Hong Kong LGV Theory Test cheat sheet

Red-ringed circles are prohibitions or restrictions (speed limits, no entry, weight limits); blue circles are positive instructions (turn left ahead, minimum speed, route for buses).

Triangular signs with a red border give warnings of hazards ahead; the symbol inside identifies the hazard type, and the sign is placed in advance of it, not at it.

Rectangular blue or green signs give information or directions: green for primary routes and motorways in Hong Kong, blue for other information and motorway regulations.

A double white line system: the solid line on your side means you must not cross or straddle it except to pass a stationary obstruction or enter premises; broken line on your side permits crossing to overtake.

Yellow box junction markings: you must not enter the box unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and only blocked by oncoming traffic.

Traffic light sequence in Hong Kong: red, red-and-amber, green, amber, red. Amber alone means stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

A flashing amber signal at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing; a steady red pedestrian figure means do not start to cross.

Zig-zag markings at pedestrian crossings prohibit parking and overtaking the leading vehicle within the marked area.

Mandatory direction arrows in lanes mean you must follow the arrow shown for that lane; a red cross above a lane (where used) closes that lane to traffic.

Hong Kong drives on the left. Overtake on the right; overtaking on the left is permitted only where lanes are moving in queues or the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right.

Urban speed limit is normally 50 km/h unless signed otherwise; motorways and rural trunk roads are signed at 70 km/h or 80 km/h, and temporary lower limits apply at roadworks.

Following distance rule: the two-second rule in dry conditions, doubled to four seconds in rain, and further increased at night or when following large vehicles.

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already on the roundabout approaching from the right; signal left to leave and right only if changing lanes within the roundabout.

A vehicle must not stop within a zebra crossing area or on the zig-zag approach markings; stopping on a clearway is prohibited at all times.

Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers where fitted; children under 1.35 m must use an appropriate child restraint.

Headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise and whenever visibility is seriously reduced; fog lights only in fog or falling snow, not in rain.

Motorway regulations: no pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles under 125 cc, or agricultural vehicles; no stopping except in an emergency on the hard shoulder.

The system of car control: course, mirror and signal, manoeuvre, position and speed, look, assess, decide, and act - applied in that order at every hazard.

Stopping distance rises with the square of speed: doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance, so 70 km/h needs far more than double the distance of 35 km/h.

In wet weather, braking distance approximately doubles; aquaplaning occurs when tyres lose contact with the road, so ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard.

A large vehicle's blind spot extends along both sides and up to several vehicle lengths behind; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

When following a heavy goods vehicle, sit back so you can see its mirrors and the road ahead; a loaded truck needs a much longer distance to stop than a car.

At night, dip headlights when meeting oncoming traffic or following another vehicle; glare reduces the other driver's ability to judge distance.

Hazard perception: scan far ahead, check mirrors every few seconds, and treat junctions, parked cars, and crests as places where a hazard may emerge.

In strong crosswinds, high-sided vehicles and vehicles towing trailers are most at risk; reduce speed and allow extra lateral clearance when passing them.

Daily walk-round check: tyres (tread depth and pressure, including the spare), lights and indicators, mirrors, windscreen and wipers, fluid levels, and load security.

Legal minimum tyre tread depth for goods vehicles in Hong Kong is 1 mm across three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference; replace before reaching it.

Tyre pressure must be checked cold; under-inflation increases rolling resistance, heat build-up, fuel consumption, and the risk of a blowout under load.

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum permitted weight of the vehicle plus its load; do not exceed it, and check axle weights separately where limits apply.

The load must be secured so it cannot move or fall; use rated straps, chains, or load bars, and check tension again after the first few kilometres.

Loads must not project dangerously; where a load projects beyond the vehicle, mark it clearly and comply with any permit conditions for oversized loads.

Brake and air-pressure warnings, ABS lamps, and steering play should be checked before moving off; any warning lamp that stays on after start-up needs investigation.

Coupling a trailer: check the fifth-wheel or coupling is fully engaged, the security pin is in place, air lines are connected, and the landing legs are raised before moving.

Weight distribution matters: keep the centre of gravity low and forward of the rear axle where possible; an overloaded rear axle reduces steering grip and increases stopping distance.

A loaded vehicle accelerates, steers, and brakes differently from an empty one; allow longer gaps and brake earlier, especially downhill.

On long descents, select a lower gear before the descent begins and use engine braking; do not rely on the service brakes alone, which can fade.

Height, width, and length restrictions apply to goods vehicles; check the route for low bridges and weight-restricted roads before setting off.

Sheeting and curtains must be secure; loose flaps can obscure lights and mirrors, and an unsecured curtain-side can spill its load in a crosswind.

Before opening a tailgate or curtain, check that nothing will fall out; use props or restraints and stand clear of the load edge.

Load security is the driver's responsibility: the driver can be held liable for an insecure load even if someone else loaded the vehicle.

Reversing a large goods vehicle: use a banksman where possible, check both mirrors and blind spots, and stop immediately if you lose sight of the guide.

Driving without third-party insurance is an offence; penalties include fines, licence endorsement, and possible disqualification.

Drink-driving: exceeding the prescribed limit (or failing a preliminary test without reasonable excuse) carries penalties including fines, imprisonment, and disqualification.

Dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving carry the most severe penalties, including imprisonment and long disqualification periods.

Using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving is an offence; penalties apply even when stationary in traffic.

Penalty points accumulate on the licence; reaching the threshold within the prescribed period can lead to disqualification under the totting-up provisions.

Failure to stop after an accident involving injury or damage is an offence; you must stop, give details, and report to police where required.

Drivers must carry their driving licence and produce it when required; the vehicle must have a valid road tax and a current certificate of roadworthiness where applicable.

Overloading a goods vehicle is an offence; penalties can apply to the driver, the operator, and the owner, and the vehicle may be prohibited from moving until the load is corrected.

Breakdown on a motorway: move to the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights, exit on the left away from traffic, and wait behind the barrier; call for assistance.

Place a warning triangle only where safe and legal, typically at least 45 m behind the vehicle on a normal road; never use one on a motorway hard shoulder.

If a tyre bursts, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and let the vehicle slow gradually; do not brake hard or steer sharply.

Brake fade or failure: pump the brakes if hydraulic, use engine braking by changing down, and use a safe escape route such as a run-off area.

Fire: stop, switch off the engine, get everyone out and well clear, and call the emergency services; do not open the bonnet fully if an engine fire is suspected.

After any collision, stop, switch on hazard lights, check for injuries, call emergency services, exchange details, and report to police as required.

First aid at the scene: do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger; keep them warm and still, and control bleeding with direct pressure.

If your vehicle is involved in a spillage of a dangerous good, keep clear, warn others, and give the emergency services the hazard information from the vehicle's placards.

The legal alcohol limit in Hong Kong for driving is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (equivalent to 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath).

Alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time, and coordination before you feel drunk; the only reliable way to sober up is time, not coffee or cold showers.

Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines that cause drowsiness, can make driving an offence; check the label and ask a pharmacist.

Fatigue: the signs include yawning, heavy eyes, drifting lane position, and missing signs; the only effective remedy is to stop safely and rest.

Rest breaks: plan to stop at least every two hours on a long journey; a short nap of 15–20 minutes is more effective than caffeine alone.

Illness and eyesight: you must meet the vision standard and wear prescribed corrective lenses if required; report medical conditions that affect driving to the licensing authority.

A hangover can still leave alcohol in the blood; you can be over the limit the morning after heavy drinking.

Emotional stress, illness, and some medical conditions reduce fitness to drive; do not drive if you feel unwell or unable to concentrate.

Breakdown on a motorway: move to the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights, exit on the left away from traffic, and wait behind the barrier; call for assistance.

Place a warning triangle only where safe and legal, typically at least 45 m behind the vehicle on a normal road; never use one on a motorway hard shoulder.

If a tyre bursts, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and let the vehicle slow gradually; do not brake hard or steer sharply.

Brake fade or failure: pump the brakes if hydraulic, use engine braking by changing down, and use a safe escape route such as a run-off area.

Fire: stop, switch off the engine, get everyone out and well clear, and call the emergency services; do not open the bonnet fully if an engine fire is suspected.

After any collision, stop, switch on hazard lights, check for injuries, call emergency services, exchange details, and report to police as required.

First aid at the scene: do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger; keep them warm and still, and control bleeding with direct pressure.

If your vehicle is involved in a spillage of a dangerous good, keep clear, warn others, and give the emergency services the hazard information from the vehicle's placards.

The legal alcohol limit in Hong Kong for driving is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (equivalent to 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath).

Alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time, and coordination before you feel drunk; the only reliable way to sober up is time, not coffee or cold showers.

Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines that cause drowsiness, can make driving an offence; check the label and ask a pharmacist.

Fatigue: the signs include yawning, heavy eyes, drifting lane position, and missing signs; the only effective remedy is to stop safely and rest.

Rest breaks: plan to stop at least every two hours on a long journey; a short nap of 15–20 minutes is more effective than caffeine alone.

Illness and eyesight: you must meet the vision standard and wear prescribed corrective lenses if required; report medical conditions that affect driving to the licensing authority.

A hangover can still leave alcohol in the blood; you can be over the limit the morning after heavy drinking.

Emotional stress, illness, and some medical conditions reduce fitness to drive; do not drive if you feel unwell or unable to concentrate.