Speed, Stopping Distance, Following and Gradients
Vehicle-specific limits, mass and braking distance, safe following gaps, downhill control, gear choice, retarders and escape planning.
How to prepare for DVSA LGV Part 1
Apply large-vehicle thinking to every rule: know the vehicle and load, scan farther ahead, protect blind areas and stopping space, and keep legal records and CPC obligations in the correct test stage.
Core concepts
Concept 1
LGV speed limits depend on nation, road type, vehicle and signs and may differ from car limits.
Exam cue: Identify vehicle class and location before choosing a limit.
Concept 2
Mass, brake condition, load, tyres, gradient and weather increase the space needed to stop safely.
Exam cue: Increase the gap when view, grip, load or stopping performance worsens.
Concept 3
A safe downhill plan selects speed and gear before the gradient and avoids overheating the service brakes.
Exam cue: Use approved speed-control systems progressively and monitor warnings.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Following car speed-limit knowledge.
Guardrail: Do not apply car-scale assumptions to an LGV; account for mass, dimensions, blind areas, load and the applicable compliance regime.
Descending in too high a gear and relying continuously on service brakes.
Guardrail: Do not apply car-scale assumptions to an LGV; account for mass, dimensions, blind areas, load and the applicable compliance regime.
Using minimum dry following space with a heavy load in rain.
Guardrail: Do not apply car-scale assumptions to an LGV; account for mass, dimensions, blind areas, load and the applicable compliance regime.
Memory anchors
Vehicle Nation Road Sign
All four facts can change the applicable speed limit.
Mass Needs Margin
A heavier vehicle needs earlier decisions and more stopping space.
Gap Gives View
Following distance must also reveal signs, traffic and hazards ahead.
Gear Before Gradient
Choose a safe speed and gear before starting downhill.
Retarder Helps
Use auxiliary braking correctly without assuming it replaces service brakes.
Limit Not Target
The legal maximum may still be unsafe for the load and conditions.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What is the national single-carriageway limit for a goods vehicle over 7.5 tonnes in England or Wales, unless signed lower?
What is the equivalent national single-carriageway limit in Scotland for a goods vehicle over 7.5 tonnes?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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