Weighbridge officers play a crucial role in enforcing road transport regulations, controlling overloading, and ensuring compliance with traffic and safety laws. If you are preparing for a government interview in Tanzania, it is important to be ready for oral, written, and multiple-choice interview questions. This guide provides sample MCQs, written questions, and oral interview questions that you can expect when applying for the role of Weighbridge Officer in Tanzania

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which agency is directly responsible for operating weighbridges in Tanzania?
a) TANESCO
b) TANROADS ✔
c) TRA
d) SUMATRA

2. What is the main purpose of axle load control?
a) Increase transport costs
b) Reduce road accidents and damage ✔
c) Collect more government revenue
d) Increase traffic congestion

3. Overloaded vehicles mostly damage which part of the road?
a) Drainage system
b) Pavement and foundation ✔
c) Street lights
d) Road markings

4. Which law provides penalties for overloaded vehicles?
a) Road Traffic Act, Cap. 168 ✔
b) Labour Relations Act
c) Public Procurement Act
d) Transport Licensing Act

5. If a truck exceeds the allowable weight, the officer should:
a) Negotiate with the driver
b) Record the overload and apply penalties ✔
c) Arrest the driver immediately
d) Allow the vehicle to continue

6. Weighbridge officers must demonstrate which key value?
a) Honesty and integrity ✔
b) Aggressiveness
c) Flexibility with rules
d) Secrecy

7. Which of the following is NOT a duty of a weighbridge officer?
a) Recording weight results
b) Issuing overload tickets
c) Repairing trucks ✔
d) Enforcing regulations

8. Which government body sets standards for axle load limits?
a) TBS
b) TANROADS ✔
c) EWURA
d) PCCB

9. A vehicle with excessive axle load may:
a) Improve driver’s income only
b) Cause road deterioration and accidents ✔
c) Reduce construction costs
d) Increase tire lifespan

10. What is the correct attitude when dealing with drivers?
a) Rude and harsh
b) Respectful but firm ✔
c) Careless
d) Lenient

11. What should you do if a weighbridge machine gives inconsistent readings?
a) Ignore the problem
b) Report immediately and use manual backup ✔
c) Continue weighing trucks normally
d) Shut down without informing supervisors

12. Which is a challenge in weighbridge operations?
a) Bribery and corruption ✔
b) Too much honesty
c) Empty trucks
d) Low traffic

13. Which principle guides public servants in Tanzania?
a) Laziness
b) Corruption
c) Accountability ✔
d) Secrecy

14. Which is an example of axle load violation?
a) Vehicle with evenly distributed weight
b) Vehicle exceeding per-axle weight limits ✔
c) Vehicle within gross weight
d) Vehicle with light load

15. Why is axle load enforcement important to the economy?
a) Protects government buildings
b) Preserves road infrastructure ✔
c) Reduces fuel costs for drivers
d) Increases customs revenue

16. What document is usually required at the weighbridge?
a) Load manifest ✔
b) Driver’s marriage certificate
c) Insurance for passengers
d) Tax clearance certificate

17. Who appoints weighbridge officers in Tanzania?
a) PCCB
b) TANROADS ✔
c) TRA
d) Police

18. Which of the following is a safety risk of overloaded vehicles?
a) Easier handling
b) Reduced braking efficiency ✔
c) Increased visibility
d) Lower fuel use

19. Which public agency fights corruption at weighbridges?
a) PCCB ✔
b) TRA
c) BOT
d) NEMC

20. The national strategy for overloading control aims to:
a) Promote corruption
b) Extend road lifespan ✔
c) Increase truck accidents
d) Reduce traffic officers

2. Written Interview Questions & Sample Answers

1. Define a weighbridge and explain its role in transport regulation.
A weighbridge is a large platform scale used to measure the weight of heavy vehicles. It ensures compliance with axle load regulations, prevents overloading, and protects road infrastructure.

2. State three major duties of a weighbridge officer.

• Weighing vehicles using certified equipment
• Recording and reporting results
• Enforcing laws against overloading

3. Explain the consequences of overloading on road infrastructure.

• Faster road deterioration and higher maintenance costs
• Reduced road lifespan
• Increased traffic accidents

4. Describe steps you would take if a driver refuses to comply at the weighbridge.
Remain calm, explain the law, request compliance, and escalate the issue to supervisors or police if necessary.

5. Mention three challenges weighbridge officers face in Tanzania.

• Corruption attempts by drivers
• Technical equipment breakdown
• Non-compliance or resistance from drivers

6. What are the ethical standards expected of weighbridge officers?

• Integrity, accountability, impartiality, and transparency

7. Outline how technology has improved weighbridge operations.

• Automated weighing systems reduce human error
• Digital records enhance accountability
• Real-time monitoring prevents fraud

8. Explain why teamwork is important in weighbridge operations.
Officers work in shifts, need coordination, and rely on each other to maintain fairness and accuracy.

9. What procedure should be followed when issuing an overload penalty ticket?
Accurately weigh the vehicle, confirm violation, record data, issue ticket according to TANROADS policy, and inform the driver of next steps.

10. Suggest measures that can improve transparency at weighbridges.

• Use of CCTV and automated systems
• Strict disciplinary actions for corrupt officers
• Awareness campaigns for drivers

3. Oral Interview Questions & Sample Answers

1. Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in being a weighbridge officer.
Focus on discipline, commitment to public service, and passion for protecting road infrastructure.

2. How would you respond if a driver insists on bribing you?
Reject firmly, record the incident, and report to PCCB/TANROADS management.

3. What is axle load control and why is it important?
It is regulation of per-axle weight limits to protect roads and improve safety.

4. How would you deal with an angry or uncooperative driver?
Stay calm, explain procedures clearly, and if necessary, call for support from security or police.

5. Tell us about a time when integrity is important in public service.
Example: refusing bribes, ensuring fair enforcement even under pressure.

6. If a weighbridge system fails at night during your shift, what steps will you take?
Report the fault immediately, use manual logs if possible, and notify drivers respectfully.

7. Why should the government invest in weighbridge infrastructure?
To preserve roads, reduce accidents, save public funds, and enhance trade efficiency.

8. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in overloading control in Tanzania?
Corruption, driver resistance, and insufficient public awareness.

9. How does overloading affect the Tanzanian economy?
It increases road repair costs, delays transport, and causes accidents which reduce productivity.

10. What values should guide you as a public servant?
Honesty, integrity, accountability, fairness, and discipline.

4. Aptitude Test & Calculation Questions for Weighbridge Officer

1. Basic Weight Calculation

A truck has a gross vehicle weight of 42,500 kg. The legal limit is 40,000 kg.

• By how much is the vehicle overloaded?
• What percentage overload is this?

Answer:
Overload = 42,500 – 40,000 = 2,500 kg
Percentage overload = (2,500 ÷ 40,000) × 100 = 6.25%

2. Axle Load Distribution

A 4-axle truck weighs 44,000 kg. The legal limit per axle is 10,000 kg.

• What is the average load per axle?
• Is the vehicle within the limit?

Answer:
Average = 44,000 ÷ 4 = 11,000 kg per axle
Limit = 10,000 kg → Vehicle exceeds by 1,000 kg per axle, so it is overloaded.

3. Fine Calculation

In Tanzania, the penalty is TZS 15,000 per ton of overload. A truck is overloaded by 3,200 kg.

• Calculate the fine.

Answer:
3,200 kg = 3.2 tons
Fine = 3.2 × 15,000 = TZS 48,000

4. Unit Conversion

A truck’s load is measured at 18.5 tons. Convert this to kilograms.

Answer:
1 ton = 1,000 kg
18.5 tons = 18.5 × 1,000 = 18,500 kg

5. Ratio Problem

A truck with two rear axles carries 22,000 kg distributed in the ratio 3:2.

• How much weight is on each axle?

Answer:
Total = 22,000 kg
Ratio sum = 3 + 2 = 5 parts
1 part = 22,000 ÷ 5 = 4,400 kg
Axle 1 = 3 × 4,400 = 13,200 kg
Axle 2 = 2 × 4,400 = 8,800 kg

6. Speed & Distance

A truck travels 120 km in 3 hours. What is its average speed?

Answer:
Speed = Distance ÷ Time = 120 ÷ 3 = 40 km/h

7. Percentage Problem

A truck is allowed to carry 35,000 kg, but it is found carrying 38,500 kg.

• By what percentage has it exceeded the limit?

Answer:
Overload = 38,500 – 35,000 = 3,500 kg
Percentage = (3,500 ÷ 35,000) × 100 = 10%

8. Revenue Collection

If 50 trucks pass through a weighbridge in one day, and 12 are fined an average of TZS 60,000 each, what is the total fine collected?

Answer:
12 × 60,000 = TZS 720,000

9. Simple Interest (Aptitude Test Style)

If the government delays paying weighbridge maintenance contractors TZS 5,000,000 for 2 years at an annual interest rate of 8%, how much interest is owed?

Answer:
I = P × R × T ÷ 100
I = 5,000,000 × 8 × 2 ÷ 100 = TZS 800,000

10. Logical Reasoning (Applied Math)

Three trucks have weights:

• Truck A = 36,800 kg
• Truck B = 39,500 kg
• Truck C = 41,200 kg

The legal limit = 40,000 kg.

• Which trucks are overloaded and by how much?

Answer:

• Truck A = within limit
• Truck B = within limit (39,500 ≤ 40,000)
• Truck C = 41,200 – 40,000 = 1,200 kg overloaded

These calculation and aptitude test questions reflect the kind of test you may face for Weighbridge Officer recruitment in Tanzania. They usually test:

• Basic math (addition, subtraction, ratios, percentages)
• Unit conversions (tons ↔ kilograms)
• Simple fines/revenue calculations
• Logical reasoning

Final Tips for Candidates

• Study the Road Traffic Act and TANROADS axle load regulations.
• Practice honesty and integrity—government jobs emphasize discipline.
• Be confident and professional during oral interviews.
• Understand basic weighbridge technology and how to operate it.

With this preparation, you will be ready for MCQs, written tests, and oral interviews for the Weighbridge Officer position in Tanzania government institutions.