LGV Vehicle Weights and Dimensions

Question 1

What is the maximum permitted gross vehicle weight for a two-axle rigid HGV in the UK?

Accepted Answer

18 tonnes

Answer

The maximum gross vehicle weight for a two-axle rigid HGV is 18 tonnes. A three-axle rigid can weigh up to 26 tonnes, and a four-axle rigid up to 32 tonnes, subject to axle spacing requirements.

Question 2

What is the maximum overall width permitted for most HGVs in the UK?

Accepted Answer

2.55 metres

Answer

The maximum overall width for most HGVs is 2.55 metres. Refrigerated vehicles may be up to 2.6 metres wide to accommodate insulation. These limits include any load overhang but exclude mirrors.

Question 3

What is the maximum overall height for vehicles in the UK?

Accepted Answer

There is no legal maximum height

Answer

There is no legal maximum height for vehicles in the UK. However, many bridges have height restrictions, and drivers must know their vehicle's height to avoid bridge strikes. The recommended maximum for safe passage under most bridges is 4.95 metres (16'3").

Question 4

What is the maximum permitted length of an articulated vehicle in the UK?

Accepted Answer

16.5 metres

Answer

The maximum overall length for an articulated vehicle (tractor and semi-trailer) is 16.5 metres. A drawbar combination (rigid vehicle and trailer) can be up to 18.75 metres.

Question 5

What is the maximum single-axle weight for a non-drive axle on an HGV?

Accepted Answer

10 tonnes

Answer

The maximum weight on a single non-driving axle is 10 tonnes. A single driving axle can carry up to 11.5 tonnes. These limits help protect road surfaces and bridges from excessive point loading.

UK LGV Theory Practice Test

UK LGV Theory Practice Test

LGV Vehicle Weights and Dimensions