Mixed Deck — All DVSA Topics Flashcards

You witness a motorcyclist involved in a collision. They are unconscious. Should you remove their helmet?

Answer: No, leave it on unless there is a specific breathing problem that cannot otherwise be resolved

A motorcyclist's helmet should only be removed if it is absolutely necessary to maintain their airway, as removal risks aggravating a spinal injury.

Which group of road users does the 2022 Highway Code hierarchy place above motorcyclists?

Answer: Pedestrians and cyclists (and horse riders)

The 2022 Highway Code hierarchy places pedestrians at the top, followed by cyclists, then horse riders — all above motorcyclists — reflecting the relative vulnerability of each group.

When riding past a school at pick-up time, a motorcyclist should:

Answer: Reduce speed significantly and watch for children who may run into the road without warning

Children near schools may dart into the road unpredictably; a motorcyclist's ability to swerve is limited, making speed reduction essential to ensure they can stop within the visible distance.

In a one-way street, where should you normally position your vehicle to turn right?

Answer: In the right-hand lane

In a one-way street, move into the right-hand lane well before your turn. Unlike two-way roads where you stay near the centre line, one-way streets allow you to use the full carriageway width.

What is the purpose of the fork seals on a telescopic front suspension?

Answer: To contain the fork oil within the leg, preventing leaks that would reduce damping and contaminate the front brake disc

Fork seals retain the damping fluid in the fork legs; leaking seals allow oil to spray onto the brake disc — dramatically reducing front braking effectiveness — and degrade handling through reduced damping.

Within what time period must you report an accident to the police if you did not exchange details at the scene?

Answer: 24 hours

If you are involved in an accident where injury is caused or details are not exchanged at the scene, you must report it to the police within 24 hours at a police station.

What does a yellow rectangular sign with 'EVEL' written on it indicate at a junction?

Answer: A diversion route — this letter indicates the shape of the diversion and which alternative route to follow

During a road closure, lettered or symbolled diversion signs (triangle, square, circle, diamond) guide drivers along a specific signed alternative route; the letter or symbol indicates which alternative route to follow.

At an accident scene, what should you NOT give to a casualty?

Answer: Food or drink

Never give food or drink to a casualty at an accident scene. They may have internal injuries or may need surgery, for which an empty stomach is required for anaesthesia.

When a motorcyclist approaches a bus stop where a bus is loading or unloading, they should:

Answer: Slow and watch for passengers stepping off the bus and walking into the road on both sides of the vehicle

Passengers alighting from a bus may step off on either side without looking; passengers from the front may cross in front, and from the rear may cross behind the bus — both into the path of a passing motorcycle.

What must you do if you change your vehicle's colour or modify it significantly?

Answer: Notify the DVLA by updating the V5C registration certificate

You must notify the DVLA of any changes to the vehicle's details recorded on the V5C, including colour changes and significant modifications. You should also inform your insurance company, as modifications may affect your cover.

What is the minimum age to qualify for the Direct Access Scheme (DAS), allowing you to ride a full-power Category A motorcycle?

Answer: 24 years old

Riders must be at least 24 years old to use the Direct Access Scheme, which allows direct progression to full Category A without first holding A2 for two years.

What does a flashing amber beacon on a vehicle indicate?

Answer: A slow-moving vehicle such as a road gritter, agricultural vehicle, or oversized load — approach with caution

Amber flashing beacons warn of slow-moving or stationary vehicles that may obstruct your path, including gritters, tractors, wide loads, and recovery vehicles. Slow down, be prepared for the vehicle to be moving slowly, and pass carefully when safe.

What does a circular sign with a red border and a motorcycle silhouette mean?

Answer: No motorcycles are permitted on this road

A circular sign with a red border showing a motorcycle silhouette means motorcycles are prohibited from using that road. This may be found on certain pedestrianised areas, cycle-only paths, or roads where motorcycles pose a particular safety concern.

When approaching a roundabout, you must give way to traffic from which direction?

Answer: The right

At a roundabout in the UK, you give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right. This is because traffic flows clockwise around roundabouts, so vehicles from the right have priority.

What is the main environmental benefit of driving an electric vehicle (EV) in the UK?

Answer: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, reducing local air pollution

Electric vehicles produce no direct exhaust emissions at the point of use, which significantly reduces local air pollution in towns and cities.

What does Euro 6 refer to in relation to vehicle emissions?

Answer: The current European emission standard that limits the amount of pollutants a vehicle can produce

Euro 6 is the current European emission standard that sets maximum limits for pollutants including nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) from vehicle exhausts.

Why is riding in heavy rain significantly more tiring than riding in dry conditions?

Answer: Constant concentration on hazards, cold, wet discomfort and physical tension of managing reduced grip increase both mental and physical fatigue

Adverse conditions demand higher levels of concentration, produce physical discomfort from cold and wet, and require constant grip management; the combined effect significantly increases fatigue rate compared to good conditions.

Why is it important to keep your windscreen clean on the inside as well as the outside?

Answer: Dirt and film on the inside can cause glare, especially at night or in low sun

A dirty windscreen interior creates a film that causes significant glare when hit by sunlight or oncoming headlights, seriously reducing visibility.

What is the advantage of a hybrid vehicle over a conventional petrol vehicle?

Answer: It combines an electric motor with a petrol engine, using less fuel and producing fewer emissions, especially in urban driving

Hybrid vehicles use an electric motor to assist the petrol engine, particularly in stop-start urban driving where the electric motor can operate alone. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

How does driving at higher speeds affect fuel consumption?

Answer: Fuel consumption increases significantly — driving at 70 mph uses up to 30% more fuel than at 50 mph

Fuel consumption increases rapidly at higher speeds due to greater air resistance. Driving at 70 mph can use up to 30% more fuel than driving at 50 mph.