Theory test practice: Test 10

Attitude

1. A driver in front makes a mistake and nearly causes a crash. What does the Highway Code advise?

Answer: Try to stay calm and don't react aggressively

Rule 147 says be considerate: be careful of and patient with others, and do not show your irritation or retaliate.

Road and traffic signs

2. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Pedestrians in the road ahead

This sign warns that there may be pedestrians walking in the road ahead, for example where there is no pavement.

Vulnerable road users

3. You want to overtake a cyclist, but there is oncoming traffic so you can't leave 1.5 metres. What should you do?

Answer: Wait behind until you can pass with enough space

If you can't overtake at a safe speed and distance, wait behind and pass only when it is safe.

Road and traffic signs

4. You see this blue sign above lanes at a junction, with an arrow pointing to each lane's destination. What is it for?

Answer: To show which lane to use for your destination

This sign shows the appropriate traffic lanes at a junction ahead.

Alertness

5. You are driving and your passenger starts a heated argument with you. What is the safest thing to do?

Answer: Keep focused on driving and pull over somewhere safe to talk

Arguing is a distraction. Keep your attention on the road and stop somewhere safe if you need to sort things out.

Other types of vehicle

6. You're driving next to tram tracks in a city, and a tram is moving alongside you. What does the Highway Code say?

Answer: Don't race it or overtake it on the inside

Always give way to trams. Do not try to race or overtake them or pass them on the inside, unless at tram stops or signals with a designated lane.

Safety margins

7. Fog comes down on your drive back from a festival. The car in front is easy to follow because you can see its red lights. Why is sticking close to it a bad idea?

Answer: It can feel safe, but you may be too close to stop

In fog, rear lights can give a false sense of security. Keep a safe gap and drive so you can stop within the distance you can see.

Road and traffic signs

8. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No overtaking

A red circle showing a black car and a red car side by side means no overtaking.

Vehicle handling

9. In heavy rain your steering suddenly feels light and does not respond. What is most likely happening and what should you do?

Answer: Water is lifting the tyres; ease off and slow down gradually

Light, unresponsive steering in rain usually means water is lifting the tyres off the road. Easing off the accelerator lets them grip again. Harsh braking or steering could make you skid.

Rules of the road

10. In England, what is the speed limit for a car on a road with street lights (a built-up area) unless signs say otherwise?

Answer: 30mph

In built-up areas in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland the limit is 30mph unless signs show a different limit.

Safety and your vehicle

11. Checking your car, you notice a bulge on the side wall of a tyre. What should you do?

Answer: Get it replaced before you drive on it

Annex 6 says tyres should be free of certain cuts and other defects. A bulge is a sign of damage and the tyre could fail.

Road and traffic signs

12. What colour are non-primary and local route direction signs?

Answer: White with a black border

Non-primary and local direction signs have a white background with a black border and black writing.

Road and traffic signs

13. A blue sign shows a bicycle with a route number. What is it?

Answer: A route for pedal cycles forming part of a network

This sign shows a route for pedal cycles forming part of a network, such as the National Cycle Network.

Other types of vehicle

14. You are following a large lorry. Why should you drop back?

Answer: To see further ahead and be seen in their mirrors

Large vehicles block your view. Dropping back helps you see the road ahead and makes it more likely the driver can see you.

Motorway rules

15. You've broken down on the motorway and are calling for help from behind the barrier. How can you say exactly where you are?

Answer: Read the code on a nearby marker post or location sign

Give your location using your car's SOS button, a mapping app, or the numbers and letters on marker posts or driver location signs at the edge of the road.

Incidents, accidents and emergencies

16. You're in a minor crash and the other driver has good reason to ask for your details. What must you give them?

Answer: Your name, address and vehicle registration

If a collision causes damage or injury, you must stop and give your name and address and the vehicle's registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking.

Vehicle handling

17. At night on an unlit road you pull out to overtake a slow car. What should you do with your headlights?

Answer: Keep them dipped until you're level with it

Rule 115 says keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle, then change to main beam if needed.

Rules of the road

18. You need to park overnight on a road with a 40mph speed limit. What must you do?

Answer: Leave your parking lights on

You must use parking lights when parked on a road or lay-by with a speed limit greater than 30mph.

Alertness

19. You've woken up with a heavy cold and feel unwell, but you're meant to drive to work. What should you do?

Answer: Don't drive if you feel unfit to

Rule 90 says make sure you are fit to drive. Being unwell can slow your reactions.

Documents

20. You move into a new flat for university. What must you do about your driving licence?

Answer: Update your address with DVLA (it's free)

You must update your provisional or full licence when you move. It's free, and you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA.

Road and traffic signs

21. At road works a person holds a sign showing 'STOP'. What must you do?

Answer: Stop and wait until the sign is turned to GO

Manually operated temporary STOP and GO signs control traffic at road works. You must stop when STOP is shown.

Safety margins

22. How should you choose your speed on a dark, unlit road?

Answer: So you can stop well within the distance you can see is clear

Rule 126 says drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.

Hazard awareness

23. It's 32°C and you're driving to the beach. The tar on the road looks wet and shiny, but it hasn't rained. Why should you take care?

Answer: The soft surface can affect steering and braking

In very hot weather the road surface may become soft, which can affect steering and braking.

Attitude

24. You are driving slowly on a narrow country road and a long queue has built up behind you. What should you do?

Answer: Pull in somewhere safe to let the traffic pass

Don't hold up a long queue. Check your mirrors and pull in where it is safe to let them pass.

Motorway rules

25. What is the national speed limit for a car on a motorway?

Answer: 70mph

Cars on a motorway have a national limit of 70mph unless signs show a lower limit.

Safety and your vehicle

26. When are you allowed to use your front or rear fog lights?

Answer: Only when visibility is seriously reduced

Fog lights must not be used unless visibility is seriously reduced, because they can dazzle others and hide your brake lights.

Road and traffic signs

27. At lights, a green arrow lights up next to a red light. What does it mean?

Answer: You may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear

A green arrow may be shown with other lights. You may go in the arrow's direction if the way is clear.

Road and traffic signs

28. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No motor vehicles

A red ring around a car and a motorcycle means no motor vehicles. You must not drive a car or ride a motorbike along this road.

Vulnerable road users

29. You turn into a street with a 'Home Zone' sign. What should you expect?

Answer: People using the whole road, even children

In Home Zones, people could be using the whole street for a range of activities, including play. Drive slowly and be ready to stop.

Hazard awareness

30. Your friend is driving you to town. The car in front indicates left, then drives straight past the turning without turning. What does this show?

Answer: Signals can be left on, so watch what drivers actually do

Be aware that another vehicle's indicator may not have been cancelled. Don't act on a signal alone; check what the driver is really doing.