LGV Motorway Rules for LGVs 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which lanes of a three-lane motorway are LGVs over 7.5 tonnes permitted to use?
- Lanes 1 and 2 only (Correct answer)
- Lane 1 only
- All three lanes
- Lanes 1 and 3 only
Correct answer: Lanes 1 and 2 only
LGVs exceeding 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from using lane 3 (the outside lane) on motorways with three or more lanes. They may travel in lanes 1 and 2, and must return to lane 1 when not overtaking.
Question 2: What is the maximum speed for an LGV over 7.5 tonnes on a motorway?
- 60 mph (Correct answer)
- 70 mph
- 50 mph
- 65 mph
Correct answer: 60 mph
LGVs over 7.5 tonnes are restricted to 60 mph on motorways. Despite the general motorway limit being 70 mph, heavy goods vehicles are subject to a lower maximum speed limit.
Question 3: What does a motorway matrix sign showing a red X above a lane mean?
- That lane is closed — you must not drive in it (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed in that lane
- Caution — hazard in that lane
- Emergency vehicles using that lane
Correct answer: That lane is closed — you must not drive in it
A red X on a motorway matrix sign (overhead gantry) means the lane is closed and must not be used. Driving in a lane with a red X displayed is illegal and dangerous.
Question 4: What should an LGV driver do if their vehicle breaks down on a motorway?
- Move to the hard shoulder if possible, switch on hazard lights, exit via the nearside, call for assistance from the emergency telephone (Correct answer)
- Stop in lane 1 and wait for help
- Continue to the next junction before stopping
- Place a warning triangle behind the vehicle in the carriageway
Correct answer: Move to the hard shoulder if possible, switch on hazard lights, exit via the nearside, call for assistance from the emergency telephone
On a motorway breakdown, pull onto the hard shoulder if possible, position the vehicle near an emergency telephone, switch on hazard lights, exit the vehicle from the nearside (left side), move to the bank beyond the barrier, and use the roadside emergency telephone.
Question 5: 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 (Correct answer)
- To allow higher speed limits for LGVs
- To restrict HGVs to lane 1 only
- To replace road markings with electronic signals
Correct answer: To use the hard shoulder as a running lane to increase capacity and manage traffic flow
In Active Traffic Management (ATM) mode, the hard shoulder is opened as a running lane to increase capacity. Variable speed limits and lane signals are used to manage flow. LGV drivers must comply with all overhead signals.
Question 6: 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 (Correct answer)
- Stop in lane 1 immediately
- Continue to the next junction
- Use the central reservation as a stopping area
Correct answer: Head for the next Emergency Refuge Area (ERA) as soon as possible
On all-lane running (ALR) smart motorways where there is no hard shoulder, drivers in difficulty must reach the next Emergency Refuge Area (ERA). These are marked in orange and spaced along the motorway. If unable to reach an ERA, stop as far left as possible and call 999.
LGV Motorway Rules for LGVs 1
Which lanes of a three-lane motorway are LGVs over 7.5 tonnes permitted to use?