All practice questions

1884 questions

All types1,884 Multiple choice962 Multiple select84 True / False379 Numeric32 Matching249 Ordering178

In slow-moving town traffic, you notice a pedestrian waiting to cross the road between parked cars ahead. What should you do as you approach?

Flash your headlights to indicate that the pedestrian may cross in front of you

Focus entirely on the vehicle directly ahead to ensure you maintain your position in the traffic queue

Slow down, maintain a safe gap ahead, and be prepared to stop if they step into the carriageway

Accelerate slightly to pass the parked vehicles before the pedestrian steps out

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Slow down, maintain a safe gap ahead, and be prepared to stop if they step into the carriageway

Answer

Slow down, maintain a safe gap ahead, and be prepared to stop if they step into the carriageway

When driving past parked vehicles where pedestrians are present, drivers must anticipate that someone could step into the road unexpectedly. Reducing speed and leaving a safe distance ensures you have adequate time and space to stop smoothly without endangering anyone.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the vulnerable road user and potential hazards along the road

Recognise the pedestrian standing between parked vehicles as a developing hazard with restricted visibility

Pedestrians stepping out from behind parked cars may have limited sightlines of approaching traffic

Adjust vehicle speed and following distance

Reduce speed and increase separation from the vehicle ahead

Lower speed shortens stopping distance and allows more time to react if the pedestrian steps onto the road

Maintain continuous observation and readiness to stop

Safely manage the situation without giving misleading signals

Drivers must never beckon or rush pedestrians across, but remain alert and ready to brake smoothly

Key Concept

Anticipating pedestrian hazards near parked vehicles and maintaining safe speed and stopping margins

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1382Question →

A mechanical defect forces you to bring your car to a halt on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When contacting the regional control centre from a roadside emergency telephone, which precaution should you observe?

Set out a reflective warning triangle on the hard shoulder behind your car

Face oncoming traffic at all times while making the call

Sit inside the vehicle with seatbelts fastened while waiting for help

Switch off the vehicle hazard lights to conserve battery power

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Face oncoming traffic at all times while making the call

Answer

Face oncoming traffic at all times while making the call

Under UK Highway Code Rule 275, when using an emergency roadside telephone on a motorway, you must always face oncoming traffic. This allows you to monitor approaching vehicles continuously and take rapid evasive action if a vehicle veers onto the hard shoulder or verge.

Step-by-Step Solution

Locate the nearest emergency telephone

Identify the telephone marker posts that indicate direction and distance to the nearest roadside phone box

Emergency roadside telephones connect directly to National Highways operators and provide precise location data

Walk along the verge behind the crash barrier to reach the telephone

Keep a physical barrier between yourself and moving carriageway traffic

Walking directly on the hard shoulder exposes pedestrians to collision risks from high-speed vehicles

Position yourself facing approaching traffic while operating the handset

Maintain a direct line of sight to oncoming traffic

Allows immediate evasive action if an approaching vehicle loses control or veers towards the hard shoulder

Key Concept

Motorway roadside emergency telephone safety procedures and spatial awareness

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 1383Question →

You are approaching a pedestrian crossing that has white zig-zag lines marked on the road. What do these markings strictly prohibit?

Parking briefly to load or unload goods with hazard warning lights on

Parking, waiting, and overtaking the leading moving vehicle

Overtaking stationary vehicles when the pedestrian crossing is clear

Flashing headlights to signal waiting pedestrians that it is safe to cross

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Parking, waiting, and overtaking the leading moving vehicle

Answer

Parking, waiting, and overtaking the leading moving vehicle are strictly prohibited within the zig-zag area.

According to the Highway Code (Rule 191), the white zig-zag lines marked on both the approach to and exit from pedestrian crossings strictly prohibit parking, waiting, and overtaking the leading moving vehicle. This ensures clear visibility for both drivers and pedestrians crossing the road.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the purpose of white zig-zag markings on approach to and exit from a pedestrian crossing.

White zig-zag lines designate a strictly controlled safety and visibility zone around pedestrian crossings.

Recognising the marking is necessary to determine which specific Highway Code regulations apply.

Recall the legal restrictions mandated under Highway Code Rule 191 for zig-zag areas.

Drivers must not park, wait, or overtake within the zig-zag markings at any time.

Maintaining clear sightlines ensures drivers can see approaching pedestrians and pedestrians can see traffic.

Key Concept

Highway Code rules on white zig-zag markings at pedestrian crossings prohibiting parking, waiting, and overtaking.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1384Question →

On a single carriageway road equipped with street lighting, the display of a national speed limit sign establishes a maximum legal speed limit of 60 mph for a solo passenger car.

True

False

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True, because posted national speed limit signs take precedence over default street lighting rules, setting the maximum limit to 60 mph for a solo passenger car on a single carriageway.

According to the UK Highway Code, street lighting signifies a 30 mph limit unless signs show otherwise. When a national speed limit sign is displayed on a single carriageway, it overrides the default lighting rule and allows a solo passenger car to travel up to 60 mph.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the default rule associated with street lighting

Street lighting denotes a default 30 mph limit in built-up areas when no other signs are present.

To establish the baseline restriction before considering posted signage.

Evaluate the effect of the posted national speed limit sign on a single carriageway

The posted sign overrides the default 30 mph limit and sets the legal limit to the national standard of 60 mph for a solo car.

Specific posted signs always supersede default lighting-based restrictions.

Key Concept

Precedence of posted national speed limit signs over default street lighting rules on single carriageways

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1385Question →

According to the UK Highway Code, the typical total stopping distance for a car travelling at $20\text{ mph}$ in good, dry conditions is $12\text{ metres}$ ( $40\text{ feet}$ ).

True

False

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True

The statement is true because the UK Highway Code establishes that at

20\text{ mph}

, thinking distance is

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

) and braking distance is

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

), giving a combined overall stopping distance of

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the thinking distance and braking distance at

20\text{ mph}

in dry conditions according to the UK Highway Code.

Thinking distance is

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

) and braking distance is

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

Overall stopping distance is always the sum of thinking distance and braking distance.

Calculate the total stopping distance by adding thinking and braking distances together.

6\text{ m} + 6\text{ m} = 12\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ ft} + 20\text{ ft} = 40\text{ feet}

Confirming the total stopping distance confirms whether the given statement is true.

Key Concept

Overall Stopping Distance at 20 mph

Estimated Time:30s

Question 1386Question →

A driver travelling at $20\text{ mph}$ in dry conditions accelerates to $40\text{ mph}$ . Standard UK Highway Code tables establish that at $20\text{ mph}$ , a car has a thinking distance of $6\text{ metres}$ ( $20\text{ feet}$ ) and a braking distance of $6\text{ metres}$ ( $20\text{ feet}$ ). How do the thinking distance and braking distance change when vehicle speed is doubled to $40\text{ mph}$ ?

Thinking distance doubles to

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

), and braking distance also doubles to

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

)

Thinking distance doubles to

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

), while braking distance quadruples to

24\text{ metres}

(

80\text{ feet}

)

Thinking distance quadruples to

24\text{ metres}

(

80\text{ feet}

), while braking distance doubles to

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

)

Thinking distance remains unchanged at

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

), while braking distance increases to

36\text{ metres}

(

118\text{ feet}

)

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Thinking distance doubles to $12\text{ metres}$ ( $40\text{ feet}$ ), while braking distance quadruples to $24\text{ metres}$ ( $80\text{ feet}$ )

Answer

Thinking distance doubles to

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

), while braking distance quadruples to

24\text{ metres}

(

80\text{ feet}

According to the UK Highway Code, thinking distance increases in direct proportion to speed because the vehicle covers twice as much ground during the driver's reaction time (

6\text{ m} \times 2 = 12\text{ m}

). Braking distance is proportional to the square of the speed (

v^2

), so doubling the speed quadruples the distance required to come to a stop under braking (

6\text{ m} \times 4 = 24\text{ m}

). Combined, they produce the official

40\text{ mph}

total stopping distance of

36\text{ metres}

(

118\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the change in thinking distance when speed increases from

20\text{ mph}

40\text{ mph}

Thinking distance increases from

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

) to

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

), exactly doubling.

Thinking distance is the distance travelled during human reaction time. Assuming a constant reaction time, distance is directly proportional to vehicle speed (

40 / 20 = 2

Calculate the change in braking distance when speed increases from

20\text{ mph}

40\text{ mph}

Braking distance increases from

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

) to

24\text{ metres}

(

80\text{ feet}

), quadrupling by a factor of 4.

Braking distance is governed by kinetic energy (

E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

). Doubling speed multiplies kinetic energy by

2^2 = 4

, requiring 4 times the work and braking distance under uniform friction (

4 \times 6\text{ m} = 24\text{ m}

Verify the combined stopping distance against the official UK Highway Code value for

40\text{ mph}

Total stopping distance is

12\text{ m} + 24\text{ m} = 36\text{ metres}

(

118\text{ feet}

Overall stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance.

Key Concept

Distinction between linear scaling of thinking distance and quadratic scaling of braking distance with speed.

Estimated Time:1m 30s

Question 1387Question →

While travelling along a remote single-carriageway road late in the evening, your eyelids feel heavy and your attention begins to drift. What is the safest and most effective action to take?

Increase your driving speed to reach your destination before tiredness worsens

Find a safe and legal place to stop, drink two caffeinated beverages, and take a short 15-minute nap

Fixate your vision solely on the rear lights of a vehicle ahead to maintain lane discipline

Select neutral gear and coast periodically on downward slopes to reduce driving effort

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Find a safe and legal place to stop, drink two caffeinated beverages, and take a short 15-minute nap

Answer

Find a safe and legal place to stop, drink two caffeinated beverages, and take a short 15-minute nap

According to Highway Code Rule 91, when drowsiness strikes while driving, the only safe and effective short-term remedy is to pull over in a safe and legal place, consume caffeinated drinks (equivalent to two cups of coffee), and take a short nap of around 15 minutes to allow the caffeine time to take effect.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify early warning signs of driver fatigue such as heavy eyelids and drifting concentration

Recognise that continuing to drive under these conditions creates a high risk of falling asleep at the wheel

Fatigue severely slows reaction times and impairs cognitive judgment

Locate an authorised, safe parking area off the active carriageway

Vehicle is securely stationary in a location where resting is permitted

Stopping on the roadway or inappropriate verges poses a major collision hazard

Consume high-caffeine drinks (such as two cups of coffee) and immediately take a 15-minute nap

The nap relieves sleep pressure while the caffeine takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to absorb into the bloodstream

This combination is the official Highway Code standard countermeasure for managing acute drowsiness

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 91: Countermeasures for acute driver fatigue

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 1388Question →

You are following a slow-moving tractor on a clear, straight single-carriageway road and intend to overtake safely. Arrange the following actions in the correct sequential order from first to last.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence is: drop back to gain a clear view ahead, check mirrors and the blind spot, signal right, accelerate smoothly past the vehicle, and check the interior mirror before returning to the left lane.

According to Highway Code Rules 162 and 163, a safe overtaking procedure begins with dropping back to ensure a clear view of the road ahead. The driver must then check mirrors and the right blind spot to confirm no vehicle is already overtaking from behind, apply the right signal, accelerate smoothly past the vehicle in the oncoming lane, and finally verify adequate clearance in the interior mirror before returning to the left lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

Increase following distance behind the slow-moving vehicle

Forward sightlines expand, revealing the road ahead and potential hazards

Following too closely behind large or slow vehicles severely restricts forward visibility.

Perform full rearward and right blind spot observations

Verification that no following vehicle is already overtaking

Highway Code Rule 162 mandates checking behind and in blind spots before moving out.

Apply the right indicator

Clear communication of your intended manoeuvre to surrounding traffic

Signalling alerts others after safety is confirmed and before positioning changes.

Steer into the oncoming lane and accelerate past cleanly

The overtaking manoeuvre is completed safely and with minimal exposure time

Prompt acceleration reduces time spent on the opposite side of the road while maintaining safe lateral clearance.

Check the interior rear-view mirror and move back to the left

Safe return to the driving lane without cutting across the overtaken vehicle

Confirming the vehicle's position in the central mirror ensures sufficient distance before re-entering the lane.

Key Concept

Highway Code overtaking procedure (Rules 162–163) and the MSM/PSL routine

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 1389Question →

When an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) activates, the driver should rapidly pump the brake pedal to assist the system in maintaining vehicle control.

True

False

Show answer & explanation

Answer: False

Answer

False

The statement is false because the driver must maintain firm, continuous foot pressure on the brake pedal throughout the stop. The ABS system automatically modulates the braking force at a rate much faster than human capability; releasing the pedal interrupts this process.

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the operating principle of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

ABS automatically monitors wheel rotation and pulses the brake calipers multiple times per second to prevent lockup.

Understanding active safety system operation clarifies appropriate driver inputs during emergency maneuvers.

Evaluate the mechanical consequence of manual cadence braking on an ABS-equipped vehicle.

Manually releasing the footbrake dumps hydraulic pressure and cancels the electronic system's optimal threshold braking.

The correct procedure during ABS activation is to press the brake pedal firmly and hold continuous pressure while steering as necessary.

Key Concept

Proper driver braking technique during Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) activation

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1390Question →

You are waiting to emerge from a minor road at a T-junction where your view of the main road is restricted by parked vehicles. Which TWO actions should you take to emerge safely?

Select all that apply

Creep forward slowly and cautiously until you have a clear view in both directions

Look carefully for approaching cyclists and motorcyclists who may be hidden by parked cars

Focus your gaze only on the road directly ahead and accelerate quickly into any small opening

Move out into the main road without checking your blind spots, assuming approaching traffic will slow down

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Creep forward slowly and cautiously until you have a clear view in both directions; Look carefully for approaching cyclists and motorcyclists who may be hidden by parked cars

Answer

Creeping forward slowly to gain a clear view and checking carefully for obscured cyclists and motorcyclists before emerging.

When visibility at a junction is restricted by obstacles such as parked cars, drivers must use the 'peep and creep' method—inching forward cautiously until the view along both directions of the main carriageway is clear. Furthermore, drivers must pay special attention to cyclists and motorcyclists, whose narrow profile makes them difficult to spot behind parked vehicles.

Step-by-Step Solution

Assess the visibility limitations caused by parked vehicles at the junction give-way line.

Identify that the view along the main road is obstructed, preventing a safe assessment of oncoming traffic from a stationary position behind the line.

Recognising visual obstructions is necessary to determine the appropriate observation technique (the 'peep and creep' method).

Edge the vehicle forward gradually while continuously looking both right and left.

Gently bring the front of the vehicle into a position where visibility opens up without entering the path of moving traffic.

Creeping slowly allows oncoming drivers to see the vehicle's bonnet and gives the driver an adequate view to make a safe decision.

Scan specifically for smaller, vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists.

Ensure no hidden road users are traveling along the carriageway before committing to emerge.

Smaller road users can easily be obscured by parked cars and street furniture.

Key Concept

Emerging from blind or restricted-view junctions using the peep-and-creep technique while checking for vulnerable road users.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1391Question →

On a journey where road surfaces are icy, you are about to negotiate a steep downhill gradient. What should you do to stay in full control of your car?

Press the clutch pedal down and coast in neutral to prevent engine torque from causing wheelspin.

Reduce your speed before starting downhill, select a low gear, and avoid harsh braking.

Maintain your normal cruising speed and apply the footbrake continuously throughout the descent.

Shift into the highest practical gear and apply firm, sudden pulses of the footbrake if speed builds up.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Reduce your speed before starting downhill, select a low gear, and avoid harsh braking.

Answer

Reduce your speed before starting downhill, select a low gear, and avoid harsh braking.

According to the Highway Code, when driving down a steep hill in icy or snowy conditions, you should reduce your speed before starting the descent, choose a low gear, and avoid sudden or harsh use of the brakes. Selecting a low gear utilizes natural engine braking to retard the vehicle's speed, keeping the road wheels turning and maintaining vital steering control without locking the tyres.

Step-by-Step Solution

Assess the downhill gradient ahead and reduce road speed before reaching the brow of the hill.

The vehicle enters the slope at a safe, manageable speed without requiring abrupt deceleration on the decline.

Braking hard on a downward icy slope will easily break tyre adhesion and initiate a skid.

Engage a low gear before beginning the descent.

Engine compression braking naturally holds back the vehicle's momentum.

Using engine braking in a low gear limits acceleration caused by gravity without locking the road wheels.

Descend steadily while keeping footbrake applications gentle and progressive if needed.

Tyre grip is maintained and the vehicle remains fully steerable throughout the descent.

Harsh steering or heavy braking on compacted ice instantly overcomes available friction.

Key Concept

Controlling vehicle speed on steep icy descents using low gear selection and engine braking

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 1392Question →

You are driving on a motorway at night and approach an area where roadworks have temporarily altered the layout of the lanes. What colour of reflective studs is used to mark these temporary lane changes and contraflow boundaries?

Amber

Green

Green/yellow

White

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Green/yellow

Answer

Green/yellow reflective studs are used to indicate temporary alterations to lane layouts and contraflow systems at roadworks.

Green/yellow (fluorescent green/yellow) reflective road studs are deployed at roadworks and contraflow systems to clearly mark temporary adjustments to lanes and guide drivers safely through altered traffic paths.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the road condition and context specified in the question

The driver is navigating a motorway section where maintenance and roadworks have temporarily modified lane alignments

Standard road stud colours mark permanent carriageway features, whereas temporary layouts require distinct visual warning

Apply the official UK Highway Code reflective stud colour coding rules

Green/yellow studs indicate temporary lane changes at roadworks, distinguishing them from standard white, red, amber, and green studs

Fluorescent green/yellow studs alert drivers to unusual road alignments and guide vehicles safely through contraflow systems

Key Concept

Motorway reflective stud colour coding for temporary roadworks and contraflows

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1393Question →

When driving in wet weather, tyre grip is significantly reduced on wet road surfaces. How does this affect your vehicle's total stopping distance compared to dry conditions?

It doubles the stopping distance

It increases the stopping distance by up to ten times

It keeps the stopping distance unchanged provided tyres have legal tread

It reduces the stopping distance by half

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It doubles the stopping distance

Answer

It doubles the stopping distance

According to the UK Highway Code, stopping distances in wet conditions are at least double what they are on dry roads because water lowers the friction between tyres and the road surface.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the prevailing environmental condition and the rule governing road grip.

The driving condition is wet weather.

Water on the road surface forms a barrier between the tyres and tarmac, reducing tyre traction.

Apply the official UK Highway Code multiplier for wet weather stopping distances.

Stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads.

The Highway Code establishes that stopping distances in the wet are at least double the normal dry distance, requiring drivers to double their separation gap.

Key Concept

Highway Code wet weather stopping distance multiplier

Estimated Time:30s

Question 1394Question →

While driving in freezing conditions, if the steering wheel suddenly feels unusually light and tyre noise noticeably decreases, it indicates that your vehicle is travelling on ice and has lost traction.

True

False

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True

The statement is true because icy road surfaces offer almost zero grip. When tyres lose adhesion on ice or black ice, steering resistance disappears (making steering feel unusually light) and tyre noise on the road surface ceases.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyse the physical symptoms described (unusually light steering and diminished tyre noise) under freezing ambient temperatures.

Identify that the loss of mechanical grip between the tyres and an icy road surface removes steering resistance and suppresses tyre noise.

Ice drastically reduces friction, leading to a smooth interface that silences tyre rumble and reduces wheel resistance.

Evaluate whether these physical symptoms indicate driving over ice and experiencing loss of traction.

Confirm that according to the Highway Code, light steering and tyre silence are direct indicators of driving on ice.

Recognising these early warning signs allows the driver to ease off the accelerator smoothly without harsh braking or steering.

Key Concept

Recognising the sensory indicators of driving on ice

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1395Question →

When overtaking a motorcyclist, you should give them at least as much clearance as you would give to a car.

True

False

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True. Drivers must provide at least as much lateral clearance when overtaking a motorcyclist as they would when overtaking a car.

Under Highway Code Rule 163, drivers must allow at least as much lateral clearance when overtaking a motorcyclist as they would for a full-sized car. This ensures the rider is protected from vehicle draft and has ample space to steer around surface imperfections.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the Highway Code guidance on passing vulnerable road users.

Highway Code Rule 163 requires drivers to give motorcyclists, cyclists, and horse riders at least as much room as they would when overtaking a car.

Motorcycles are vulnerable to aerodynamic buffeting, crosswinds, and sudden road surface hazards.

Evaluate the safety necessity of maintaining a full car-width passing clearance.

The statement is confirmed to be true.

Providing a generous passing margin prevents the vehicle's airflow from destabilising the rider and allows adequate space should the rider need to alter their course.

Key Concept

Safe overtaking clearance for vulnerable road users under the Highway Code

Question 1396Question →

You are sitting in a stationary queue of traffic in the right-hand lane of a multi-lane carriageway. Before steering to move into a newly opened gap in the left-hand lane, why must you check your nearside blind spot in addition to using your mirrors?

Side mirrors provide a complete field of view that eliminates all blind spots when traffic is stationary

You only need to concentrate on whether the vehicle directly ahead in your current lane has moved

A filtering motorcyclist may be travelling through the space between the lanes

Passing motorcyclists are legally required to flash their headlights before overtaking queues of traffic

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A filtering motorcyclist may be travelling through the space between the lanes

Answer

A filtering motorcyclist may be travelling through the space between the lanes

In slow-moving or stationary traffic on multi-lane roads, motorcyclists often filter through the space between lines of vehicles. Because a motorcycle has a narrow profile, it can easily be hidden in vehicle blind spots that mirrors cannot cover. Performing a thorough shoulder check to the nearside before changing lanes ensures you do not pull out into the path of an approaching rider.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the specific hazard related to multi-lane queues

Motorcyclists and mopeds frequently filter between stationary or slow-moving lanes of traffic.

The Highway Code permits filtering, making the space between traffic lanes an active path of travel.

Evaluate mirror limitations before initiating a lateral manoeuvre

Wing mirrors have physical blind spots where a narrow motorcycle cannot be seen.

A physical shoulder check over the nearside is essential to confirm the lane space is completely clear before changing direction.

Key Concept

Motorcyclist lane filtering and driver blind spot awareness

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 1397Question →

You are following a large goods vehicle on a single-carriageway road and intend to overtake. Why should you stay well back from the vehicle ahead before starting the manoeuvre?

To position your vehicle within the driver's blind spot until you are ready to pull out

To obtain a clearer view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see you in their mirrors

To give yourself space to flash your headlights to demand that the driver pulls over

To build up speed so you can move out into the oncoming lane without checking your blind spot

Show answer & explanation

Answer: To obtain a clearer view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see you in their mirrors

Answer

To obtain a clearer view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see you in their mirrors

Staying well back behind a large goods vehicle expands your forward field of vision, allowing you to see oncoming traffic, road markings, bends, and hazards much earlier. It also positions your car within the field of view of the lorry driver's exterior mirrors so they are fully aware of your presence before you commence overtaking.

Step-by-Step Solution

Assess the forward visibility restriction caused by the large goods vehicle

Recognise that following too closely blocks your view of oncoming traffic, road bends, dips, and potential hazards

Large vehicles obstruct a significant portion of forward vision on single-carriageway roads

Apply Highway Code Rule 164 regarding following distance and mirror visibility

Drop back to an appropriate distance where forward sightlines open up and you can see both of the lorry's exterior side mirrors

Staying back ensures both safe forward anticipation and mutual visibility between you and the lorry driver

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 164 specifies that when preparing to overtake a large vehicle, you should stay well back to gain a better view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see your vehicle in their mirrors.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1398Question →

Under the UK Highway Code, national speed limits vary depending on the road classification and whether a vehicle is towing. Match each driving scenario with its corresponding maximum legal speed limit.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Urban street-lit road matches 30 mph; Car towing trailer on single carriageway matches 50 mph; Solo car on single carriageway matches 60 mph; Solo car on dual carriageway matches 70 mph.

Each driving scenario corresponds to its exact legal UK Highway Code national speed limit: 30 mph in street-lit areas without signage, 50 mph for towing vehicles on single carriageways, 60 mph for solo cars on single carriageways, and 70 mph for solo cars on dual carriageways.

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the default speed limit in built-up areas with street lights.

Identified as 30 mph.

The presence of street lights without repeater signs establishes a default 30 mph limit.

Determine the national speed limit for a solo car on single versus dual carriageways.

Single carriageway is 60 mph; dual carriageway is 70 mph.

Divided dual carriageways permit 70 mph for cars, whereas undivided single carriageways permit 60 mph.

Apply the towing vehicle restriction on single carriageways.

The limit is reduced from 60 mph to 50 mph.

Vehicles towing trailers or caravans must travel 10 mph below the standard single carriageway limit.

Key Concept

UK National Speed Limits for different road types and vehicle towing configurations

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 1399Question →

While driving along a dual carriageway in the late afternoon, you suddenly realise that you cannot remember passing the last few junctions or road signs. What does this symptom indicate, and what action should you take?

It indicates visual fatigue; you should lock your focus solely onto the rear lights of the vehicle directly ahead to guide your course.

It indicates a dangerous loss of alertness due to fatigue; you should stop at the next safe, legal location to rest and refresh.

It indicates minor boredom; you should increase your driving speed above the limit to reach your destination before feeling sleepy.

It indicates physical strain; you should coast downhill in neutral to minimise the physical effort needed to control the car.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It indicates a dangerous loss of alertness due to fatigue; you should stop at the next safe, legal location to rest and refresh.

Answer

It indicates a dangerous loss of alertness due to fatigue; you should stop at the next safe, legal location to rest and refresh.

Not remembering the last few miles or junctions is a major symptom of severe driver tiredness and impending micro-sleep. The only safe and effective response is to leave the road at the next safe, legal place (such as a service area or designated lay-by) to rest, consume caffeinated drinks, or take a short nap.

Step-by-Step Solution

Recognise the cognitive symptom of driver fatigue described in the scenario.

Identify that failing to remember recent miles, junctions, or signs indicates severe fatigue and the onset of micro-sleep.

Fatigue impairs short-term memory, situational awareness, and processing capacity before the driver fully falls asleep.

Determine the correct Highway Code safety countermeasure.

Conclude that the driver must exit the road at the next safe and legal place to rest, drink caffeine, or take a short nap.

Attempting to continue driving by speeding, coasting, or following another vehicle closely compromises safety and fails to cure sleepiness.

Key Concept

Recognising early warning signs of driver fatigue and applying safe stopping countermeasures

Estimated Time:45s

Question 1400Question →

When following slow-moving queues of traffic towards a pedestrian crossing, what action should you take?

Flash your headlights to encourage waiting pedestrians to cross quickly ahead of you

Wait before the crossing lines until there is enough space on the other side to clear it completely

Stop on the white zig-zag markings to stay as close as possible to the queue in front

Move onto the crossing so you can check vehicle blind spots more clearly before proceeding

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Wait before the crossing lines until there is enough space on the other side to clear it completely

Answer

Wait before the crossing lines until there is enough space on the other side to clear it completely

In slow-moving or queuing traffic, drivers must not enter a pedestrian crossing unless there is sufficient room on the opposite side to clear it completely. This ensures pedestrians can safely cross without having to weave between stationary vehicles.

Step-by-Step Solution

Assess the flow of traffic ahead of the pedestrian crossing

Identify that traffic is queuing and space past the crossing is currently unavailable

Drivers must continuously anticipate whether their vehicle will become stranded across the crossing

Hold your position behind the stop line or crossing boundary

The pedestrian crossing remains unobstructed for pedestrians wishing to cross

The Highway Code explicitly states that drivers must keep pedestrian crossings clear in slow-moving traffic

Proceed across only when the vehicle ahead has moved far enough forward

The vehicle clears the entire crossing in one continuous, safe movement

Prevents trapping pedestrians in live traffic lanes or forcing vulnerable road users into oncoming traffic

Key Concept

Maintaining unobstructed pedestrian crossings in queuing traffic

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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