DTT HGV Vehicle Weights

Question 1

What is the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight for a rigid two-axle truck in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

18,000 kg (18 tonnes)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle itself and its load

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

11,500 kg

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Both the driver and the operator can be held liable for an overloaded vehicle

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

40,000 kg (40 tonnes)

Answer

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.

Irish DTT Truck/Bus Practice Test

Irish DTT Truck/Bus Practice Test

DTT HGV Vehicle Weights