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LGV study notes

The Road

Road types, weather, lane discipline, junctions and traffic calming for big vehicles.

What this topic covers

Road types, weather, lane discipline, junctions and traffic calming for big vehicles. The full LGV & HGV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 154 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Anticipation, Hazard awareness, Attention, Speed and distance, Reaction time, Risk factors.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What should you do when you overtake a cyclist on a two-way road?

  • A. Pass closely, staying about 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) from the kerb
  • B. Go past quickly and move back to the left sharply
  • C. Leave plenty of room and check your nearside mirror before returning to the left ✓ correct
  • D. Give a right-turn signal after you've moved out to overtake
Explanation: Only overtake when it's safe to do so, and do not use the size of your vehicle to intimidate approaching traffic. When overtaking a cyclist, leave plenty of room and, before returning to the left, check in your nearside mirror to make sure you've passed them safely.
Example 2

What should you do when you're overtaking a motorcyclist in very windy conditions?

  • A. Allow extra room ✓ correct
  • B. Overtake slowly
  • C. Sound your horn as you pass
  • D. Keep close as you pass
Explanation: Cyclists and motorcyclists may become unbalanced by your vehicle passing too close. Plan ahead and give them plenty of room. Remember that your large vehicle can cause a vacuum, which will suck the rider towards it. The noise and close proximity of your vehicle can also startle them, and could cause them to swerve suddenly.
Example 3

In strong winds, an overtaking lorry can cause additional air turbulence that can affect other road users. Which vehicle is most at risk from this turbulence?

  • A. A car
  • B. A delivery van
  • C. A motorcycle ✓ correct
  • D. A coach
Explanation: Vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and caravans could be blown off course by strong winds. You should be aware that your vehicle could cause additional buffeting when you overtake, so allow them plenty of room.
Example 4

You're driving your lorry on the motorway. What should you do when visibility is reduced by heavy rain and spray?

  • A. Maintain a constant speed
  • B. Use main-beam headlights
  • C. Double your dry-weather separation distance ✓ correct
  • D. Stay in the left-hand lane
Explanation: Rain makes the road surface slippery and reduces tyre grip. Doubling your separation distance should allow you the extra time and space you'll need to slow down and stop safely.

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Get all 154 questions on this topic in the LGV & HGV Theory Test & Toolkit app.

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