Theory test practice: Test 6

Road and traffic signs

1. After you join a road, you see a sign showing the route number and towns ahead. What is it?

Answer: A route confirmatory sign

A route confirmatory sign after a junction shows which road you're on and the distances to places ahead.

Road and traffic signs

2. What do white arrows painted in each lane before a junction show?

Answer: Which way each lane goes

Arrows in lanes indicate traffic lanes: which direction each lane leads.

Road and traffic signs

3. What colour are the backgrounds of tourist attraction signs in England?

Answer: Brown

Tourist attraction signs have a brown background with white writing.

Alertness

4. Your mum is sitting next to you supervising your practice drive. Her phone rings. Can she answer it using her hand-held phone?

Answer: No, the ban also covers people supervising a learner

The hand-held phone rule applies to drivers and to people supervising a learner driver. A supervisor needs to watch the road too.

Rules of the road

5. You're in a two-lane one-way street in town and need to turn right at the lights at the end. No signs or markings say otherwise. Which lane should you normally use?

Answer: The right-hand lane

In one-way streets, use the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right, and the most suitable lane to go straight on, unless signs say otherwise.

Safety margins

6. You're towing a small trailer for the first time. How should towing change the way you brake?

Answer: Allow more time and brake earlier

The car syllabus says that when towing you should allow more time and brake earlier when slowing down or stopping, because the extra weight needs more room to stop.

Safety margins

7. On icy roads, how much longer can stopping distances be than on dry roads?

Answer: Up to ten times longer

On icy or snowy roads, stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.

Hazard awareness

8. You drank a lot at a party last night and slept a few hours. Is it safe to drive to work this morning?

Answer: Not necessarily; alcohol may still be in you

Alcohol takes time to leave your body. You may be unfit to drive the morning after drinking the previous evening.

Incidents, accidents and emergencies

9. Driving on a dual carriageway at night, you see flashing lights from emergency vehicles a long way ahead. What should you do?

Answer: Slow down and be ready to change lane or stop

Flashing lights from emergency or incident support vehicles in the distance may mean an incident ahead. Slow down, be prepared to move safely into another lane or stop, and follow any directions from police or traffic officers.

Vehicle loading and eco

10. The police ask you for a breath sample and you refuse. What can happen?

Answer: You face the same type of penalty as drink driving

GOV.UK says failing to provide a specimen for analysis can mean up to 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine and a ban of at least 1 year.

Motorway rules

11. This signal is shown above your lane on the motorway. What does it tell you?

Answer: It's an advised top speed; a red ring would make it law

A speed shown without a red ring is a temporary advised maximum. One shown inside a red ring is a mandatory limit that you must not exceed. Following either keeps traffic safe and smooth.

Vulnerable road users

12. There's a solid white line on your side of the centre line. A cyclist ahead is riding at 8 mph. Can you cross the line to overtake?

Answer: Yes, if safe, as they're at 10 mph or less

You may cross a solid white line nearest to you, if it is safe, to overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle going at 10 mph or less.

Attitude

13. You are waiting to pull out of a side road. A driver on the main road flashes their headlights at you. What should you do?

Answer: Don't assume it means 'go'; check it's safe yourself

Flashing headlights may not mean what you think. Never assume it is an invitation to go; check for yourself that it is safe.

Road and traffic signs

14. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Trams only

A blue circle showing a tram means trams only.

Attitude

15. On a Highland single-track road you spot an amazing view and want to stop for photos. Can you park in the passing place next to it?

Answer: No, passing places aren't for parking

Rule 156 says do not park in passing places. They're needed so vehicles can get past each other or let others overtake.

Alertness

16. You're in slow traffic and about to turn left into a side road. Why should you check your left mirror and blind spot first?

Answer: A cyclist may be coming up on your left

Cyclists and motorcyclists may be hidden on your left. Check mirrors and blind spots before turning, and don't cut across them.

Documents

17. You buy a used car from your neighbour. It still has six months of tax left. Can you drive it home straight away?

Answer: No, tax doesn't transfer; tax it first

The tax is not transferred to you when you buy a vehicle. You must tax it yourself before you drive it. The seller gets a refund for any full months left.

Hazard awareness

18. You're driving slowly along a terraced street lined with parked vans on a sunny Saturday. Between two vans you spot a scooter wheel and a pair of small trainers. What should you do?

Answer: Slow down and be ready for a child to step out

On residential streets watch for children running out from between parked cars. Clues like feet or toys under vehicles mean someone may appear suddenly.

Road and traffic signs

19. What does this sign showing a 'T' with a red bar mean?

Answer: No through road for vehicles

This sign means no through road for vehicles: the road is a dead end.

Vehicle handling

20. You're approaching a right-hand bend on a country road. Where should you position your car?

Answer: Keep well to the left

Rule 160 says on right-hand bends keep well to the left. This improves your view and reduces the risk of hitting oncoming traffic.

Other types of vehicle

21. On a dual carriageway with a 70mph limit, you see a mobility scooter. If it uses this road, what MUST it have?

Answer: A flashing amber beacon

Mobility scooters should not use unrestricted dual carriageways (limit over 50mph). If they do, they must have a flashing amber beacon.

Incidents, accidents and emergencies

22. You've broken down on a motorway and can't get to safety, so you must stay in the car. What else does the Highway Code suggest?

Answer: Put on high-visibility clothing if it's within easy reach

Rule 277 says if you cannot get to safety and must stay in your vehicle, put on high-visibility clothing if you have it and it's within easy reach.

Safety and your vehicle

23. When is the best time to check your tyre pressures?

Answer: When the tyres are cold, before a journey

Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold. Warm tyres can give a misleading reading.

Road and traffic signs

24. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Traffic queues likely ahead

Three cars in a line inside a warning triangle mean traffic queues are likely ahead. Be ready to slow down or stop.

Safety and your vehicle

25. Your passenger, aged 19, refuses to put a seat belt on. What is the most they could be fined?

Answer: Up to £500

GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £500 if you don't wear a seat belt when you're supposed to.

Road and traffic signs

26. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Tunnel ahead

This sign warns of a tunnel ahead.

Road and traffic signs

27. A police officer is controlling traffic and gives this signal to you. What does it mean?

Answer: Stop (traffic coming from the front)

A police officer facing you with an arm raised and palm towards you means stop. You must obey signals given by police officers.

Vehicle loading and eco

28. You're stuck in a queue that hasn't moved for several minutes because of a crash ahead. What does Rule 123 say about your engine?

Answer: Switch it off if you'll be stationary for more than a couple of minutes

Rule 123 says you MUST NOT leave an engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. If you'll be stopped for more than a couple of minutes, apply the parking brake and switch off.

Vulnerable road users

29. How much space should you leave when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30 mph?

Answer: At least 1.5 metres

Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds.

Hazard awareness

30. You're on a fast country road and coming into a village. What should you do?

Answer: Slow down as you enter the village

Slow down where country roads enter villages.