Rules of the road test (with hints)

You are towing a small caravan on a dual carriageway. You must not exceed*

50 mph

40 mph

70 mph

60 mph

The speed limit is reduced for vehicles towing caravans and trailers, to lessen the risk of the outfit becoming unstable. Due to the increased weight and size of the vehicle and caravan combination, you should plan well ahead. Be extra-careful in windy weather, as strong winds could cause a caravan or large trailer to snake from side to side.

What MUST you have to park in a disabled space?*

A Blue Badge

A wheelchair

An advanced driver certificate

An adapted vehicle

Don’t park in a space reserved for disabled people unless you or your passenger are a disabled badge holder. The badge must be displayed in your vehicle in the bottom left- hand corner of the windscreen.

You are parked in a busy high street. What is the safest way to turn your vehicle around so you can go the opposite way?*

Find a quiet side road to turn round in

Drive into a side road and reverse into the main road

Get someone to stop the traffic

Do a U-turn

Make sure you carry out the manoeuvre without causing a hazard to other vehicles. Choose a place to turn which is safe and convenient for you and for other road users.

The dual carriageway you are turning right onto has a very narrow central reservation. What should you do?*

Proceed to the central reservation and wait

Wait until the road is clear in both directions

Stop in the first lane so that other vehicles give way

Emerge slightly to show your intentions

When the central reservation is narrow you should treat a dual carriageway as one road. Wait until the road is clear in both directions before emerging to turn right. If you try to treat it as two separate roads and wait in the middle, you are likely to cause an obstruction and possibly a collision.

You may only enter a box junction when*

there are less than two vehicles in front of you

the traffic lights show green

your exit road is clear

you need to turn left

Yellow box junctions are marked on the road to prevent the road becoming blocked. Don’t enter one unless your exit road is clear. You may only wait in the yellow box if your exit road is clear but oncoming traffic is preventing you from completing the turn.

When you are NOT sure that it is safe to reverse your vehicle you should*

use your horn

rev your engine

get out and check

reverse slowly

If you can’t see all around your vehicle get out and have a look. You could also ask someone reliable outside the vehicle to guide you. A small child could easily be hidden directly behind you. Don’t take risks.

On a clearway you must not stop*

at any time

when it is busy

in the rush hour

during daylight hours

Clearways are in place so that traffic can flow without the obstruction of parked vehicles. Just one parked vehicle will cause an obstruction for all other traffic. You MUST NOT stop where a clearway is in force, not even to pick up or set down passengers.

Your vehicle is parked on the road at night. When must you use sidelights?*

Where there are continuous white lines in the middle of the road

Where the speed limit exceeds 30 mph

Where you are facing oncoming traffic

Where you are near a bus stop

When parking at night, park in the direction of the traffic. This will enable other road users to see the reflectors on the rear of your vehicle. You MUST use your sidelights when parking on a road, or in a lay-by on a road, where the speed limit is over 30 mph.

Where is the safest place to park your vehicle at night?*

In a garage

On a busy road

In a quiet car park

Near a red route

If you have a garage, use it. Your vehicle is less likely to be a victim of car crime if it’s in a garage. Also in winter the windows will be free from ice and snow.

At a pelican crossing, what does a flashing amber light mean?*

You must not move off until the lights stop flashing

You must give way to pedestrians still on the crossing

You can move off, even if pedestrians are still on the crossing

You must stop because the lights are about to change to red

If there is no-one on the crossing when the amber light is flashing, you may proceed over the crossing. You don’t need to wait for the green light to show.

Who has priority at an unmarked crossroads?*

The larger vehicle

No one has priority

The faster vehicle

The smaller vehicle

Practise good observation in all directions before you emerge or make a turn. Proceed only when you’re sure it’s safe to do so.

While driving, you intend to turn left into a minor road. On the approach you should*

keep just left of the middle of the road

keep in the middle of the road

swing out wide just before turning

keep well to the left of the road

Don’t swing out into the centre of the road in order to make the turn. This could endanger oncoming traffic and may cause other road users to misunderstand your intentions.

A cycle lane is marked by a solid white line. You must not drive or park in it*

at any time

during the rush hour

if a cyclist is using it

during its period of operation

The cycle lanes are there for a reason. Keep them free and allow cyclists to use them. It is illegal to drive or park in a cycle lane, marked by a solid white line, during its hours of operation. Parking in a cycle lane will obstruct cyclists and they may move into the path of traffic on the main carriageway as they ride around the obstruction. This could be hazardous for both the cyclist and other road users.

Where you see street lights but no speed limit signs the limit is usually*

30 mph

40 mph

50 mph

60 mph

The presence of street lights generally shows that there is a 30 mph speed limit, unless signs tell you otherwise.

You're travelling on a motorway in England. You must stop when signalled to do so by which of these?*

Flashing amber lights above your lane

A traffic officer

Pedestrians on the hard shoulder

A driver who has broken down

You'll find traffic officers on motorways in England and Wales as well as some primary routes. They work in partnership with the police, helping to keep traffic moving and helping to make your journey as safe as possible. It's an offence not to comply with the directions given by a traffic officer.

What is the national speed limit on a single carriageway road for cars and motorcycles?*

30 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Exceeding the speed limit is dangerous and can result in you receiving penalty points on your licence. It isn’t worth it. You should know the speed limit for the road that you’re on by observing the road signs. Different speed limits apply if you are towing a trailer.

A single carriageway road has this sign. What is the maximum permitted speed for a car towing a trailer?*

30 mph

40 mph

50 mph

60 mph

When towing trailers, speed limits are also lower on dual carriageways and motorways. These speed limits apply to vehicles pulling all sorts of trailers including caravans, horse boxes etc.

When may you drive a motor car in this bus lane?*

Outside its hours of operation

To get to the front of a traffic queue

You may not use it at any time

To overtake slow-moving traffic

Some bus lanes only operate during peak hours and other vehicles may use them outside these hours. Make sure you check the sign for the hours of operation before driving in a bus lane.

You are in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway. You see signs showing that the right-hand lane is closed 800 yards ahead. You should*

keep in that lane until you reach the queue

move to the left immediately

wait and see which lane is moving faster

move to the left in good time

Keep a look-out for traffic signs. If you’re directed to change lanes, do so in good time. Don’t
• push your way into traffic in another lane
• leave changing lanes until the last moment.

You must not reverse*

for longer than necessary

for more than a car’s length

into a side road

in a built-up area

You may decide to turn your vehicle around by reversing into an opening or side road. When you reverse, always look behind and all around and watch for pedestrians. Don’t reverse from a side road into a main road. You MUST NOT reverse further than is necessary.

You should NOT park*

on a one-way street

near a police station

on a side road

near a school entrance

It may be tempting to park where you shouldn’t while you run a quick errand. Careless parking, such as by a bus stop or outside a school, is a selfish act and could endanger other road users.

You are entering an area of roadworks. There is a temporary speed limit displayed. You should*

not exceed the speed limit

obey the limit only during rush hour

ignore the displayed limit

obey the limit except at night

Where there are extra hazards such as roadworks, it’s often necessary to slow traffic down by imposing a temporary speed limit. These speed limits aren’t advisory, they must be obeyed.

You MUST NOT park*

on a road with a 40 mph speed limit

at or near a bus stop

where there is no pavement

within 20 metres (65 feet) of a junction

It’s important not to park at or near a bus stop as this could inconvenience passengers, and may put them at risk as they get on or off the bus.

You can park on the right-hand side of a road at night*

in a one-way street

with your sidelights on

more than 10 metres (32 feet) from a junction

under a lamp-post

Red rear reflectors show up when headlights shine on them. These are useful when you are parked at night but will only reflect if you park in the same direction as the traffic flow. Normally you should park on the left, but if you’re in a one-way street you may also park on the right-hand side.

When going straight ahead at a roundabout you should*

indicate left before leaving the roundabout

not indicate at any time

indicate right when approaching the roundabout

indicate left when approaching the roundabout

When you want to go straight on at a roundabout, don’t signal as you approach it, but indicate left just after you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.

You are on a busy main road and find that you are travelling in the wrong direction. What should you do?*

Turn into a side road on the right and reverse into the main road

Make a U-turn in the main road

Make a ‘three-point’ turn in the main road

Turn round in a side road

Don’t turn round in a busy street or reverse from a side road into a main road. Find a quiet side road and choose a place where you won’t obstruct an entrance or exit. Look out for pedestrians and cyclists as well as other traffic.

You are on a road that is only wide enough for one vehicle. There is a car coming towards you. What should you do?*

Pull into a passing place on your right

Force the other driver to reverse

Pull into a passing place if your vehicle is wider

Pull into a passing place on your left

Pull into the nearest passing place on the left if you meet another vehicle in a narrow road. If the nearest passing place is on the right, wait opposite it.

You are reversing your vehicle into a side road. When would the greatest hazard to passing traffic occur?*

After you’ve completed the manoeuvre

Just before you actually begin to manoeuvre

After you’ve entered the side road

When the front of your vehicle swings out

Always check road and traffic conditions in all directions before reversing into a side road. Keep a good look-out throughout the manoeuvre. Act on what you see and wait if necessary.

You're on a two-lane dual carriageway. Why would you use the right-hand lane?*

To overtake slower traffic

For normal progress

When staying at the minimum allowed speed

To keep driving at a constant high speed

Normally you should travel in the left-hand lane and only use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. Move back into the left lane as soon as it’s safe but don’t cut in across the path of the vehicle you’ve just passed.

You are looking for somewhere to park your vehicle. The area is full EXCEPT for spaces marked ‘disabled use’. You can*

use these spaces when elsewhere is full

park if you stay with your vehicle

use these spaces, disabled or not

not park there unless permitted

It is illegal to park in a parking space reserved for disabled users. These spaces are provided for people with limited mobility, who may need extra space to get in and out of their vehicle.

You may remove your seat belt when carrying out a manoeuvre that involves*

reversing

a hill start

an emergency stop

driving slowly

Don’t forget to put your seat belt back on when you’ve finished reversing.

You want to turn right at a box junction. There is oncoming traffic. You should*

wait in the box junction if your exit is clear

wait before the junction until it is clear of all traffic

drive on, you cannot turn right at a box junction

drive slowly into the box junction when signalled by oncoming traffic

You can move into the box junction to wait as long as your exit is clear. The oncoming traffic will stop when the traffic lights change, allowing you to proceed.

What does this sign tell you?*

That it is a no-through road

End of traffic calming zone

Free parking zone ends

No waiting zone ends

The blue and red circular sign on its own means that waiting restrictions are in force. This sign shows that you are leaving the controlled zone and waiting restrictions no longer apply.

There are no speed limit signs on the road. How is a 30 mph limit indicated?*

By hazard warning lines

By street lighting

By pedestrian islands

By double or single yellow lines

There is usually a 30 mph speed limit where there are street lights unless there are signs showing another limit.

When MUST you stop your vehicle?*

If your involved in an incident that causes damage or injury

At a junction where there are Give Way lines

At the end of a one-way street

Before merging onto a motorway

You MUST stop your vehicle when signalled to do so by a
• police or traffic officer
• traffic warden
• school crossing patrol
• red traffic light.
You must also stop if you're involved in an incident which causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property.

At a crossroads there are no signs or road markings. Two vehicles approach. Which has priority?*

Neither of the vehicles

The vehicle travelling the fastest

Oncoming vehicles turning right

Vehicles approaching from the right

At a crossroads where there are no ‘give way’ signs or road markings be very careful. No vehicle has priority, even if the sizes of the roads are different.

At toucan crossings, apart from pedestrians you should be aware of*

emergency vehicles emerging

buses pulling out

trams crossing in front

cyclists riding across

The use of cycles is being encouraged and more toucan crossings are being installed. These crossings enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross the path of other traffic. Watch out as cyclists will approach the crossing faster than pedestrians.

Which vehicle is most likely to take an unusual course at a roundabout?*

Estate car

Milk float

Delivery van

Long lorry

Long vehicles might have to take a slightly different position when approaching the roundabout or going around it. This is to stop the rear of the vehicle cutting in and mounting the kerb.

On a three-lane dual carriageway the right-hand lane can be used for*

overtaking only, never turning right

overtaking or turning right

fast-moving traffic only

turning right only, never overtaking

You should normally use the left-hand lane on any dual carriageway unless you are overtaking or turning right. When overtaking on a dual carriageway, look for vehicles ahead that are turning right. They’re likely to be slowing or stopped. You need to see them in good time so that you can take appropriate action.

You are waiting at a level crossing. The red warning lights continue to flash after a train has passed by. What should you do?*

Get out and investigate

Telephone the signal operator

Continue to wait

Drive across carefully

At a level crossing flashing red lights mean you must stop. If the train passes but the lights keep flashing, wait. There may be another train coming.

You are driving along a road that has a cycle lane. The lane is marked by a solid white line. This means that during its period of operation*

the lane may be used for parking your car

you may drive in that lane at any time

the lane may be used when necessary

you must not drive in that lane

Leave the lane free for cyclists. At other times, when the lane is not in operation, you should still be aware that there may be cyclists about. Give them room and don’t pass too closely.

Signals are normally given by direction indicators and*

brake lights

side lights

fog lights

interior lights

Your brake lights will give an indication to traffic behind that you’re slowing down. Good anticipation will allow you time to check your mirrors before slowing.

You may wait in a yellow box junction when*

oncoming traffic is preventing you from turning right

you are in a queue of traffic turning left

you are in a queue of traffic to go ahead

you are on a roundabout

The purpose of this road marking is to keep the junction clear of queuing traffic. You may only wait in the marked area when you’re turning right and your exit lane is clear but you can’t complete the turn because of oncoming traffic.

You may drive over a footpath*

to overtake slow-moving traffic

when the pavement is very wide

if no pedestrians are near

to get into a property

It is against the law to drive on or over a footpath, except to gain access to a property. If you need to cross a pavement, watch for pedestrians in both directions.

You're driving on a road that has a cycle lane. The lane is marked by a broken white line. This means that*

you should not drive in the lane unless it is unavoidable

there's a reduced speed limit for motor vehicles using the lane

cyclists can travel in both directions in that lane

the lane must be used by motorcyclists in heavy traffic

Where signs or road markings show lanes are for cyclists only, leave them free. Don’t drive or park in a cycle lane unless it is unavoidable.

You will see these red and white markers when approaching*

the end of a motorway

a concealed level crossing

a concealed speed limit sign

the end of a dual carriageway

If there is a bend just before the level crossing you may not be able to see the level crossing barriers or waiting traffic. These signs give you an early warning that you may find these hazards just around the bend.

When can you park on the left opposite these road markings?*

If the line nearest to you is broken

When there are no yellow lines

To pick up or set down passengers

During daylight hours only

You MUST NOT park or stop on a road marked with double white lines (even where one of the lines is broken) except to pick up or set down passengers.

You are intending to turn right at a crossroads. An oncoming driver is also turning right. It will normally be safer to*

keep the other vehicle to your RIGHT and turn behind it (offside to offside)

keep the other vehicle to your LEFT and turn in front of it (nearside to nearside)

carry on and turn at the next junction instead

hold back and wait for the other driver to turn first

At some junctions the layout may make it difficult to turn offside to offside. If this is the case, be prepared to pass nearside to nearside, but take extra care as your view ahead will be obscured by the vehicle turning in front of you.

Someone is waiting to cross at a zebra crossing. They are standing on the pavement. You should normally*

go on quickly before they step onto the crossing

stop before you reach the zigzag lines and let them cross

stop, let them cross, wait patiently

ignore them as they are still on the pavement

By standing on the pavement, the pedestrian is showing an intention to cross. If you are looking well down the road you will give yourself enough time to slow down and stop safely. Don’t forget to check your mirrors before slowing down.

Who can use a toucan crossing?*

Trains

Cyclists

Buses

Trams

Toucan crossings are similar to pelican crossings but there's no flashing amber phase. Cyclists share the crossing with pedestrians and are allowed to cycle across when the green cycle symbol is shown.

You are waiting at a pelican crossing. The red light changes to flashing amber. This means you must*

wait for pedestrians on the crossing to clear

move off immediately without any hesitation

wait for the green light before moving off

get ready and go when the continuous amber light shows

This light allows time for the pedestrians already on the crossing to get to the other side in their own time, without being rushed. Don’t rev your engine or start to move off while they are still crossing.

What is the nearest you may park to a junction?*

10 metres (32 feet)

12 metres (39 feet)

15 metres (49 feet)

20 metres (66 feet)

Don’t park within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction (unless in an authorised parking place). This is to allow drivers emerging from, or turning into, the junction a clear view of the road they are joining. It also allows them to see hazards such as pedestrians or cyclists at the junction.

You're driving along a street with parked vehicles on the left-hand side. Why should you keep your speed down?*

So that oncoming traffic can see you more clearly

You may set off car alarms

There may be delivery lorries on the street

Children may run out from between the vehicles

Travel slowly and carefully near parked vehicles. Beware of
• vehicles pulling out, especially bicycles and motorcycles
• pedestrians, especially children, who may run out from between cars
• drivers opening their doors.

You want to park and you see this sign. On the days and times shown you should*

park in a bay and not pay

park on yellow lines and pay

park on yellow lines and not pay

park in a bay and pay

Parking restrictions apply in a variety of places and situations. Make sure you know the rules and understand where and when restrictions apply. Controlled parking areas will be indicated by signs and road markings. Parking in the wrong place could cause an obstruction and danger to other traffic. It can also result in a fine.

To help keep your vehicle secure at night, where should you park?*

Near a police station

In a quiet road

On a red route

In a well-lit area

Whenever possible park in an area which will be well lit at night.

When may you reverse from a side road into a main road?*

Only if both roads are clear of traffic

Not at any time

At any time

Only if the main road is clear of traffic

Don’t reverse into a main road from a side road. The main road is likely to be busy and the traffic on it moving quickly. Cut down the risks by reversing into a quiet side road.

What does this sign mean?*

Minimum speed 30 mph

End of maximum speed

End of minimum speed

Maximum speed 30 mph

A red slash through this sign indicates that the restriction has ended. In this case the restriction was a minimum speed limit of 30 mph.

You are on a road that has no traffic signs. There are street lights. What is the speed limit?*

20 mph

30 mph

40 mph

60 mph

If you aren’t sure of the speed limit a good indication is the presence of street lights. If there is street lighting the speed limit will be 30 mph unless otherwise indicated.

You are going straight ahead at a roundabout. How should you signal?*

Signal right on the approach and then left to leave the roundabout

Signal left after you leave the roundabout and enter the new road

Signal right on the approach to the roundabout and keep the signal on

Signal left just after you pass the exit before the one you will take

To go straight ahead at a roundabout you should normally approach in the left-hand lane. You will not normally need to signal, but look out for the road markings. At some roundabouts the left lane on approach is marked as ‘left turn only’, so make sure you use the correct lane to go ahead. Signal before you leave as other road users need to know your intentions.

You MUST stop when signalled to do so by a*

motorcyclist

pedestrian

police officer

bus driver

You MUST obey signals to stop given by police and traffic officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols. Failure to do so is an offence and could lead to prosecution.

Where may you overtake on a one-way street?*

Only on the left-hand side

Overtaking is not allowed

Only on the right-hand side

Either on the right or the left

You can overtake other traffic on either side when travelling in a one-way street. Make full use of your mirrors and ensure that it’s clear all around before you attempt to overtake. Look for signs and road markings and use the most suitable lane for your destination.

Which vehicle might have to use a different course to normal at roundabouts?*

Sports car

Van

Estate car

Long vehicle

A long vehicle may have to straddle lanes either on or approaching a roundabout so that the rear wheels don’t cut in over the kerb. If you’re following a long vehicle, stay well back and give it plenty of room.

You are driving at night with full beam headlights on. A vehicle is overtaking you. You should dip your lights*

some time after the vehicle has passed you

before the vehicle starts to pass you

only if the other driver dips their headlights

as soon as the vehicle passes you

On full beam your lights could dazzle the driver in front. Make sure that your light beam falls short of the vehicle in front.

What is the national speed limit for cars and*

30 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Ensure that you know the speed limit for the road that you’re on. The speed limit on a dual carriageway or motorway is 70 mph for cars and motorcycles, unless there are signs to indicate otherwise. The speed limits for different types of vehicles are listed in The Highway Code.

You meet an obstruction on your side of the road. You should*

carry on, you have priority

give way to oncoming traffic

wave oncoming vehicles through

accelerate to get past first

Take care if you have to pass a parked vehicle on your side of the road. Give way to oncoming traffic if there isn’t enough room for you both to continue safely.

You are approaching a busy junction. There are several lanes with road markings. At the last moment you realise that you are in the wrong lane. You should*

continue in that lane

force your way across

stop until the area has cleared

use clear arm signals to cut across

There are times where road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you might be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise that you’re in the wrong lane, don’t cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you’re in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

What is the meaning of this sign?*

Local speed limit applies

No waiting on the carriageway

National speed limit applies

No entry to vehicular traffic

This sign doesn’t tell you the speed limit in figures. You should know the speed limit for the type of road that you’re on. Study your copy of The Highway Code.

What is the meaning of this sign?*

No entry

Waiting restrictions

National speed limit

School crossing patrol

This sign indicates that there are waiting restrictions. It is normally accompanied by details of when restrictions are in force. Details of most signs which are in common use are shown in The Highway Code and a more comprehensive selection is available in Know Your Traffic Signs.

You are driving over a level crossing. The warning lights come on and a bell rings. What should you do?*

Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately

Stop and reverse back to clear the crossing

Keep going and clear the crossing

Stop immediately and use your hazard warning lights

Keep going, don’t stop on the crossing. If the amber warning lights come on as you’re approaching the crossing, you MUST stop unless it is unsafe to do so. Red flashing lights together with an audible signal mean you MUST stop.

You park at night on a road with a 40 mph speed limit. You should park*

facing the traffic

with parking lights on

with dipped headlights on

near a street light

You MUST use parking lights when parking at night on a road or lay-by with a speed limit greater than 30 mph. You MUST also park in the direction of the traffic flow and not close to a junction.

You are travelling on a well-lit road at night in a built-up area. By using dipped headlights you will be able to*

see further along the road

go at a much faster speed

switch to main beam quickly

be easily seen by others

You may be difficult to see when you’re travelling at night, even on a well lit road. If you use dipped headlights rather than sidelights other road users will see you more easily.

At a busy unmarked crossroads, which of the following has priority?*

Vehicles going straight ahead

Vehicles turning right

None of the vehicles

The vehicles that arrived first

If there are no road signs or markings do not assume that you have priority. Remember that other drivers may assume they have the right to go. No type of vehicle has priority but it’s courteous to give way to large vehicles. Also look out in particular for cyclists and motorcyclists.

There is a tractor ahead of you. You wish to overtake but you are NOT sure if it is safe to do so. You should*

follow another overtaking vehicle through

sound your horn to the slow vehicle to pull over

speed through but flash your lights to oncoming traffic

not overtake if you are in doubt

Never overtake if you’re not sure whether it’s safe. Can you see far enough down the road to ensure that you can complete the manoeuvre safely? If the answer is no, DON’T GO.

You are waiting at a level crossing. A train has passed but the lights keep flashing. You must*

carry on waiting

phone the signal operator

edge over the stop line and look for trains

park and investigate

If the lights at a level crossing continue to flash after a train has passed, you should still wait as there might be another train coming. Time seems to pass slowly when you’re held up in a queue. Be patient and wait until the lights stop flashing.

You are driving on an urban clearway. You may stop only to*

set down and pick up passengers

use a mobile telephone

ask for directions

load or unload goods

Urban clearways may be in built-up areas and their times of operation will be clearly signed. You should stop only for as long as is reasonable to pick up or set down passengers. You should ensure that you are not causing an obstruction for other traffic.

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