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 vehicles are NOT allowed on motorways?
Answer: Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, certain slow vehicles, learner drivers (with some exceptions), and vehicles under 50cc
Motorways are prohibited for: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, agricultural vehicles, vehicles that cannot maintain a reasonable speed, and most learner drivers (though since 2018, learner drivers may use motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car). Mopeds and other vehicles under 50cc are also banned.
On a smart motorway with all lanes running, where should you stop if your vehicle breaks down?
Answer: In an emergency refuge area — reach one if possible
On a smart motorway without a hard shoulder, try to reach the nearest emergency refuge area (ERA). If you cannot, try to stop as far to the left as possible. Switch on hazard lights, turn on sidelights if dark, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on, and call 999. Highways England will set signals to protect you.
How do variable speed limits on motorways work?
Answer: They are mandatory limits displayed on overhead gantries, adjusted in real time based on traffic conditions, and enforced by cameras
Variable speed limits are mandatory and legally enforceable. They are displayed on overhead matrix signs and adjusted by Highways England's control centres based on traffic flow, incidents, or roadworks. They smooth traffic flow and reduce stop-start driving. Average speed cameras enforce compliance.
What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches on the motorway with blue flashing lights?
Answer: Move to the left lane and reduce speed, giving them room to pass — do not brake sharply
When an emergency vehicle approaches on the motorway, check your mirrors, signal left, and move to the left if safe, reducing your speed smoothly. Do not brake suddenly or swerve. Do not pull onto the hard shoulder unless directed by the police. Give them space to pass.
What are the dangers of driving too close to the vehicle ahead on a motorway ('tailgating')?
Answer: You have no time to react if they brake suddenly, your view ahead is blocked, and you intimidate the other driver
Tailgating at motorway speeds is extremely dangerous: at 70 mph you cover 31 metres per second, leaving almost no time to react. Your view of the road ahead is blocked by the vehicle in front. It also intimidates other drivers, potentially causing them to brake suddenly. It is an offence under careless driving laws.
What should you do when driving through motorway roadworks with a temporary 50 mph speed limit?
Answer: Obey the speed limit, stay in your lane, maintain a safe following distance, and watch for workers and machinery
Temporary speed limits in roadworks are mandatory and enforced by average speed cameras (yellow cameras on posts). Stay in lane, maintain the limit, keep a safe distance, and watch for narrow lanes, contraflow traffic, workers, and plant machinery. Lane closures may occur without warning.