Practice question

Which statement correctly describes GVWR and GCWR relation?

  1. GVWR applies to the weight of a single vehicle; GCWR applies to a combination of vehicles
  2. GCWR applies to the weight of a single vehicle
  3. GVWR equals GCWR for all vehicles
  4. There is no relationship between GVWR and GCWR

Answer: A — GVWR applies to the weight of a single vehicle; GCWR applies to a combination of vehicles

GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to handle in operation, including the vehicle itself, fuel, passengers, and cargo. It applies to a single vehicle. GCWR, or Gross Combined Weight Rating, is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle plus any trailer being towed—the total for the entire combination. Because you can add a trailer, the combined weight can be greater than the vehicle’s own GVWR, so GCWR is typically higher or at least not less than GVWR. That’s why this statement is correct: GVWR applies to a single vehicle, while GCWR applies to the entire vehicle-plus-trailer combination. The other options misstate who GCWR covers or deny the relationship between the two ratings.

Practice more: Licenses Traffic Code 22.6-22.7 Phase 2 Practice Test →