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Question 1321Question →

Under the Highway Code for smart motorways, match each active traffic sign or signal to its corresponding legal requirement or function.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Red 'X' displayed on an overhead electronic gantry sign
White diagonal arrow pointing downwards to the left
Blue sign displaying an orange SOS telephone symbol
Number displayed inside a red circle on an electronic gantry

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Red 'X' matches 'The lane is closed and you must not drive in it'; White diagonal arrow pointing left matches 'You must safely change lanes to the left as the current lane closes ahead'; Blue sign with orange SOS phone matches 'Identifies an emergency area for vehicles experiencing a breakdown'; Number inside a red circle matches 'Indicates a mandatory maximum speed limit that must not be exceeded'.
On smart motorways, overhead signals convey specific legal instructions: an illuminated Red 'X' strictly prohibits driving in that lane; a diagonal arrow instructs drivers to change lanes safely ahead of a closure; the blue sign with an orange SOS phone marks an emergency area; and a speed limit displayed inside a red circle is a legally binding mandatory limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mandatory lane closure symbol
Match the Red 'X' to the closed lane rule prohibiting travel in that lane.
Highway Code Rule 258 makes driving in a lane beneath a Red 'X' illegal.
2
Identify the lane change instruction
Connect the white diagonal arrow pointing to the left with moving into the left lane.
Diagonal arrows warn drivers that their lane will close ahead and they must merge safely.
3
Identify the emergency refuge facility
Link the blue sign featuring an orange SOS phone to the emergency area.
Emergency areas provide a safe haven off live traffic lanes on smart motorways.
4
Identify the speed limit restriction sign
Match the number inside a red ring to a mandatory maximum speed limit.
Red circular borders denote mandatory legal restrictions under UK traffic law.

Key Concept

Smart motorway signals, lane control signs, and emergency refuge infrastructure
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1322Question →

You are driving at night on an unlit rural road and are following a cyclist ahead. Which action should you take regarding your headlights?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Switch to dipped headlights to avoid dazzling the cyclist

Answer

Switch to dipped headlights to prevent dazzling the cyclist ahead.
Switching to dipped headlights ensures sufficient forward visibility on unlit roads while preventing dazzle and glare in the cyclist's mirrors or vision, in accordance with Highway Code Rule 114.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vulnerable road user and environmental conditions.
Recognise that you are following a cyclist at night on an unlit road.
Cyclists are vulnerable road users who are especially sensitive to glare and loss of balance.
2
Apply the appropriate lighting rule according to Highway Code Rule 114.
Switch from main beam to dipped beam headlights while maintaining a safe following distance.
Dipped headlights project light downwards onto the tarmac, providing adequate forward visibility without reflecting intensely into the cyclist's eyes or mirrors.

Key Concept

Headlight management and dazzle prevention when following vulnerable road users at night
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1323Question →

While negotiating a bend on a wet road, your car begins to skid sideways as the rear tyres lose grip. In what way does Electronic Stability Control (ESC) intervene to help you maintain control?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: By automatically applying braking force to individual wheels and reducing engine torque to correct the vehicle's line

Answer

By automatically applying braking force to individual wheels and reducing engine torque to correct the vehicle's line
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) constantly monitors vehicle sensors (including wheel speed, steering angle, and yaw rate). When it detects that the car is beginning to slide sideways or rotate out of control, it automatically applies precise braking to specific individual wheels and momentarily reduces engine torque to pull the car back onto the driver's intended course.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle instability scenario described in the question
The vehicle is experiencing an oversteer skid where the rear tyres lose grip on a bend and swing outwards.
Recognizing whether the vehicle is suffering loss of lateral grip (skidding) or straight-line deceleration issues determines which safety system operates and how it responds.
2
Determine the functional operation of Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC uses yaw and steering sensors to detect deviations from the intended path, selectively braking individual wheels (such as the outer front wheel in an oversteer situation) and reducing engine power.
Selective braking creates an opposing rotational force (corrective yaw moment) that rotates the vehicle back into alignment with the steered path.

Key Concept

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) dynamic intervention via individual wheel braking and engine torque management
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1324Question →

Unless signs indicate a different restriction, what is the national speed limit for a car traveling on a single carriageway road?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 60 mph

Answer

60 mph
According to the UK Highway Code, the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on a single carriageway road is 60 mph when no other speed limit is signed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle classification and road type from the scenario.
The vehicle is a standard passenger car and the road type is a single carriageway with no posted speed limit signs.
National speed limits in the UK vary depending on the road category and whether the vehicle is towing or belongs to a commercial class.
2
Apply the official UK Highway Code national speed limit rule for cars on single carriageways.
The national speed limit is 60 mph.
Single carriageways lack a central reservation, so the limit is set 10 mph lower than that of dual carriageways (70 mph) to reduce collision risk.

Key Concept

National speed limit on single carriageways for cars and motorcycles
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1325Question →

Under the UK Highway Code, national speed limits vary depending on the vehicle configuration and the road type being used. Match each driving scenario to its correct maximum legal speed limit where no specific signs indicate otherwise.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

A solo passenger car driving on a road with regular street lighting and no speed limit signs
A car towing a trailer on an unposted single carriageway
A car towing a caravan on an unposted dual carriageway
A solo passenger car on an unposted motorway

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

A solo car on a street-lit road matches 30 mph; a car towing a trailer on a single carriageway matches 50 mph; a car towing a caravan on a dual carriageway matches 60 mph; a solo car on a motorway matches 70 mph.
Each pairing reflects the statutory Highway Code speed limit: street-lit roads without signage default to 30 mph; cars towing trailers on single carriageways are limited to 50 mph; cars towing caravans on dual carriageways are limited to 60 mph; and solo cars on motorways are permitted up to 70 mph.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the speed limit for roads with street lighting
30 mph applies to roads with regular street lighting unless signed otherwise.
The Highway Code establishes 30 mph as the standard limit in built-up areas with street lights.
2
Determine the speed limit for a car towing a trailer on a single carriageway
50 mph applies to vehicles towing trailers on single carriageways.
Towing configurations reduce the national single carriageway limit from 60 mph to 50 mph.
3
Determine the speed limit for a car towing a caravan on a dual carriageway
60 mph applies to vehicles towing caravans on dual carriageways.
Towing configurations reduce the national dual carriageway limit from 70 mph to 60 mph.
4
Determine the speed limit for a solo car on a motorway
70 mph applies to solo passenger cars on motorways.
70 mph is the default national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on motorways.

Key Concept

UK National Speed Limits by Road Classification and Vehicle Category
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1326Question →

As you approach a give-way junction on a street covered in compacted snow, you need to bring your vehicle to a complete stop safely. In what sequence should you carry out the following actions?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence is: check mirrors to assess following traffic, ease off the accelerator early to utilise engine braking, apply gentle and progressive footbrake pressure over an extended distance, and depress the clutch pedal just before coming to a complete stop.
The correct sequence applies the standard observation and speed-control routine tailored for wintry conditions. First, checking mirrors ensures you know what is behind before slowing. Second, easing off the accelerator early utilises engine braking to scrub off speed smoothly. Third, progressive and gentle footbrake pressure brings the car down to crawling speed over an extended distance. Finally, depressing the clutch just before stopping prevents engine stalling without compromising control through coasting.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check interior and exterior mirrors before initiating deceleration.
You establish situational awareness regarding vehicles following behind.
On slippery surfaces, following drivers may need additional distance to react and slow down safely.
2
Release the accelerator pedal smoothly well ahead of the junction.
Engine drag begins reducing momentum without requiring friction braking.
Engine braking minimises initial demands on tyre traction, reducing the chance of breaking grip.
3
Apply gentle, progressive pressure to the footbrake pedal.
The vehicle continues to decelerate steadily over a prolonged distance.
Snow and ice significantly increase stopping distances; progressive braking prevents wheel lock.
4
Depress the clutch pedal immediately prior to reaching a full stop.
The engine is disengaged right at the point of stopping to prevent stalling.
Depressing the clutch too early causes coasting, which reduces vehicle stability and removes engine braking.

Key Concept

Controlled deceleration and braking technique on snow and ice
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1327Question →

You are preparing to turn left from a main road into a side road and notice a pedestrian waiting to cross at the junction. Which TWO actions should you take?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Give way and allow the pedestrian to cross before completing your turn; Wait patiently without revving your engine or edging forward

Answer

Give way and allow the pedestrian to cross before completing your turn, and wait patiently without revving your engine or edging forward.
According to the Highway Code (Rule H2 and the Hierarchy of Road Users), drivers turning into a side road must give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross. Drivers must wait patiently and avoid aggressive actions such as revving the engine or creeping forward, which could intimidate the pedestrian.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pedestrian waiting to cross at the junction
Recognise the pedestrian as a priority road user under the Highway Code
Rule H2 of the Highway Code states that drivers turning into a road should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross or already crossing
2
Bring the vehicle to a safe stop before the turn and remain stationary
Pedestrian can safely cross without feeling pressured or rushed
Edging forward or revving the engine can intimidate vulnerable road users and cause panic
3
Avoid flashing headlights or waving the pedestrian across
Prevents giving misleading signals that could place the pedestrian at risk from other traffic
Flashing headlights only indicates presence and must not be used to beckon other road users

Key Concept

Pedestrian priority at junctions under Highway Code Rule H2
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1328Question →

Place the following actions in the recommended chronological order for dealing with severe tiredness during a long journey, in accordance with official DVSA and Highway Code guidance.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: (1) Ensure fresh air circulation while driving to the next exit or service area, (2) Park securely in an authorised parking bay, (3) Drink two cups of caffeinated coffee, and (4) Take a short 15-minute nap.
According to The Highway Code (Rule 91), the only effective remedies for driver tiredness are rest and sleep. If drowsiness occurs while driving, opening a window or increasing ventilation offers short-term alertness solely to help reach the next safe exit or service area. Once parked safely and legally off the active highway, drinking two cups of caffeinated coffee followed immediately by a short nap of around 15 minutes ensures the caffeine reaches peak effectiveness in the bloodstream just as the nap concludes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Maintain ventilation and navigate to a safe stopping location.
Temporary alertness is maintained until exiting the live traffic flow.
Highway Code Rule 91 specifies that temporary measures like opening a window only provide brief relief until you can safely leave the road.
2
Bring the vehicle to a secure halt in an authorised parking space.
The car is safely parked away from active carriageways and hard shoulders.
Stopping on motorway hard shoulders or emergency areas is strictly prohibited for resting or sleeping.
3
Consume high-caffeine beverages before resting.
Caffeine begins the absorption process into the bloodstream.
Caffeine takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to take pharmacological effect.
4
Rest and sleep for approximately 15 minutes.
Fatigue is reduced by combining a brief rest cycle with the activating effect of caffeine upon waking.
Combining a 15-minute nap with prior caffeine consumption is the proven countermeasure endorsed by the DVSA.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 91: Safe sequential counter-measures for driver fatigue
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1329Question →

You are driving in the middle lane of a three-lane motorway and have just overtaken a slower vehicle. The left-hand lane ahead is clear. What should you do next?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Move across to the left-hand lane as soon as it is safe to do so

Answer

Move across to the left-hand lane as soon as it is safe to do so
According to the Highway Code, the left-hand lane is the standard driving lane on all motorways. Middle and right-hand lanes are designated strictly for overtaking. Once an overtaking manoeuvre is completed and the left lane is clear, the driver must return to the left-hand lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Complete the overtaking manoeuvre and assess surrounding road space using mirrors and blind spot checks
Confirm that the vehicle just overtaken is a safe distance behind and the left-hand lane ahead is clear
Observations ensure that changing lanes does not cut across the path of the overtaken vehicle
2
Signal if necessary and move smoothly back into the left-hand lane
The vehicle is positioned in the primary driving lane
The Highway Code requires drivers to keep to the left-hand lane on motorways whenever it is clear

Key Concept

Returning to the left-hand lane after completing an overtaking manoeuvre on a motorway
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1330Question →

What is the primary benefit of using an emergency roadside telephone rather than a mobile phone when calling for assistance from a motorway hard shoulder?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The emergency operator can pinpoint your exact location immediately

Answer

The emergency operator can pinpoint your exact location immediately
Emergency roadside telephones are numbered and connected directly to police or National Highways control centres. This enables operators to identify your precise location, marker post reference, and direction of travel instantly, eliminating confusion and speeding up emergency response.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary operational advantage of fixed motorway emergency infrastructure
Emergency roadside telephones are linked directly to highway control centres with precise reference data
Drivers in distress on high-speed roads often struggle to accurately describe their exact position or carriageway direction on a mobile phone
2
Evaluate the safety and response benefits
Automatic location identification speeds up emergency dispatch and ensures recovery teams arrive at the correct side of the motorway
Pinpointing location immediately prevents dangerous delays and misdirected emergency services

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 275 regarding roadside emergency telephones and location accuracy during motorway breakdowns
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1331Question →

The national speed limit for a solo passenger car travelling on a motorway is 70 mph.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True
The statement is correct because the statutory national speed limit for a solo passenger car on a motorway is 70 mph unless specific road signs or variable speed gantries specify a different limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle category and road classification from the statement.
The vehicle is a solo passenger car (not towing) and the road is a motorway.
Speed limits under the UK Highway Code are determined by the combination of vehicle type and road type.
2
Recall the statutory national speed limit for a solo car on a motorway.
The statutory national speed limit is 70 mph.
Under UK law, cars travelling on motorways are permitted to drive up to a maximum speed of 70 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.

Key Concept

Motorway national speed limits for solo passenger cars
Estimated Time:30s
Question 1332Question →

You are driving a car along a road that has two lanes for each direction of travel, separated by a physical central reservation with crash barriers. In the absence of street lighting or posted speed limit signs, what is the maximum legal speed limit?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 70 mph

Answer

70 mph
A road with a physical central reservation dividing opposing directions of traffic is classified under the Highway Code as a dual carriageway. For cars and motorcycles not towing a trailer, the national speed limit on dual carriageways is 70 mph when no other limits are signed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the classification of the road from its physical features
The road is divided by a central reservation, which defines it as a dual carriageway rather than a single carriageway.
Speed limits in the Highway Code depend on road type and vehicle category.
2
Apply the national speed limit rule for a passenger car on an unlit dual carriageway
The legal maximum speed limit is 70 mph.
For standard passenger cars on dual carriageways without lower posted limits, the national speed limit is 70 mph.

Key Concept

National speed limits for cars on dual carriageways
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1333Question →

When driving a car on a road that has a continuous system of street lighting and no signs showing a specific limit, what is the legal maximum speed limit?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 30 mph

Answer

30 mph
Under The Highway Code, roads with a regular system of street lighting are legally considered built-up areas where a 30 mph limit applies by default, unless specific traffic signs state a different limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the road environment and infrastructure indicators
The road features a continuous system of street lighting with no repeater speed limit signs posted.
Street lighting serves as the primary visual indicator of a built-up area in the UK.
2
Apply the Highway Code default speed rule for built-up areas
The default speed limit in built-up areas illuminated by street lighting is 30 mph.
Rules 124 and 125 of The Highway Code establish that regular street lighting implies a 30 mph limit unless signs show another restriction.

Key Concept

Default speed limits in built-up areas indicated by street lighting
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1334Question →

You are driving through a residential area and approach a bus stopped at the side of the road displaying a yellow rectangular sign depicting silhouettes of children. What should you do as you approach the vehicle?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Slow down, prepare to stop, and watch carefully for children crossing from behind or in front of the vehicle

Answer

Slow down, prepare to stop, and watch carefully for children crossing from behind or in front of the vehicle.
Buses and coaches carrying children display a distinctive yellow reflective sign showing two children in silhouette. When you see this sign on a stationary bus, you must reduce your speed and drive with extreme care because children may unexpectedly cross the road from concealed areas directly in front of or behind the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle and its active signage
Recognise that the yellow sign with silhouettes of children denotes a school bus or coach carrying school children.
School transport involves frequent boarding and alighting, often in residential or rural locations without formal crossings.
2
Assess potential developing hazards around the stationary vehicle
Anticipate that children may cross from obscured blind spots in front of or behind the large body of the bus.
Children may be distracted or have limited perception of traffic speed and distance.
3
Apply defensive driving adjustments
Reduce speed, cover the brake pedal, and scan all visible footpaths and gaps around the vehicle.
Ensures the vehicle can stop smoothly and safely if a pedestrian steps into the carriageway.

Key Concept

School bus hazard awareness and pedestrian safety precautions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1335Question →

During cornering on a greasy road surface, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator flashes momentarily on your instrument panel. What does this flashing light tell you?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The electronic stability system has detected a slide and is actively correcting the vehicle's trajectory

Answer

The electronic stability system has detected a slide and is actively correcting the vehicle's trajectory
When the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning indicator flashes intermittently during dynamic driving, it shows that the vehicle's onboard sensors have detected a discrepancy between the driver's steering input and the actual direction of travel. The system is actively intervening by reducing engine power and applying braking to individual wheels to restore stability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the operational status represented by an intermittent dashboard safety indicator.
Recognise that a flashing Electronic Stability Control (ESC) icon signifies real-time active system intervention.
Vehicle stability systems flash their indicator lamp to alert the driver that traction limits have been reached and autonomous corrective braking is actively taking place.
2
Distinguish active dynamic intervention from system failure alerts.
Determine that solid illumination warns of an inactive or faulty system, while flashing indicates operational intervention.
Recognising this distinction prompts the driver to maintain smooth steering inputs and reduce vehicle speed to match prevailing road conditions.

Key Concept

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Dashboard Indicator and Active Intervention
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1336Question →

You are travelling in queuing traffic on a multi-lane road. The queue of vehicles in the lane to your right is moving more slowly than your lane. What should you do?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Pass the slower-moving traffic on the left with caution

Answer

Pass the slower-moving traffic on the left with caution.
Under Highway Code Rule 163, drivers normally overtake on the right. However, an exception applies in slow-moving traffic queues where vehicles in your lane are travelling faster than those in the lane to your right. In this scenario, you are permitted to pass on the left provided you proceed with care and remain alert for vehicles switching lanes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the traffic flow and lane conditions on the multi-lane road.
Identify that both lanes are in congested, slow-moving queues.
Highway Code rules differ between free-flowing traffic and congested queuing traffic.
2
Apply Highway Code Rule 163 regarding overtaking on the left.
Recognise the specific legal exception permitting vehicles to pass on the left in congested queues.
When queues move at different speeds, drivers are permitted to stay in lane and pass slower queues on the right with caution.

Key Concept

Overtaking on the left in congested queuing traffic (Highway Code Rule 163)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1337Question →

At a toucan crossing, cyclists are legally permitted to ride across the carriageway alongside pedestrians without dismounting.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True
Toucan crossings are light-controlled crossings created for shared pedestrian and cycle use. Under the UK Highway Code, cyclists are legally allowed to ride their bicycles across toucan crossings at the same time as pedestrians.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific crossing category referenced in the statement.
The statement refers directly to a toucan crossing.
Different UK crossing types have distinct operating rules, user rights, and traffic light sequences.
2
Recall the designated user rules for toucan crossings under the UK Highway Code.
A toucan crossing ('two-can cross') is a light-controlled crossing designed specifically for both pedestrians and cyclists to share the crossing space simultaneously.
Unlike pelican or puffin crossings where cyclists must dismount and push their bicycles, toucan crossings feature wider crossing areas and dual green figure/bicycle signals permitting mounted cycling.
3
Evaluate the truthfulness of the statement.
The statement is accurate as cyclists do not need to dismount at a toucan crossing.
Highway Code Rule 25 explicitly allows cyclists to ride across toucan crossings.

Key Concept

Toucan Crossing Shared Use Regulations
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1338Question →

Match each driving scenario on UK roads to the statutory speed limit that applies when no specific local speed limit signs are displayed.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

A solo passenger car driving on a road with regular street lighting and no repeater signs
A car towing a trailer on a rural single carriageway road
A car towing a caravan on a dual carriageway road
A solo passenger car travelling on a dual carriageway road

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

A solo car in a street-lit area matches 30 mph; a car towing a trailer on a single carriageway matches 50 mph; a car towing a caravan on a dual carriageway matches 60 mph; a solo car on a dual carriageway matches 70 mph.
According to the UK Highway Code: (1) Street lights indicate a 30 mph limit in built-up areas; (2) Cars towing trailers on single carriageways are limited to 50 mph; (3) Cars towing caravans on dual carriageways are limited to 60 mph; and (4) Solo cars on dual carriageways are permitted up to 70 mph.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the default rule for built-up roads with street lighting
Street lighting establishes a default 30 mph limit for all standard vehicles in built-up areas.
Under the UK Highway Code, street lamps spaced regularly signal a 30 mph zone unless specific signs specify a different limit.
2
Determine the speed limit for a vehicle towing on a single carriageway
Towing a trailer reduces the single carriageway national speed limit from 60 mph to 50 mph.
Towing configurations have longer stopping distances and reduced stability, requiring a 10 mph reduction from solo car limits on derestricted single carriageways.
3
Determine the speed limit for a vehicle towing on a dual carriageway
Towing a caravan on a dual carriageway is restricted to a statutory maximum of 60 mph.
The national speed limit for articulated/towing combinations on dual carriageways and motorways is 60 mph, 10 mph lower than the 70 mph allowed for solo cars.
4
Determine the speed limit for a solo car on a dual carriageway
A solo car operates under the standard 70 mph national speed limit.
Dual carriageways without local restrictions permit cars and motorcycles to travel up to 70 mph.

Key Concept

UK statutory national speed limits by road category and vehicle configuration
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1339Question →

You are driving in the left-hand lane of a three-lane motorway. Ahead, you notice a recovery vehicle with flashing amber lights attending to a broken-down car on the hard shoulder. The middle lane to your right is clear and safe to enter. What action should you take regarding your lane position?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Move into the adjacent middle lane if it is safe to do so, creating a wider safety buffer for the roadside workers.

Answer

Move into the adjacent middle lane if it is safe to do so, creating a wider safety buffer for the roadside workers.
Under Highway Code Rule 264, drivers travelling in the left-hand lane (Lane 1) who see emergency service, recovery, or broken-down vehicles on the hard shoulder should move into the adjacent lane if it is safe to do so. This creates a safety zone that protects workers and stranded occupants from high-speed traffic.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the roadside hazard on the hard shoulder ahead.
A recovery vehicle and broken-down car with active warning lights are present close to the carriageway edge.
Roadside workers and stranded motorists are highly vulnerable to high-speed slipstreams and collisions.
2
Assess the adjacent lane (Lane 2) using mirrors and blind spot checks.
The middle lane is confirmed clear and available for a safe manoeuvre.
Lane changes must only be executed when safe without impeding vehicles already travelling in that lane.
3
Signal and move smoothly into the middle lane before passing the stationary vehicles.
A full lane buffer is created between your vehicle and the workers on the hard shoulder.
Highway Code Rule 264 specifically advises moving over to create more space and reduce risk to roadside operators.
4
Return safely to the left-hand lane once past the incident and the road ahead is clear.
Proper motorway lane discipline is restored.
Standard lane discipline requires returning to the left-hand lane when not actively passing a hazard or overtaking.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 264 requires drivers in the left-hand lane to move into an adjacent lane if safe when approaching emergency, recovery, or broken-down vehicles on the hard shoulder.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1340Question →

If the solid white line of a double white line system is on your side of the road, you may cross it to overtake an agricultural tractor, provided the tractor is travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less and it is safe to do so.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: False

Answer

False
The statement is false because the legal exception allowing drivers to cross a solid white line to overtake applies strictly to pedal cycles, horses, and road maintenance vehicles travelling at 10 mph or less. Agricultural tractors are excluded from this exception, making it a traffic offence to cross a solid white line to pass them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary rule regarding double white lines with a solid line on your side.
You must not cross or straddle the solid white line unless specific exceptions apply.
This is a mandatory safety rule under the Highway Code to prevent head-on collisions in restricted visibility areas.
2
Recall the exact legal exceptions for overtaking across a solid white line.
You may cross the line only to pass a stationary vehicle, or to overtake a pedal cycle, a horse, or a road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
The law defines a highly restricted list of road users to minimize the time a driver spends on the wrong side of the road.
3
Evaluate the agricultural tractor against the legal exceptions.
An agricultural tractor is not a pedal cycle, a horse, or a road maintenance vehicle.
Because tractors are not on the explicit list of exceptions, crossing the solid line to overtake one is illegal, regardless of how slowly it is moving.

Key Concept

Strict legal exceptions for crossing solid white lines when overtaking
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