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Motorway Rules: all 42 questions and answers

Question 1

What is the national speed limit on a motorway for cars and motorcycles?

  1. 50 mph
  2. 60 mph
  3. 70 mph
  4. 80 mph

The national speed limit on motorways for cars and motorcycles is 70 mph. This is also the maximum, not a target, and you should always drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions.

Question 2

When can you use the hard shoulder of a motorway?

  1. To overtake slow-moving traffic
  2. To take a phone call
  3. In an emergency or breakdown
  4. To have a short rest

The hard shoulder should only be used in a genuine emergency or breakdown. It is dangerous to stop on the hard shoulder for any other reason. On smart motorways, check signs as the hard shoulder may be a running lane.

Question 3

You have broken down on a motorway. What should you do after pulling onto the hard shoulder?

  1. Stay in your vehicle and wait for help
  2. Try to repair the vehicle yourself
  3. Get out via the left-hand door and wait behind the barrier
  4. Put on your hazard lights and walk to the nearest exit

If you break down on a motorway hard shoulder, get out of the vehicle via the left-hand (nearside) door and wait behind the crash barrier away from the traffic. Use an emergency telephone to call for help.

Question 4

What do red flashing lights above every lane on a motorway mean?

  1. Slow down and prepare to stop
  2. You must not go beyond the signal in any lane
  3. Change lanes to an open lane
  4. Leave the motorway at the next exit

Red flashing lights above every lane of a motorway mean you MUST stop. There is a serious hazard ahead such as an accident, obstruction, or closure. Do not proceed beyond the signals.

Question 5

Which of the following vehicles are NOT allowed on the motorway?

  1. Cars towing caravans
  2. Motorcycles over 50cc
  3. Learner drivers with L plates in a car
  4. Large goods vehicles

Learner drivers who hold a provisional licence and are displaying L plates are not permitted on the motorway unless they are with an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car.

Question 6

You are on a three-lane motorway. When should you use the right-hand lane?

  1. For normal driving at any speed
  2. Only for overtaking
  3. When the other lanes are empty
  4. When the speed limit is above 60 mph

On a three-lane motorway, the right-hand lane is for overtaking only. After overtaking, you should move back to the centre or left-hand lane when it is safe to do so.

Question 7

You miss your exit on a motorway. What should you do?

  1. Reverse back along the hard shoulder
  2. Make a U-turn at the next gap in the central reservation
  3. Continue to the next exit
  4. Stop on the hard shoulder and walk back

If you miss your exit on a motorway, you MUST continue to the next exit. Never reverse, make a U-turn, or stop on the motorway. It is extremely dangerous and illegal.

Question 8

What is a smart motorway?

  1. A motorway with automatic toll booths
  2. A motorway that uses technology to manage traffic flow, including opening the hard shoulder as a running lane
  3. A motorway only accessible by electric vehicles
  4. A motorway with free Wi-Fi

A smart motorway uses technology such as variable speed limits and opening the hard shoulder to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion. Always obey the overhead signs.

Question 9

What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left lane of a motorway?

  1. White
  2. Red
  3. Amber
  4. Green

Red reflective studs mark the left edge of the carriageway (between the running lane and the hard shoulder). White studs mark lane boundaries, amber studs mark the central reservation, and green studs mark slip roads.

Question 10

You are joining a motorway. What should you do?

  1. Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
  2. Use the slip road to build up speed and match the speed of traffic on the motorway
  3. Drive slowly along the hard shoulder until you find a gap
  4. Flash your headlights to signal to traffic on the motorway

Use the slip road to build up speed to match traffic on the motorway. Signal your intention to join and merge into a safe gap in the traffic.

Question 11

What should you do if you feel tired while driving on a motorway?

  1. Stop on the hard shoulder for a nap
  2. Open the windows and turn up the radio
  3. Leave at the next exit or services and take a break
  4. Increase your speed to reach your destination sooner

If you feel tired on a motorway, leave at the next exit or service station and take a proper break. Do not stop on the hard shoulder except in an emergency. Opening windows is only a temporary measure.

Question 12

You see amber coloured reflective studs on a motorway. What do they indicate?

  1. The edge of the carriageway
  2. A slip road
  3. The central reservation
  4. Lane dividers

Amber studs mark the central reservation, which is the barrier between the carriageways. This helps drivers identify the edge of the road, particularly at night or in poor visibility.

Question 13

What does a red 'X' displayed above a motorway lane mean?

  1. The lane is for emergency vehicles only
  2. You must not drive in that lane
  3. The lane ends in 800 yards
  4. Overtaking in that lane is prohibited

A red 'X' means the lane is closed — it may contain people working, a broken-down vehicle or debris. You MUST move into an open lane as soon as it is safe and must not drive in a closed lane (Highway Code Rule 258).

Question 14

You see amber flashing lights on a motorway signal. What should you do?

  1. Stop immediately in your lane
  2. Reduce speed and be prepared for a hazard ahead
  3. Move to the hard shoulder
  4. Maintain your speed but turn on hazard lights

Amber flashing lights warn of a hazard ahead such as an incident, fog or a spillage. Reduce your speed and only speed up again when you pass a signal that isn't flashing or an 'END' sign (Highway Code Rule 257).

Question 15

Who has priority when you're joining a motorway from a slip road?

  1. You, because you're joining
  2. Traffic already on the motorway
  3. Whoever is travelling faster
  4. Vehicles in the left-hand lane must move over for you

Traffic already on the motorway has priority. Adjust your speed on the slip road to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane (Highway Code Rule 259).

Question 16

You've just joined a motorway. What should you do?

  1. Move straight to the middle lane
  2. Overtake slower traffic as soon as possible
  3. Stay in the left-hand lane until you're used to the speed of the traffic
  4. Drive on the hard shoulder until a gap appears

After joining, remain in the left-hand lane long enough to get used to the speed of the traffic before considering overtaking (Highway Code Rule 259).

Question 17

When may you reverse on a motorway?

  1. If you miss your exit and traffic is light
  2. On the hard shoulder only
  3. Never, unless directed to do so by the police
  4. At night when the road is empty

You must not reverse on a motorway, cross the central reservation, or drive against the traffic flow — unless directed to by the police or traffic officers (Highway Code Rule 263).

Question 18

You're driving on a three-lane motorway and not overtaking. Which lane should you use?

  1. The left-hand lane
  2. The middle lane
  3. The right-hand lane
  4. Any lane, as long as you keep to the speed limit

You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear, and return to it after overtaking. 'Middle-lane hogging' can lead to a fixed penalty (Highway Code Rule 264).

Question 19

When may you overtake on the left on a motorway?

  1. Whenever the left lane is moving faster
  2. When traffic is congested and your lane is moving faster than the lane on your right
  3. When the vehicle in front is a lorry
  4. Only between midnight and 6 am

Never move into a lane on your left to overtake. However, in congested conditions where traffic is moving slowly in queues, you may keep pace with your own lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right (Highway Code Rule 268).

Question 20

Before overtaking on a motorway you should

  1. flash your headlights at the vehicle in front
  2. check your mirrors and blind spot, then signal in good time
  3. sound your horn and move out
  4. accelerate first, then check your mirrors

Before overtaking, check your mirrors, take time to judge the speeds correctly, make sure the lane is clear, check your blind spot and signal before you move out. Don't cut back in too sharply afterwards (Highway Code Rule 267).

Question 21

Which vehicles must not use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?

  1. Motorcycles under 500cc
  2. Cars towing trailers and heavy goods vehicles
  3. Electric vehicles
  4. Vehicles carrying more than four passengers

The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes must not be used by vehicles towing trailers, heavy goods vehicles, and certain buses and coaches (Highway Code Rule 265).

Question 22

What are emergency areas on a smart motorway marked with?

  1. Green signs with a white cross
  2. Blue signs showing an orange SOS telephone symbol
  3. Red boards with white arrows
  4. Amber flashing beacons

Emergency areas are found on motorways without a hard shoulder and are marked by blue signs with an SOS telephone symbol. They must only be used in an emergency (Highway Code Rule 270).

Question 23

When may you stop on a motorway carriageway?

  1. To answer a mobile phone call
  2. To check a route map
  3. In an emergency, or when signalled to by police or signs
  4. To let a passenger out

You must not stop on the carriageway, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge except in an emergency, or when told to do so by the police, traffic officers or signals (Highway Code Rules 271-272).

Question 24

You're leaving the motorway at the next exit. When should you move into the left-hand lane?

  1. As you pass the exit slip road
  2. Well before you reach the exit
  3. At the last moment, to keep traffic flowing
  4. Only when the countdown markers appear

Watch for signs for your exit, move into the left-hand lane well before reaching it, and signal left in good time before reducing speed on the slip road (Highway Code Rule 273).

Question 25

After leaving a motorway, why should you check your speedometer?

  1. Your speed may be higher than you think after sustained motorway driving
  2. Motorway driving damages the speedometer
  3. Speed cameras are more common on slip roads
  4. Your tyres will have expanded, making the reading inaccurate

After driving at motorway speeds for some time, your actual speed can feel deceptively slow — 40 or 50 mph may feel like 30 mph. Check your speedometer and slow down, especially before sharp bends on slip roads (Highway Code Rule 274).

Question 26

On a smart motorway, the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane. How can you tell?

  1. A speed limit is displayed on the signal above it
  2. It's always a running lane during daylight hours
  3. Cones separate it from the other lanes
  4. A green arrow points onto it

On some smart motorways the hard shoulder may be opened as a running lane — shown by a speed limit displayed on the signal above it. If a red 'X' or blank signal is shown, you must not use it except in an emergency (Highway Code Rule 269).

Question 27

Why should you check your mirrors earlier than normal when driving on a motorway?

  1. Mirrors vibrate more at high speed
  2. Traffic behind approaches much more quickly
  3. It's a legal requirement on motorways
  4. There are more lanes to monitor

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so situations change more rapidly behind you. Check your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than you would on other roads (Highway Code Rule 254).

Question 28

A signal above your lane shows a different instruction from the signals above other lanes. What does this mean?

  1. The signal is faulty and can be ignored
  2. The instruction applies only to your lane
  3. The instruction applies to the whole carriageway
  4. You should change lanes immediately

Signals located over individual lanes apply only to that lane, while a single signal at the roadside or on the central reservation applies to all lanes (Highway Code Rule 256).

Question 29

You're towing a caravan on a motorway. What is your maximum speed limit?

  1. 50 mph
  2. 60 mph
  3. 70 mph
  4. 40 mph

Cars towing caravans or trailers are limited to 60 mph on motorways, and must not use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes (Highway Code Rules 124 and 265).

Question 30

Which of these is allowed to use a motorway?

  1. A cyclist
  2. A horse rider
  3. A motorcycle over 50cc
  4. A powered wheelchair

Motorways must not be used by pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcycles under 50cc, agricultural vehicles, powered wheelchairs or most slow-moving vehicles. Motorcycles over 50cc are permitted (Highway Code Rule 253).

Question 31

A learner driver with a provisional car licence wants to drive on the motorway. When is this allowed?

  1. Never, until they pass their test
  2. When accompanied by any full licence holder
  3. When with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls and L-plates
  4. Only between 10 am and 4 pm

Provisional car licence holders may only drive on a motorway when accompanied by an approved driving instructor, in a car fitted with dual controls and displaying L-plates (Highway Code Rule 253).

Question 32

Long motorway journeys can make you feel drowsy. What should you do to help stay alert?

  1. Open a window and turn the radio up loud
  2. Take regular breaks and use service areas
  3. Drive faster to finish the journey sooner
  4. Stop briefly on the hard shoulder to rest

The monotony of motorway driving can cause fatigue. Plan regular breaks — at least 15 minutes every two hours — and use service areas. Never stop on the hard shoulder to rest (Highway Code Rules 91 and 262).

Question 33

You see an emergency vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder ahead. What should you do?

  1. Stop behind it to offer help
  2. Move into an adjacent lane if it's safe to do so
  3. Sound your horn as you pass
  4. Flash your headlights to warn them

If you see emergency or breakdown vehicles on the hard shoulder, move into the adjacent lane if you can do so safely, giving them plenty of room (Highway Code Rule 264).

Question 34

You're approaching a motorway junction where you need to change lanes. When should you plan your lane change?

  1. Just before the junction
  2. Well in advance, looking ahead for signals and road markings
  3. Only after the junction
  4. When another driver lets you in

Look much further ahead for signals and direction signs at junctions and get into the correct lane in plenty of time. Late lane changes at speed are dangerous (Highway Code Rule 266).

Question 35

You break down on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder and can't reach an emergency area. What should you do?

  1. Get out and stand in front of the vehicle
  2. Move as close to the left as possible, switch on hazard lights and call 999 if you can't exit safely
  3. Continue driving slowly in the left lane with hazard lights on
  4. Place a warning triangle behind your vehicle

If you can't reach an emergency area, move as far left as possible and switch on your hazard warning lights. If it's unsafe to leave the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on and call 999. Never place a warning triangle on a motorway (Highway Code Rules 276-277).

Question 36

You see debris fall from a lorry onto the motorway ahead. What should you do?

  1. Stop and remove it from the carriageway
  2. Swerve around it and continue without telling anyone
  3. Don't try to remove it — call the emergency services from a safe place
  4. Flash your lights at the lorry driver and follow them

Never attempt to remove an obstruction from a motorway yourself. Stop at the next emergency telephone or a safe place and call the emergency services (Highway Code Rule 280).

Question 37

A traffic officer signals you to pull over on the motorway. What must you do?

  1. Ignore them — only police can stop you
  2. Pull over and stop as soon as it's safe, then switch off your engine
  3. Slow down but continue to the next exit
  4. Stop immediately in your lane

Traffic officers have the power to stop vehicles on most motorways in England and Wales. You MUST pull over and stop as soon as it's safe to do so, and switch off your engine. Failing to comply is an offence (Highway Code Rule 108).

Question 38

When may you use hazard warning lights while driving on a motorway?

  1. Never while the vehicle is moving
  2. To warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead
  3. Whenever it's raining heavily
  4. When you're being overtaken by a large vehicle

You may use hazard warning lights briefly while moving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Use them only long enough for the warning to be seen (Highway Code Rule 116).

Question 39

In wet weather on a motorway, what should you do to your separation distance?

  1. Keep the same two-second gap
  2. At least double it to four seconds
  3. Reduce it so others can't cut in
  4. It doesn't matter at motorway speeds

In wet conditions stopping distances are at least doubled, so leave a gap of at least four seconds between you and the vehicle in front. Keep a steady speed and a safe distance (Highway Code Rules 126 and 260).

Question 40

What are motorway signals used to warn you about?

  1. Only speed limit changes
  2. Hazards ahead such as incidents, fog or spillages
  3. Upcoming service stations
  4. The distance to the next junction

Motorway signals warn of dangers ahead that you may not immediately be able to see, such as an incident, fog, a spillage, or road workers on the carriageway (Highway Code Rule 255).

Question 41

You're driving on a motorway and want to make a phone call. What should you do?

  1. Stop on the hard shoulder to make the call
  2. Make the call quickly while driving
  3. Wait and stop at a service area or leave at the next exit
  4. Slow down to 40 mph while calling

You must not stop on the motorway, hard shoulder or slip road to make a phone call except in a genuine emergency. Leave the motorway or use a service area (Highway Code Rule 271).

Question 42

After overtaking on a motorway, when should you return to the left-hand lane?

  1. Immediately, cutting in front of the vehicle you passed
  2. As soon as you're safely past the vehicle you overtook
  3. You can stay in the overtaking lane as long as you like
  4. Only when another vehicle flashes you

After overtaking, move back to the left as soon as it's safe — but don't cut in sharply on the vehicle you've just passed. Don't remain in the middle or right-hand lanes longer than necessary (Highway Code Rules 264 and 267).

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