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Question

Difficulty: MediumSignals by Other Road Users

While driving along a residential street lined with parked vehicles, you notice white lights illuminated at the rear of a stationary car ahead. What do these lights indicate?

  1. A
    The driver is giving a signal for approaching traffic to overtake immediately
  2. The vehicle is in reverse gear and may begin moving backwardsAnswer
  3. C
    The driver has applied the parking brake to secure a parked position
  4. D
    The vehicle has experienced an electrical fault and is disabled

Answer

The vehicle is in reverse gear and may begin moving backwards.
White lights displayed at the rear of a vehicle illuminate automatically whenever reverse gear is engaged. This alerts other road users that the vehicle is either actively reversing or preparing to move backwards, requiring approaching drivers to reduce speed, remain alert, and be prepared to stop.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the colour and position of the illuminated lights on the observed vehicle
White lights are active specifically at the rear of the car
Vehicle lighting colour coding is standardized under the Highway Code to communicate specific actions.
2
Apply the Highway Code rule for rear white vehicle lights
Determine that reverse gear has been engaged by the driver
White rear lights only activate when the reverse gear is selected, signaling potential rearward travel.
3
Assess the immediate road risk and plan driver response
Anticipate that the vehicle may pull out or reverse into the carriageway and prepare to give way
Drivers reversing often have restricted visibility and require additional space and caution from approaching traffic.

Key Concept

Vehicle reversing lights and hazard anticipation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Signals by Other Road Users

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