LGV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield LGV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of the trailer emergency line (red coupling)? → To automatically apply the trailer brakes if the trailer separates from the tractor unit
2. What is the national speed limit for an LGV over 7.5 tonnes on a dual carriageway? → 60 mph
3. What is the purpose of 'smart motorway' running in Active Traffic Management (ATM) mode? → To use the hard shoulder as a running lane to increase capacity and manage traffic flow
4. What is the meaning of a blue rectangular sign showing a motorway symbol (M)? → Motorway begins ahead
5. What is the Highway Code's stopping distance at 30 mph? → 23 metres (75 feet)
6. What ADR certificate must a driver carry when transporting certain quantities of dangerous goods? → An ADR vocational training certificate (also called an ADR licence)
7. When driving an LGV in strong crosswinds, which situation creates the greatest risk of the vehicle being blown off course? → Lightly loaded or unladen with a high-sided body
8. What is the maximum overall width permitted for most HGVs in the UK? → 2.55 metres
9. What is the main braking hazard when an LGV drives through deep standing water? → Brake fade as water soaks drum or disc braking surfaces
10. What is the purpose of red studs on a motorway? → They mark the left edge of the carriageway (near the hard shoulder boundary)
11. What is the purpose of a plating certificate for an HGV? → It specifies the maximum permitted weights for the vehicle and each axle
12. Which combination of actions best describes safe LGV driving in heavy snow? → Drive slowly, use low gears, and allow greatly increased stopping distances
13. What is the purpose of the annual vehicle test (MOT) inspection for goods vehicles? → To verify the vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness standards and legal requirements
14. What is the maximum weekly driving time under EU rules? → 56 hours
15. During a walkaround check, a driver notices a cracked windscreen. What should they do? → Report it to the transport manager and assess if it impairs vision before driving
16. What is the effect of excessive speed on braking distance? → Doubling speed quadruples braking distance — the relationship is exponential, not linear
17. What does a motorway sign with the distance '100 yds' above a diagonal arrow pointing left mean? → Leave the motorway or move left — the junction or service area is 100 yards ahead
18. What is the legal requirement for minimum tread depth on a goods vehicle rear axle tyre? → 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width
19. What is meant by the term 'gross train weight' (GTW) for an articulated lorry? → The combined weight of the tractor unit and loaded trailer
20. How must a driver record a period of rest taken away from the vehicle during a working day? → As a break using the break/rest mode on the tachograph
21. When is it legal to use the hard shoulder as a driving lane on a motorway? → Only on smart motorways where the hard shoulder is opened with a speed limit sign above it
22. What checks should an LGV driver carry out before starting a long winter journey? → Antifreeze levels, battery condition, and tyre tread depth
23. An LGV driver is driving on a smart motorway where no hard shoulder exists. The vehicle develops a problem. What should the driver do? → Head for the next Emergency Refuge Area (ERA) as soon as possible
24. What must a driver do when they change from driving one vehicle to driving another vehicle on the same day? → Record the vehicle registration of both vehicles on a manual printout
25. What is the minimum safe following distance recommended for an LGV on a wet road compared to dry conditions? → At least double the dry-road stopping distance
26. What should a driver check about the trailer kingpin before coupling? → That it is not worn, bent, or cracked, and that the trailer plate is not damaged
27. What is the maximum width for a standard goods vehicle load without special permission? → 2.9 metres
28. A driver's tachograph card has expired. Can they drive? → No — they must not drive a vehicle requiring a tachograph until they have a valid card
29. What happens to LGV braking performance when driving downhill on a motorway approach gradient? → Braking distances increase significantly — higher weight means more momentum
30. What must a driver do if their tachograph malfunctions? → Make manual records on paper and have the unit repaired within 7 days