DVSA Motorway Driving 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a motorway, when may you overtake on the left?
- Never — it is always illegal
- When traffic is moving slowly in queues and your lane is moving faster than the lane to your right (Correct answer)
- Whenever the left lane is clear
- When the vehicle on your right is driving too slowly
Correct answer: When traffic is moving slowly in queues and your lane is moving faster than the lane to your right
You may pass on the left when traffic is moving slowly in queues and your lane is progressing faster than the lane to the right. You should not weave in and out of lanes to gain advantage. In normal flowing traffic, you must overtake on the right only.
Question 2: What is an emergency refuge area on a smart motorway?
- A lay-by for rest stops
- A marked area for emergency stops where there is no hard shoulder, containing an emergency telephone (Correct answer)
- A lane reserved for emergency vehicles
- A petrol station near the motorway
Correct answer: A marked area for emergency stops where there is no hard shoulder, containing an emergency telephone
Emergency refuge areas (ERAs) are orange-surfaced bays on smart motorways where the hard shoulder has been removed or converted to a running lane. They are spaced at intervals and contain an SOS telephone. Use them only for genuine emergencies. They are identified by blue signs with an orange SOS symbol.
Question 3: What should you do if you feel drowsy while driving on the motorway?
- Open the window and continue driving
- Turn up the radio to stay alert
- Leave at the next exit or services and take a break — do not stop on the hard shoulder (Correct answer)
- Drink an energy drink and continue at reduced speed
Correct answer: Leave at the next exit or services and take a break — do not stop on the hard shoulder
Tiredness is a major cause of motorway accidents. If you feel drowsy, leave the motorway at the next exit or service station. Stop in a safe place and rest for at least 15 minutes after drinking caffeine. Never stop on the hard shoulder to sleep. Plan regular breaks on long journeys (every 2 hours).
Question 4: What do motorway marker posts (small blue posts on the left verge) show?
- Speed camera locations
- Your distance from the nearest service station
- Your location using numbers and letters — useful when calling for help (Correct answer)
- The county boundary
Correct answer: Your location using numbers and letters — useful when calling for help
Motorway marker posts (driver location signs) are placed every 100 metres. They show a number identifying your location, which you can give to emergency services or breakdown organisations so they can find you quickly. They also show the direction of the nearest emergency telephone.
Question 5: How should you position yourself when being overtaken by a large vehicle on the motorway?
- Move to the right side of your lane
- Accelerate to reduce the time they are alongside you
- Maintain a steady speed and position — do not swerve or speed up (Correct answer)
- Flash your headlights to let them know you have seen them
Correct answer: Maintain a steady speed and position — do not swerve or speed up
When being overtaken by a large vehicle, maintain your speed and road position. Do not speed up or slow down. Be aware that a large vehicle overtaking you may create turbulence or buffeting, especially in windy conditions. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Question 6: What does a sign showing '1 mile' with a junction number mean on a motorway?
- A speed camera is 1 mile ahead
- The next exit junction is 1 mile ahead — begin preparing to leave if this is your exit (Correct answer)
- A service station is 1 mile ahead
- The hard shoulder begins in 1 mile
Correct answer: The next exit junction is 1 mile ahead — begin preparing to leave if this is your exit
Countdown markers on the approach to a motorway exit appear at 1 mile, then at 300 yards (three bars), 200 yards (two bars), and 100 yards (one bar). If this is your exit, start moving to the left lane at the 1-mile marker.
DVSA Motorway Driving 3
On a motorway, when may you overtake on the left?