Vehicle types

Passenger vehicles can include cars, vans, people-movers and some off-road vehicles.

Standards and differences of motorcycles and mopeds.

Goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500kg.

Trailers with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500kg.

Buses and taxis (including shuttles), that carry passengers for hire or reward, must meet all the vehicle standards required of them.

Light goods vehicles includes goods vans and utes.

These range from custom-built to purpose-built vehicles. Requirements for these vehicles vary depending on their size.

An electric vehicle (EV) has a different engine to a petrol or diesel fuelled vehicle – it is an electrical motor that is fuelled by a battery.

Farm vehicles and forklifts present unique safety risks when travelling on public roads.

Power assisted cycles (bicycles fitted with motors) are the main low-powered vehicles recognised in transport law.

All-terrain vehicles include most quad bikes, smaller ‘side by sides’ and amphibious vehicles.

Vehicles are coming to market with ever-increasing levels of automation and in the future truly autonomous vehicles will be market ready.

Specialist vehicles include passenger service vehicles, ground-spreader trucks, concrete mixers and rubbish trucks with compactors.