Hong Kong LGV Theory Test key terms
Hong Kong LGV Theory Test · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Speed limit
- Related: Restricted road, Speed limiter
The maximum legal speed permitted on a road, shown by circular signs with red borders. Limits vary by road type and vehicle class, and goods vehicles often have lower limits than cars.
- Restricted road
- Related: Speed limit, Street lighting
A road with street lighting typically spaced 200 yards or fewer apart, where a 30 mph limit applies unless signs show otherwise. Goods vehicles on such roads are generally bound by the same 30 mph limit.
- National speed limit sign
- Related: Speed limit, Dual carriageway
A circular white sign with a black diagonal band. It does not state a number; the applicable limit depends on road type and vehicle class, so drivers must know their vehicle's limit.
- Dual carriageway
- Related: Central reservation, National speed limit sign
A road with two carriageways separated by a central reservation, each carrying traffic in one direction. Different speed limits and overtaking rules apply compared with single carriageways.
- Central reservation
- Related: Dual carriageway, Motorway
The strip of land or barrier separating opposing carriageways on a dual carriageway or motorway. It prevents head-on collisions and must never be crossed except at designated gaps.
- Motorway
- Related: Hard shoulder, Slip road
A high-speed road with grade-separated junctions and no pedestrians, cyclists or slow vehicles. Goods vehicles face lower speed limits and must keep left unless overtaking.
- Hard shoulder
- Related: Emergency refuge area, Motorway
The paved strip on the left of a motorway carriageway, marked by a continuous white line. It is for emergencies only, not driving, parking or stopping to rest.
- Emergency refuge area
- Related: Hard shoulder, Hazard warning lights
A marked bay off the carriageway where drivers can stop in an emergency, often linked to a roadside phone. Used when a hard shoulder is absent or unsuitable.
- Slip road
- Related: Motorway, Acceleration lane
A road joining or leaving a motorway or dual carriageway. Joining traffic must give way and match speed; leaving traffic should signal early and slow after entering the slip road.
- Acceleration lane
- Related: Slip road, Blind spot
The lane on a slip road used to build up speed to match motorway traffic before merging. Drivers should use its full length and check mirrors and blind spots before joining.
- Box junction
- Related: Yellow lines, Junction
A junction marked with yellow criss-cross lines. Drivers must not enter unless the exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic.
- Zig-zag lines
- Related: Pelican crossing, Pedestrian crossing
White zig-zag markings approaching and leaving pedestrian crossings. Stopping or parking within them is prohibited, and overtaking the leading vehicle is banned on the approach.
- Pelican crossing
- Related: Zig-zag lines, Pedestrian crossing
A pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights operated by pedestrians. Drivers must stop at the red light and must not proceed until the flashing amber phase allows, giving way to anyone still crossing.
- Pedestrian crossing
- Related: Pelican crossing, Zig-zag lines
A marked place where pedestrians have priority to cross the road. Drivers must approach with care, be ready to stop, and never park on or near the crossing markings.
- Give way line
- Related: Stop sign, Junction
A broken white line across the road at a junction, meaning traffic must yield to vehicles on the main road. A solid white line means stop at the associated stop sign.
- Stop sign
- Related: Give way line, Junction
An octagonal red sign with white lettering requiring a complete stop at the associated solid white line. Drivers must ensure the road is clear before moving off.
- Junction
- Related: Give way line, Box junction
A place where two or more roads meet. Drivers must approach at a speed allowing them to stop, look in all directions, and give way as signs and markings require.
- Roundabout
- Related: Junction, Mirror-signal-manoeuvre
A circular junction where traffic circulates in one direction. Drivers give way to traffic from the right, signal intentions clearly, and choose the correct lane for their exit.
- Mirror-signal-manoeuvre
- Related: Blind spot, Signal
The routine of checking mirrors, signalling intentions in good time, then carrying out a manoeuvre only when safe. It should be applied before every change of direction or speed.
- Blind spot
- Related: Mirror-signal-manoeuvre, Blind spot mirror
An area around the vehicle not visible in the mirrors. Goods vehicles have large blind spots, so drivers must check over the shoulder and use mirrors before moving off or turning.
- Blind spot mirror
- Related: Blind spot, Mirror-signal-manoeuvre
An additional mirror fitted to show areas hidden from the main mirrors, often on the nearside of goods vehicles. It helps the driver see cyclists and pedestrians close alongside.
- Tachograph
- Related: Drivers' hours, Rest period
A device recording driving time, rest periods, speed and distance for goods vehicles. Records must be kept accurately and produced on request by enforcement officers.
- Drivers' hours
- Related: Tachograph, Rest period
The legal limits on how long goods vehicle drivers may drive and work before taking breaks. They exist to reduce fatigue-related collisions and are enforced by fixed penalties.
- Rest period
- Related: Drivers' hours, Tachograph
A continuous break from driving and other work, required by drivers' hours rules. Rest must be uninterrupted and long enough to allow recovery from fatigue.
- Fatigue
- Related: Rest period, Drivers' hours
The physical and mental tiredness that impairs reaction time, judgement and attention. It is a major cause of serious collisions; drivers should stop for rest before becoming sleepy.
- Alcohol limit
- Related: Fatigue, Impairment
The maximum permitted blood alcohol concentration for drivers, set by law. Even below the limit, alcohol slows reactions and impairs judgement, so the safest approach is not to drink at all.
- Impairment
- Related: Alcohol limit, Fatigue
Reduced ability to drive safely caused by alcohol, drugs, illness or fatigue. Impairment can occur without breaching a legal limit and is grounds for refusing to drive.
- Hazard warning lights
- Related: Emergency refuge area, Signal
Flashing indicators on all four corners used to warn other road users of a stationary hazard or sudden slowdown. They must not be used as a substitute for proper signalling while driving.
- Signal
- Related: Mirror-signal-manoeuvre, Hazard warning lights
A clear indication of intention given by indicators, brake lights, headlights or arm. Signals must be timely, accurate and cancelled afterwards so other road users are not misled.
- Load security
- Related: Lashing point, Gross vehicle weight
The practice of restraining cargo so it cannot shift, fall or be blown from the vehicle. Insecure loads endanger other road users and can lead to prosecution and vehicle prohibition.
- Lashing point
- Related: Load security, Sheeting
A strong anchorage on a vehicle or trailer used to attach straps or chains securing a load. Each point has a rated strength that must not be exceeded.
- Sheeting
- Related: Load security, Lashing point
Covering an open load with a tarpaulin or similar material to protect it from weather and prevent loose material blowing away. The cover itself must be securely fastened.
- Gross vehicle weight
- Related: Axle weight, Load security
The maximum permitted total weight of a vehicle including its load, fuel and occupants. Exceeding it is an offence and makes the vehicle unsafe and unstable.
- Axle weight
- Related: Gross vehicle weight, Tyre tread depth
The maximum load permitted on a single axle or axle group, stated on the vehicle plate. Overloading one axle can cause tyre failure and loss of steering control.
- Tyre tread depth
- Related: Axle weight, Pre-use check
The minimum legal groove depth in the tyre's main tread. Goods vehicle tyres must meet stricter standards than cars, and tread must be checked regularly for wear and damage.
- Pre-use check
- Related: Tyre tread depth, Load security
A walk-around inspection of the vehicle before driving, covering tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, load and fluids. It is a legal duty for goods vehicle drivers and prevents avoidable breakdowns.
- Fixed penalty
- Related: Penalty points, Drivers' hours
A fine imposed by an enforcement officer for certain traffic offences without a court hearing. It may also carry penalty points; refusing it can lead to court proceedings.
- Penalty points
- Related: Fixed penalty, Disqualification
Points added to a driving licence after a conviction or fixed penalty. Accumulating too many points leads to disqualification, and points remain on the record for several years.
- Disqualification
- Related: Penalty points, Fixed penalty
A court order removing a person's right to drive for a set period. Driving while disqualified is a serious offence, and re-qualification may require a further test.