The road questions LGV theory test
This topic has 138 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.
What should you do when you overtake a cyclist on a two-way road?
- Pass closely, staying about 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) from the kerb
- Go past quickly and move back to the left sharply
- Leave plenty of room and check your nearside mirror before returning to the leftRight answer
- Give a right-turn signal after you've moved out to overtake
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.
Your lorry has a curtain-sided body. Your route will take you over several high-level bridges. Why should you check the weather forecast before starting your journey?
- Rain can make crossing bridges very difficult for large vehicles
- In hot weather, the bridges might be closed to heavy traffic
- You will not be able to cross the bridges if it's frosty
- High-level bridges may be closed to certain vehicles in windy weatherRight answer
In exposed places, such as high-level bridges, viaducts or some motorways, high winds can cause the road to be closed to certain vehicles. If you're driving a high-sided vehicle and high winds are forecast, plan an alternative route in case your intended route is closed.
What should you do when you want to join a motorway where traffic is flowing freely?
- Keep to a low speed until you see a gap on the motorway
- Build up your speed on the slip road before joining the motorwayRight answer
- Stop at the start of the slip road and move off when you see a gap
- Use the hard shoulder, if necessary, to build up speed
Normally, you should avoid having to stop before joining a motorway. Use the slip road to build up your speed so that you can emerge safely. If it's extremely busy, there may be rare occasions when you have to stop and then filter into the traffic. This is most likely to happen where traffic is queuing; for example, at roadworks.
What should you do before driving your high-sided lorry in windy weather?
- Check your wind deflector
- Check your spray-suppression equipment
- Plan your route in advanceRight answer
- Only half-load your lorry
In high winds, some exposed roads, bridges and viaducts are closed to high-sided vehicles. Plan your route with care and try to avoid these areas. Also plan an alternative route in case of road closure.
You're overtaking another lorry. What should you do if you start to lose speed due to an uphill gradient?
- Continue at the same speed and in the same position
- Try to force the vehicle you were overtaking to drop back
- Try to force the vehicle you were overtaking to speed up
- Ease off and drop behind the vehicle you were trying to overtakeRight answer
If you try to overtake another vehicle and realise that you're unable to complete the manoeuvre, ease off the accelerator and drop back behind the vehicle. If the vehicle you're trying to overtake is large, then it will take a long time to pass. You should assess whether you have the time and power to complete the manoeuvre before you try to overtake.
How could you reduce the problems caused by a strong side wind when driving an empty curtain-sided vehicle on an exposed bridge?
- Tie one curtain open and lock open the rear doors
- Leave both curtains closed
- Tie both curtains openRight answer
- Tie open the curtain on the side the wind's blowing from
If you're driving an empty curtain-sided vehicle, you can help to lower the resistance to side wind if you tie the curtains open. The air will then be able to flow across the flat bed of the vehicle. This will reduce any loss of control, particularly when crossing exposed viaducts or bridges.
When is a high-sided vehicle most affected by side wind?
- When it's stationary
- When it's travelling loaded
- When it's being reversed
- When it's travelling emptyRight answer
Take care if you're driving an empty high-sided vehicle when it's windy. Watch for places where the conditions could suddenly change, such as a gap between buildings or when passing under a bridge. Reduce your speed and stay alert for other road users who are also affected by these weather conditions.
You're driving an empty curtain-sided vehicle. Why might you consider tying the curtains open?
- To use less fuel
- It's a legal requirement
- To prevent the curtains from tearing
- To reduce the effect of side windRight answer
Closed curtains on large empty vehicles can hold the wind. Strong side wind can blow a semi-trailer off course and, in severe cases, can blow the whole vehicle over onto its side. To reduce the risk of this happening, you should tie the curtains open.
You're driving a lorry towards a high bridge on a windy day. What should you expect?
- Changed weight limits
- No restrictions for lorries
- Minimum speed limits
- Lane closuresRight answer
In windy weather, exposed stretches of road may have lane closures or there may be diversions for some types of vehicle. Consider this when you're planning your journey; delays will add to your driving time.
Which of these vehicles is most at risk from strong side wind?
- A laden lorry with box body
- An unladen lorry with box bodyRight answer
- An unladen lorry with platform body
- A laden lorry with platform body
An unladen vehicle that also has high sides will be vulnerable to the effects of strong side wind. An evenly distributed load will help to keep the vehicle more stable, but the higher the vehicle is, the more it will be affected. Be aware that such a vehicle may become unstable or difficult to control in windy conditions.