Towing "legally"

[spookypt]

Originally Posted by Rossba

With all the tech talk at the start of this thread just backs my thoughts that we should have a licence to tow a trailer. The weights, weight distribution, tow rate, tie downs should all be taught in the course. Just like going for a truck licence.
I have been with and seen so many people that shouldn't tow a trailer.

I have just done my Heavy Rigid Truck License. It means I can drive most trucks not including semis/bdouble's etc.

I can tell you I had to complete a 10 question theory questionnaire at QLD Transport (I found it more difficult to find a park than the questions asked!) and do a practical test which was for 1hr.

Certainly I have had to satisfy some degree of knowledge and understanding ...but it was hardly rocket science.... Personally, it felt a little bit too easy imo considering the weight and capacity of what I'm now legally able to drive.

Oh, if curious as to why I went and got a HR license considering I drive a desk all day.... well I just hope with experience it makes me a safer and more competent road user... cant hurt.

Spookypt

[Rossba]

Originally Posted by spookypt

I have just done my Heavy Rigid Truck License. It means I can drive most trucks not including semis/bdouble's etc.

I can tell you I had to complete a 10 question theory questionnaire at QLD Transport (I found it more difficult to find a park than the questions asked!) and do a practical test which was for 1hr.

Certainly I have had to satisfy some degree of knowledge and understanding ...but it was hardly rocket science.... Personally, it felt a little bit too easy imo considering the weight and capacity of what I'm now legally able to drive.

Oh, if curious as to why I went and got a HR license considering I drive a desk all day.... well I just hope with experience it makes me a safer and more competent road user... cant hurt.

Spookypt

Sad to hear it is getting easier now and have the knowledge with it for a heavy rigid.
I was more referring to a semi.

Good on you for doing the course for the experience. I totally support that.
I did a advanced rider training course for the motor bike and believe I became a better driver out of it also.

[WKB]

With all that information about GVM and GCM, towball weight wasn't mentioned. The towball weight of the loaded trailer will be part of the GWM of the tow vehicle. As well, as the load weight of the tow vehicle is increased the allowable towball weight could decrease. Another thing to remember is the axle weights of the tow vehicle cannot be above manufactures max specs(I think only applies to commercial vehicles, passenger cars generally have no specs on axle weights). So your trailer could be loaded legally for weight and the total GCM could be correct, but axle weights on the tow vehicle, tandem trailer and towball weight might be incorrect. This could result in an overload fine if checked like Spookpt was.

Warren

[Towmaster]

Originally Posted by spookypt

I have just done my Heavy Rigid Truck License. It means I can drive most trucks not including semis/bdouble's etc.

I can tell you I had to complete a 10 question theory questionnaire at QLD Transport (I found it more difficult to find a park than the questions asked!) and do a practical test which was for 1hr.

Certainly I have had to satisfy some degree of knowledge and understanding ...but it was hardly rocket science.... Personally, it felt a little bit too easy imo considering the weight and capacity of what I'm now legally able to drive.

Oh, if curious as to why I went and got a HR license considering I drive a desk all day.... well I just hope with experience it makes me a safer and more competent road user... cant hurt.

Spookypt

When I got my license the only manual vehicle we had was a truck so I had to sit my driving test in that. The look on the guys face was priceless when he said where's the vehicle we are taking the test in... I said right here, he said is it behind the truck... I said no... It is the truck!