Motorway Driving Flashcards
6 cards from real DVSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Motorway Driving flashcards as text
What should you do if you miss your intended motorway exit?
Answer: Continue to the next exit and find an alternative route
If you miss your exit, you must continue to the next junction. Never reverse on the motorway, hard shoulder, or slip road. Never attempt a U-turn. The next exit may add time to your journey, but these are extremely dangerous and illegal manoeuvres.
On a smart motorway, what does a red 'X' above a lane mean?
Answer: The lane is closed — you must not drive in it
A red 'X' means the lane is closed. You must not drive in a lane showing a red 'X' — this is now enforced automatically by cameras. The lane may be closed due to a breakdown, accident, or debris. Move safely to an open lane as soon as possible.
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a motorway?
Answer: Pull onto the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights, exit via the left-side doors, and move behind the barrier
If possible, pull onto the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area. Switch on hazard lights, turn wheels to the left, exit from the left side of the vehicle, and stand behind the safety barrier well away from the carriageway. Use the emergency telephone (they connect directly to Highways England) rather than your mobile if possible.
What is the speed limit for goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on a motorway?
Answer: 60 mph
Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight are limited to 60 mph on motorways (and 50 mph on single carriageways). This lower limit reflects their longer stopping distances and the greater severity of collisions involving heavy vehicles.
When driving in fog on a motorway, what should you do?
Answer: Use dipped headlights and fog lights, reduce speed, and increase following distance significantly
In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights if visibility is below 100 metres. Reduce speed so you can stop within the distance you can see. Increase your following distance dramatically. Do not follow tail lights closely — this creates a false sense of security and the risk of a pile-up.
What is a contraflow system on a motorway?
Answer: A temporary arrangement where traffic uses lanes on the opposite carriageway, often during roadworks
In a contraflow, traffic from both directions uses one carriageway, with temporary barriers separating the flows. This is typically used during motorway roadworks. Lanes are narrower, speed limits are reduced, and you must stay in your lane. There is no central reservation, so extra caution is needed.