In this free car theory test you have 50 questions to answer, each question has four possible answers, just choose the one you think is correct.
You have 57 minutes to complete the test, the clock will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
You need to score at least 43 to pass. Good luck!
Results
Congratulations, you have passed this theory test! You can check your answers below.
Want more practise?
You can get access to hundreds of theory test practise questions by joining UK Driving Skills as a theory test member. Membership is very affordable with packages from 24 hours to 30 days.
Click here for details or click here to try again.
Unfortunately you have not passed this theory test, you can check your answers below.
Want more practise?
You can get access to hundreds of theory test practise questions by joining UK Driving Skills as a theory test member. Membership is very affordable with packages from 24 hours to 30 days.
Click here for details or click here to try again.
#1. It is a bright and sunny day. You are about to drive through a tunnel. What should you do before you enter it?*
Tunnels can be quite dark, you need to be able to see properly so if you are wearing sunglasses they should be removed until you reach the end.
#2. Which of the following will have an affect on the stopping distance of your vehicle?*
There are a number of factors will affect the distance it takes you to stop. One of the most important is the condition of your tyres. You should make a regular check to ensure that they are in good condition and have a good amount of tread on them.
#3. You're on a two-lane dual carriageway. Why would you stay in the right-hand lane?*
You should normally always drive on the left except when overtaking. If there are a number of slower vehicles ahead you may remain in the right-hand lane until you pass them all. You should always be ready to move back to the left however, to allow anyone to overtake you if they wish to do so.
#4. You're travelling at 70 mph in the left-hand lane of a three-lane motorway. What should you do when there are vehicles about to join from the slip road?*
Plan well ahead when approaching a slip road. If you see traffic joining the motorway, move to another lane if it’s safe to do so. This can help the flow of traffic joining the motorway, especially at peak times. You must be careful however not to change lanes unsafely and cause problems for other drivers behind you.
#5. You're in queuing traffic. Just ahead there is a junction on your left. Why should you not stop across the opening of the junction?*
If you block the junction, other vehicles will not be able to turn into or out of it. Where an oncoming driver cannot turn right from the main road, they may well then stop all the traffic behind them resulting in an unnecessary traffic jam.
#6. You're signalling to turn right, bright sunshine makes indicators more difficult to see. What could you do to emphasise your intention?*
In some situations, you may feel your indicators can’t be seen by other road users. If you think you need to make your intention more obvious, give the arm signal shown in The Highway Code.
#7. A school crossing patrol is stood at the kerb edge displaying a 'stop' sign. What should you do?*
When a school crossing patrol displays the stop sign, you are required by law to obey it and stop. They do not have to be already on the road. You should not wave anyone onto the road, there may be other vehicles approaching which do not react in time.
#8. What does this blue circular sign mean?*
You would see a sign like this when you are approaching a dual-carriageway, it tells you to keep to the left-hand side of the road.
#9. When should you not overtake another vehicle?*
You should only overtake when you are certain it is safe, and you should think twice before overtaking if the light or weather conditions are poor. You must not overtake however if this would mean breaking the speed limit for the road you are on.
#10. What does the R stand for on this sign?*
Ring roads are designed to relieve congestion in towns and city centres. They’re often the best route to take if you’re travelling through an unfamiliar area.
#11. What should you prepare to do as you approach this sign?*
At this ‘T-junction’ your road will bend sharply to the left. There may be traffic approaching from the junction on your right but you have priority over them.
#12. Why would you change into a lower gear after passing this sign?*
This sign gives you an early warning that the road ahead will slope downhill. Prepare to alter your speed and gear. Looking at the sign from left to right will show you whether the road slopes uphill or downhill.
#13. When travelling in icy conditions, why should you try to stay in a higher gear than normal?*
When there’s reduced grip (for example, when there’s wet mud, snow or ice on the road), use a higher gear where possible. The engine then drives the wheels with less torque (turning power) than if you were using a low gear, and this reduces the likelihood of wheelspin.
#14. What does this warning light on the instrument panel mean?*
If this warning sign lights up on your dashboard you should call for help and get your brake system checked immediately.
#15. You are planning on making a long journey. What will it help to do before you set off?*
A long journey should always be well planned before you set off. You not only need to plan your preferred route, but have an alternative in mind in case of traffic problems or road closures. You should also plan in regular rest stops to make sure you don’t get overly tired. Writing down your route is a good idea, but this should be on something that you can check when making your rest stops, and not placed in a position where it will distract you or block your view.
#16. When can car or lorry drivers use a lane which shows this sign?*
Some bus lanes only operate during peak hours and other vehicles may use them outside these hours. Make sure you check the sign for the hours of operation before driving in a bus lane. Where no hours are shown, the bus lane operates 24 hours a day.
#17. Vehicles over a certain age must have yearly MOT test. Why is this?*
Most vehicles have to take an MOT test every year once they are over three years old. This is to ensure that they are mechanically sound and safe to use on the roads.
#18. What should you do if a driver coming up behind dazzles you with their lights at night?*
Rear view mirrors have a small clip on the bottom edge, which will tilt the mirror and prevent you from being dazzled. You can click this back when the problem has gone away. Some modern cars now have automatically dipping mirrors.
#19. On a motorway with three lanes, which lane should you normally use when you are travelling at 70 mph?*
Regardless of how many lanes a motorway has, the left hand lane is always the one you should normally use except when overtaking.
#20. You're about to join a motorway, what should you do on the approach?*
You should give way to traffic already on the motorway. Where possible, traffic may move over to let you in, but don’t force your way into the traffic stream. Traffic could be travelling at high speed, so try to match your speed to filter in without affecting the traffic flow.
#21. You take some cough medicine given to you by a friend. What should you do before driving?
There is always a risk that any medicine could affect your ability to drive. Always read the information supplied with it to ensure that you are safe before getting behind the wheel.
#22. This sign has flashing amber lights. Where would it be displayed?*
It will be seen on the back of a slow moving vehicle which will probably be involved in carriageway repairs or improvements. The arrow indicates that you should pass the vehicle on its left hand side.
#23. What does this red cross on a blue background mean?*
The sign indicates that the road is a ‘clearway’ where no stopping is allowed. There may also be an information plate telling you what times this restriction is in force. If there is no time plate, you should assume that the clearway is in operation 24 hours.
#24. You are driving on a single track road which is only wide enough for one vehicle. What should you do if another car comes towards you?*
Narrow roads such as this usually have passing places where the road is widened to make room for two vehicles to pass. You should plan well ahead and be prepared to pull into a space on your left. If there is a closer space on your right, you should stop and wait opposite it. Driving onto the grass verge should be avoided wherever possible, as there may be hidden dips or soft earth where you may become stuck.
#25. What does this sign mean?*
The road is about to narrow on both sides, you need to be more aware of any overtaking or oncoming traffic.
#26. You are approaching a bend in the road. You are not sure how sharp it is. What should you?*
Your speed should be at its lowest before you enter the bend. Maintaining a steady speed will keep your motorcycle at its most stable while cornering, acceleration should only be applied as you exit the bend.
#27. You signal to turn at a junction. The warning indicator light on your dashboard flashes much more quickly than normal. What is the likely cause of this?*
Indicators should flash one or twice a second (between 60 – 120 times per minute). If they begin to flash rapidly the clicking sound you hear inside the car will also increase. The likely cause is a problem with one of the bulbs which needs to be replaced.
#28. When can you use high intensity front fog lights?*
Your fog lights must only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. It is an offence to use them in any other situation.
#29. What would you expect to find when you see this sign?*
Black and white chevron signs warn of a sharp deviation or bend in your road. You should slow down on approach and make sure that you are travelling at a safe speed before entering the corner.
#30. When parking at night, why should you leave your car on the left-hand side of the road?*
It is actually illegal to leave your car parked on the right-hand side at night, unless it is in a ‘recognised parking space.’ Parking on the left means that the headlights of approaching traffic will light up the red reflectors on the back of your car.
#31. It's very windy on the motorway. What may happen as you pass a high-sided vehicle?*
Large high-sided vehicles can provide a temporary shelter from the wind as you are passing them. Once you emerge from that shelter you may find a sudden gust of wind pushes you to the right. You need to be ready to correct any loss of steering and this is something motorcyclists need to be very aware of.
#32. A cycle lane is marked by a solid white line. What does this mean?*
Cycle lanes which are marked with a continuous solid white line are for cyclists only. You must not drive or ride a motorcycle along it any time. Nor should you park within this area.
#33. When would you swing out to the right before turning left into a side road?*
You should never swing out into the centre of the road in order to try and make the turn easier. This could endanger other traffic and may cause other road users to misunderstand your intentions.
#34. You want to turn right from a one-way street. Where should you position your vehicle?*
In a one-way street you should position on the right-hand side, and take up this position as soon as you can to make sure that no-one can come up on the outside of you.
#35. What do you need to make sure of when carrying a load on a roof rack?*
Any load must be securely fastened to the vehicle. The safest way to carry items on the roof is in a specially designed roof box. This will help to keep your luggage secure and dry, and it also has less wind resistance than loads carried exposed on a roof rack.
#36. Which of these does not have authorisation to signal you to stop?*
You must obey signals to stop given by police and traffic officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols. Failure to do so is an offence and could lead to prosecution.
#37. Windscreens have pillars which can partially restrict your view. When is this most likely to be a problem?*
When approaching bends and junctions, you need to look to the sides to widen your view across the bend, and to look for others before emerging. It is when turning your head that the door pillars may obstruct your view. Move your head to look past them!
#38. Why should you not follow a large goods vehicle too closely?*
Drivers of large and long vehicles may not be able to see you in their mirrors if you get too close to their rear. If you cannot see their mirrors, then they probably cannot see you and may not realise that you are there.
#39. What's the minimum number of chevrons you should be able to see between you and the vehicle ahead?*
Some stretches of motorway have these painted to help you to keep the correct separation distance when driving at high speeds. At a minimum you should keep 2 chevrons between you and the vehilcle ahead.
#40. You are waiting behind a cyclist at traffic lights. What should you do when the lights change to green?*
Cyclists can be unstable when they first set off and may wobble. You should give them time to get moving, and then give them plenty of space when you pass.
#41. After servicing your own vehicle, what should you do with the old oil?*
Engine oil is full of toxins and pollutants which should only be disposed of safely by taking it to an official recycling site.
#42. Which of these traffic signs must you not drive past?*
The red circle with the white centre means ‘no-entry’, you must not enter a road which displays this sign.
#43. Why should you use dipped headlights at night, even when the area is well lit?*
In a well lit area, although sidelights may be the legal minimum requirement; using dipped headlights will not only increase your view of the road ahead, but it will also make sure that others can see you.
#44. What will help when you're trying to move off on snow?*
If you attempt to move off in a low gear, there will be more torque (turning force) at the driven wheels than if you use a higher gear. More torque makes it easier for the tyres to lose grip and so spin the wheels.
#45. When does the law state that you MUST stop your vehicle?
The law requires you to stop if you have been involved in an accident. You must exchange details with anyone else involved before continuing.
#46. When can you stop and wait in a box junction?*
The purpose of a box junction is to keep the junction clear by preventing vehicles from stopping in the path of crossing traffic. You can only wait within it when your exit is clear, and the only thing preventing you from completing the turn is oncoming traffic.
#47. You're slowing down as you approach this left-hand bend. What danger should you be most aware of?*
Where there are no pavements, there is always a risk that walkers and riders could be out on the road and hidden around the corner. You need to keep your speed at a level where you can stop safely should you need to do; especially if you’re approaching a village.
#48. You want to reverse park a car between two vehicles on the side of the road. As a guide, what would be the minimum size for a suitable parking space?*
Reverse or parallel parking between parked vehicles is an essential skill to master. How large the space needs to be depends on the driver’s skill and the size of your car.
#49. Why should you not travel too far with the engine in neutral or with the clutch held down?*
When you take your foot from the accelerator, the engine will start to slow down. This ‘engine braking’ will help to slow the car down, unless you are in neutral when the advantage of this extra control will be lost.
#50. What does this sign mean?*
Normally seen in a one-way street, this sign is telling you that you will need to turn left, possibly at the end of the road.