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Alertness: all 41 questions and answers

Question 1

Before you make a U-turn in the road, you should

  1. Look over your shoulder for a final check
  2. Give an arm signal as well as using your indicators
  3. Signal so that other drivers can slow down for you
  4. Select a higher gear than normal

Before making a U-turn, you should look over your shoulder to check your blind spot for a final check. There may be a cyclist or another road user that is not visible in your mirrors.

Question 2

What should you do before slowing down or stopping your vehicle?

  1. Sound the horn
  2. Use the mirrors
  3. Select a higher gear
  4. Flash the headlights

You should always check your mirrors before slowing down or stopping. You need to know what is behind you and how close following traffic is before you change speed.

Question 3

You are driving on a motorway and want to use your mobile phone. What should you do?

  1. Use the phone hands-free
  2. Pull over on the hard shoulder
  3. Leave the motorway and stop in a safe place
  4. Reduce your speed to 30 mph before using the phone

You MUST NOT use a hand-held phone or similar device when driving or when stopped with the engine running. Even hands-free calls can distract you. Leave the motorway and find a safe place to stop before making a call.

Question 4

Objects hanging from your interior mirror may

  1. Restrict your view
  2. Improve your driving
  3. Help with navigation
  4. Keep you alert

Objects hanging from the interior mirror can swing about and distract the driver. They can also restrict your view of the road ahead and to the sides, which is a safety hazard.

Question 5

You are driving along a road. A car door opens suddenly on the left-hand side. What should you be prepared to do?

  1. Sound your horn and continue
  2. Slow down and be prepared to stop
  3. Swerve to the right immediately
  4. Flash your headlights and continue

If a car door opens suddenly, you should slow down and be ready to stop. People may get out without checking. Swerving could put you in danger from oncoming traffic.

Question 6

When following a large vehicle, you should stay well back because this

  1. Allows you to corner more quickly
  2. Helps the large vehicle to stop more easily
  3. Allows the driver to see you in their mirrors
  4. Helps you to keep out of the wind

If you are too close behind a large vehicle, the driver will not be able to see you in their mirrors. Keeping well back also gives you a better view of the road ahead.

Question 7

You are driving at night on an unlit road. What should you use if a vehicle comes towards you with full beam headlights?

  1. Your full beam headlights
  2. Your fog lights
  3. Your dipped headlights
  4. Your hazard warning lights

When meeting oncoming traffic at night, you should use dipped headlights. Full beam would dazzle the other driver. If dazzled yourself, slow down or stop.

Question 8

Your mobile phone rings while you are driving. You should

  1. Stop immediately
  2. Answer it immediately
  3. Let it go to voicemail
  4. Pull up at the nearest kerb

It is illegal and dangerous to use a hand-held phone while driving. You should let it go to voicemail and check the message later when you have safely stopped.

Question 9

What is the main reason why windscreens should be kept clean?

  1. To allow the driver to be seen more easily
  2. So that the vehicle looks more presentable
  3. To help maintain the clear view ahead
  4. To stop condensation forming inside

A clean windscreen is essential for maintaining a clear view of the road ahead. Dirty or smeared windscreens can reduce visibility, especially in bright sunlight or at night.

Question 10

When driving, how can you make effective use of the MSM (Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre) routine?

  1. Only use it when turning left
  2. Use it before any change of speed or direction
  3. Only use it on dual carriageways
  4. Use it after completing any manoeuvre

The MSM routine should be used before any change in speed or direction. This ensures you are always aware of traffic behind and around you before making any driving decisions.

Question 11

You are driving towards a roundabout. A red car is already on the roundabout to your right. What should you do?

  1. Accelerate to get there before the car
  2. Give way to the car already on the roundabout
  3. Flash your lights to tell the car to hurry
  4. Sound your horn as a warning

You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout, approaching from the right, unless road markings indicate otherwise. This is a fundamental rule at roundabouts.

Question 12

You're planning a long journey overnight. Why should you avoid driving between midnight and 6 am?

  1. Fuel stations are usually closed
  2. This is when natural alertness is at a minimum and tiredness is more likely
  3. Speed limits are lower at night
  4. Headlight use is restricted during these hours

Driving while tired greatly increases your risk of collision. You should avoid driving between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at its lowest (Highway Code Rule 91).

Question 13

How often should you plan to take a break on a long car journey?

  1. A break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving
  2. A break of 5 minutes after every four hours of driving
  3. Only when you begin to feel sleepy
  4. One break of 30 minutes halfway through the journey

To minimise the risk of fatigue, plan your journey to include a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving (Highway Code Rule 91).

Question 14

You start to feel sleepy while driving on a motorway. What should you do?

  1. Stop on the hard shoulder and rest
  2. Open a window and continue to your destination
  3. Leave at the next exit or services and stop somewhere safe to rest
  4. Slow down and drive in the left-hand lane

If you feel sleepy you should stop in a safe place to rest. You must not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway to sleep (Highway Code Rule 91).

Question 15

From what distance must you be able to read a vehicle number plate in good daylight?

  1. 10 metres
  2. 15 metres
  3. 25 metres
  4. 20 metres

You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (Highway Code Rule 92).

Question 16

You need glasses to read a number plate at the required distance. When must you wear them while driving?

  1. Only at night
  2. At all times while driving
  3. Only on motorways and dual carriageways
  4. Only in poor weather conditions

If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the eyesight standard, you must wear them at all times while driving (Highway Code Rule 92).

Question 17

You're driving into low, bright sunlight and are dazzled. What should you do?

  1. Slow down or, if necessary, stop until you can see clearly
  2. Flash your headlights to warn other drivers
  3. Close one eye and continue at the same speed
  4. Follow the vehicle in front more closely for guidance

If you're dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and, if necessary, stop (Highway Code Rule 93).

Question 18

When should you avoid wearing tinted glasses while driving?

  1. When driving abroad
  2. When driving in bright sunshine
  3. At night or in poor visibility, if they restrict your vision
  4. When driving in built-up areas

You should avoid tinted glasses, lenses or visors at night or in poor visibility if they restrict your vision (Highway Code Rule 94).

Question 19

Which of these is a distraction you should avoid while driving?

  1. Using your mirrors frequently
  2. Trying to read a map
  3. Checking your speedometer
  4. Listening for emergency vehicle sirens

Safe driving needs concentration. Avoid distractions such as trying to read maps, loud music, arguing, or eating and drinking (Highway Code Rule 148).

Question 20

You feel hungry during a long drive. What should you do?

  1. Eat a snack while driving to save time
  2. Ask a passenger to feed you snacks
  3. Wait until you reach your destination, however far away
  4. Stop in a safe place before eating

Eating and drinking are distractions that reduce your concentration. Stop in a safe place rather than eating while driving (Highway Code Rule 148).

Question 21

You're stationary in a queue of traffic. May you use a hand-held mobile phone?

  1. Yes, as long as the handbrake is applied
  2. Yes, but only for calls lasting under a minute
  3. No, using a hand-held phone is prohibited even when stationary in traffic
  4. Yes, if the engine is switched off in traffic

You must not use a hand-held mobile phone for any purpose when driving, and this includes when you're stationary in traffic (Highway Code Rule 149).

Question 22

When may you use a hand-held mobile phone while driving?

  1. To call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe to stop
  2. When driving below 20 mph
  3. When you're supervising a learner driver
  4. To answer a call from your employer

The only time you may use a hand-held phone while driving is to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe or impractical to stop (Highway Code Rule 149).

Question 23

You're supervising a learner driver. Can you legally use a hand-held mobile phone?

  1. Yes, because you aren't the one driving
  2. No, the ban also applies when supervising a learner driver
  3. Yes, but only for text messages
  4. Yes, if the learner has passed their theory test

You must not use a hand-held mobile phone when driving or when supervising a learner driver (Highway Code Rule 149).

Question 24

Why can using hands-free phone equipment still be dangerous while driving?

  1. It drains the vehicle battery
  2. It's illegal in all circumstances
  3. It interferes with the vehicle's electronics
  4. It's still likely to distract your attention from the road

Even using hands-free equipment is likely to distract your attention from the road (Highway Code Rule 149).

Question 25

Your car has a driver assistance system such as adaptive cruise control. Who remains responsible for the vehicle?

  1. The system manufacturer
  2. Nobody, as the system is in control
  3. You, the driver, at all times
  4. Your insurance company

Do not rely on driver assistance systems; as the driver, you are still responsible for the vehicle at all times (Highway Code Rule 150).

Question 26

You want to adjust your satellite navigation system. What should you do?

  1. Adjust it while driving slowly
  2. Ask a passenger to hold the steering wheel
  3. Adjust it while waiting at traffic lights
  4. Stop in a safe place before adjusting it

You must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times and must not be distracted by in-vehicle screens while driving. Stop safely first (Highway Code Rule 150).

Question 27

Before moving off from the side of the road, what should you do?

  1. Check your mirrors and blind spots, and signal if necessary
  2. Sound your horn and pull out promptly
  3. Signal and move off immediately
  4. Rely on your mirrors alone

Before moving off you should check mirrors and blind spots, signal if necessary, and move off only when it is safe to do so (Highway Code Rule 159).

Question 28

Why should you take a quick sideways glance before changing lanes, even after checking your mirrors?

  1. To check your door is closed
  2. Because mirrors don't cover blind spots
  3. To make eye contact with other drivers
  4. Because mirrors only work in daylight

Mirrors do not cover all of the area around your vehicle, so a quick sideways glance is needed to check blind spots before changing lanes (Highway Code Rules 133 and 161).

Question 29

You're about to reverse into a side road. How should you make sure it's safe?

  1. Reverse quickly to minimise the time spent manoeuvring
  2. Rely on your reversing camera alone
  3. Check all mirrors and blind spots, and look mainly through the rear window while reversing slowly
  4. Sound your horn and reverse at walking pace

Before reversing, check all mirrors and blind spots for pedestrians, cyclists and obstructions, reverse slowly, and look mainly through the rear window (Highway Code Rule 202).

Question 30

Why should you check your mirrors and blind spots especially carefully before turning?

  1. Motorcyclists and cyclists are difficult to spot
  2. Large vehicles may be too close behind
  3. Pedestrians may be crossing behind you
  4. Your indicators may not be working

Motorcyclists and cyclists are often difficult to see, so check mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning (Highway Code Rule 211).

Question 31

You've just joined a motorway from a slower road. Why do you need to check your mirrors earlier than usual?

  1. Motorway mirrors give a distorted view
  2. There are more lanes to monitor at junctions
  3. Signalling rules are different on motorways
  4. Traffic moves faster, so situations behind you develop more quickly

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you need to check your mirrors earlier and maintain greater forward awareness (Highway Code Rule 254).

Question 32

Why can driving for a long time on a motorway make you less alert?

  1. The higher speeds use more concentration than the brain can supply
  2. The monotony of motorway driving can cause fatigue
  3. Air conditioning reduces oxygen levels in the car
  4. Engine noise is louder at motorway speeds

The monotony of motorway driving can cause fatigue. Take regular breaks and use service areas to rest (Highway Code Rule 262).

Question 33

You've been prescribed new medication by your doctor. What should you do before driving?

  1. Drive only short distances for the first week
  2. Take a lower dose on days when you drive
  3. Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether it could affect your driving
  4. Drive only during daylight hours

You must not drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether your medication could affect your driving (Highway Code Rule 96).

Question 34

You develop a health condition that could affect your driving ability. What must you do?

  1. Report the condition to the DVLA
  2. Tell your insurance company only
  3. Stop driving for one month
  4. Carry a doctor's letter in the car

You must make sure you're fit to drive and report to the DVLA any health condition that could affect your driving ability (Highway Code Rule 90).

Question 35

What should you do before setting off on an unfamiliar journey to help you stay alert at the wheel?

  1. Memorise the entire route so you never need directions
  2. Plan your route in advance and adjust your mirrors and head restraint before moving off
  3. Keep a map open on the passenger seat to check while driving
  4. Set your sat-nav once you're on the motorway

Before setting off you should plan your route and make sure mirrors and head restraints are properly adjusted, so you aren't distracted during the drive (Highway Code Rule 97).

Question 36

Your passengers are being noisy and distracting you. What should you do?

  1. Turn up the radio to drown them out
  2. Drive faster to end the journey sooner
  3. Join in the conversation to stay engaged
  4. Ask them to be quiet so you can concentrate

Safe driving needs concentration, and arguing or distracting conversation should be avoided. Ask passengers to let you concentrate (Highway Code Rule 148).

Question 37

When may you make a contactless payment using your mobile phone from the driver's seat?

  1. When your vehicle is stationary, for example at a drive-through
  2. When travelling below 10 mph
  3. At any time, as payments only take a few seconds
  4. Never, under any circumstances

An exception to the hand-held phone ban allows contactless payments when the vehicle is stationary, such as at a drive-through (Highway Code Rule 149).

Question 38

You're filtering through slow-moving traffic on a motorcycle. How should you stay safe?

  1. Sound your horn continuously
  2. Keep your speed low and watch for pedestrians and emerging vehicles
  3. Filter at higher speed to spend less time between lanes
  4. Only filter on the left-hand side of traffic

When manoeuvring or filtering through slow-moving traffic, keep your speed low and watch for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and traffic emerging from junctions (Highway Code Rule 88).

Question 39

What is the maximum penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a car?

  1. A £200 fine only, with no penalty points
  2. Three penalty points and a £100 fine
  3. A fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points
  4. An automatic driving ban

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving can result in a fine of up to £1,000 (up to £2,500 for goods vehicle or bus drivers) and six penalty points (Highway Code Rule 149 and penalty table).

Question 40

Which routine should you apply at every stage when approaching a junction or roundabout?

  1. Position - Speed - Look
  2. Signal - Manoeuvre - Mirrors
  3. Brake - Observe - Steer
  4. Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre

You should apply the Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre routine at all stages of approaching junctions and roundabouts (Highway Code Rules 161 and 184).

Question 41

You feel drowsy while driving on a rural A-road at night. What's the safest course of action?

  1. Find a safe, legal place to stop and rest
  2. Turn the heating up to stay comfortable
  3. Continue driving but reduce your speed
  4. Sing along to loud music to stay awake

If you feel sleepy, stop somewhere safe to rest. Continuing to drive while tired greatly increases your risk of collision (Highway Code Rule 91).

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