Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardStopping and the Hard Shoulder

After resolving an emergency stop on a motorway hard shoulder, you are preparing to resume your journey. How should you safely rejoin the active carriageway?

  1. A
    Move directly from a stationary position into the left-hand live lane while keeping hazard warning lights flashing to alert oncoming drivers
  2. Build up speed along the hard shoulder to match the flow of traffic in the left-hand lane before merging safely into an open gapAnswer
  3. C
    Place a red warning triangle 45 metres behind the vehicle before accelerating straight across the solid line into the carriageway
  4. D
    Steer immediately into the live lane at a sharp angle once the mirrors show an opening, without accelerating along the shoulder

Answer

Build up speed along the hard shoulder to match the flow of traffic in the left-hand lane before merging safely into an open gap
Under Rule 274 of the UK Highway Code, when rejoining the carriageway from the hard shoulder, you should build up speed on the hard shoulder itself. This allows you to match the speed of vehicles in the left-hand lane, look for a safe gap in the traffic, and signal your intention to merge without disrupting the flow of traffic or forcing other drivers to brake.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check ahead along the hard shoulder for any obstructions or stationary breakdown vehicles
Clear path confirmed along the hard shoulder for acceleration
You need sufficient clear space on the hard shoulder to gain appropriate driving speed before attempting to merge
2
Accelerate along the hard shoulder while scanning mirrors and blind spots for a safe gap in lane 1
Vehicle speed matches the prevailing speed of moving traffic in the left-hand lane
Matching vehicle speed prevents forcing live lane traffic to brake or swerve abruptly
3
Indicate right and smoothly steer across the solid white line into the identified gap in traffic
Safe integration into the motorway flow
Proper signalling and smooth lane positioning complete the rejoining procedure in compliance with Highway Code Rule 274

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 274: Building speed on the hard shoulder before rejoining motorway traffic
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Stopping and the Hard Shoulder

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