Illinois CDL Practice Exam

What is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

1. The minimum weight a vehicle can carry

2. The maximum weight a vehicle can carry

3. The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer

4. The weight of a vehicle alone

The correct answer is: The maximum weight a vehicle can carry

The correct answer is that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) refers to the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to safely carry. This rating is established by the manufacturer and includes not only the weight of the vehicle itself but also the total weight of any cargo, passengers, and any additional items loaded onto the vehicle. Understanding GVWR is crucial for drivers, especially those operating commercial vehicles, as exceeding this weight can compromise safety, vehicle performance, and legal compliance. The other options do not accurately capture the definition of GVWR. For instance, defining GVWR as the minimum weight a vehicle can carry does not reflect its purpose, as vehicles do not have a mandated minimum load. Similarly, while the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is important for determining permissible towing capacities, it is not the focus of GVWR. Lastly, stating that GVWR is the weight of a vehicle alone misses the core aspect of GVWR, which encompasses the total weight the vehicle is designed to handle.