnes)
Correct answer: 18,000 kg (18 tonnes)
Under Irish and EU regulations, the maximum gross vehicle weight for a rigid two-axle truck is 18,000 kg (18 tonnes). Higher weights are permitted for vehicles with more axles — up to 32 tonnes for a 4-axle rigid.
Question 2: What does 'Design Gross Vehicle Weight' (DGVW) mean?
- The maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle itself and its load (Correct answer)
- The weight of the vehicle when empty
- The maximum weight of the load only
- The weight of the fuel tank when full
Correct answer: The maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle itself and its load
The DGVW (also known as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum total weight the vehicle is designed to operate at, as set by the manufacturer. It includes the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel, and payload.
Question 3: What is the maximum permissible weight on a single driven axle in Ireland?
- 11,500 kg (Correct answer)
- 10,000 kg
- 12,500 kg
- 8,000 kg
Correct answer: 11,500 kg
Under EU Directive 96/53/EC and Irish regulations, the maximum permissible weight on a single driven axle is 11,500 kg (11.5 tonnes). For a single non-driven axle, the limit is 10,000 kg (10 tonnes).
Question 4: A truck is loaded and its gross weight exceeds the legal limit. Who is legally responsible?
- Both the driver and the operator can be held liable for an overloaded vehicle (Correct answer)
- Only the person who loaded the vehicle
- Only the company that owns the truck
- Nobody — overloading is not an offence in Ireland
Correct answer: Both the driver and the operator can be held liable for an overloaded vehicle
Under Irish road traffic law, both the driver and the operator/owner have a legal responsibility to ensure the vehicle is not overloaded. The driver has a duty to refuse to drive an overloaded vehicle, and the operator must ensure proper loading procedures.
Question 5: What is the maximum permissible gross train weight for a 5-axle articulated vehicle in Ireland?
- 40,000 kg (40 tonnes) (Correct answer)
- 38,000 kg (38 tonnes)
- 44,000 kg (44 tonnes)
- 36,000 kg (36 tonnes)
Correct answer: 40,000 kg (40 tonnes)
A standard 5-axle articulated vehicle (2-axle tractor unit + 3-axle semi-trailer) has a maximum gross train weight of 40,000 kg (40 tonnes) in Ireland, in line with EU regulations for international transport.
Question 6: What equipment can be used to check if a commercial vehicle is overloaded?
- A weighbridge or portable axle weigh pads (Correct answer)
- A tape measure
- The vehicle's speedometer
- The fuel gauge
Correct answer: A weighbridge or portable axle weigh pads
Weighbridges provide the most accurate measurement of total vehicle weight. Portable axle weigh pads are used by enforcement authorities for roadside checks. Drivers should use weighbridges before departing to verify they are within legal limits.
DTT HGV Vehicle Weights
What is the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight for a rigid two-axle truck in Ireland?