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BC Class 1–4 overview

BC Class 1–4: Dimensions, weights and permits

Height and width limits, mirrors, GVW and licensed GVW, overload and oversize permits, pilot cars and reporting to weigh scales.

  • 12 questions
  • Topic drill
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Dimensions, weights and permits · Question 1Score 0/0

What does GVW mean?

Study reference: Driving Commercial Vehicles (ICBC, 2024 edition), Ch. 5 Skills for driving trucks and trailers — Vehicle and load dimensions, Weight terms, Permits, Pilot cars, Weigh scales

All 12 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. What does GVW mean?

    1. The empty weight of the vehicle
    2. The vehicle plus its load
    3. The manufacturer's maximum rating
    4. The weight on the steering axle

  2. Where may a portable scale be set up?

    1. Only on private property
    2. Only at border crossings
    3. Only at fixed scale sites
    4. On any public road

  3. When is an overload permit issued?

    1. Whenever the shipper asks
    2. For any load under 4.4 m wide
    3. Only on weekends
    4. Only when the load cannot be reduced

  4. How far may side mirrors extend without counting in the vehicle's width?

    1. Up to 50 cm per side
    2. Up to 10 cm per side
    3. Up to 20 cm per side
    4. Any distance

  5. Which vehicles must report to a weigh scale when directed?

    1. Commercial vehicles licensed over 5,500 kg
    2. Every vehicle with dual rear wheels, any weight
    3. Only tractor-trailers
    4. Only vehicles with dangerous goods

  6. What is the maximum height of a commercial vehicle in B.C. without an oversize permit?

    1. 3.9 m
    2. 4.0 m
    3. 4.15 m
    4. 4.4 m

  7. How should the extremities of an oversize load be marked by day?

    1. White reflective tape
    2. Orange triangles on each corner
    3. Red flags, 30 cm square or larger
    4. Amber lights only

  8. An oversize truck is driving empty. Does it still need an oversize permit?

    1. Only at night
    2. No, only when loaded
    3. Only on gravel roads
    4. Yes, loaded or empty

  9. What is the maximum legal width of a vehicle and load without a permit?

    1. 2.4 m
    2. 3.1 m
    3. 2.6 m
    4. 4.4 m

  10. How much more road damage can one heavy vehicle do than a passenger car?

    1. Up to 50 times more
    2. About the same
    3. Up to 5,000 times more
    4. Up to 25 times more

  11. How far from the vehicle it escorts must a pilot car stay?

    1. Between 10 and 50 m
    2. Directly beside it
    3. Between 100 and 500 m
    4. Within 1 km

  12. What is the minimum licensed GVW of most commercial vehicles?

    1. 1.5 times the vehicle's net weight
    2. 5,500 kg for all vehicles
    3. Equal to the net weight
    4. Twice the vehicle's net weight

Dimensions, weights and permits: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Vehicle and load dimensions (p. 111–113)

  • The Commercial Transport Act sets limits for commercial vehicle length, width, height and weight.
  • Obey Ministry of Transportation dimension and weight signs regardless of any licence or permit; temporary seasonal weight restrictions may be posted.
  • Diamond low-clearance signs warn of a low structure ahead; a rectangular height sign may be on the structure itself.
  • Maximum height for a commercial vehicle is 4.15 m without an oversize permit.
  • Maximum legal width of vehicle and load is 2.6 m without an oversize permit.
  • Loose hay, straw or fodder may be loaded to 3.1 m overall width.
  • Items such as anti-splash devices, load securing devices, ladders, dangerous goods placards, glad hands, electrical or hydraulic connectors and clearance lights may stick out up to 10 cm per side without counting in width.
  • Side mirrors may extend up to 20 cm beyond the side; beyond 20 cm they count in overall width.
  • Side mirrors must always extend beyond the load, even an oversize one.
  • Reefer van or trailer length may include the refrigeration or heating unit.
  • Watch for a bridge sign posting the maximum allowable weight.

Weight terms (p. 113)

  • GVW (gross vehicle weight) is the vehicle plus its load.
  • GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the manufacturer's rating for the vehicle and the maximum load it should carry.
  • Licensed GVW is vehicle weight plus the maximum load it is licensed to carry or tow.
  • The minimum licensed GVW of most commercial vehicles is 1.5 times the vehicle's net weight.
  • Commercial vehicles are licensed according to GVW, so you must know your vehicle's and load's weight.
  • One heavy vehicle can do up to 5,000 times more road damage than a passenger car, depending on configuration and load.

Oversize and overload permits (p. 113–115)

  • Permits can be bought for overwidth, overweight, overlength or overheight loads when the load cannot be reduced; apply through the Commercial Vehicle Permit Line.
  • An application needs registration and insurance for the towing vehicle and trailers, load details, route and destination, and travel time; overload applications also need the weight on each axle.
  • Permit conditions may include pilot cars, flags, signs, lights, permitted times and days and a set route.
  • A vehicle is overloaded when it exceeds the GVW allowed by the Commercial Transport Regulations, its licensed GVW, or the limit on any axle or axle group.
  • Overload permits are issued only if the load cannot be reduced or the vehicle is not licensed up to its allowable weight.
  • A vehicle wider, longer or higher than allowed needs an oversize permit whether loaded or empty.
  • Permits are not normally issued for loads or vehicles wider than 4.4 m.
  • Oversize extremities need red flags at least 30 cm by 30 cm; at night, amber lights to the front and red to the rear.
  • Moving oversize or overweight loads on city streets may also need a municipal permit.
  • Overloaded vehicles are harder to steer, brake and keep at a safe speed downhill.
  • Display Wide Load, Long Load or Oversize Load signs only when carrying such a load.

Pilot cars (p. 114–115)

  • A permit may require one or more pilot cars to warn other drivers of the oversize vehicle.
  • When required, a pilot car carries a D (over-dimension) sign; pilot car signs are covered by Division 8 of the Commercial Transport Regulations.
  • A pilot car must stay between 100 and 500 m ahead of or behind the vehicle it escorts.

Reporting to weigh scales (p. 115–116)

  • A commercial vehicle with a licensed GVW over 5,500 kg must report to a scale whenever a sign, police officer or authorized person directs it.
  • If asked to bring papers into the office, take registration and permit papers, your log book and trip inspection report.
  • Fixed scales weigh each axle or axle group; a peace officer may check tires and measure the vehicle and load; follow the light board.
  • Portable scales can be set up on any public road, or an inspector's vehicle with flashing lights may pull you over and set up a scale.
  • An inspector may be a commercial transport inspector, motor vehicle inspector, constable or special constable.

Seasonal restrictions (p. 12)

  • Seasonal restrictions may limit axle weights; a road test vehicle must respect any restriction in effect.

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