Theory test practice: Test 16

Alertness

1. When should you use the routine Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre at a roundabout?

Answer: Throughout your approach and on the roundabout

Rule 184 says use Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre at all stages of approaching and going round a roundabout.

Documents

2. What is the minimum type of motor insurance you must have by law?

Answer: Third party

Third party insurance is the legal minimum. It covers injury or damage to other people and their property, but not repairs to your own car.

Road and traffic signs

3. What is a solid white line along the left edge of the road for?

Answer: To mark the edge of the carriageway

A solid white edge line marks the edge of the carriageway, which helps especially at night or in bad weather.

Attitude

4. You're in a queue and an emergency vehicle with blue lights needs to get through. Which of these is a bad idea?

Answer: Driving through a red light to make room

Rule 219 says let emergency vehicles pass when it's safe, but don't break the law, such as passing a red light, to do so.

Safety and your vehicle

5. Your old car starts puffing thick black smoke from the exhaust. What does the Highway Code say about exhaust emissions?

Answer: They must not go over the set legal levels

Annex 6 says exhaust emissions must not exceed prescribed levels. Thick smoke is a sign something needs fixing.

Documents

6. How often must you renew your photocard driving licence?

Answer: Every 10 years

You must renew a photocard licence every 10 years. DVLA sends a reminder before it ends, and it costs £14 online.

Road and traffic signs

7. The traffic lights change from green to amber as you approach. What does amber mean?

Answer: Stop at the line, unless you've crossed it or are too close to stop safely

Amber means stop. You may only go on if you have already crossed the line or are too close to stop safely.

Road and traffic signs

8. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Road narrows on both sides

This sign warns the road narrows on both sides.

Road and traffic signs

9. You see this sign at a junction. What must you do?

Answer: Stop at the line, then go when safe

At a 'Stop' sign you must stop behind the white line, even if the road looks clear. Then wait for a safe gap.

Motorway rules

10. What is an emergency area on a motorway?

Answer: An emergency-only stopping place with blue signs and an orange SOS symbol

Emergency areas are found where there is no hard shoulder or it is used as a lane. They must only be used in an emergency.

Road and traffic signs

11. You want to turn left at a junction but see this sign. What does it mean?

Answer: No left turn

A red circle with a left-turn arrow crossed by a red bar means no left turn.

Other types of vehicle

12. Which colours of flashing light can emergency vehicles use?

Answer: Blue, red or green

Emergency vehicles may use flashing blue, red or green lights. Traffic officer and incident support vehicles use flashing amber lights.

Motorway rules

13. On a motorway you see a single signal at the side of the road. Who does it apply to?

Answer: All lanes, unless it's a lane-specific signal

Rule 256 says a single sign or signal may give information for all lanes; lane-specific signals apply only to the lanes they're above.

Road and traffic signs

14. After a stretch of motorway with lowered limits, you see this signal. What does it mean?

Answer: End of restriction

On motorway signals this means end of restriction: the temporary limits no longer apply.

Rules of the road

15. When may you stop on a road marked with double white lines?

Answer: Only to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods

Rule 240 says you MUST NOT stop or park on a road marked with double white lines, even where a broken line is on your side, except to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods.

Hazard awareness

16. You're on a fast road and the car in front suddenly brakes hard. What is the best way to have time to stop?

Answer: Keep at least a two-second gap in good conditions

Rule 126 says leave enough space so you can pull up safely if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops: at least a two-second gap on fast roads.

Other types of vehicle

17. At a roundabout, a horse rider is keeping to the left lane but signalling right. What should you do?

Answer: Expect them to go all the way round and give them plenty of room

Rule 187 says horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout.

Vehicle handling

18. When MUST you not overtake?

Answer: If you'd cross double white lines with the solid line nearest you

Rule 165 says you MUST NOT overtake if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you.

Road and traffic signs

19. You see this sign showing a horse and rider. What should you expect?

Answer: Horses being ridden or led along the road

A triangle showing a horse and rider warns of accompanied horses or ponies on the road.

Road and traffic signs

20. You see a rectangular sign telling you about a restriction further ahead. What is it for?

Answer: To give advance warning of a restriction or prohibition ahead

This sign gives advance warning of a restriction or prohibition ahead, so you can choose another route in time.

Safety margins

21. It's raining and the road is wet. How long should your gap to the car in front be, as a minimum?

Answer: At least four seconds

Rule 126 says the two-second gap should be at least doubled on wet roads.

Safety and your vehicle

22. You borrow your aunt's car, which you've never driven. What should you do before you set off?

Answer: Find all the controls and adjust the seat, mirrors and head restraint

Rule 97 says before setting off, make sure you know how to use the controls and adjust your seat, seat belt, head restraint and mirrors.

Vulnerable road users

23. You're overtaking a pedestrian walking in the road where there's no pavement. What does the Highway Code advise?

Answer: Leave at least 2 metres and pass at low speed

Rule 163 says when overtaking pedestrians walking in the road, leave at least 2 metres and pass at low speed.

Vehicle handling

24. After weeks of hot, dry weather it starts to rain on your drive home. Why should you take extra care?

Answer: The road can become slippery, affecting steering and braking

In hot weather the road surface can go soft, and when it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. This can affect your steering and braking.

Vulnerable road users

25. You have parked on a busy street and are about to open the driver's door. What does the Highway Code recommend?

Answer: Use the hand furthest from the door, so you look behind

Where you can, open the door with the hand on the opposite side. This makes you turn your head to check for cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as using your mirrors.

Alertness

26. On the way to college the low winter sun suddenly dazzles you. What should you do?

Answer: Slow down, and stop if you need to

If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and, if necessary, stop.

Attitude

27. Traffic is queuing. The bus lane beside you is empty, and its sign shows it's in operation now. What should you do?

Answer: Stay out of it unless signs allow you

Don't drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless signs show your vehicle is allowed.

Hazard awareness

28. How far away must you be able to read a car number plate in good daylight (wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them)?

Answer: 20 metres

You must be able to read a number plate in good daylight from 20 metres. If you need glasses or lenses to do this, you must wear them.

Safety margins

29. Using the Highway Code's typical figures, what is the overall stopping distance for a car at 40 mph?

Answer: 36 metres

Rule 126's typical stopping distances show 36 metres at 40 mph: 12 m thinking plus 24 m braking.

Rules of the road

30. When may you enter a yellow box junction even though you cannot clear it straight away?

Answer: When turning right and only held up by oncoming or right-turning traffic

You must not enter a box junction until your exit road or lane is clear. The exception is turning right when you are only held up by oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles.