Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

What is the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)?

1. Weight of the vehicle without any load

2. Maximum weight specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load

3. Weight of a vehicle's load

4. Maximum permissible axle weight

The correct answer is: Maximum weight specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load

The correct answer is the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load. The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is essentially a safety measure set by the vehicle's manufacturer, indicating the highest permissible weight of a combination of vehicles, which includes both the weight of the vehicle itself and the weight of any trailers or loads being carried. This rating is crucial for ensuring that vehicles are operated within safe limits, preventing accidents or mechanical failures that could occur from overloading. The other choices provide information related to weight but do not accurately define the GCWR. The weight of the vehicle without any load, for instance, refers to the empty weight or curb weight, which lacks the additional considerations of trailers or cargo. The weight of a vehicle's load is a separate element that contributes to the overall configuration but does not encompass the total allowed weight for towing scenarios. Lastly, maximum permissible axle weight deals with the distribution of weight across individual axles, which is an important aspect of vehicle operation but does not specifically address the overall combination vehicle rating as the GCWR does.