Highway Code (HGV)
A practical HGV-focused Highway Code course covering professional road use, HGV speed limits, stopping distance, vulnerable road users, junctions, motorways, safe overtaking, load security, vehicle condition and distraction.
1. HGV Highway Code Responsibilities
The Highway Code applies to HGV drivers as road users, but the size, weight and operating characteristics of large vehicles create additional responsibilities.
Drivers must remain in proper control, plan well ahead and drive in a way that reduces danger to people who are more vulnerable in a collision.
The Highway Code uses MUST and MUST NOT where a rule reflects a legal requirement. Other wording such as should or should not is still important safety guidance.
- Know the rules that apply specifically to large goods vehicles.
- Use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre and complete a final blind-spot check before moving.
- Give particular consideration to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
2. Speed Limits & Stopping Distance
Large goods vehicles are subject to lower national speed limits than cars on many roads. Drivers must know the limit that applies to the road, country and vehicle combination.
For goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales, the national limits are 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and 60 mph on motorways. In Scotland, the corresponding national limits are 40, 50 and 60 mph.
A speed limit is a maximum, not a target. Weather, traffic, load, visibility and vehicle condition may require a much lower speed.
- Maintain enough space to stop safely if traffic ahead slows suddenly.
- At least double the normal gap on wet roads and increase it further on ice.
- Large vehicles need greater stopping distance; in a tunnel a large vehicle should allow a four-second gap.
3. Observation, Mirrors & Blind Spots
HGVs have significant areas around the cab and trailer that may be difficult or impossible to see directly. Mirrors, cameras and warning systems reduce risk but do not remove the driver's responsibility.
Before moving off, use all mirrors, check the road is clear, look for blind spots and make a final observation before committing the vehicle.
At low speed and during turns, vulnerable road users may be alongside the vehicle even when they were not visible moments earlier.
- Scan mirrors frequently and before any change of speed or direction.
- Do not rely solely on sensors or driver-assistance systems.
- Allow vulnerable road users enough space and time; never squeeze past where clearance is doubtful.
4. Junctions, Turning & Roundabouts
Large vehicles may need extra road space to turn. The driver should plan the manoeuvre early, use appropriate observation and signals, and avoid cutting across people travelling straight ahead.
At junctions and roundabouts, position the vehicle so that other road users are not unnecessarily trapped alongside the cab or trailer.
Long vehicles can create rear-end swing and trailer cut-in. Mirrors must be used throughout the manoeuvre, not just before it begins.
- Approach slowly enough to stop if the situation changes.
- Check nearside and offside mirrors repeatedly during a turn.
- If the turn cannot be made safely, stop and reassess rather than force the manoeuvre.
5. Motorways & Lane Discipline
On motorways, drivers should keep in the left lane unless overtaking and return left when it is safe.
A goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight over 7.5 tonnes must not normally use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes. Similar restrictions apply to vehicles drawing trailers and certain speed-limited goods vehicles.
Motorway signs, red-X signals and variable speed limits must be obeyed. A red X closes the lane beneath it.
- Plan overtakes early and allow for speed-limiter differences.
- Do not remain in a middle lane when the left lane is clear.
- Never reverse, make a U-turn or stop on a motorway except where permitted or in an emergency.
6. Overtaking, Following & Conditions
An HGV needs more time and distance to overtake than a car. Before overtaking, make sure there is enough clear road to complete the manoeuvre without forcing another road user to alter speed or direction.
Following too closely reduces the driver's view ahead and removes the space needed for safe braking.
Rain, spray, high winds, snow, ice, darkness and poor visibility all increase risk for high-sided and heavily loaded vehicles.
- Increase the following distance when conditions deteriorate.
- Watch for wind effects on high-sided, empty or lightly loaded vehicles.
- After overtaking, do not return left until there is safe clearance.
7. Vehicle Condition, Loads & Restrictions
The driver must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and that defects likely to affect safety are dealt with before the journey continues.
Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates must be kept clean and visible. Windscreens and windows must not be obstructed, and mirrors should be correctly adjusted.
Loads must be secure for the whole journey. Their weight alone cannot be relied on to keep them in place, and insecure loads can affect handling and braking.
- Do not proceed if there is doubt about load security.
- Respect height, width, weight and access restrictions.
- Re-check load restraints during the journey where movement or loss of tension is possible.
8. Distraction, Phones & Safe Decisions
The driver must remain in proper control of the vehicle. Hand-held mobile phones and similar interactive devices must not be used while driving, including while stationary in traffic, subject only to limited legal exceptions.
Navigation, vehicle-management screens and hands-free calls can also distract the driver. If interaction is necessary, stop somewhere safe first.
Driver-assistance systems support the driver; they do not transfer responsibility away from the person at the wheel.
- Set navigation and vehicle systems before moving where possible.
- Do not hold or operate a phone while driving or waiting in traffic.
- If tired, distracted or unable to concentrate properly, stop safely before continuing.
Highway Code (HGV) Assessment
30 questions • one answer per question • 90% pass mark (27/30). Questions and A/B/C/D answer positions are shuffled on each new attempt.