CPC Road Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a single carriageway in England and Wales?
- 40 mph
- 50 mph (Correct answer)
- 60 mph
- 70 mph
Correct answer: 50 mph
The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways in England and Wales is 50 mph. This is lower than the 60 mph limit for cars on the same roads, reflecting the longer stopping distances of heavy vehicles.
Question 2: When driving an HGV in heavy rain, what should the driver do?
- Maintain normal speed to avoid holding up traffic
- Increase following distance and reduce speed to account for longer stopping distances (Correct answer)
- Drive as close as possible to the vehicle ahead for better visibility
- Turn off all lights to avoid dazzling other drivers
Correct answer: Increase following distance and reduce speed to account for longer stopping distances
In heavy rain, stopping distances can double. Drivers should increase their following distance, reduce speed, and ensure lights and wipers are on. Spray from HGVs can severely reduce visibility for following vehicles.
Question 3: What is the main danger when an HGV driver is overtaking a cyclist?
- The cyclist might be going too fast
- The HGV's blind spots and air displacement can pull the cyclist towards the vehicle (Correct answer)
- The cyclist's bell might distract the driver
- There is no particular danger
Correct answer: The HGV's blind spots and air displacement can pull the cyclist towards the vehicle
HGVs create significant air displacement that can pull cyclists towards the vehicle. Combined with large blind spots, this makes overtaking cyclists extremely dangerous. Drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres of space and reduce speed.
Question 4: What does the Highway Code recommend as a safe following distance in good conditions?
- One car length per 10 mph
- At least a two-second gap (more for larger vehicles) (Correct answer)
- One vehicle length
- Whatever feels comfortable
Correct answer: At least a two-second gap (more for larger vehicles)
The Highway Code recommends at least a two-second gap in good conditions, with this gap increased significantly for larger vehicles due to their longer stopping distances. In wet conditions, the gap should be doubled, and in icy conditions, multiplied by ten.
Question 5: Why are roundabouts particularly hazardous for HGV drivers?
- HGVs are not allowed on roundabouts
- The vehicle's length requires using more than one lane, creating blind spot risks for other road users (Correct answer)
- Roundabouts are always slippery
- HGVs cannot turn left on roundabouts
Correct answer: The vehicle's length requires using more than one lane, creating blind spot risks for other road users
HGVs often need to straddle lanes on roundabouts due to their length and turning radius. This creates significant blind spot risks, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists who may be alongside. Drivers must use mirrors extensively and signal clearly.
Question 6: What action should an HGV driver take when approaching a level crossing with warning lights flashing?
- Speed up to cross before the barriers come down
- Stop behind the white line and wait until the lights stop flashing and barriers fully rise (Correct answer)
- Drive around the barriers if they are only half down
- Reverse away from the crossing
Correct answer: Stop behind the white line and wait until the lights stop flashing and barriers fully rise
When warning lights are flashing at a level crossing, the driver must stop behind the white line and wait. The barriers and lights operate automatically and another train may follow. It is an offence to cross when lights are flashing.
CPC Road Safety
What is the speed limit for an HGV over 7.5 tonnes on a single carriageway in England and Wales?