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!
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#1. Trams can move both quietly and quickly. What other feature of trams should you be especially aware of?
Electric trams run on rails and can’t deviate from the tracks. Keep a lookout for trams, as they move very quietly and can appear suddenly.
#2. You're turning right at a crossroads. An oncoming driver is also turning right. What's the advantage of turning behind the oncoming vehicle?
When turning right at a crossroads where oncoming traffic is also turning right, it’s generally safer to turn behind the approaching vehicle. This allows you a clear view of approaching traffic and is called ‘turning offside to offside’. However, some junctions, usually controlled by traffic-light filters – are marked for vehicles to turn nearside to nearside.
#3. Your vehicle is fitted with a hand-held telephone. What should you do to use the phone?
Never attempt to use a hand-held phone while you’re driving, except in a genuine emergency. It’s illegal and will take your attention away from driving, putting you at greater risk of causing a collision.
#4. You're approaching traffic lights. Only the red light is showing. Which series of lights will show next?
If you know which light is going to show next, you can plan your approach. This will help prevent excessive braking or hesitation at the junction.
#5. You are going to be driving a long distance at motorway speeds. Your car is carrying passengers and luggage. What should you do to the tyre pressures?
When driving at higher speeds, there is more stress on the tyres, therefore inflating them to a higher pressure will give them more support over a long journey. This is particularly important when you are also carrying a heavy load. Check your vehicle handbook for guidance.
#6. What should the driver of the grey car on the left (arrowed) be especially aware of?
When passing parked cars, there’s a risk that a driver or passenger may not check before opening the door into the road. A defensive driver will drive slowly and be looking for people who may be about to get out of their car.
#7. You’ve just gone through deep water. What should you do to make sure your brakes are working properly?
Water on the brakes will act as a lubricant, causing them to work less efficiently. Using the brakes lightly as you go along will quickly dry them out.
#8. It's very windy. You're behind a motorcyclist who's overtaking a high-sided vehicle. What should you do?
Windy weather affects motorcyclists more than other vehicles. In windy conditions, high-sided vehicles cause air turbulence. You should keep well back, as the motorcyclist could be blown off course.
#9. You break down on a level crossing. The lights haven’t yet begun to flash. What's the first thing you should do?
If your vehicle breaks down on a level crossing, your first priority is to get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing. Then use the railway telephone, if there is one, to tell the signal operator. If you have time before the train arrives, move the vehicle clear of the crossing, but only do this if alarm signals are not on.
#10. We are encouraged to drive in an eco-safe manner. But what does this mean?*
Driving in a smoother way, with less acceleration and generally keeping to a lower speed will save fuel, in addition to reducing the amount of pollutants generated by the engine. You should avoid driving or riding for short journeys when public transport, walking or cycling would be a better alternative.
#11. Why is it particularly important to carry out a check on your vehicle before making a long motorway journey?
Before you start your journey, make sure that your vehicle can cope with the demands of high-speed driving. You should check a number of things, the main ones being oil, water and tyres. You also need to plan rest stops if you’re making a long journey.
#12. Why will a motorcyclist look round over their right shoulder just before turning right?
When you see a motorcyclist take a glance over their shoulder, they’re probably about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to anticipate their next action. This can improve road safety for you and others.
#13. It can be helpful to plan your route before starting a journey. Why should you also plan an alternative route?
It can be frustrating and worrying to find your planned route is blocked by roadworks or diversions. If you’ve planned an alternative, you’ll feel less stressed and more able to concentrate fully on your driving or riding. If your original route is mostly on motorways, it’s a good idea to plan an alternative using non-motorway roads. Always carry a map with you just in case you need to refer to it.
#14. You're carrying a child in your car. They're under three years old. Which of these is a suitable restraint?
It’s your responsibility to ensure that all children in your car are secure. Suitable restraints include a child seat, baby seat, booster seat or booster cushion. It’s essential that any restraint used is suitable for the child’s size and weight, and fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
#15. What should you do when approaching a sharp bend on an icy road?*
Harsh use of the accelerator, brakes or steering is likely to lead to skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Avoid steering and braking at the same time. In icy conditions it’s very important that you constantly assess what’s ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.
#16. You've had a breakdown on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When the problem has been fixed, how should you rejoin the main carriageway?
Signal your intention and build up sufficient speed on the hard shoulder so that you can filter into a safe gap in the traffic. Don’t push your way in, causing other traffic to alter speed or direction.
#17. What's the reason for the yellow crisscross lines painted on the road here?
Yellow ‘box junctions’ like this are often used where it’s busy. Their purpose is to keep the junction clear for crossing traffic. Don’t enter the painted area unless your exit is clear. The one exception is when you’re turning right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.
#18. You have to make a journey in fog. What should you do before you set out?
If you have to drive in fog, switch your dipped-beam headlights on and keep your windscreen clear. You should always be able to pull up within the distance you can see ahead.
#19. Why should you be cautious when going past this stationary bus?
A stationary bus at a bus stop can hide pedestrians who might try to cross the road just in front of it. Drive at a speed that will enable you to respond safely if you have to.
#20. What does this sign mean?
Look well ahead and be ready to stop for any pedestrians crossing, or about to cross, the road. Also check the pavements for anyone who looks like they might step or run into the road.
#21. Your vehicle has broken down on a smart motorway. What should you do if you can't get it into an emergency refuge area?
If your vehicle breaks down, switch on your hazard warning lights. The lights will draw attention to the position of your vehicle, so other road users can avoid it. Only leave the vehicle when you can safely get clear of the carriageway.
#22. You’re approaching a mini-roundabout. What should you do when you see the long vehicle in front signalling left but positioned over to the right?
At mini-roundabouts, there isn’t much room for a long vehicle to manoeuvre. It will have to swing out wide so that it can complete the turn safely. Keep well back and don’t try to move up alongside it.
#23. At an incident, what should you do with a casualty who has stopped breathing?
The DR ABC code has been devised by medical experts to give the best outcome until the emergency services arrive and take care of casualties.
#24. Which of these should you allow extra room when overtaking?
Don’t pass cyclists too closely, as they may
• need to veer around a pothole or other obstacle
• be buffeted by side wind
• be made unsteady by your vehicle.
Always leave as much room as you would for a car, and don’t cut in front of them.
#25. What does it mean when you see this warning light come on?
This is the anti-lock brake system warning light. If this lights up you should have your braking system checked out as soon as possible.
#26. How can you reduce the chances of your car being broken into when leaving it unattended?
When leaving your car, take all valuables with you if you can. Otherwise, lock them out of sight.
#27. When will your vehicle use more fuel?
Check your tyre pressures frequently – normally once a week. If they’re lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, there will be more ‘rolling resistance’. The engine will have to work harder to overcome this, leading to increased fuel consumption.
#28. You're driving in town. Ahead of you a bus is at a bus stop. Which of the following should you do?
As you approach, look out for any signal the driver might make. If you pass the vehicle, watch out for pedestrians attempting to cross the road from behind the bus. They’ll be hidden from view until the last moment.
#29. What can driving smoothly achieve?
By driving smoothly, you’ll not only save about 15% of your fuel but will also reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle and the level of pollution it produces. You’re also likely to feel more relaxed and have a more pleasant journey.
#30. Your motorway journey is boring and you feel drowsy. What should you do?
Never stop on the hard shoulder to rest. If there’s no service area for several miles, leave the motorway at the next exit and find somewhere safe and legal to pull over.
#31. What does this sign mean?
Take extra care when you encounter trams. Look out for road markings and signs that alert you to them. Modern trams are very quiet and you may not hear them approaching.
#32. How can drivers help the environment?
Rapid acceleration and heavy braking lead to increased
• fuel consumption
• wear on your vehicle.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly will maintain its efficiency, produce cleaner emissions and reduce the risk of a breakdown.
#33. You're driving on a motorway and have to slow down quickly due to a hazard ahead. How can you warn drivers behind of the hazard?
Using your hazard warning lights, as well as your brake lights, will give following traffic an extra warning of the problem ahead. Only use them for long enough for your warning to be seen.
#34. At an incident, a small child isn't breathing. What should you do to try and help?
If a young child has stopped breathing, first check that their airway is open and then begin CPR. With a young child, you may only need to use one hand and you shouldn’t press down as far as you would with an adult. Continue the procedure until the child is breathing again or until a medical professional takes over.
#35. You're about to drive home from holiday when you become ill. A doctor prescribes drugs that are likely to affect your driving. What should you do?
You shouldn’t drive if you’re taking medicine that could cause you to feel drowsy at the wheel. Ask someone else to drive or, if that isn’t possible, find another way to get home.
#36. You're on a three-lane motorway. A red cross is showing above the hard shoulder and mandatory speed limits above all other lanes. What does this mean?
A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that it’s closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. On a smart motorway, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane at busy times. This will be shown by a mandatory speed limit on the gantry above the hard shoulder.
#37. When mustn't you stop on a clearway?
Clearways are in place so that traffic can flow without the obstruction of parked vehicles. Just one parked vehicle can cause an obstruction for all other traffic. You mustn’t stop where a clearway is in force, not even to pick up or set down passengers.
#38. There's been a collision. A motorcyclist is lying injured and unconscious. Unless it’s essential, why should you not usually attempt to remove their helmet?
When someone is injured, any movement that isn’t absolutely necessary should be avoided, since it could make the injuries worse. Unless it’s essential to remove a motorcyclist’s helmet, it’s generally safer to leave it in place.
#39. How should you overtake horse riders?
When you decide to overtake a horse rider, make sure you can do so safely before you move out. Leave them plenty of room and pass slowly. Passing too closely at speed could startle the horse and unseat the rider.
#40. What do traffic-calming measures do?
Traffic-calming measures make the roads safer for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and children. These can be designed as chicanes, road humps or other obstacles that encourage drivers and riders to slow down.
#41. You're in a tunnel and you see this sign. What does it mean?
If you have to leave your vehicle and get out of a tunnel by an emergency exit, do so as quickly as you can. Follow the signs directing you to the nearest exit point. If there are several people using the exit, don’t panic but try to leave in a calm and orderly manner.
#42. What's the first thing you should do after emerging from a junction, turning either left or right?
Immediately after joining a new road, you should check to see what’s happening behind you. This will help you to judge how briskly you need to accelerate to avoid causing any inconvenience to traffic behind.
#43. You're the first to arrive at the scene of a serious crash. What should you do?
At a crash scene you can help in practical ways, even if you aren’t trained in first aid. Call the emergency services and make sure you don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger. The safest way to warn other traffic is by switching on your hazard warning lights.
#44. What do these signs count down to?
When you see this sign, reduce your speed. You may well have to stop at the level crossing, or there may already be traffic queuing ahead.
#45. What should you do when driving or riding along a motorway?
Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.
#46. After this hazard you should test your brakes. Why is this?
A ford is a crossing over a stream that’s shallow enough to drive or ride through. After you’ve gone through a ford or deep puddle, your brakes will be wet and they won’t work as well as usual. To dry them out, apply a light brake pressure while moving slowly. Don’t travel at normal speeds until you’re sure your brakes are working properly again.
#47. 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.
#48. You intend to go abroad and will be driving on the right-hand side of the road. What should you fit to your car?
When abroad and driving on the right, deflectors are usually required to prevent your headlights from dazzling approaching drivers.
#49. You're travelling on a motorway in England. You must stop when signalled to do so by which of these?
You’ll find traffic officers on England’s motorways. They work in partnership with the police, helping to keep traffic moving and helping to make your journey as safe as possible. It’s an offence not to comply with the directions given by a traffic officer.
#50. What's the most important reason for having a properly adjusted head restraint?
In a collision, rapid deceleration will violently throw vehicle occupants forward and then backwards as the vehicle stops. Seat belts and airbags protect occupants against the forward movement. Head restraints should be adjusted so they give maximum protection to the head and neck during the backward movement.
