LGV Vehicle Weights and Dimensions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum gross train weight for a 6-axle articulated vehicle in the UK?
- 32 tonnes
- 38 tonnes
- 40 tonnes
- 44 tonnes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 44 tonnes
A 6-axle articulated vehicle can operate at up to 44 tonnes gross train weight in the UK, provided it meets specific axle spacing and configuration requirements. A 5-axle artic is limited to 40 tonnes.
Question 2: What is the maximum rear overhang permitted on a rigid HGV?
- 1 metre
- 60% of the wheelbase (Correct answer)
- 3 metres
- There is no limit
Correct answer: 60% of the wheelbase
The maximum rear overhang on a rigid vehicle must not exceed 60% of the wheelbase. This ensures the vehicle remains stable and that the rear overhang does not create excessive sweep during turns.
Question 3: Why is it important to know the kerb weight of your vehicle?
- It determines the vehicle's colour
- It is subtracted from the maximum gross weight to determine the payload capacity (Correct answer)
- It is only needed for insurance purposes
- Kerb weight is the same for all HGVs
Correct answer: It is subtracted from the maximum gross weight to determine the payload capacity
The kerb weight (the vehicle's weight when empty but with full tanks, oil, coolant, and standard equipment) must be subtracted from the maximum gross vehicle weight to determine how much payload can be carried. Overloading is illegal and dangerous.
Question 4: What is a bridge authority notification and when is it needed?
- Notification is never needed for bridges
- It is required when a vehicle's weight, width, or length exceeds normal limits and it needs to cross certain bridges (Correct answer)
- It is only needed for brand new bridges
- Only pedestrian bridges require notification
Correct answer: It is required when a vehicle's weight, width, or length exceeds normal limits and it needs to cross certain bridges
Bridge authority notification is required for abnormal loads that exceed standard weight or dimension limits. Some historic and weight-restricted bridges also require notification for vehicles within normal limits if they exceed the bridge's specific restrictions.
Question 5: What does 'design weight' on a plating certificate mean?
- The weight of the vehicle when it was designed on paper
- The maximum weight the vehicle's components are designed to handle, which may exceed the legal maximum (Correct answer)
- The weight of the design team who built the vehicle
- The recommended weight for optimal fuel economy
Correct answer: The maximum weight the vehicle's components are designed to handle, which may exceed the legal maximum
The design weight is the maximum weight the vehicle's mechanical components (chassis, axles, brakes) are engineered to handle. This may be higher than the legally permitted maximum weight, as legal limits consider road and bridge capacity, not just vehicle capability.
Question 6: What should a driver do if they are unsure whether their loaded vehicle exceeds weight limits?
- Estimate the weight and proceed
- Use a public weighbridge to check the gross and axle weights before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Ask another driver to guess the weight
- Only check if stopped by the DVSA
Correct answer: Use a public weighbridge to check the gross and axle weights before proceeding
If there is any doubt about vehicle weight, the driver should use a public weighbridge to check both the gross vehicle weight and individual axle weights. Overloading is a serious offence and affects braking, steering, and tyre performance.
LGV Vehicle Weights and Dimensions 2
What is the maximum gross train weight for a 6-axle articulated vehicle in the UK?