A large vehicle can hide much more than the road immediately in front of it. If you follow too closely, you lose the wider view that helps you recognise hazards early. Keeping well back gives you more time to assess what is happening and should also help the lorry driver see your vehicle in their mirrors.
Why the gap matters
Highway Code Rule 164 advises drivers to drop back before considering an overtake of a large vehicle. That improves the view ahead. The same practical lesson matters even when you intend to stay behind: a clear view is more useful than being a few metres closer to the vehicle ahead.
Remember that a lorry may be following another slow-moving vehicle that you cannot see. A clear-looking space beside the trailer does not prove that the road ahead is safe. Stay in your lane and build your view from a sensible following position.
Seeing the mirrors is a useful warning check
If you are so close that you cannot see the large vehicle's exterior mirrors, you may be hidden from its driver. Seeing a mirror is not a guarantee that the driver has noticed you, however. Keep an appropriate gap and never depend on another person seeing you as your only protection.
Before an overtake
- Check that the road is clear far enough ahead.
- Allow enough distance to pass the whole vehicle and return safely.
- Do not assume you can follow another vehicle through its overtaking gap.
- If the view or available space is uncertain, remain behind.
A quick revision check
Question: What are two visibility benefits of keeping back behind a large vehicle?
Answer: You improve your own view ahead and make it easier for the other driver to see you in their mirrors. The gap must also suit speed, road surface and weather.
Watch the narrated Short below, then explain the reason in your own words before repeating the answer.
Official reference: The Highway Code, using the road (Rules 162–164).
Independent revision guidance, checked on 13 October 2026. Original AI-created educational illustration; narration edited from our recorded lesson. These are practice explanations, not the live test question bank.
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