Truck loads and goods is one of the study areas behind the driver theory test in Ireland, where the car test asks 40 questions in 45 minutes and 35 correct answers pass. This lesson gives the rules, the law behind them and questions on this area. Source: Citizens Information, page edited 6 May 2026, checked on 15 September 2026.
Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the rule behind it.
1 of 20
Question 1
How is a three-axle tractor unit capped by axle spread, compared with an articulated vehicle?
ABoth are capped at 4 tonnes per metre
BThe tractor unit has no per-metre cap
CBoth are capped at 5.5 tonnes per metre of the same measurement
DThe tractor unit is capped at 6 tonnes per metre, and an articulated vehicle at 5.5 tonnes per metre from king pin to rear axle centreCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
A tractor unit is capped at 6 tonnes per metre of axle spread. An articulated vehicle is capped at 5.5 tonnes per metre from king pin to rear axle centre. They are not the same figure, and the tractor unit is not left without a cap. This is the three-axle axle-spread rule in regulation 10 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as substituted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014.
A specialised vehicle permit is sought for a vehicle built for long or wide loads on designated roads. What are the greatest length and width, including the load, at which it may be granted?
ANot longer than 27.4 metres and not wider than 4.3 metresCorrect answer
BNot longer than 18.75 metres and not wider than 2.9 metres
CNot longer than 30 metres and not wider than 5 metres
DNo length or width cap if the load is marked
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
The permit may be granted only if the vehicle including its load is not longer than 27.4 metres nor wider than 4.3 metres. 18.75 and 2.9 metres are ordinary construction and use figures, 30 and 5 metres are above this permit cap, and marking the load does not remove the cap. This is the specialised vehicle permit rule in regulation 6 of the Road Traffic (Specialised Vehicle Permits) Regulations 2009.
DConditions on weight, dimensions, speed, trailer numbers, springs, tyres and wheelsCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
The permit may carry conditions on weight, dimensions, speed, trailer numbers, springs, tyres and wheels. Drivers' hours, vehicle colour, or the customer's name are not the conditions this rule names. This is the special permit rule in regulation 3 of the Road Traffic (Special Permits for Particular Vehicles) Regulations 2007.
You collect a new rigid goods vehicle from a dealer. How is its design gross vehicle weight taken, until the contrary is shown?
AAs the manufacturer's figure, or that of the authorised distributor or a suitably qualified individualCorrect answer
BAs the unladen weight on the logbook plus a standard payload
CAs the highest weight you have ever carried on that vehicle
DAs the plated axle weights added together by the driver
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
Design gross vehicle weight is the heaviest laden weight the vehicle can reasonably carry. Until the contrary is shown it is the manufacturer's figure, or the authorised distributor's, or a suitably qualified individual's. A past load, an unladen weight plus a guessed payload, or adding axle plates yourself is not the rule. This is the design gross vehicle weight definition in regulation 2 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as substituted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014.
If you hold a specialised vehicle permit for a long or wide goods load, what conditions apply on the road?
AThe load may be unmarked if you travel by day
BThe overhanging load must be marked, the permit must be carried in the cab, and clearance in height and width along the route must be confirmedCorrect answer
CThe permit may be left at the depot if a copy is emailed
DClearance along the route need not be checked if the permit is in the cab
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
Conditions include marking an overhanging load, carrying the permit in the cab, and confirming clearance in height and width along the route. Leaving it unmarked by day, leaving the permit at the depot, or skipping the clearance check is not enough. This is the specialised vehicle permit rule in regulation 6 of the Road Traffic (Specialised Vehicle Permits) Regulations 2009.
Your rigid and trailer are on a public weighbridge. What does weight laden mean?
AThe unladen kerb weight of the drawing vehicle only
BThe vehicle or combination together with its loadCorrect answer
CThe weight of the load on its own, without the vehicle
DThe weight on the driving axle only
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
Weight laden is the vehicle or combination together with its load. The unladen kerb weight, the load on its own, or one axle alone is not that figure. The weight transmitted by an axle is the weight on all wheels whose centres lie in one vertical plane across the vehicle. This is the laden and axle weight rule in regulation 3 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
The two axles of a tandem on your goods vehicle are less than 1.0 metre apart. What is the tandem weight limit?
A16 tonnes
B18 tonnes
C19 tonnes
D11.5 tonnesCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
A tandem axle under 1.0 metre apart is limited to 11.5 tonnes. 16 tonnes is the next spacing band, 18 tonnes is the band from 1.3 metres to under 1.8 metres, and 19 tonnes needs extra driving-axle conditions. This is the tandem axle weight rule in regulation 6 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as substituted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014.
A load on your goods vehicle sticks out past the side of the body. How far may it overhang the side?
ANo more than 150 millimetres
BNo more than 500 millimetres
CNo more than 1 metre
DNo more than 300 millimetresCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
A load may not overhang the side by more than 300 millimetres. 150 millimetres is tighter than the rule, and 500 millimetres or 1 metre is too far. This is the load overhang rule in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
Your two axle goods vehicle runs on compressed natural gas and is not a zero emission vehicle. How far may the otherwise applicable laden weight be raised for that fuel technology?
ABy as much as the extra tanks weigh, with no cap
BBy up to two extra tonnes
CIt may not be raised at all
DBy the extra weight the fuel technology needs, capped at one extra tonneCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
An alternatively fuelled vehicle may add the extra weight its fuel technology needs, capped at one extra tonne. There is no uncapped add-on, two extra tonnes is not this cap, and the extra weight is allowed. This is the alternatively fuelled vehicle weight rule in regulations 9 and 10 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as inserted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2017.
A five-axle combination of vehicles has 3 metres or more between the rearmost axle of the drawing vehicle and the foremost axle of the trailer. What is the greatest laden weight, without the extra appropriate-vehicle or electronic-braking figures?
A40 tonnesCorrect answer
B34 tonnes only, with no rise for that spacing
C46 tonnes
D32 tonnes
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
At 3 metres or more axle separation the five-axle combination may weigh up to 40 tonnes. 34 tonnes is the starting figure, 46 tonnes needs the electronic braking and stability criteria, and 32 tonnes is a four-axle rigid figure. This is the five-axle combination weight rule in regulation 18 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as inserted in part by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
Which of these sits outside that rear overhang cap?
AEvery rigid goods vehicle, with no exception
BAn articulated vehicle, a tractor, a works truck, a cycle, a rear steered vehicle, or a vehicle first registered before the date named in those regulationsCorrect answer
CA two-axle rigid only
DA vehicle with air suspension only
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
The rear overhang cap does not apply to an articulated vehicle, a tractor, a works truck, a cycle, a rear steered vehicle, or a vehicle first registered before the date named in the regulations. It is not a universal rigid rule, and two axles or air suspension is not the exclusion. This is the rear overhang rule in regulations 46 and 47 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
The gap between your goods vehicle and the vehicle it draws is more than 1.5 metres, so the drawbar needs a warning device. What form does the Regulation say that device may take?
AA white flag or cloth at least 300 millimetres squareCorrect answer
BA white flag or cloth at least 150 millimetres square
CA red flag of any size
DA red triangle at least 300 millimetres square
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
The Regulation says the drawbar must be made easily distinguishable to other traffic by a warning device, which may be in the form of a white flag or cloth at least 300 millimetres square. The size matters, so 150 millimetres square is not enough, and the Regulation names no red flag or red triangle here. This is the drawbar rule in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
When may a four-axle articulated goods vehicle weigh up to 38 tonnes laden?
AWhenever it has four axles, with no further condition
BOn any intermodal run, with no further condition
CWhere a two-axle tractor unit draws a two-axle semi-trailer with twin tyres and air suspension on each driving axle, an approved anti-lock braking system and a compliant plateCorrect answer
DWhere the semi-trailer has three axles
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
38 tonnes is for a two-axle tractor unit with a two-axle semi-trailer, twin tyres and air suspension on each driving axle, an approved anti-lock braking system and a compliant plate. Four axles alone, an intermodal run, or a three-axle semi-trailer is not that condition. This is the four-axle articulated weight rule in regulation 13 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as substituted in part by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
A manufacturer's plate and an authorisation plate on your goods vehicle show different axle weights. Which figure applies?
AThe higher of the two figures
BThe average of the two figures
CThe manufacturer's plate in every case
DThe lower valueCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
No axle may exceed its plate figure, and where a manufacturer's plate and an authorisation plate disagree the lower value applies. The higher figure, an average, or always the manufacturer's plate is not the rule. This is the plated weight rule in regulation 22E of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as inserted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
A shipper is about to hand you a container for a goods run. What must the shipper give you before it is entrusted to you?
AA booking reference for the depot only
BA statement of the container's colour and serial number only
CNothing in writing, if you can estimate the weight
DA statement of the weight of the container or swap bodyCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
The shipper must give the haulier a statement of the weight of the container or swap body before it is entrusted. A booking reference, colour and serial number, or an estimate by the driver does not meet that duty. This is the container weight statement rule in regulation 22B of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as inserted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2017.
What is the greatest gap allowed between the drawing vehicle and the trailer, and what is the loading point to trailer rear cap?
AA gap of 4.50 metres, and 16.40 metres from the loading point to the trailer rearCorrect answer
BA gap of 1.50 metres, and 15.65 metres from the loading point to the trailer rear
CA gap of 6 metres, and 18.75 metres from the loading point to the trailer rear
DNo gap limit, and 12 metres from the loading point to the trailer rear
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
The gap between the drawing vehicle and the trailer is capped at 4.50 metres, and the loading point to trailer rear at 16.40 metres. 1.50 metres, 6 metres, 18.75 metres and 12 metres are not those two figures. This is the combination loading dimension rule in regulation 31 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
How far may a load on your goods vehicle overhang the rear?
ANo more than 3 metresCorrect answer
BNo more than 2 metres
CNo more than 4 metres
DNo more than 1 metre
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
A load may not overhang the rear by more than 3 metres. Two metres and 1 metre are tighter than that rear limit, and 4 metres is too far. A rear overhang of more than 1 metre raises a separate flag duty, but it does not replace the 3 metre cap. This is the load overhang rule in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
What is the general laden weight limit for a five-axle articulated goods vehicle?
A42 tonnes in every case
B44 tonnes in every case
C38 tonnes
D40 tonnesCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
A five-axle articulated vehicle is limited to 40 tonnes laden as the general rule. 42 tonnes is for an appropriate motor vehicle with a two-axle appropriate semi-trailer, 44 tonnes is the 40 foot ISO container intermodal figure, and 38 tonnes is a four-axle articulated figure. This is the five-axle articulated weight rule in regulation 14 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as amended by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.
In intermodal transport of containers or swap bodies up to 45 feet, a three-axle motor vehicle draws a two-axle or three-axle semi-trailer and has a compliant plate. What is the greatest laden weight?
A40 tonnes
B42 tonnes
C44 tonnesCorrect answer
D38 tonnes
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
A three-axle motor vehicle with a two-axle or three-axle semi-trailer may reach 44 tonnes on that intermodal run, with a compliant plate. 42 tonnes is the two-axle motor vehicle with three-axle semi-trailer figure, and 40 and 38 tonnes are not this intermodal figure. This is the intermodal combination weight rule in regulations 18 and 19 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as inserted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2017.
What is the general laden weight limit for a three-axle goods vehicle?
A25 tonnesCorrect answer
B26 tonnes in every case
C18 tonnes
D30 tonnes
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
A three-axle vehicle is limited to 25 tonnes laden as the general rule. 26 tonnes needs twin tyres and air suspension on each driving axle, or twin tyres and two driving axles neither exceeding 9.5 tonnes. 18 tonnes is a two-axle figure and 30 tonnes is a four-axle figure. This is the three-axle laden weight rule in regulation 10 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as substituted by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2017.