Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Theory Practice Test

The main idea is that you must leave enough space to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. For a heavy goods vehicle, this space needs to be larger than for lighter vehicles because weight increases stopping distance and your ability to stop quickly is reduced. In good conditions, a two-second gap behind the vehicle in front is the minimum you should aim for. This gives you enough time to react and start braking, and it works as a simple, reliable rule. You must increase that gap when you’re traveling faster or when conditions are not ideal—slippery roads, rain, wind, reduced visibility, or any additional hazards all require more distance to stay safe. A practical way to apply it is to pick a fixed point on the road. When the vehicle in front passes that point, start counting seconds. If you reach the same point before two seconds have passed, you’re too close and should increase the gap. So, the safest, best-fitting choice is to keep at least a two-second gap in good conditions, and enlarge it as speed or conditions worsen.