LGV Road Signs for LGVs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What do green-backed road signs typically indicate?
- Emergency routes only
- Primary routes — important roads connecting major destinations (Correct answer)
- Routes restricted to HGVs only
- Environmental zones
Correct answer: Primary routes — important roads connecting major destinations
Green-backed signs indicate primary routes, which are the most important roads in a given area connecting major towns and cities. These are generally suitable for HGVs. Blue-backed signs indicate motorways, white-backed signs indicate non-primary routes.
Question 2: What does a circular sign showing 'T' in tonnes with a red border indicate?
- Toll road ahead — payment required in tonnes
- Maximum gross weight of vehicles permitted on the road (Correct answer)
- Target weight for vehicles using the route
- Temperature limit for cargo
Correct answer: Maximum gross weight of vehicles permitted on the road
A circular prohibition sign showing a weight in tonnes indicates the maximum gross vehicle weight permitted. Vehicles exceeding this weight must use an alternative route. These are commonly found near weak bridges, residential areas, and unsuitable roads.
Question 3: What does a sign showing two arrows pointing in opposite directions (one larger) with an HGV symbol mean?
- HGVs can travel in both directions
- Priority must be given to oncoming vehicles — HGVs should wait if the road is too narrow (Correct answer)
- HGVs must reverse if they meet another vehicle
- Two-way traffic for HGVs only
Correct answer: Priority must be given to oncoming vehicles — HGVs should wait if the road is too narrow
This sign indicates that priority must be given to vehicles coming from the opposite direction, typically at a narrow point. HGV drivers should wait for oncoming vehicles to pass before proceeding, as the road may be too narrow for two large vehicles.
Question 4: What information does a motorway gantry sign showing a red 'X' above a lane provide?
- The lane has a speed camera
- The lane is closed — you must not travel in this lane (Correct answer)
- The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles only
- There is a junction exit in this lane
Correct answer: The lane is closed — you must not travel in this lane
A red 'X' on a motorway gantry sign means the lane is closed and must not be used. This could be due to an incident, breakdown, or roadworks. Driving in a lane marked with a red 'X' is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Question 5: What does a blue circular sign showing '30' mean?
- Maximum speed 30 mph
- Minimum speed 30 mph — you must travel at least this fast (Correct answer)
- 30-minute parking only
- 30-tonne weight limit
Correct answer: Minimum speed 30 mph — you must travel at least this fast
A blue circular sign with a number indicates a minimum speed limit. Vehicles must travel at least 30 mph (unless safety requires otherwise). This is important for HGVs on hills or in tunnels where slow-moving vehicles could cause congestion or danger.
Question 6: What does a rectangular sign showing 'Unsuitable for HGVs' indicate?
- HGVs are legally prohibited from using the route
- The route is not recommended for HGVs due to narrow roads, tight bends, or other difficulties, but is not legally prohibited (Correct answer)
- The road surface is damaged
- The route leads to a dead end
Correct answer: The route is not recommended for HGVs due to narrow roads, tight bends, or other difficulties, but is not legally prohibited
An 'Unsuitable for HGVs' advisory sign warns that the route ahead may have narrow roads, tight bends, low bridges, or other features that make it difficult for large vehicles. While not a legal prohibition, drivers should seek an alternative route.
LGV Road Signs for LGVs 2
What do green-backed road signs typically indicate?