Theory test practice: Test 3

Vehicle loading and eco

1. Why should you avoid carrying heavy items on a roof rack when the boot has room?

Answer: Weight up high makes the car less stable

Rule 98 says loads should be secure and must not affect stability. Heavy loads up high raise the centre of gravity and make the car less stable, especially on bends.

Road and traffic signs

2. On your walk to college you see this sign on a shared path. What does it mean?

Answer: Bikes use one side and people walk on the other

A blue circle split by a vertical white line, with a bicycle on one side and pedestrians on the other, means a segregated pedal cycle and pedestrian route.

Vulnerable road users

3. In the New Forest you see ponies grazing beside the road. How should you treat them?

Answer: Like horses: slow down and pass wide

Feral or semi-feral ponies, such as in the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor, need the same care as other horses: slow down and pass wide.

Safety margins

4. In thick fog, what danger does the Highway Code tell you to look out for?

Answer: Vehicles that don't have their lights on

Rule 235 says in fog, be aware of others not using headlights, as well as using your own lights as required.

Motorway rules

5. Your motorway exit is one mile ahead and you're in the middle lane. What should you do?

Answer: Move into the left lane well before the exit

Watch for signs for your exit, move into the left-hand lane well before reaching it, signal in good time and reduce speed on the slip road.

Vehicle handling

6. You're driving your friends along a twisty country road. When is it OK to have only one hand on the wheel?

Answer: Only briefly, such as to change gear

Rule 160 says drive with both hands on the wheel where possible, to help you stay in full control. Take a hand off only when you need to, such as to change gear or use other controls.

Safety and your vehicle

7. You're giving your 12-year-old cousin a lift. Who is legally responsible for making sure they wear a seat belt?

Answer: You, the driver

Rule 100 says the driver must make sure children under 14 wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint.

Documents

8. What is the maximum fine for driving a car without a valid MOT?

Answer: Up to £1,000

GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Attitude

9. Your friend finishes a takeaway and wants to throw the empty box out of the car window. What does the law say?

Answer: Nothing may be thrown out of a vehicle

You must not throw anything out of a vehicle, including food or food packaging. It can endanger other road users, especially cyclists and motorcyclists.

Alertness

10. You're running late and want to eat breakfast while driving to college. What does the Highway Code say?

Answer: Avoid eating and drinking while driving

Safe driving needs concentration, so avoid distractions such as eating and drinking while driving.

Incidents, accidents and emergencies

11. Your car develops a fault on a fast dual carriageway. Which of these is the safest place to stop, if you can reach it?

Answer: A service area

On fast roads, a place of relative safety is best. A service area is the safest, then a lay-by, then an emergency area. A hard shoulder gives the least protection.

Vehicle loading and eco

12. In England and Wales, what is the drink-drive limit for alcohol in URINE?

Answer: 107 milligrammes per 100 ml

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the urine limit is 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres. In Scotland it is 67.

Road and traffic signs

13. You see a bay marked with white lines and the words 'LOADING ONLY'. Who can use it?

Answer: Vehicles that are loading or unloading

A loading bay is for vehicles loading or unloading only.

Road and traffic signs

14. You're dropping your little brother at school. Can you stop on this marking to let him out?

Answer: No, keep it clear even to drop off children

These yellow zigzags mean keep the entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even when picking up or setting down children. Children need to be seen clearly here.

Road and traffic signs

15. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Traffic lights ahead are not in use

This sign warns that the traffic signals ahead are not in use.

Incidents, accidents and emergencies

16. A casualty has a bleeding cut with nothing stuck in it. What should you do?

Answer: Apply firm pressure over the wound

Annex 7 says if nothing is embedded in the wound, apply firm pressure over it, then fasten a pad with a bandage or cloth.

Other types of vehicle

17. You're driving on a country road near farms in autumn. What should you be ready for?

Answer: Slow farm vehicles and mud on the road

On country roads, expect slow-moving farm vehicles and mud on the road surface, as well as walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

Road and traffic signs

18. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Low-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise

This triangle shows an aeroplane. It warns that planes may fly low or make sudden loud noise, which could startle you.

Rules of the road

19. Which of these does the Highway Code say you MUST NOT do when parking?

Answer: Leave it in a dangerous place or where it blocks the road

Rule 242 says you MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.

Documents

20. Which type of motor insurance also covers damage to your own car?

Answer: Comprehensive

Comprehensive cover is the most expensive type, and it also covers your own vehicle up to its market value. Third party only does not pay for your own car.

Hazard awareness

21. It snowed overnight. You've cleared the windows, lights and plates, but thick snow is still on the roof. What should you do?

Answer: Clear the roof before you go

Before setting off in snow, remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.

Road and traffic signs

22. On the back of a works vehicle you see a sign warning that a lane is closed ahead. What should you do?

Answer: Move to an open lane in good time

Signs on the back of slow-moving or stationary vehicles warn of a lane closed ahead by a works vehicle. Change lanes early.

Road and traffic signs

23. You see this sign with a white 'C' in a red circle. What does it mean?

Answer: You're entering a congestion charging zone

This sign marks the entrance to a congestion charging zone. You may have to pay a charge to drive in it.

Safety and your vehicle

24. You're driving along a dual carriageway when a tyre bursts. What should you do?

Answer: Hold the wheel firmly and slow down gradually

Annex 6 says if a tyre bursts, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.

Rules of the road

25. After a power cut, all the traffic lights at the crossroads near your college are dark. How should you treat the junction?

Answer: As an unmarked junction, going ahead with great care

If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care.

Safety and your vehicle

26. You're buying your first car, a cheap hatchback from a local seller. You check the tyres with a tread gauge. What is the legal minimum tread depth?

Answer: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters

Car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way round. Less tread means less grip, especially in the wet.

Attitude

27. You're driving to the gym and spot a mate on the pavement. Your passenger says, 'Give them a beep!' What is the car horn actually for?

Answer: Warning others you're there while you're moving

Use the horn only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn others that you are there. Never use it aggressively, and never while stationary on the road.

Alertness

28. Which of these is a time when you may hold and use your phone while driving?

Answer: To call 999 or 112 in an emergency when it's unsafe to stop

You must not use a hand-held phone while driving, even in slow traffic. The exceptions are very narrow: a genuine 999 or 112 call when it is unsafe or impractical to stop, paying contactless while stationary (for example at a drive-through), or parking with a legal remote-control app.

Road and traffic signs

29. A lorry has a triangular marker sticking out from its side load. What is it?

Answer: A projection marker for a load that sticks out

Projection markers (side and end markers) show where a load sticks out beyond the vehicle.

Safety and your vehicle

30. You've offered to drop your 11-year-old neighbour at their swimming lesson. Their mum waves you off from the doorstep. If the child isn't using a seat belt or the right child seat, who is breaking the law?

Answer: You, because you're the driver of the car

The driver is legally responsible for making sure children under 14 wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint.