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Rules of the Road: all 42 questions and answers

Question 1

What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway?

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

The national speed limit for cars on a single carriageway is 60 mph. On dual carriageways and motorways, the limit is 70 mph.

Question 2

You are driving on a road with double white lines in the centre. What does a broken white line on your side mean?

  1. You must not cross the lines at any time
  2. You may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe
  3. You must keep to the left of the lines at all times
  4. You should only cross the lines when turning right

If the line nearest to you is broken, you may cross it to overtake if safe. However, if the line nearest you is continuous, you must not cross it except to enter a side road or property.

Question 3

What does a single yellow line along the edge of the road mean?

  1. No parking at any time
  2. No stopping at any time
  3. Waiting restrictions apply at certain times
  4. Parking is allowed for residents only

A single yellow line means that waiting restrictions apply at certain times. Check the nearby signs or plates to find out when the restrictions are in force.

Question 4

At a crossroads, there are no road signs or traffic lights. Two vehicles arrive at the same time. Who has priority?

  1. The vehicle on the right
  2. The vehicle on the left
  3. The larger vehicle
  4. No one has priority

At an unmarked crossroads, no one has priority. You should proceed with great caution and be prepared to give way to other traffic.

Question 5

What does a red traffic light mean?

  1. Stop behind the stop line
  2. Stop only if there is traffic approaching
  3. Slow down and proceed with caution
  4. You may go if the road is clear

A red traffic light means you MUST stop behind the stop line. You must not go through a red light under any circumstances, even if the road appears clear.

Question 6

Where should you NOT park your vehicle?

  1. In a marked parking bay
  2. On the left-hand side of the road at night
  3. On the brow of a hill
  4. In a large car park

You should not park on the brow of a hill as it reduces visibility for other drivers approaching from either direction. It can be a serious hazard.

Question 7

You are parking at night on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph. You must

  1. Leave your sidelights on
  2. Park facing the traffic
  3. Park on the right-hand side
  4. Use your hazard warning lights

On roads with a speed limit greater than 30 mph, you must leave your sidelights (parking lights) on when parked at night. This ensures other drivers can see your vehicle.

Question 8

How far from a junction should you NOT park?

  1. 5 metres (16 feet)
  2. 10 metres (32 feet)
  3. 15 metres (49 feet)
  4. 20 metres (66 feet)

You should not park within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction. Parking too close to a junction can obstruct the view of drivers emerging from the side road.

Question 9

What does a box junction with yellow criss-cross lines mean?

  1. You may wait in the box if your exit is clear
  2. You must not enter the box unless your exit is clear
  3. Priority traffic is allowed to wait in the box
  4. You must stop before entering the box

You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear. The only exception is if you are turning right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.

Question 10

What does a circular road sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing up mean?

  1. One-way street
  2. Ahead only
  3. No entry
  4. Keep left

A circular blue sign with a white upward arrow means 'Ahead only'. You must proceed straight ahead and not turn left or right.

Question 11

You see a bus lane sign that shows it operates 'Mon-Fri 7:00-10:00'. What does this mean?

  1. The lane can be used by any vehicle outside these times
  2. The lane is always reserved for buses
  3. Only buses can use it any day of the week
  4. All traffic must use the bus lane during these times

Bus lanes that operate during specific times are only reserved during those hours. Outside the stated times, they can be used by all traffic unless signs say otherwise.

Question 12

What is the speed limit in a built-up area unless signs show otherwise?

  1. 20 mph
  2. 30 mph
  3. 40 mph
  4. 50 mph

The default speed limit in a built-up area (where there are street lights) is 30 mph unless signs show otherwise. Look out for repeater signs showing a different limit.

Question 13

You're driving on a road with street lights and no speed limit signs. What speed limit should you assume applies in England?

  1. 30 mph
  2. 40 mph
  3. 50 mph
  4. 60 mph

A 30 mph limit generally applies to all roads with street lights in England unless signs show otherwise. In Wales, the equivalent default is 20 mph (Highway Code Rule 124).

Question 14

The road ahead is wet after heavy rain. Compared with dry conditions, what time gap should you leave to the vehicle in front?

  1. The same two seconds
  2. At least four seconds
  3. One second is enough
  4. Ten seconds at all times

You should leave at least a two-second gap on high-speed roads and double it to four seconds on wet roads. On ice it can take up to ten times longer to stop (Highway Code Rule 126).

Question 15

When are you allowed to cross double white lines when the solid line is nearest to you?

  1. To overtake any vehicle travelling below the speed limit
  2. Whenever the road ahead is clear
  3. To overtake a cyclist travelling at 10 mph or less
  4. To save time in slow-moving traffic

You MUST NOT cross or straddle double white lines with the solid line nearest you unless entering premises or a side road, passing a stationary vehicle, or overtaking a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or less (Highway Code Rule 129).

Question 16

You see an area of diagonal white stripes in the middle of the road bordered by solid white lines. What does this mean?

  1. You may enter it to overtake
  2. You may enter it to turn right
  3. It marks a parking area
  4. You must not enter it except in an emergency

Where the diagonal stripes are bordered by solid white lines, you MUST NOT enter the area except in an emergency. If bordered by a broken line, you should not enter unless necessary and safe (Highway Code Rule 130).

Question 17

You're on a two-lane dual carriageway and not overtaking or turning right. Where should you drive?

  1. In the left-hand lane
  2. In the right-hand lane
  3. Straddling both lanes
  4. In whichever lane has less traffic

On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane, using the right lane only for overtaking or turning right, and return left when it's safe (Highway Code Rule 137).

Question 18

A cycle lane alongside your lane is marked by a solid white line. During its times of operation, what must you do?

  1. Use it when traffic is heavy
  2. Not drive or park in it
  3. Only park in it for under two minutes
  4. Drive in it if no cyclists are visible

You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation, and you should give way to cyclists using cycle lanes (Highway Code Rule 140).

Question 19

What's the key rule when driving in a one-way street?

  1. Keep to the right at all times
  2. Overtake only on the left
  3. You may reverse against the flow if it's clear
  4. Choose the correct lane for your exit as early as possible

In one-way streets, traffic MUST travel in the indicated direction and you should choose the correct lane for your exit early (Highway Code Rule 143).

Question 20

When are you permitted to drive over a pavement or footpath?

  1. When passing a parked lorry
  2. To gain lawful access to a property or in an emergency
  3. When the road is congested
  4. When parking for a short period

You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement, footpath or bridleway except to gain lawful access to property or in an emergency (Highway Code Rule 145).

Question 21

What routine should you follow before signalling and changing direction or speed?

  1. Signal, brake, look
  2. Manoeuvre, signal, mirrors
  3. Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre
  4. Horn, signal, manoeuvre

Use your mirrors frequently before signalling or changing direction or speed, remembering that blind spots exist: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (Highway Code Rule 161).

Question 22

How much space should you give a cyclist when overtaking at speeds of up to 30 mph?

  1. At least 0.5 metres
  2. At least 1 metre
  3. At least 2.5 metres
  4. At least 1.5 metres

When overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, leave at least 1.5 metres of space. Horse riders should be given at least 2 metres (Highway Code Rule 163).

Question 23

How much room should you allow when overtaking a horse rider?

  1. At least 2 metres
  2. At least 1 metre
  3. At least 1.5 metres
  4. The same as for a car

You should allow at least 2 metres of space when overtaking horse riders, compared with at least 1.5 metres for cyclists at up to 30 mph (Highway Code Rule 163).

Question 24

Why should you drop back before overtaking a large vehicle?

  1. To let it accelerate away
  2. To improve your view of the road ahead
  3. To read its number plate
  4. To reduce fuel consumption

Dropping back when preparing to overtake a large vehicle improves your visibility of the road ahead and ensures you have sufficient room (Highway Code Rule 164).

Question 25

Another vehicle is overtaking you. What should you do?

  1. Speed up to stay ahead
  2. Move to the right to block it
  3. Brake sharply
  4. Maintain a steady course and don't obstruct it

When being overtaken, maintain a steady course and speed and never obstruct the overtaking vehicle. If it pulls in ahead, drop back to keep a two-second gap (Highway Code Rule 168).

Question 26

You're driving a slow vehicle and a long queue has built up behind you. What should you do?

  1. Check your mirrors and pull in safely to let traffic pass
  2. Wave traffic past on a bend
  3. Speed up beyond your comfort level
  4. Ignore the queue and continue

Don't hold up long queues of traffic. Check your mirrors frequently and pull in where it's safe to let traffic pass (Highway Code Rule 169).

Question 27

You reach a junction controlled by a 'Stop' sign. The road looks clear. What must you do?

  1. Slow down and proceed if clear
  2. Stop behind the line before entering a safe gap in traffic
  3. Sound your horn and continue
  4. Give way only if traffic approaches

At a junction with a 'Stop' sign you MUST stop behind the line, even if the road appears clear, before entering a safe gap in the traffic (Highway Code Rule 171).

Question 28

You're emerging from a side road onto a main road where the junction has broken white lines across it. What should you do?

  1. Emerge quickly before traffic arrives
  2. Stop for at least three seconds
  3. Give way to traffic on the main road
  4. Flash your headlights to claim priority

Broken white lines across a junction mean you should give way to traffic on the main road before emerging (Highway Code Rule 172).

Question 29

You're crossing a dual carriageway and the central reservation is too narrow for the length of your vehicle. What should you do?

  1. Wait in the central reservation anyway
  2. Cross the first half and stop with your vehicle overhanging
  3. Reverse back if traffic approaches
  4. Wait until you can cross both carriageways in one movement

If the central reservation cannot accommodate the full length of your vehicle, you should wait until you can cross both halves of the dual carriageway in one manoeuvre (Highway Code Rule 173).

Question 30

When may you enter a yellow box junction while waiting to turn right?

  1. When your exit road is clear but oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles are stopping you
  2. Whenever you're turning right, regardless of the exit
  3. Only when a green filter arrow shows
  4. Never - right turns are treated the same as going ahead

You MUST NOT enter a box junction until your exit is clear, except when turning right and you're prevented from doing so only by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right (Highway Code Rule 174).

Question 31

The traffic lights turn amber as you approach the stop line. When may you continue?

  1. Whenever no pedestrians are waiting
  2. If you've already crossed the line or stopping might cause a collision
  3. If you're travelling under 30 mph
  4. Amber always means continue with caution

Amber means stop at the stop line. You may only continue if you have already crossed the line or if stopping might cause a collision (Highway Code Rule 175).

Question 32

The traffic light is green but traffic is queuing across the junction ahead. What should you do?

  1. Proceed - green means go
  2. Edge forward and wait in the junction
  3. Only proceed if there is room to clear the junction safely
  4. Sound your horn to move the queue

A green light allows you to proceed only if there is room for you to clear the junction safely. Do not enter and block it (Highway Code Rule 176).

Question 33

At traffic lights you see an advanced stop line with a marked area for cyclists. The light turns red. Where must you stop?

  1. Inside the cyclist area if it's empty
  2. Level with the traffic lights
  3. Just past the second line
  4. At the first white line, keeping the cyclist area clear

When amber or red shows, motorists must stop at the first white line and avoid blocking the marked area reserved for cyclists (Highway Code Rule 178).

Question 34

Two vehicles facing each other at a crossroads are both turning right. Which method is generally safer?

  1. Turning right side to right side
  2. Turning left side to left side
  3. Whichever driver moves first chooses
  4. Both waiting for a police officer

At crossroads, turning right side to right side is generally the safer method, as turning left side to left side blocks each driver's view of oncoming traffic (Highway Code Rule 181).

Question 35

You're about to turn left into a side road. What should you watch for just before turning?

  1. Traffic overtaking you on the right only
  2. Cyclists coming up on your left
  3. Vehicles emerging far ahead
  4. Pedestrians on the opposite pavement

Before turning left, use your mirrors and signal in good time, do not overtake just before the turn, and watch out for traffic - especially cyclists - coming up on your left (Highway Code Rule 182).

Question 36

Unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, who has priority when you're entering a roundabout?

  1. Traffic already signalling left
  2. The largest vehicle approaching
  3. Traffic approaching from your right
  4. Traffic approaching from your left

When entering a roundabout, give priority to traffic approaching from your right unless signs, road markings or traffic lights indicate otherwise (Highway Code Rule 185).

Question 37

What should you avoid doing at a mini-roundabout?

  1. Giving way to the right
  2. Passing around the central markings
  3. Signalling your exit
  4. Making a U-turn

Approach mini-roundabouts as you would normal roundabouts and pass around the central markings, but avoid making U-turns at them (Highway Code Rule 188).

Question 38

A pedestrian is waiting at a zebra crossing as you approach. What should you do?

  1. Give way, and you must give way once they move onto the crossing
  2. Wave them across quickly
  3. Continue if you're in a hurry
  4. Sound your horn to warn them

Look out for pedestrians waiting at zebra crossings and give way to them; you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing. Never wave, flash or sound your horn to invite them across (Highway Code Rule 195).

Question 39

At a pelican crossing, the amber light is flashing. What must you do?

  1. Stop and wait for green
  2. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing
  3. Proceed - the crossing is closed
  4. Treat it as a green light

At a pelican crossing, flashing amber means you MUST give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing; if it's clear, you may proceed (Highway Code Rule 196).

Question 40

You're parking your car at night on a road with a 30 mph limit and no parking lights. What must you ensure?

  1. You're within 5 metres of a street light
  2. You're on the right-hand side of the road
  3. Your hazard lights are left on
  4. You're at least 10 metres from a junction and facing the direction of traffic

Cars may park without lights on a road with a 30 mph limit or less, provided they are at least 10 metres from any junction and facing the direction of the traffic flow (Highway Code Rule 250).

Question 41

You're parking facing uphill on a road with a kerb. Which way should you turn your steering wheel?

  1. Away from the kerb
  2. Towards the kerb
  3. Keep the wheels straight
  4. It makes no difference if the handbrake is on

When parking facing uphill, turn your wheels away from the kerb; facing downhill, turn them towards the kerb. Always apply the handbrake firmly (Highway Code Rule 252).

Question 42

You're approaching a level crossing where the red lights are flashing but the barriers haven't lowered yet. What must you do?

  1. Cross quickly before the barriers come down
  2. Zigzag around the barriers if clear
  3. Stop and comply with the flashing red lights
  4. Wait only if you can see a train

At level crossings you must comply with the flashing red stop lights and never stop or park on the crossing itself. Approach cautiously, ensuring the road ahead is clear (Highway Code Rules 291-299).

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