Theory Hub UK Theory Test

Why is it more difficult to overtake a large vehicle than a car?

Why this is the answer

Depending on relative speed, it will usually take you longer to pass a lorry than other vehicles. Hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions ahead, bends or dips that could restrict your view, and signs or road markings that prohibit overtaking. Make sure you can see that it’s safe to complete the manoeuvre before you start to overtake.

Why the other answers don't fit

B
A large vehicle will be fitted with a speed limiter — A limiter caps its speed, which would make passing easier rather than harder.
C
A large vehicle will have air brakes — How it brakes has no bearing on how long you spend alongside it.
D
It will take longer for a large vehicle to accelerate — Slower acceleration works in your favour. The problem is its sheer length.

Where this comes from

  • Driving: the essential skills — section 7
  • The Highway Code — rule 164

Rule numbers link to The Highway Code on gov.uk.

Where this question comes from

The question, its options and the explanation are reproduced word for word from the DVSA revision question bank under licence. The licence requires them to appear unaltered, so we cannot reword them and neither can anyone else — that is why you will meet the same wording on other sites. Everything else on this page is written by Theory Hub: the explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong, the topic guide and the revision notes.

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Asked in: Car , Motorcycle

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